I don't think Silva/Brunton has a Global Needle. I read somewhere on their site that their compasses are more "robust" against inclination and that they make compasses in only 3 versions instead of the usual 5 - or something like that.

Ken K.

My 9020 does.

Here is the description from the Silva SE web site:
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Who needs a compass more than a globetrotter? The Voyager series features a multi-zone balanced needle that will work regardless where in the world you are. An optic yellow base plate with different map measuring scales as well as a magnetic declination adjustment are standard on all VOYAGER compasses.
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I cant find anywhere that says the Eclipse series is global, or multi-zone balanced as they call it.

Cool!!

Not quite sure. I THINK it's a global needle. I'll break out the instructions tonight and see what it says

I was actually thinking of replacing my lost Ranger with the Voyager 8040 www.silva.se/outdoor/products/comp_voy8040.htm because it has the global needle, and also you sight across the bottom of the mirror with gun type sights.
Unfortunately the mirror still reverses the markings around the bezel though.
My Recta DP6 compass does not reverse the markings in the mirror making it easier to read.

Thanks ... that seems funny reading that because I am already in bed about to go to sleep, typing this up on my laptop. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I agree, feels weird to say that to someone halfway around the world. My day is just starting.

I could be wrong (I know I have been many a time), but would not all needle compasses with a rotating bezel be global in nature. It seems to me the only way for a compass to be adjusted for local/zone declination is with a card or a fixed bezel compass that has been prefixed by the manufacturer for a particular zone.

Pete

Nope, you are right to think that would be the case because you'd think you could just tilt the compass to compensate for the tilt, but the draw-down on the needle due to inclination can be large enough that the needle's pivot point will start to bind up and the needle won't roated freely.

From what I can tell the secret to a global needle is a VERY "tiltable" pivot point that allows you to tilt the compass more than you normally would.

I wish I could find the Silva or Brunton web site where they talked about that.

Got ya, didn't think of that <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Pete