Brunton - TruArc 3 - Base Plate Compass

I compared multiple brands and models of compasses, and settled on this one. I wanted a global magnetic needle in an easily readable format at quick glance. Most people aren’t using these to navigate maps on every use; they just want a quick glance to find direction. For that use, this is excellent. Very easy to see the needle with no distracting markings on the dial. And if you need to orient on a map, it’s suitable as well. Great all purpose compass at a price that’s less than comparable products.

This is a resurrection of the Silva Voyager compass promoted as 'multi-zone balanced' dating from mid 2000s. It uses Brunton's 9020 technology used by Silva during the time Silva owned Brunton. 9020 was later to be called the Brunton classic.The baseplate of TruArc3 is from the Brunton OSS 10B. The OSS line typically used Brunton's needle-with-hole design. Both OSS and the 9020 line were never promoted for global use by Brunton, but both had some models use Brunton's deep well capsule and "top hat" pivot found in TruArc3. Silva thought the balance adequate for both hemispheres as was, and simply called it something to match. The top hat allows the needle more up-down free play for magnetic inclination that is matched with the depth of the capsule, so its more resistant to dragging on the capsule's floor or roof, thus its more global ready.If all you need is a time tested compass capsule in a rugged, easy to hold shell, is no-nonsense and can be used likely anywhere in the world, this is it. The ruler markings on the side are the minimum needed to estimate distance from a map, whether metric or USA units.ProsMulti-zone needle: used in the northern hemisphere, Brunton's design is less prone to lock in motion as its balance is maintained at more angles off horizontal, which reflect usability in various "compass zones". The needle is steady enough to take a general heading in motion. I tested the TruArc needle was similar to the 9020 by using a bar magnet beneath working compasses to emulate magnetic dip; I reduced the distance of the magnet to attract one end of a compass needle down until it dragged on the capsule bottom; I compared the distance [ i.e., equivalent to the field intensity] required to drag a Northern hemisphere balanced Cammenga military compass, Suunto Clipper, A Brunton Classic and a Suunto MC-2G. The Cammenga and Clipper dragged at ~ 6cm, the Classic and TruArc3 at 2cm, while the Suunto never draggedThe capsule is large enough for 1 degree resolutionGlobal needles are optimal for world use, and under $15 is a steal. A Suunto or Recta model with a Global needle runs > $50 but its needle design is most lock proofDeclination adjustment is typical of the Brunton design, squeeze capsule and spin, easy to fix without toolsfast responsive needlegood damping [ i.e., no overshoot or oscillation] nearly as fast versus Suunto MC-2G which is nearly zeroBrunton quality: there are very few quality compass makers left in the world and Brunton is one of them, the needle design is uniquely Brunton. An important item difficult to test [ i.e., you have to destroy the compass] is how long a needle retains its magnetism over time and its durability in the field: water, drop and sunlight proof. Brunton's compass reputation has been good; an article states Brunton uses cobalt chrome alloys for needles, which are good magnetic steels, and its only fault has been ergonomic design rather than the fidelity of the compass capsule, and I have a working Brunton classic over 10+ years oldIts fluid filledConsAll the flaws of the OSS 10B design are carried over, but if you accept that when you buy it its not a limitationTo repeat:There are no cardinal points in the degree markings, they are on the side of the bezel which you can't seeDegree scale is a printed decal on top of the capsule, the design is prone to parallax errors when reading map headings, best to use one eyethe paper/plastic decal will likely be damaged by constant harsh exposurePrint font is small for some usersNon-luminous

The one I received works well, even the declination adjustment is smooth. BUT: as you can see there are differences between what's pictured in the listing and what I received.1-bottom right hand corner TruArc 3 over Brunton . No big deal.2- "global needle " on needle vs on compass. No big deal.3- the card is different.A. Declination adjust from S vs N end of compass. No big dealB. No tangent lines on dial. SMALL DEAL. when using compass as a protractor to determine a grid azimuth on the map you need to put the declination at zero and use the shed lines as tangent lines.IDK if these differences are changes in production runs or what. I'm considering sending it back except it works very well and the declination adjustment, that some complain about is very smooth

ORIGINAL REVIEWI needed a baseplate compass for a map&compass course. The Truarc3 fit my needs. Competitive pricing and it arrived ahead of schedule. No Complaints!UPDATEAfter using the compass for a couple of years, I have decided to update my review.Like some of the reviewers have mentioned, my compass also developed a bubble in the capsule, although it does not effect the accuracy. Since then my needs have changed and I purchased a compass that met those needs.I now use the truarc3 for teaching and as a backup.Things that I Like: Its smallGlobal needleLiquid dampenedHas forward and back azimuth markings on the base plateDeclination adjustmentIs durableThings that I don't Like: No meridian lines on the inside of the capsuleIs difficult to see the tic marks when adjusting declination ( I use a magnifying glass )Over all I still like my the truarc and it continues to do what it was designed to do!

Purchased this for my backpack and it has done well. Picked up for $15.00 and it has been worth it. But at the current price of $35.00 I would seek better options.

I own a couple of these and use them frequently when plotting hiking trips. The adjustable declination feature is nice. Takes all the back country math out of the equation. That’s a big plus. It does take a little time getting use to how to hold the capsule just right in order to spin the dial to set your declination but once you get it the first time it’s easy from then on. For the price, I consider this the best value baseplate compass out there. I’ve seen other reviews saying the baseplate broke and I’m not sure how. I keep my compass and map in a gallon ziploc bag in the top of my pack and have never had a breakage problem. The plastic on these is sturdy enough for rough treatment. The only problem I ever had was the last one I ordered had a bubble inside the capsule but I returned it and was promptly sent a replacement.