The bubble issue is a very important one because the compass card cannot turn freely with a large bubble in the Brunton design. However the Brunton's have some unique operating characteristics. The Eclipse's way of placing the circle over the card is not only very intuitive but accurate and easy, so do not dismiss the Brunton designs. I still use my Eclipse on all trips out here where it will not be going to high altitude as I find it a very nice compass. But next summer when I go back to Montana and I know it will be going to 10,000' it will be going but will not be my main compass. It will be going to test the new capsule. Somehow the Silva and Suunto compasses have avoided the bubbles and Silva now owns Brunton, so I have hope that the new capsule may make it this time.

Blues review is well worth reading BTW.