Magnetic fields in your location can cause your compass to point to the left or right of where magnetic North actually is. This is called magnetic declination & navigational maps tell you what it is for that area (e.g.10 degrees East). If you want to plot a compass bearing onto a map or vice versa you must take the declination into account & adjust for it, i.e add or subtract it. This compass lets you adjust for the declination so you can swap between map and compass without doing any maths.
Wow it does say that, unfortunately that is only half correct. If you read the full description of declination on p67 you'll see it includes a global declination map with the effect of the earths magnetic field. This effect is included in declination not deviation. Deviation covers things map makers could not account for that you must be aware of like iron ore deposits or standing by iron gates :) Notice the examples on p69 don't include the planet's magnetic field. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Idahomountainelk, The triangle stencil makes it easy to see what is printed on the translucent compass itself. Without the paper you wouldn't be able to see what he is pointing on the compass itself.....
And of course it works globally! I have used mine all over northern hemisphere and some southern hemisphere and the needle stays level thanks to the Suunto Global mechanism. This is in contrast to the Silva models I have which dip terribly when used in the wrong hemisphere / latitudes. I would love a Roma scale too!
what's the deal with the little black clip, the lanyard hole clip? i see you just looped your lanyard thru the hole. i'm not understanding how that small clip works.
jjonestowne This is a thin shaped piece of metal that has a small screw driver (flat head) at one end. The compass comes with this attached to the lanyard as shown. It is used to adjust the reading the compass displays. By turning a small screw on the back you can add (Easterly) or subtract (Westerly) a number of degrees to the compass reading. This allows you to adjust for the magnetic declination in the area you are in. This makes map work much simpler. You can use the reading straight off the compass on your map (and vice versa) without you having to add or subtract the declination in your head. If you need to refresh your memory on what declination is and how to adjust for it then Google it, there are some great tutorials that explain it far better than I ever could. Hope that helps.
NOTuNOTme I figured that was the key for the declination adjustment. But in the package is a little black round clip that comes with the lanyard......not the clip attached to the lanyard, another one. I cannot figure out what it is for. Doesn't say in the directions, nor on line
I have the U.S. version. I like it quite a bit. But since I retired from the military I don't do night navigation anymore and never liked it anyway , (can't see what I am stepping on) . the protractor feature would be nice though. otherwise it's my favorite.
lines are in low relief?, the magnetic needle is submerged in liquid? in your opinion which of the two brands among SILVA and SUUNTO is better?, which you consider to be better. thanks for the help.
I should have taken more care when writing my original definition. I'm just greatful that people are paying attention to what I'm saying - right or wrong :)
I think the Global needle has two advantages beyond being able to be used anywhere in the world. 1) I think it settles a little faster than the standard needle, and 2) it is more tolerant of the compass not being completely level so the needle swings freely. So one end of the needle is perhaps less likely to drag and give a false reading. otoh, one should strive to not develop the bad habit of not holding the compass as level as possible. Anyway, I have the M3 and the M3G , both are good compasses which I think are of quality construction and recommend them. I almost never use my compasses in low light, but I do wish Suunto would put a luminescent mark near the front of the base plate - spaced away from the compass ring, as Silva does, I think it would make it easier to see or point the direction of travel. As it is the only forward luminescent mark is the index arrow right next to the bezel.
Thank you. But I live in the U.S. and Silva (the real Silva) doesn't sell their stuff here. Here there are only inferior copies that have the Silva name on them. I'm always hearing people (Americans) saying how they've had their Silva compass for 20 or 30 years and it still works great. Yeah, but different Silva co.
Yes, all of the Silva Expedition range are really good. They are also very expensive, especially the versions with sighting prisms like mine (I picked mine up second hand). I put a link to the model into the video description. The Suunto M3 is much more affordable and should suitable for most peoples needs hiking/camping.
The overriding feature of this compass not mentioned in this review is the global needle, a needle that works anywhere in the world. This review features every minor feature but misses the most important feature. For those interested in a compass that works anywhere, this is truly one of the best valued compasses of its class.
+Ramesses Meryamun Note that not all Suunto M3's have a global needle! The "M3-G" model does have a global needle. The "M3 NH" (Northern Hemisphere) and "M3 SH" (Southern Hemisphere) do not. the price difference is substantial - about $43 USD for the NH/SH and $77 for the global. Most folks will not care to pay an extra $30+ for a global needle, and for most it's not needed.
True, but the particular compass being reviewed does have a global needle. And while most people will never need a global needle, if you are a global traveller or a missionary in a bug out situation, you'll be happy to have it. And Suunto's global needle is very nice.
Not to mention the fact that the reviewer states that there are no roamer scales on this compass when in fact there are 4 very clearly indicated scales on the base plate: 1:15,000 - 1:20,000 - 1:25,000 and 1:50,000.
I have bought this compass. No adjustment has done to it yet. Can anyone tell me that it is magnetic north or true north on this compass? I need the magnetic north.
