> I couldn't tell the difference between a $5 compass and a $50
> compass. Any suggestions on what to ask for or features to look
> for?

A relatively cheap, basic compass is probably best for letterboxing.
The VERY cheapest aren't all that great--they're more likely to break
or are so small you can't read the numbers. But a good letterboxing
compass would probably be around $15. Nothing fancy, but enough
quality where it won't fall apart easily.

I found a webpage online at http://www.opticsgiant.com/compasses.html
that shows a whole bunch of compasses. Of those listed, I'd probably
get the Suunto A-10 Partner Compass for $15.95. Although depending
on your eyesight, the Suunto A-30L Woodsman Compass ($17) looks like
it might be a good choice since it appears to have a built-in
magnifier. (My eyesight it pretty good, so I'd save the dollar by
going with the one without the magnifier.)

I'm not suggesting to get pricisely those models, though. Those are
probably the all-around best TYPES of compasses to get for
letterboxes. Any compass that looks more-or-less the same and sells
for about $15 will probably work just fine. (More expensive ones
might work great too, but I can't figure out what you actually get
for the extra money. The $15 ones work perfectly well.)

Hope this helps! =)

-- Ryan

I have two compasses - one dainty one that is very stylish but a little trickier to read,
and then a larger plastic model that has a circle that rotates around the numbers and
the pointer (to line up the North between 2 red lines) - functionally I like that one
better. Hope Santa can figure out what I mean by this description.

-- Lea

--- In LbCA@yahoogroups.com, "gromit459" <3vix@e...> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I was thinking about asking Santa for a compass for Christmas but
> then I realized I have no idea what I'm asking for. I couldn't tell
> the difference between a $5 compass and a $50 compass. Any
> suggestions on what to ask for or features to look for?
>
> I wasn't planning on doing anything like orienteering or getting
> lost in the woods (although that could happen anyway). Just thought
> it might help me find some more boxes.
>
> Thanks for any advice!
>
> Vickie
> ~not sure if I'm on the naughty or nice list this year~

I just received the lastest Campmor catalog and it has the Suunto A-10 Partner for $7.50 and a Lensatic for $7.99.
1 800 CAMPMOR or www.campmor.com. I think Santa could letterbox with either one.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: gromit459
To: LbCA@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 2:39 PM
Subject: [LbCA] compass question


Hi all,
I was thinking about asking Santa for a compass for Christmas

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Vickie,
Silva is considered an excellent brand name in compasses; mine cost
$10.00 and I'm at F87, so it must work.
--Buzzard

--- In LbCA@yahoogroups.com, "gromit459" <3vix@e...> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I was thinking about asking Santa for a compass for Christmas but
> then I realized I have no idea what I'm asking for. I couldn't
tell
> the difference between a $5 compass and a $50 compass. Any
> suggestions on what to ask for or features to look for?
>
> I wasn't planning on doing anything like orienteering or getting
> lost in the woods (although that could happen anyway). Just
thought
> it might help me find some more boxes.
>
> Thanks for any advice!
>
> Vickie
> ~not sure if I'm on the naughty or nice list this year~