The Brunton 15TDCL is actually pretty much the original Silva Ranger. Silva sells their "real ranger" outside the US. The one they sell here is made in the Far East (not Sweeden like real Silvas) and is a piece of crap compared to the real Silvas of 15 years ago. The Brunton 15TDCL is a superior compass in my opinion.
This is a Swedish made Compass by the Swedish company "Silva Sweden AB" under the name "Brunton". Learn why Silva Sweden AB, sells compasses under the name of Brunton in the U.S. and Canada, search for "Silva Compass" on wikipedia and you know way!
Just an update. Not certain it is "Johnson Outdoors Inc." Anyway it is Johnson something. Go to Wikipedia and search "Silva Compass". Read the article and it will become pretty clear that if you buy the Nexus Type 15 you will have bought the classic compass known worldwide.
Re: Who makes what compass, I did some research into it some years ago. I even called Sweden to verify. At that time in Canada (and I'm sure the U.S.) only Johnson Outdoors Inc. could use the name "Silva Ranger Type 15", having bought that right or something. They had their compasses made by whomever, in whatever country. The ones sold in North America as "Nexus Type 15" are the real McCoy, made in Sweden by Silva. That's my understanding. Look at the compass to see where it was made.
Brunton is subsidiary of Silva Sweden AB. Johnson Outdoors Inc. owns the Silva brand in North America thus Silva Sweden AB compasses are sold under the Brunton, and Nexus brands. However, all Silva, Brunton, and Nexus compasses sold in Canada and the US are all basically made in Sweden by the same company.
Man, that really is the same compass other than the basic appearance, but every feature appears to be the same. Thanks for sharing the type 15, looks like an awesome compass. 5*
The Silva Ranger also has a clinometer, which is awesome for measuring angles when precision matters. With a little knowledge you can figure your lat/long anywhere on the globe with clinometer, and watch. That was a key feature for me purchasing the Ranger, compass wise, I'm sure those 2 are similar.
right on... I have started filming segments to demonstrate how this is done, and hope to have it up on YT soon. I have yet to find solid video anywhere explaining in good detail how this is done, so I'd figure I'd make one. coming soon!
Will these compasses work outside the Northern Hemisphere (e.g. in Australia) as long as you hold them so the needle can swing freely?
Petebogan 4 months ago
The Brunton 15TDCL is actually pretty much the original Silva Ranger. Silva sells their "real ranger" outside the US. The one they sell here is made in the Far East (not Sweeden like real Silvas) and is a piece of crap compared to the real Silvas of 15 years ago. The Brunton 15TDCL is a superior compass in my opinion.
makaldasa 11 months ago
This is a Swedish made Compass by the Swedish company "Silva Sweden AB" under the name "Brunton". Learn why Silva Sweden AB, sells compasses under the name of Brunton in the U.S. and Canada, search for "Silva Compass" on wikipedia and you know way!
Greetings from Gothenburg in Sweden
troswe 1 year ago
Just an update. Not certain it is "Johnson Outdoors Inc." Anyway it is Johnson something. Go to Wikipedia and search "Silva Compass". Read the article and it will become pretty clear that if you buy the Nexus Type 15 you will have bought the classic compass known worldwide.
commando1854 1 year ago
Re: Who makes what compass, I did some research into it some years ago. I even called Sweden to verify. At that time in Canada (and I'm sure the U.S.) only Johnson Outdoors Inc. could use the name "Silva Ranger Type 15", having bought that right or something. They had their compasses made by whomever, in whatever country. The ones sold in North America as "Nexus Type 15" are the real McCoy, made in Sweden by Silva. That's my understanding. Look at the compass to see where it was made.
commando1854 1 year ago
Brunton is subsidiary of Silva Sweden AB. Johnson Outdoors Inc. owns the Silva brand in North America thus Silva Sweden AB compasses are sold under the Brunton, and Nexus brands. However, all Silva, Brunton, and Nexus compasses sold in Canada and the US are all basically made in Sweden by the same company.
allthingsmustend 1 year ago
The American Silva is a copy of the original Swedish Silva. Silva Sweden = Brunton or Nexus in the US.
lilbigdane 2 years ago
Nice compass!
echodawg 2 years ago
Man, that really is the same compass other than the basic appearance, but every feature appears to be the same. Thanks for sharing the type 15, looks like an awesome compass. 5*
PackRat556 2 years ago 2
Yeap and if you take a 10 year old Silva.. BINGO.. identical.. And you are certainly welcome brother!
locke6206 2 years ago
The Silva Ranger also has a clinometer, which is awesome for measuring angles when precision matters. With a little knowledge you can figure your lat/long anywhere on the globe with clinometer, and watch. That was a key feature for me purchasing the Ranger, compass wise, I'm sure those 2 are similar.
surviveTHEtimes 2 years ago
Yeap.. So does this one as I noted at the end of the vid I forgot to mention the clinometer.
locke6206 2 years ago
right on... I have started filming segments to demonstrate how this is done, and hope to have it up on YT soon. I have yet to find solid video anywhere explaining in good detail how this is done, so I'd figure I'd make one. coming soon!
surviveTHEtimes 2 years ago
Look forward to seeing that vid!
locke6206 2 years ago
★★★★★
3charter 2 years ago
Good info Chris!
BroPaul 2 years ago