Baseplate Compass or Lensatic Compass: Which One is Right for You?
Is pinpoint precision or being light as a feather your most important consideration? How about simplicity? Here’s a quick look at three factors — ease of operation, precision, and portability — that will help you decide whether to purchase a baseplate or lensatic compass.
A baseplate, compass, also called a protractor or orienteering compass, uses a magnetic needle dampened by fluid in a clear, plastic housing. A rotatable dial, called a bezel, is used to set the compass. Many models have a folding mirror that is used to read the compass bearing while sighting a distance object at eye level.
Replace the mirror with a small, fold up magnifying lens, and the compass needle with flat, circular compass card (or disk), and you have a lensatic compass. Instead of fluid to dampen the movement of the needle (or card in this case), the lensatic compass uses a process called electromagnetic induction — no fluid necessary.
Ease of Use
Neither compass is clearly easier to use than the other. The lensatic compass may be slightly easier for beginners to comprehend because a dial does not have to be set. A person can turn slowly in a circle and see how reading the compass through the lens always shows the current direction. A baseplate compass must be set before reading the bearing. This extra chore, enables the baseplate compass to have an adjustable magnetic declination setting, which removes the need for addition or subtraction with each bearing, as is required with the lensatic compass.
Which Has the Highest Level of Precision?
Used properly, both types of compass can produce reasonably precise readings, but the lensatic compass has a slight edge. The narrow, magnified field of view seen through the lens, with just a glance down to read the direction, is a powerful combination. However, for most outdoor recreational activities like backpacking and hunting, a degree or so extra precision probably isn’t going to be the deciding factor.
Portability
Weight and bulk are factors to consider, especially if you do long-distance backpacking, lightweight expeditions, or any other activity where every ounce makes a difference. High-quality mirrored baseplate compasses weigh less than 3 ounces and have a slim profile of just over a half inch. The rugged, aluminum Cammenga Model 27 is twice the thickness and twice the weight, but it is very durable, and has no liquid, so leaks are not an issue.
Need to know more about selecting a lensatic compass? Stop by Compass-HowTo.com to learn everything you need to know about finding the ideal compass for your needs. You’ll also find compass recommendations and reviews, and helpful information on learning how to use a compass.
