Technical Tip
Compass Balance Zones
Compasses are designed for use within a certain area of the globe because the earths magnetic field not only varies horizontally, but also vertically, causing the needle to dip downward when the case is held level. The compass needle card is balanced with a small weight to counteract the downward dip so the needle card does not drag or stick on the top or bottom of the capsule. If you take any compass to a significantly different part of the globe than where it was balanced, check the compass carefully before relying upon it. The compasses we sell are balanced for the southern hemisphere.
