Since 1933 Silva have equipped expeditions and outdoor users around the world with quality compasses and navigational equipment. From the worlds first liquid-filled compass to the space age range of headlamps, Silva have developed a comprehensive range of products to find your way in the great outdoors.

The combination of a map and a good compass is one of the best keys to adventure. Knowledge in how to use them makes life a lot easier when the going gets tough out there. With more than 70 years experience of manufacturing compasses, we dare to say that Silva can provide you with the right choice, whether you are a Himalayan expedition member or a Scout. The world-famous SILVA 1-2-3 SYSTEM makes them easy to use in any conditions, including the toughest. 360° of pure adventure.

EXPEDITION SERIES

For explorers and search and rescue professionals, Silva’s Expedition series has been the longtime global leader in compass accuracy, precision and durability. Now two unique models represent the next step in advanced outdoor navigation - the Expedition base-plate compass and the Expedition S mirror-sighting compass. Both feature easy-handling Dryflex™ housings, silicon rubber feet for precision map work, detachable safety-release lanyards, night-enabling luminous markings, magnifying lens, map-measuring scales in mm or inches, 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and GPS scales, plus built-in adjusters for magnetic declination (including permanent local adjustment). The Expedition can also map-measure 1:40,000 and the Expedition S has both a clinometer for measuring slope angle, and 45° angle assistance on the mirror-sighting function.

RANGER SERIES

The series most popular among mountaineers and backpackers has expanded. The Ranger traditional base-plate compass is joined by two mirror-sighting models—Ranger S and Ranger SL. While all three feature a detachable safety-release lanyard and luminous markings for night navigation, each also bears something unique: Ranger and Ranger S feature DryFlex™ grip for easy handling and come with a use-anywhere declination scale inside the capsule, a magnifying lens, and base plate map-measuring in mm and scales of 1:50,000 and 1:25,000; Ranger S has the additional benefit of 45° angle assistance on the mirror sighting function; Ranger SL offers hands-free navigation. Go anywhere tools for serious compass users.

FIELD SERIES

The Field Series comprises two entry-level compasses designed to meet the educational demands of schools, youth groups and leisure outdoor navigators. A new take on this classic, the Field 1-2-3, features easy-to-use Silva 1-2-3-GO! support technology and colour-coded graphics—students and occasional users will never again wonder how to use their compass with a map. The original Field has base plate map-measuring in mm and scales of 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 compatible with most maps. Both models feature DryFlex™ rubber bezel for improved comfort and grip, and a detachable safety-release lanyard—reliable companions in all situations!

METRO SERIES

Have you ever walked out of a subway station in the steel-and-glass canyon of a new city, map in hand, and wondered which way to go? That won’t happen when you’re carrying Silva’s new Metro compass. The cool, ultra-compact design marries mobility with ease-of-use for quick orientation in the fast-moving urban environment. The simple North pointer, balanced for NZ, liquid dampened and featuring a quality  jewelled bearing for quick, accurate readings, is your indispensable assistant while navigating with map or GPS. Metro features a durable rubber housing and a carabineer for attaching to a rucksack or clothing. The single model comes in five chic colours— black, white, turquoise, pink, and green. This combined with the affordability also makes the Metro ideal as a corporate gift.

Metro   |  RRP$24.99

RACE SERIES

When you’re trying to beat the clock, there’s no time to waste on figuring out what your compass is saying. Whether orienteering, adventure racing or another competitive situation, you can rely on Silva’s Race Series: stable, easy to use, and easy to read. The 6 Jet Spectra is an optimal thumb compass for orienteers, available in left or right-hand versions. Favourite of the world’s best orienteers, the needle is fast-dampening towards North, extremely stable while running, and fluorescent for clear and easy reading. 6 Nor Spectra is the classic Norcompass with the Spectra System; stable and wide needle for fast reading, strong magnet for quick dampening, and clear base plate for easy map reading.

Taking a bearing from the map. The SILVA 1-2-3 SYSTEM:

1. Place the compass on the map with the edge of the compass along the desired line of travel.

2. Rotate the compass housing until N on the dial points North on the map. Check that the compass housing red/black north/south lines are parallel with the maps meridians.

3. Hold the compass in your hand and turn yourself until the red end of the compass needle (North) points to the magnetic variation (somewhere between 18˚ - 25˚ for New Zealand depending on where you are*) on the adjustable dial. The front of the compass with the direction of travel arrow is now pointing towards your destination.

* Note: For general use a line can be marked on the dial between 20˚ (easily remembered and sufficiently accurate for most purposes) and the pivot to make it easier to keep the needle in the right position. On some of the Silva range you can set an adjustable indicator line to the variation.

Compass-speak:

Magnetic North vs. True North

A compass points towards magnetic north, but this is not the same as true north. Sound confusing? Magnetic north is the direction the needle of the compass points to. This direction is based on the magnetic fields of the earth and is not the same as true north, which is the geographic north or toward the North Pole. In New Zealand magnetic north is actually around 23º east of true north (varies from one end of the country to the other). This is known as magnetic declination.

Global Magnetic Regions:

Because of the Earth’s curvature and variances in the Earth’s magnetic field, a compass designed for the northern hemisphere will ‘stick’ in the southern hemisphere, as it will basically be trying to point towards the ground.

The image to the left shows the 5 magnetic zones the compass industry has defined. Depending where in the world you are any standard compass you purchase generally has its needle balanced only for that region. e.g: most compasses sold in New Zealand will only be most effective in New Zealand and Australia.

For orienteering equipment and information contact The MAPsport Shop.

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For more information on these, or any other products from Silva, check out their website, visit a local retailer, or feel free to contact us here for a catalogue. Alternatively, click here for the PDF version of the Silva catalogue (5.49MB), or follow the links at the top of the page to see some of the rest of the range.

   Silva 2012 Product Catalogue (5.49MB)

p: +64 (04) 939 6800   

f:  +64 (04) 939 6801   

e: sales@ampro.co.nz