Suunto M-3DL Compass

Suunto M-3DL Compass Review

Suunto M-3DL Compass Feature

• Compact, high-quality professional compass designed for accurate and convenient direction taking
• Employs Suunto's two-zone system for reliable readings in northern hemisphere
• Large, liquid-filled capsule, adjustable declination correction scale, and rounded ergonomic edges
• Serrated bezel ring turns easily in cold weather; easy-to-read luminous markings
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

Hailing from Suunto's M-Series, the M-3DL is a compact, premium-quality precision compass designed for accurate and convenient direction taking. The user-friendly compass features a large, liquid-filled capsule and an adjustable declination correction scale that guarantees a high level of accuracy. Another convenient feature is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. And thanks to the easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lens, the M-3DL is ideally suited to navigating in poor visibility. The compass even features a base plate with anti-slip rubber pads for stability and rounded edges for ergonomic comfort in the hand.

The M-3DL employs Suunto's two-zone system to help adventurers find their way anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Previously, most compasses functioned well in only one of five geographic zones. That's because the compasses were balanced differently based on the zone's inclination, i.e., the vertical intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, as people began to travel more, it became clear that globe-hoppers needed compasses with a greater geographical range. Suunto's two-zone system, by contrast, considers only the northern and southern hemispheres. In practice, this means that a Suunto compass designed for the northern hemisphere--as the M-3DL is--will still work for a fair distance into the southern hemisphere and vice-versa. Suunto is one of only two compass manufacturers to offer two-zone compasses.

The M-3DL, which also features a jewel bearing and marking holes for drawing control points, measures 2.4 by 4.9 inches and weighs a mere 1.6 ounces. In addition, the compass carries a lifetime warranty.

A premium quality ergonomically designed precision compass for accurate and convenient direction taking. The M-Series represent durable, reliable, high quality navigational aids, which perform flawlessly in even the most demanding of conditions. Models feature a large liquid filled capsule and adjustable declination correction scale. Another convenient feature of the models in this series is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. Due to their easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lenses, the compasses of the M-Series are also ideally suited to navigating in conditions of poor visibility.