AOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass Lensatic Sighting

Curated from 59 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 12, 2025

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AOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass Lensatic Sighting

Brand: AOFAR
Price: $17
Snoop Score:
0.4
Sentiment
0.0
Popularity
0.0
Technical
0.6
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Snoop's Take

The AOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass is a multifunctional lensatic compass designed for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting. It features a durable military-grade metal construction and incorporates a thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule with a luminous dial for easy reading in low light conditions. However, consumer feedback reveals significant concerns regarding the quality of the compass, particularly pointing out that "this particular plastic one is awful" and that many users consider it a "cheap lensatic compass." Users have expressed frustration with the overall build quality, suggesting that alternatives from brands like Silva and Sunto offer better performance. Additionally, comments such as "[DO NOT BUY THIS COMPASS]" highlight dissatisfaction among users regarding its reliability and usability. Based on the feedback, the AOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass may not be recommended for those seeking a high-quality navigation tool, especially given the prevalent sentiment regarding its inferior construction compared to competitors in the same category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Compasses

Exceptionally good. Brunton and Cammenga are best.

Insightful Chatter

This particular plastic one is awful.

Negative Feedback
Product
0.4
AOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass Lensatic Sighting
Buy on Amazon for $17
Hiking & Backpacking
1 / 10
Orienteering & Map Reading
1 / 10
Scout Training & Education
1 / 10
Emergency & Survival
1 / 10
See how this compares to all Compasses

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Plastic version is poor quality.
“This particular plastic one is awful.”➕
“Silva! Really good quality compasses.”➕
“This ^ Sunto is the way they have small watch band compasses to.”➕
Cheap lensatic compass quality
“It's a cheap lensatic compass. The U.S. Army still issues something similar.”➕
“This one looks a lot cheaper than the 3H.”➕
“It's a good compass, but most people don't need a lensatic compass for whatever it is they're doing.”➕
“I'm not sure what the mirror and black arm are for.”➕
Low quality compass
“[DO NOT BUY THIS COMPASS.]”➕
“How many of y'all carry a compass? I feel like it's probably something important to carry, but at the same time I don't really know how to use one.”➕
Cheap lensatic compass quality.
“All the reviews I've read basically say they are all shit besides brunto but I can't justify the price”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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FJOORD MASTER Camping CompassFJOORD MASTER Camping Compass$7
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Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic CompassCammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass$103
8.1
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Nihtdoy Multipurpose Outdoor CompassNihtdoy Multipurpose Outdoor Compass$4
7.8
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TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass - Hiking and CampingTurnOnSport Orienteering Compass - Hiking and Camping$9
7.6
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Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Sighting Navigation CompassEyeskey Multifunctional Military Sighting Navigation Compass$27
7.4
DetailsBuy
Sportneer Compass Hiking Survival CompassSportneer Compass Hiking Survival Compass$7
7.1
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TurnOnSport Orienteering CompassTurnOnSport Orienteering Compass$9
6.7
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COTOUXKER Hiking Compass for SurvivalCOTOUXKER Hiking Compass for Survival$7
5.6
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Eyeskey Tactical Survival CompassEyeskey Tactical Survival Compass$19
5.1
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GENERIC Official US Military Phosphorescent Hand Held CompassGENERIC Official US Military Phosphorescent Hand Held Compass$26
4.4
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Trcosenp Orienteering Compass for Hiking and SurvivalTrcosenp Orienteering Compass for Hiking and Survival$3
3.8
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Sun Company Wildlife Compass for KidsSun Company Wildlife Compass for Kids$11
3.4
DetailsBuy
Cheimaxy Pocket CompassCheimaxy Pocket Compass$4
3.1
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JSD 2 PCS Camping Survival CompassJSD 2 PCS Camping Survival Compass$9
2.4
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Sportneer Compass Survival Hiking Waterproof Lensatic CompassSportneer Compass Survival Hiking Waterproof Lensatic Compass$13
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AOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass Lensatic SightingAOFAR AF-4074 Military Compass Lensatic Sighting$17
0.4
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
General need for lensatic compasses
“Maybe I’m just biased from spending 8 years as a forward observer where a map/compass was my lifeblood.”➕
“Definitely a vital piece of my camping and BOB though. Always have one and a map of the region I’ll be in.”➕
“I do carry a compass just in case. I also understand the gist of compass navigation.”➕
“Forget the compass and probably the knife.”➕
General discussion on alternatives to the compass
“It’s a lensatic compass. A lot of folks use em in the army but they’re especially useful for artillerymen as it shows direction in mils as opposed to just degrees.”➕
General discussion on the necessity of a compass
“A compass can get wet and never needs a charge.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison to better-known brands.
“Exceptionally good. Brunton and Cammenga are best.”➕
“There are a lot of cheap fakes of these lensatic compasses out there.”➕
“I want a reasonably high quality compass, well made, but also not too expensive like a one of those high end surveying compasses.”➕
“Mine has come along with me for nearly a decade, rolling around my pack summer hiking and winter ski touring, still in perfect shape.”➕
Skill is crucial for using compasses effectively.
“in bushcraft it often comes down to skill more than complex tools.”➕
“If its working for other people in similar circumstances it should hopefully do me well.”➕
“I’ve never really used a compass for anything other than teaching other people how to use a compass.”➕
Comparison to Cammenga 3H and other brands
“its pre cammenga 3h style . the dual green notches are for quick pace/less accurate night navigation.”➕
Advice against purchasing a cheap compass
“You're issued a compass. Save your cash, buy a nice decent map case or a ranger joe's protractor instead”➕
Comparison to better-known brands
“Interesting.”➕
Skill is crucial for using compasses effectively
“You’re supposed to use the apertures like ironsights to look at a target, then while you’re looking at it you use the mirror to see the bearing of what you’re looking at.”➕
“And learning to use a compass is a good start to learning navigation skills.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Historical context of military compasses
“M2 Lensatic Compass. US has used them since Korea”➕

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