Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass Review

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass: Is It Really That Good?

Navigating unfamiliar terrain, whether on land or sea, demands reliable tools, and the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass aims to be just that. This compass, manufactured by Ritchie, boasts features like built-in NiteVu illumination and integrated compensators, positioning it as more than just a basic directional aid. With its sturdy construction and multi-purpose design, the Voyager promises accuracy and dependability, even in challenging conditions.

My need for a reliable compass stemmed from a series of increasingly ambitious backcountry kayaking trips. Standard handheld compasses proved cumbersome, especially in rough seas. I was searching for a permanently mounted compass with clear visibility, especially at night, and easy deviation adjustment – the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass seemed to tick all the boxes.

Upon unboxing, the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass felt reassuringly solid. The black composite housing is robust, and the 3-inch dial is clear and easy to read. The bracket and thumbscrew mounting system seemed straightforward, and the included sun shield was a welcome addition. My initial impression was that this was a well-built, functional piece of equipment.

I considered the Weems & Plath Navigator Pro and the Suunto Clipper L/B NH compasses. The Weems & Plath offered a similar level of functionality but at a significantly higher price point. The Suunto was smaller and cheaper but lacked the built-in lighting and robust construction of the Ritchie. The Voyager struck a good balance between features, build quality, and price.

First impressions were positive. The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass exudes quality, and I was excited to mount it on my kayak and put it to the test. It seemed a substantial upgrade from my previous reliance on handheld compasses and GPS alone.

Real-World Testing: Putting Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass was a three-day kayaking trip along the rugged Maine coast. I mounted the compass on the deck of my kayak using the provided bracket and thumbscrews. This provided a clear view of the compass face while paddling.

The compass performed admirably in varying conditions. The fog rolled in thick one morning, reducing visibility to near zero, but the NiteVu illumination made the compass easy to read. The compass was just as effective in the bright sun. The sun shield kept glare to a minimum, and the large dial remained clear and legible. During a sudden downpour, the compass continued to function without issue.

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass proved easy to use from the start. The adjustable bracket allowed me to position it for optimal viewing, and the large dial made it simple to maintain my bearing. No lengthy familiarization period was required.

Initially, I noticed a slight deviation, but the built-in compensators made correcting this a breeze. Fine-tuning the compensators with a small screwdriver quickly resolved the issue, and the compass remained accurate throughout the trip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. The black composite housing shows no signs of fading or cracking, even after prolonged exposure to sun and saltwater. The compass dial remains clear, and the NiteVu illumination continues to function perfectly.

There is very minimal wear and tear. A few minor scratches on the sun shield are the only visible signs of use. All moving parts, including the adjustable bracket and compensators, still operate smoothly.

Maintenance is straightforward. I simply rinse the compass with fresh water after each trip to remove any salt residue. No other special care has been required.

Compared to my previous reliance on handheld compasses and electronic navigation, the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass is a clear winner. It offers superior visibility, ease of use, and reliability, particularly in challenging weather conditions. It has significantly enhanced my confidence and safety on the water.

Breaking Down the Features of Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Ritchie
• Dial Size: 3″ CombiDamp Dial
• Illumination: Exclusive Built-in Green NiteVu Night Illumination. This ensures excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
• Mounting: Adjustable and Removable with Bracket and Thumbscrews. This allows for flexible positioning and easy removal for storage.
• Deviation Adjustment: Built-in Compensators. This feature enables precise correction for magnetic deviation, ensuring accurate readings.
• Dial Movement: Scientifically Matched Sapphire Jewel and Hardened Steel Pivot. This provides smooth and accurate needle movement.
• Magnets: Powerful DirectiveForce Magnets. These magnets facilitate fast heading lock-on, which means quick and accurate readings.
• Sun Shield: Movable Sun Shield. This reduces glare in bright sunlight, enhancing visibility.
• Construction: High-Temperature Composite. This durable construction ensures extended operating range and longevity.
• Repairability: 100% Repairable. This speaks to the long-term value and sustainability of the product.
• Warranty: Exclusive 5-Year Ritchie Warranty. This demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality and durability.
• Weight: Approx. Shipping Weight: 1lb 8oz (680g)
• Lighting Voltage: All magnetic compasses come standard with 12-volt lighting. 24 & 32-volt lighting options are available to cater to various electrical systems.
• Lights: Uses 2 sets of lights.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass‘s performance and usability. The large dial and NiteVu illumination improve visibility, while the built-in compensators ensure accuracy. The durable construction and repairable design guarantee long-term reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious navigator.

Performance & Functionality

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass performs its primary function – providing accurate directional information – exceptionally well. The compass needle settles quickly and points reliably to magnetic north. The built-in compensators allow for precise deviation adjustment, ensuring accuracy even in areas with significant magnetic interference.

The compass’s strengths lie in its visibility, accuracy, and ease of use. The large dial and NiteVu illumination make it easy to read in any lighting conditions. The only area for potential improvement is the thumbscrew mounting system, which could be slightly more robust to minimize vibration in rough conditions.

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass meets and exceeds expectations. It is a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use navigational instrument that has significantly enhanced my safety and confidence on the water.

Design & Ergonomics

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass features a functional and well-thought-out design. The black composite housing is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, and the compass dial is clear and easy to read. The compass feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its reliability.

The compass is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The adjustable bracket allows for easy positioning, and the built-in compensators are simple to adjust.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass is built to last. The high-temperature composite construction can withstand harsh marine environments, and the 5-year warranty provides additional peace of mind. With proper care, this compass should provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional rinsing with fresh water to remove salt residue. The 100% repairable design ensures that any potential issues can be addressed without replacing the entire unit.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass comes with a mounting bracket, thumbscrews, and a movable sun shield. Custom fitted protective covers are also available separately. There are no specific customization options beyond these accessories.

The compass is designed to be a standalone navigational instrument, and no external accessories, such as specialized optics, are directly compatible. However, the compass can be used in conjunction with other navigational tools, such as GPS units and charts.

Pros and Cons of Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass

Who Should Buy Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass?

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass is perfect for boaters, kayakers, and other marine enthusiasts who need a reliable and accurate navigational instrument. It is also suitable for emergency fire and rescue personnel, truck drivers, and anyone who requires a dependable compass for land navigation. Pro anglers would also benefit from the accuracy and reliability the compass offers.

Those who rely solely on electronic navigation or prefer a smaller, more portable compass may want to skip this product. If one prioritizes smaller size over ease of use, this might not be the best choice.

A custom fitted protective cover is a must-have accessory to protect the compass from the elements when not in use. Having a small screwdriver for the compensators on hand for initial setup is also very helpful.

Conclusion on Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass

The Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass is a reliable and accurate navigational instrument that delivers on its promises. Its exceptional visibility, durable construction, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs a dependable compass.

The price is justified given the compass’s quality, features, and long-term value. It is a significant upgrade from cheaper, less reliable alternatives.

I would personally recommend the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass to anyone who values accuracy and dependability in their navigational equipment. It has significantly enhanced my safety and confidence on the water, and I am confident that it will do the same for others. Invest in your safety and peace of mind – add the Ritchie B-81 Voyager Compass to your essential gear.