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On my cheap compass, the needle sticks. You have to tap it to be sure you are heading the right way. I believe a good compass is more reliable, and it built better to withstand all the knocks and bumps sure to happen while camping. Ted 13 Miller St., Toronto, Ontario

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Construction materials. The magnet size, glass vs plastic casing... etc. Pay the extra bucks. Its well worth it. Jamie Trandell, Magneto Enterprises, 7 King St., Georgetown, Ontario

Functionally not too much except for a good compass will have a casing that allows you to line up the compass with the map for orienteering. It depends on your intent whether or not you need to spend to buy the more expensive compass.