What is Pace count beads?
{{multiple issues| {{More citations needed|date=May 2023}} {{uncat|date=October 2024}} }} {{use mdy dates |date=March 2023}} [[File:Pace count beads.jpg|thumb|250px|upright|Pace count beads]] '''Pace count beads''', '''pacer beads''' or '''ranger beads''' are a manual counting tool used to keep track of distance travelled through a [[Pace (unit)|pace count]]. It is used in [[Land navigation (military)|military land navigation]] or [[orienteering]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://therucksack.tripod.com/landnav.htm#pacecounting| website=The Rucksack|title = Pace counting with Army Ranger pace counting beads| first =Michael A| last =Neiger| accessdate = 2010-01-17}}</ref> A typical example for military use is keeping track of distance travelled during a [[Patrolling|foot patrol]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576984606/ |title=Just Curious |work=[[The Daily News (Longview, Washington)|The Daily News]] |location=Longview, Washington |date=August 2, 2006 |page=B1 }}</ref> ==Description== The tool is usually constructed using a set of 13 [[bead]]s on a length of cord. The beads are divided into two sections, separated by a knot. Nine beads are used in the lower section, and four or more beads are used in the upper section. There is often a loop in the upper end, making it possible to attach the tool to the user's gear with a simple [[Larks head]] hitch (knot). 13 individual beads (divided 4:9) allow the user to keep pace of up 5000 separate paces (about 5km at an average pace), without relying on GPS or electronics. ===Metric ranger beads=== Metric ranger beads are split into 4 upper beads (representing clicks or kilometers) with 9 lower beads (representing 100 meters). ===US Standard ranger beads=== US Standard ranger beads are split into 6 upper beads (representing 1/2 miles) with 7 lower beads (representing 110 yards or 1/16th miles). ===Foresters chain (modification)=== A Foresters chain modification can be found on both metric and US Standard ranger beads. This uses an additional 4 beads