About head
Silva Sweden AB is the largest compass manufacturer in the world, producing nearly 2 million compasses per year which are distributed throughout the world.

Among the many outdoor adventure products in the Silva range - one thing is common - unsurpassed quality and accuracy resulting from the choice of the best materials and production techniques.

Unique features like the finest Swedish steel in the magnetised needle revolving on a genuine sapphire bearing. A liquid filling that’s anti-static and non-yellowing, guaranteed to stay crystal clear for life and baseplates made from high impact acrylic that do not warp or absorb moisture.

All Silva compasses are subject to shock tests and exposure to temperature extremes from –40º to +60º C and are backed by an exclusive 6 year warranty through Silva’s Australian distributors.

Balanced for Australian magnetic zone

To ensure absolute accuracy, all Silva compasses produced for use in Australasia are individually balanced at production so that the magnetic needle lies absolutely level and does not dip down at one end.

A compass purchased, for example, in the northern hemisphere and used in Australia will have a pronounced dip at one end of the needle and will not function 100%. The reverse happens when a compass purchased in Australia is taken overseas.

For Australians travelling abroad, Silva have now released their “Voyager” series of compasses. These models have a special magnetic needle which lessens the dip and enables the compass to perform accurately in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

A model for any use

Macson Trading Company distribute by far the largest range of quality compasses in Australia. Most models are available from outdoor adventure and lightweight camping shops that specialise in selling quality equipment.

There are special Silva Compassess for bushwalkers, hikers, orienteers, rogainers, expeditions, surveyors, geologists, 4WD owners, car rallyists, gem fossickers, balloonists, hang gliders, schools, scouts, feng shui consultants, real estate agents, farmers, yachtsmen, canoeists, foresters, police, emergency services, military, divers, muslims (special Mecca prayer models), mountaineers, cavers, skiers, fishermen, anglers, visually handicapped (special Braille model) and anyone who just wants to know where North is or where the sun rises and sets.

First choice by navigation experts

From all the compasses on the Australian market, SILVA is the only compass endorsed for use in Orienteering (the highly competitive navigational sport where competitors rely entirely on the map and compass) by Orienteering Australia (the national governing body of the sport in Australia)- further proof of Silva’s superior edge when it comes to confidence in accuracy, stability of the magnetic needle and ease of use.

In Australian and World Orienteering Championships very few elite competitors use anything but a Silva compass. So strong is the proven performance of Silva compasses when navigational accuracy is required. And like in competitive navigational adventures, Silva compasses are just as respected for leisurely bushwalking and hiking activities. Being shockproof and waterproof, all Silva compasses are backed by a 48 hour turnaround (excluding holidays) after sales warranty, spare parts and repair service through Silva’s Australian distributors, Macson Trading Company Pty Ltd in Melbourne.

Pictured at right is the Silva Expedition 4 compass (RRP approx $80), one of over 100 different models available in Australia at prices ranging from under $20 to over $200.

Australia’s Best Selling Car Compass – Silva C58

A truly reliable and accurate vehicle compass suitable for sedans, 4WD and trucks. Can be fitted at any angle on dash or windscreen. Features powerful built-in B and C coefficient compensators to eliminate up to 45 degrees of magnetic interference on all four cardinal (N,E,S & W) compass directions.

Fitted with green 12v light illumination. Covered by an Australian based 6 year warranty. Comes complete with easy-to-follow mounting and compensating instructions. Approximate RRP $145

Nomad Electronic Compasses

A hand held electronic compass, which suits backpackers, hikers, campers and other outdoor people. The Nomad guides you with arrows in the correct direction and will even show you the right direction back. RRP $179

Silva Military Compasses

The Silva military prismatic compass model 54/6400/B was specifically designed from suggestions and input by personel from the Australian Army and based on the easy 1-2-3 Silva navigation system. A system that’s been adopted by the armed forces in USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Silva 54/6400/B compass is graduated in 6400 mils and 360 degrees, has a tritium beta illumination source for night navigation, baseplate with 1:25 000, 1:50 000 and 1:63 360 romer scales, plus inch and mm ruler, protractor, map magnifier, non-slip silicone friction map grips, drab olive lanyard and soft padded nylon case. It is liquid filled for quick settling, waterproof and shockproof. RRP $289

Silva Eclipse Compasses more

A revolution in compass technology!

Macson Compass Glossary