Silva Communicates What Measures Have Been Taken on Defect Orienteering Compasses for the Upcoming Season

In the spring of 2021, Silva released two new series of orienteering compasses - Arc Jet and Spike Jet. The compasses were redesigned in terms of new construction, new compass needle and were launched with new accessories. During the summer, problems with air bubbles appeared in the compasses and all sales were stopped. During the autumn and winter, intensive work has been carried out with hundreds of tests and analyses. The results show a clear root cause, and a solution is now in place.

The results from the analyses show that the issues with air bubbles came from irregular plastic parts from a subcontractor. To achieve high-quality compasses, it is of utmost importance that all details are in accordance with specifications, which has failed during production and quality controls.

Changes in production, design and quality controls

Silva's entire organization and management team have been involved in resolving these problems, which have been taken very seriously. New compasses are currently being produced by new, quality-assured suppliers and with a new design to prevent air bubbles. In addition to the replacement of subcontractors, the design of the weld has also been reviewed, the choice of material has been reviewed and new test criteria have been introduced.

In addition to this, all new compasses have received an updated, more stable compass needle.

“We come from orienteering, and it is still an important part of Silva's DNA. The entire company has been involved in finding solutions to the problems and in trying to help customers and users. Many of us have felt that it affected us even personally when we were not able to deliver orienteering compasses that met the high requirements and expectations that are significant for Silva compasses. We hope to regain the trust of orienteers, and I can ensure that every employee at Silva does their utmost to make this happen.” Madelene Jonsson Öhlin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Silva Sweden AB.

New compasses are available from mid-May

Within the Arc Jet and Spike Jet series, there are a total of ten compass models, all of which have undergone the same tests and updates. The Arc Jet series consists of five thumb compasses with different features, two of which are "compact models" (C) adapted for smaller hands. The Spike Jet series consists of three different base compasses in different sizes and with different features. A children's compass and a wrist compass are also available in the range.

With current lead times, four priority models will be available from mid-May. All other models will be available from mid-June. The priority models are as follows:

37893 - ARC JET 360 Left

37895 - ARC JET S Left

37901 - ARC JET C Left

37897 - ARC JET Left

Customers with defective compasses should contact Silva

Customers who have a defective Silva compass with air bubbles, or who are dissatisfied with the stability of the compass needle, are encouraged to contact Silva's customer service to get a replacement compass when the new compasses arrive in stock.

silvasales@silva.se 

+46 8 623 43 00