Compass 55 6400/360

Unique military-spec baseplate compass with a precision sighting system

When gear companies claim something is military-spec, they usually just mean it is good rather than being specialist kit that a soldier could actually use. Not so the 55 compass from Silva, which has genuinely been devised with both military and civilian applications in mind. Its a uniquely versatile compass that combines the classic Silva baseplate compass with a lensatic precision sighting system, allowing you to take pinpoint accurate bearings. The dial has markings in both degrees and mils (used by the armed forces for increased accuracy), and the base plate features measuring scales in mm, inches, 1:25K, 1:50K and 1:40K. Constructed in impact-resistant acrylic and accurate to half a degree in temperatures ranging from -30 to +60, it also has luminous markings for night nav. Activate them with daylight or a torch and you’ll get up to 4 hours of use. Silva reckon this might be the most useful military-grade compass in the world, and with more than 90 years in the business, they ought to know a thing or two about that.

• FEATURES
• SPECS
• THE BRAND

• • Combines the famous Silva baseplate compass with a lensatic precision sighting system
  • Suitable for professional and military use
  • Liquid-filled capsule
  • Sapphire jewel bearing
  • High quality Swedish steel needle
  • Hardened steel pivot
  • Magnifying lens
  • Luminous markings
  • Luminous graduation ring
  • Illumination/active time after activation in light: 4 hours
  • Silicon friction feet
  • Includes scale lanyard (1:25 and 1:50 scale) and slope card
  • Sighting scale in mils and degrees
  • Waterproof
  • Impact resistance tested: 1m to wooden floor
  • Made in durable acrylic
  • 5-year warranty

• Graduation Outer Ring	6400
  Sighting Scale	6400/360
  Resolution (Degrees/Mils)	Outer ring: / 50
  Precision Sighting Scale	1 / 20
  Measuring Scales (Base Plate)	mm, inch, 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:40k
  Settling Time (+/- 3)	4 sec
  Settling Time (Complete Rest)	6 sec
  Accuracy	+/- 0.5 (8.9 mils)
  Altitude Use	5000m @ -15C
  Impact Resistance	1m onto wooden floor
  Operating Temperature Range	-30C to +60C
  Size (mm)	126 x 60 x 16
  Weight	39 grams

• Its a bit of a clich to say, this brand needs no introduction, but sometimes it really doesnt. If you ever did scouts, guides or cadets, got epic blisters on a D of E expedition or went on an outward bounds residential, chances are you did it with a Silva compass in the pocket of your boil-in-the-bag cagoule.

  Like so many world-changing inventions, the Silva compass began as a problem that needed solving. Back in the day, your standard compass wobbled all over the shop, making it tricky and time-consuming to get a decent reading. That is, until 1933, when four Swedes invented a liquid-filled compass. The resistance from the fluid slowed and stabilised the needle, meaning you could nail a reliable bearing in seconds. Navigation was never the same again.

  But iconic as the compasses are, theyre only one part of the Silva story. They were one of the first companies to make reliable electric head torches for the outdoors, and theyve also branched out into optics, trekking kit and other navigational gear. Tried and tested for the better part of a century, Silvas precision instruments have literally been the difference between life and death for generations of outdoor adventurers and as brand pedigree goes, thats pretty much impossible to beat.