Why We Balance Certain Needles
Magnetic needles not only align with magnetic north but also dip up or down depending on latitude. If a needle dips too much it won't freely rotate, and compass accuracy can be affected.
Click the link below to our Journal post that explains this in a lot more detail!
Transits
Transit Balance Map PDFBrunton transit needles are global but should be balanced for their main zone of use. Needles are accurate several zones N or S of their main zone.
NOTE: Special balancing may require additional production time.
OmniSights and GeoLites
Omnisight and GeoLite Balance MapBrunton OmniSights and GeoLites are built with a simpler magnet than our transits, but their accuracy is still optimized if the main zone of use is chosen.