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FWIW, I'd pass on the Deluxe only because the sole difference is that
the mirrors are front silvered instead of rear silvered.  You can do
the mirrors later if it really bothers you.  In my experience, though,
it simply doesn't matter.

My Astra IIIb is about five years old; the newer ones have a slighly
different scope (different body shape and no faux leather covering).
The only real beef I have with the Astra is the battery compartment
which isn't particularly well sealed on my sextant.

I also have an older Plath (let's hear it for eBay!) and it's heavier
(brass frame) but the Astra has a vernier scale while the Plath
doesn't.  The Plath can be tiring with long rounds of sights while the
lighter aluminum Astra frame is easier to hold for extended periods.
OTOH, I think the Plath's inertia sometimes helps to steady a shot.
From the deck of a small boat (35') the results are the same.

I hope this helps.

Rick
S/V One With The Wind, Baba 35

Yves Arrouye writes:
 > Hi all,
 >
 > I think I'm going to buy an Astra IIIB deluxe, traditional mirror, tomorrow.
 > I won't really be able to use it immediately except for fun, but a friend
 > mentionned an Atlantic crossing this year maybe, and that decided me: I have
 > my excuse now :)
 >
 > Any comments on the sextant from owners would be welcome.
 >
 > Thanks,
 > YA
 > --
 > My opinions do not necessarily reflect my company's.
 > The opposite is also true..

   

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