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.

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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.