Dakar Lensatic Map Compass

The Dakar is a great all-around map compass, that still offers the capability of lensatic sight bearings.  This map compass features a clear baseplate with parallel meridian lines, a clear compass card, many map scales, and even cutouts for creating map markings.  And there are two ways you can use this compass.  (1) You can use the flip-up lensatic optic with the compass card.  When using the lensatic optic you can take advantage of the 1 degree resolution from the clear compass card – much better than most military style lensatic compasses.  But if you prefer to take the more traditional use route you can (2) use the rotating bezel with the North point of the compass card, allowing you to use the compass like any traditional needle compass. 

While this compass does not have traditional declination adjustment capabilities, when utilizing the lensatic sighting optic you can account for your local declination. 

Normally, when using the sighting optic, you need to make sure the red line on the capsule is pointed right at the reading line (with the “N” of the bezel right on top of the reading line.  Then you look through the sighting optic to see where the red line crosses the bearings written on the clear internal compass card. 

But if you want to account for your declination.  You can rotate the bezel by your declination amount, and then read where the red line crosses your compass card.  For positive or Easterly declinations, you need to rotate the bezel clockwise by your degree amount.  For negative or Westerly declinations you need to rotate the bezel counter-clockwise by your degree amount.  To the left is an image with an example for setting the compass for a declination of -6 degrees (also called a Westerly  declination of 6 degrees).

Map Scales: 1:25000 km, 1:24000 miles, 1:63350 miles
Rulers: CM & Inch
Closed Dimensions: 3.25in x 2.25in x 0.7in
Open Dimensions: 6.25in x 2.25in x 0.45in
Weight: 1.79oz