This compass has been updated. The direction of travel arrow is now a large triangle and there is a glow in the dark dot for low light. The "shed" is now glow in the dark. The North pointing magnetic arrow is glow in the dark. And there is a glow in the dark dot that tells you the calculated degree. I'm sure this review was accurate at the time but I wanted to let folks know that the model has been improved.
Sorry I don't agree with your definition of declination, it doesn't take into account the regional effects of the earths moving magnetic fields (as illustrated on a global declination map). Thanks for the feedback and keeping me honest :)
Silva and Suunto are both great brands so your choice should be based on which one gives you the features you want for the price you want to spend. Personally I prefer Silva for compasses with advanced features but they are expensive! I think Suunto gives much better value for money in the mid price range, and the Suunto M3 is great value compared to what you would get from Silva for the same price (global needle and adjustable declination - crazy!)
I have a Recta DT420 Global compass. This is exactly the same compass as the Suunto M3 except that the baseplate is marked differently (it includes a romer scale for those who want it). Recta is Swiss but owned by Suunto - but if you are looking on ebay they tend to be a little cheaper if you can find them.
The Recta DT420G used the same needle (Recta invented it and is owned by Suunto) but the base plate is better laid out with a better luminous marker and romer scales. Unfortunately it is no longer made but if you find a good one on ebay, it is worth getting.
Great review. Just know Silva compasses made in EU are not the same as that in the USA; a US group has rights to the Silva brand name and uses that brand and logo on its Asian import compasses which are not the same quality.
BEWARE - Product not bad but customer / warranty service is VERY BAD suunto has the absolutely the worst customer service of any company that I've ever run across. If anything goes wrong with their products you cannot get in touch with anyone from the company that is willing and or has the abiltiy to help you.
Magnetic fields in your location can cause your compass to point to the left or right of where magnetic North actually is. This is called magnetic declination & navigational maps tell you what it is for that area (e.g.10 degrees East). If you want to plot a compass bearing onto a map or vice versa you must take the declination into account & adjust for it, i.e add or subtract it. This compass lets you adjust for the declination so you can swap between map and compass without doing any maths.
Wow it does say that, unfortunately that is only half correct. If you read the full description of declination on p67 you'll see it includes a global declination map with the effect of the earths magnetic field. This effect is included in declination not deviation. Deviation covers things map makers could not account for that you must be aware of like iron ore deposits or standing by iron gates :) Notice the examples on p69 don't include the planet's magnetic field. Thanks for commenting.
Hi, thanks for the video. What is the triangle stencil for? I couldn’t understand what you said.
Hi Idahomountainelk,
The triangle stencil makes it easy to see what is printed on the translucent compass itself.
Without the paper you wouldn't be able to see what he is pointing on the compass itself.....
it's a Silva Expedition 54 (in degrees), it has a built in sighting prism.
And of course it works globally! I have used mine all over northern hemisphere and some southern hemisphere and the needle stays level thanks to the Suunto Global mechanism. This is in contrast to the Silva models I have which dip terribly when used in the wrong hemisphere / latitudes. I would love a Roma scale too!
Very well planned out. Very thorough review.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks man, I sub'ed you back.
I have no idea. I can't find much on net or the Suunto site to see what the differences are. Looks to be an earlier model.
Thanks for explaining the basics to the compass, very helpful
what's the deal with the little black clip, the lanyard hole clip? i see you just looped your lanyard thru the hole. i'm not understanding how that small clip works.
jjonestowne
This is a thin shaped piece of metal that has a small screw driver (flat head) at one end. The compass comes with this attached to the lanyard as shown. It is used to adjust the reading the compass displays. By turning a small screw on the back you can add (Easterly) or subtract (Westerly) a number of degrees to the compass reading. This allows you to adjust for the magnetic declination in the area you are in. This makes map work much simpler. You can use the reading straight off the compass on your map (and vice versa) without you having to add or subtract the declination in your head.
If you need to refresh your memory on what declination is and how to adjust for it then Google it, there are some great tutorials that explain it far better than I ever could.
Hope that helps.
NOTuNOTme okay, i see, got it. thank you very much, Sir; and thank you for the video, very helpful!
NOTuNOTme I figured that was the key for the declination adjustment. But in the package is a little black round clip that comes with the lanyard......not the clip attached to the lanyard, another one. I cannot figure out what it is for. Doesn't say in the directions, nor on line
Richard G It is quick-release lock, so you can attach and de-attach the lanyard quicker.
The little black clip thing is optional and can be removed.
I have the U.S. version. I like it quite a bit. But since I retired from the military I don't do night navigation anymore and never liked it anyway , (can't see what I am stepping on) . the protractor feature would be nice though. otherwise it's my favorite.
lines are in low relief?, the magnetic needle is submerged in liquid?
in your opinion which of the two brands among SILVA and SUUNTO is better?, which you consider to be better.
thanks for the help.
I should have taken more care when writing my original definition. I'm just greatful that people are paying attention to what I'm saying - right or wrong :)
Whats the difference between this M3 and the M3DL?
Which Silva is that?
Is the Silve Expedition 54 good?
