--- product_id: 28449773 title: "M-3 Compass: Quality, Precision Compass for demanding Conditions" brand: "suunto" price: "431 zł" currency: PLN in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 category: "Suunto" url: https://www.desertcart.pl/products/28449773-m-3-compass-quality-precision-compass-for-demanding-conditions store_origin: PL region: Poland --- # Magnifying lens on transparent baseplate Luminescent markings for low light Global needle with declination adjustment M-3 Compass: Quality, Precision Compass for demanding Conditions **Brand:** suunto **Price:** 431 zł **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🧭 Stay True, Stay Ahead — Navigate Like a Pro with Suunto M-3! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** M-3 Compass: Quality, Precision Compass for demanding Conditions by suunto - **How much does it cost?** 431 zł with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.pl](https://www.desertcart.pl/products/28449773-m-3-compass-quality-precision-compass-for-demanding-conditions) ## Best For - suunto enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted suunto brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Map-Perfect Design:** Integrated metric & imperial scales plus magnifier for effortless map reading. - • **Always On, Never Out:** No batteries needed—mechanical reliability you can trust on every expedition. - • **Navigate with Precision:** Adjustable declination ensures true North accuracy every time. - • **Adventure-Ready Durability:** Robust plastic bezel and liquid-filled capsule for stable, reliable use in harsh conditions. - • **Trusted Heritage Craftsmanship:** Made in Finland with 80+ years of pioneering navigation expertise. ## Overview The Suunto M-3 Compass is a precision-engineered, globally balanced baseplate compass featuring adjustable declination, luminescent markings for night use, and a magnifying lens for map detail. Crafted in Finland with durable materials and a fluid-dampened needle, it offers reliable navigation without batteries, perfect for hiking, trekking, and outdoor adventures. Trusted by professionals for over 80 years, it combines heritage craftsmanship with modern functionality to keep you confidently on course. ## Description Precise compass for demanding conditions - Good readability in low light conditions thanks to luminous markings, adjustable declination correction, made in Finland - Removable carrying cord with snap lock, easy to remove for working with the card, metric and imperial scales, no batteries required - High-quality stainless steel needle with gemstone bearing, liquid-filled capsule for stable operation, plastic bezel - Box contents: 1 x Suunto M-3 Compass Compass Compass CompCord, quick release, quick release guide, colour: white, dimensions: 61 x 120 x 14 mm, bezel material: plastic Review: A compass that points to true North. - This is a review of the Suunto M-3 NH, sold by DIPNDIVE, which I purchased for $31.45 in June 2018. The "NH" in the product name means "Northern Hemisphere". A map on the packaging shows that this model is not recommended for Australia, Antarctica, New Zealand, half of South America, or half of Africa. Also, since no ordinary compass will work well near the magnetic poles, the map seems to show that it is not recommended for the northernmost parts of Alaska, Canada, or Russia. Nothing on the compass itself says Northern Hemisphere. The advantage of the M-3 is its declination adjustment. In my area, the difference between true North and magnetic North is 14.3 degrees. With a regular compass, one has to remember whether the magnetic North pole is to the left or right of the geographic North pole. This gives a lot of opportunity for error. But with the M-3, the user can easily set the declination and all will be well for use in that area. The declination is set by turning a tiny screw. It is on the bottom of the compass at eight O'Clock in the attached image. The scale that shows 14 degree west declination is seen at four O'Clock in the same image. The compass comes with a small non-magnetic screwdriver attached to its lanyard. Adjusting the declination only moves the orienting arrow. The orienting lines do not move. The result is that the compass needle points to magnetic North as always, but the dial indicates true North. I have attached an image of the M-3 sitting on the compass rose of a nautical chart. The chart is "oriented"; meaning that I carefully turned it so that its vertical lines run North and South. Note how the dial is set to North, the baseplate points to true North, and the needle points to magnetic North, which is 14.3 degrees to the left. A negative review of the M-3 described getting a fake Suunto. The compass that I received did not have any of the problems that he described. The needle on my compass is fluid dampened and works nicely. It definitely has a jewel bearing in the center. (Putting a flashlight under the compass shows that the center of the needle is not just metal.) There is no bubble in the fluid. The whole compass is high quality and well made. The luminescent parts of the compass work fine. I suppose this could be useful in moonlight on open ground, where there might be enough light to walk around without a flashlight. But if the night is so dark that you need a flashlight, wouldn't you just use the flashlight to read your compass? The compass comes with a strong plastic clip to connect the lanyard. But it is not needed. It is just as easy to connect the lanyard with a catspaw knot as shown in the attached images. The M-3 is known as a "baseplate" or "Silva System" compass. I find this design much easier to use than a lensatic compass. The Cammenga military compass is more complicated and can be very hard to read. In my opinion, baseplate is the way to go. The size of the M-3 is about 4 5/8" by 2 3/8". The M-3 perfectly agrees with my old Boy Scout compass. I do not see even one degree of difference between them. The reason to buy a Suunto M-3 instead of a $5.00 compass from a big box store is the declination adjustment, and the confidence of having a high quality device that will be sure to work when you really need it. Review: Great Baseplate Compass with Everything You Need - This compass has a declination adjustment (with a supplied tool--a tiny screwdriver), luminescent markings, an inch- and centimeter ruler, a scale for using 1:50,000 topographic maps, a lanyard and a global needle that is very forgiving as to how level you hold the compass. It lacks a "sighting aperture" and mirror---but as you get older, you discover it's really hard to read the small numbers reflected from the compass dial to the mirror. You can take surprisingly accurate bearings by just holding the compass at waist level and pointing it at the desired terrain feature. In fact, this is how the Army teaches soldiers to use the lensatic compass. This one is easier to use in conjunction with a