Silva Guide 426 - Compass

I've owned compasses in the past but none like this one.I have always had this lingering feeling about how cheaply made compasses were with the available brands being sold at retail locations. I was told to buy this one by a friend who does a lot of survival bushcraft type of adventures. He specifically stated that "the latch on the lid may not work well on this compass, but dammit does it work! I can't believe mine is still working!" So I get on amazon a year ago, and put it on my shopping cart. Only to accidentally order it with a customer's credit card. Crap, well.. I have it now. I was hoping to buy it when I had the extra money to do so (I'm currently REALLY broke right now and amazon has turned into a christmas list of things. Someday I will own you Bio Bidet BB-600!). I paid the guy the twenty bucks I owed him and well, it's now in my bug out bag. I'm preparing for the Appalachian trail I will be taking next year. Hopefully I can give you a better review then.At first glance, yes you will hate the lid. It has a certain way of closing that confuses you at first. Since it is packaged unfolded, you will have to "treat" the bend until it holds. I used the string to fasten it this way until I get a chance to use it.True north is as true north can get. Functions great! Mirror is reflective enough to be used a signal mirror.I have no official navigational skills whatsoever. I do know how to get around since I grew up in the country. So take my words with that grain of sand.

I had heard of the quality of this company , I was expecting better . This compass doesnt show that quality not with an air bubble the size of a nickel. That will get one lost because of its inaccuracies caused by the air bubble. Truly a sad commentary quality control ..

This seems to be a nice compass. It works well. I would have given a 5 star rating but the hinge is just bent plastic and I can see it breaking with use over time.

Just got this compass today and I'm not too impressed with it. It is made of a a pretty flimsy plastic housing and I think it is only a matter of time till the cover breaks off. (Not actual hinges - just a piece of plastic connecting cover to base plate). The mechanism itself seems to work fine though. I just found out that apparently, Silvas which are purchased in the US are not actually made by the European Silva brand and that these are a junky knock-off. I'm just going to get a good ol' Cammenga lensatic compass for a few extra bucks and not have to worry about quality or reliability.BTW, you will not be able to return this item to Amazon since it contains "hazardous material". (the liquid inside I guess). Lame.

I bought this compass because I do contract archaeology work as a side job and I needed a dependable and rugged compass that could take a beating and still do what it is supposed to do. So far, the 426 Guide Compass has done that. This is the second Silva compass that I own and I am very impressed with the quality. Definitely a good buy for people who need am affordable and accurate compass.

I wanted a light weight sighting compass for backpacking and decided to try out the Silva Guide 426. It is light weight but also has a very flimsy plastic hinge on the mirrored door. I mean totally plastic! You can't really make it out in the picture. If I had seen that I definitely would not have ordered this compass. I'm sure the hinge will be the first thing to fail. Beware since this item CANNOT BE RETURNED! Consider any other sighting compass with a clear base and stay clear of this piece of junk.

Another great compass by silva. Adjustable declination is great. Outstanding compass for anyone serious about orienteering. You get what you pay for and this one is worth more than I paid.

Any compass I have ever used (including watch compass)has been erratic and hard to find north. This Silva 426 really finds north, is lightweight, seems well made and easy to look at. A good item to keep in the car or in any situation where you'll need to find your direction.

Basically, you need to insert the lanyard and set it to the length you like.It is a typical Silva product; dang good quality at a very reasonable price.Have not been far out in the field to test them yet, but they seem dead on accurate when compared to other compasses I have that are more expensive.Very nice and capable units.I would buy them again.

Fonctionne très bien

A very cheap feeling compass, note that it does not have a "hinge" between mirror and the compass face, just a cheap bending plastic connection.I'm going to use it until it breaks then then get something better.

Poor quality:1. Needle keeps sticking unless you hold the compass perfectly level.2. Dial turns way too easy.3. Strange week hinge.4. Within a few seconds of first time use I could tell I can’t trust it.5. I have the same make and model I bought years ago and it is reasonable quality. Used it many times in the woods with no concern. I would not do the same with the one I bought in 2020.6. Trying to return.

Now I can find North. Turn me in a circle and I will find my way home. Way to go.