I think the Global needle has two advantages beyond being able to be used anywhere in the world. 1) I think it settles a little faster than the standard needle, and 2) it is more tolerant of the compass not being completely level so the needle swings freely. So one end of the needle is perhaps less likely to drag and give a false reading. otoh, one should strive to not develop the bad habit of not holding the compass as level as possible.
Anyway, I have the M3 and the M3G , both are good compasses which I think are of quality construction and recommend them. I almost never use my compasses in low light, but I do wish Suunto would put a luminescent mark near the front of the base plate - spaced away from the compass ring, as Silva does, I think it would make it easier to see or point the direction of travel. As it is the only forward luminescent mark is the index arrow right next to the bezel.
I can't find it on amazon. Maybe to old. Or a real Silva made in Europe.
I dont understand the declination thing, explain it more, please.
Thank you. But I live in the U.S. and Silva (the real Silva) doesn't sell their stuff here. Here there are only inferior copies that have the Silva name on them. I'm always hearing people (Americans) saying how they've had their Silva compass for 20 or 30 years and it still works great. Yeah, but different Silva co.
Yes, all of the Silva Expedition range are really good. They are also very expensive, especially the versions with sighting prisms like mine (I picked mine up second hand). I put a link to the model into the video description.
The Suunto M3 is much more affordable and should suitable for most peoples needs hiking/camping.
Paint the bottom of the face plate with clear nail polish to prevent wear of the info on the bottom.
The overriding feature of this compass not mentioned in this review is the global needle, a needle that works anywhere in the world. This review features every minor feature but misses the most important feature. For those interested in a compass that works anywhere, this is truly one of the best valued compasses of its class.
Fair comment. Thanks for sharing.
+Ramesses Meryamun Note that not all Suunto M3's have a global needle! The "M3-G" model does have a global needle. The "M3 NH" (Northern Hemisphere) and "M3 SH" (Southern Hemisphere) do not. the price difference is substantial - about $43 USD for the NH/SH and $77 for the global. Most folks will not care to pay an extra $30+ for a global needle, and for most it's not needed.
True, but the particular compass being reviewed does have a global needle. And while most people will never need a global needle, if you are a global traveller or a missionary in a bug out situation, you'll be happy to have it. And Suunto's global needle is very nice.
Not to mention the fact that the reviewer states that there are no roamer scales on this compass when in fact there are 4 very clearly indicated scales on the base plate: 1:15,000 - 1:20,000 - 1:25,000 and 1:50,000.
I have bought this compass. No adjustment has done to it yet. Can anyone tell me that it is magnetic north or true north on this compass? I need the magnetic north.
Hana For Success: The RED needle points to magnetic North.
This compass has been updated. The direction of travel arrow is now a large triangle and there is a glow in the dark dot for low light. The "shed" is now glow in the dark. The North pointing magnetic arrow is glow in the dark. And there is a glow in the dark dot that tells you the calculated degree. I'm sure this review was accurate at the time but I wanted to let folks know that the model has been improved.
What's the model ?
@@georgelomas2894 Suunto M-3. I think they've just updated the components. everything else basically the same.
in 2023 they do now have a large sighting mark
And how much does it cost?
It's about £40.00 here in the UK. :)
Around $50 in Australia
The global version is quite expensive. If you want the North American version, those cost only about $30 USD on Amazon. (Quite a bit more at REI)
Sorry I don't agree with your definition of declination, it doesn't take into account the regional effects of the earths moving magnetic fields (as illustrated on a global declination map). Thanks for the feedback and keeping me honest :)
Silva and Suunto are both great brands so your choice should be based on which one gives you the features you want for the price you want to spend.
Personally I prefer Silva for compasses with advanced features but they are expensive! I think Suunto gives much better value for money in the mid price range, and the Suunto M3 is great value compared to what you would get from Silva for the same price (global needle and adjustable declination - crazy!)
Great vid mate..!!
I have a Recta DT420 Global compass. This is exactly the same compass as the Suunto M3 except that the baseplate is marked differently (it includes a romer scale for those who want it).
Recta is Swiss but owned by Suunto - but if you are looking on ebay they tend to be a little cheaper if you can find them.
Thanks for the tip.
One of the best video on compass. Thanks!
blue is the best light to use
Can't believe I spent 10 mins talking about a compass. I need to get out more LOL
The Recta DT420G used the same needle (Recta invented it and is owned by Suunto) but the base plate is better laid out with a better luminous marker and romer scales. Unfortunately it is no longer made but if you find a good one on ebay, it is worth getting.
O,FFS...listen to this fellow bastard (God and I both love him), and compute accordingly :) (y)
Or maybe the M3 is global and the M3 DL is not. Big difference in price, M3 is much more expensive.
Great review. Just know Silva compasses made in EU are not the same as that in the USA; a US group has rights to the Silva brand name and uses that brand and logo on its Asian import compasses which are not the same quality.
BEWARE - Product not bad but customer / warranty service is VERY BAD
suunto has the absolutely the worst customer service of any company that
I've ever run across. If anything goes wrong with their products you
cannot get in touch with anyone from the company that is willing and or
has the abiltiy to help you.