Before you can fully understand a "Global Needle", you must
understand a few basic principles of a compass. In order to get
an accurate reading from a compass, the compass needle needs to
be "balanced" in the capsule, so it does not drag on the top or
bottom of the capsule. But, because the horizontal and vertical
components of the earth's magnetic field vary considerably in
different locations, a compass needle that "balances" perfect in
North America will drag or stick in South America. As a result
of these magnetic variances, the compass industry has divided
the earth into 5 "zones", as identified in the map below.
However, Suunto has
developed a patented Global Needle that will perform perfectly
with needle tilts of up to 20 degrees. This allows a single
compass to be used effectively in all 5 of the earth's zones
(see below). So when we say that a compass is outfitted with a
Global Needle for true world-wide performance, now you know what
we mean.
Suunto is known all over
the world for its advanced product innovations and reliable
quality. Field compasses, hand bearing compasses, marine
compasses, clinometers and tree height meters as well as diving
instruments including dive computers. All are valued by amateurs
and competitive athletes as in work situations requiring extreme
accuracy.