map. You can measure distances with it on a map, and then quickly orient your map with the terrain. There's a magnifying lens built in so you can see certain map details better. There is also a lanyard for wearing the compass around your neck or securing it to your belt or other piece of gear. Once you determine the grid-magnetic angle for your particular locality, you can use the supplied declination tool to adjust your compass for your local magnetic declination---once set, you can forget having to convert magnetic azimuths to grid azimuths and vice-versa. If you want to travel at night, just charge up the luminescent markings with a light source, and you're good for about four hours. You can rotate the bezel to line up the compass needle with the "dog house" and you will stay on track (I don't particularly recommend traveling at night--due to snakes in summer and holes you can fall into year 'round!). I'd recommend carrying this compass in a pouch, or compass case so it doesn't get banged up. This is a precision instrument which should last you many years with just a little bit of care. GPS devices are great, but they can fail and their batteries can drain. This compass will always point north, and if you know how to use a map and compass, you should not get lost. Suunto offers a limited lifetime guarantee, which is better than any of the other compass makers out there. That means Suunto will repair or replace the compass over its normal life. It's made in Finland, a country which still cares about quality and it shows in the way this compass is made. Highly recommended! ## Features - 100% Plastic - Imported - Adventure Compass: The M-3 compass is a premium quality precision compass for convenient direction taking in demanding conditions; The M-3 is a hardy baseplate compass ready for the challenge - Precise And Reliable: The M-3 Global features a globally balanced needle, adjustable declination, scales in metric and imperial, luminescent markings for low light use, and a magnifying lens on a transparent baseplate for easy use with maps - Stay On Course: Made in Finland, Suunto mechanical compasses help you safely and accurately navigate the great outdoors; Great for Alpine skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running and more - Pioneering Exploration: Combining advanced engineering and thoughtful design with ultra durable materials, our adventure ready compasses are fast, stable, and simple to use; No batteries required - Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B018YEE8WO | | Additional Features | Adjustable | | Best Sellers Rank | #53,651 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #76 in Compasses (Sports & Outdoors) | | Brand Name | SUUNTO | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,195) | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00045235910885, 06417084186164 | | Included Components | compass | | Item Dimensions L x W | 4.72"L x 2.4"W | | Item Type Name | Compass | | Item Weight | 1.6 ounces | | Manufacturer | Suunto | | Manufacturer Part Number | SUU-SS021370000 | | Map Scale | Kartenmaßstab | | Material Type | Plastic | | Model Number | SS021370000 | | Mounting Type | Handgelenkmontage | | UPC | 045235910885 | | Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer | ## Product Details - **Brand:** SUUNTO - **Item Weight:** 1.6 ounces - **Material:** Plastic - **Product Dimensions:** 4.72"L x 2.4"W - **Special Feature:** Adjustable ## Images ![M-3 Compass: Quality, Precision Compass for demanding Conditions - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81iRqX2kvtL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Style** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A compass that points to true North. *by J***B on June 26, 2018* This is a review of the Suunto M-3 NH, sold by DIPNDIVE, which I purchased for $31.45 in June 2018. The "NH" in the product name means "Northern Hemisphere". A map on the packaging shows that this model is not recommended for Australia, Antarctica, New Zealand, half of South America, or half of Africa. Also, since no ordinary compass will work well near the magnetic poles, the map seems to show that it is not recommended for the northernmost parts of Alaska, Canada, or Russia. Nothing on the compass itself says Northern Hemisphere. The advantage of the M-3 is its declination adjustment. In my area, the difference between true North and magnetic North is 14.3 degrees. With a regular compass, one has to remember whether the magnetic North pole is to the left or right of the geographic North pole. This gives a lot of opportunity for error. But with the M-3, the user can easily set the declination and all will be well for use in that area. The declination is set by turning a tiny screw. It is on the bottom of the compass at eight O'Clock in the attached image. The scale that shows 14 degree west declination is seen at four O'Clock in the same image. The compass comes with a small non-magnetic screwdriver attached to its lanyard. Adjusting the declination only moves the orienting arrow. The orienting lines do not move. The result is that the compass needle points to magnetic North as always, but the dial indicates true North. I have attached an image of the M-3 sitting on the compass rose of a nautical chart. The chart is "oriented"; meaning that I carefully turned it so that its vertical lines run North and South. Note how the dial is set to North, the baseplate points to true North, and the needle points to magnetic North, which is 14.3 degrees to the left. A negative review of the M-3 described getting a fake Suunto. The compass that I received did not have any of the problems that he described. The needle on my compass is fluid dampened and works nicely. It definitely has a jewel bearing in the center. (Putting a flashlight under the compass shows that the center of the needle is not just metal.) There is no bubble in the fluid. The whole compass is high quality and well made. The luminescent parts of the compass work fine. I suppose this could be useful in moonlight on open ground, where there might be enough light to walk around without a flashlight. But if the night is so dark that you need a flashlight, wouldn't you just use the flashlight to read your compass? The compass comes with a strong plastic clip to connect the lanyard. But it is not needed. It is just as easy to connect the lanyard with a catspaw knot as shown in the attached images. The M-3 is known as a "baseplate" or "Silva System" compass. I find this design much easier to use than a lensatic compass. The Cammenga military compass is more complicated and can be very hard to read. In my opinion, baseplate is the way to go. The size of the M-3 is about 4 5/8" by 2 3/8". The M-3 perfectly agrees with my old Boy Scout compass. I do not see even one degree of difference between them. The reason to buy a Suunto M-3 instead of a $5.00 compass from a big box store is the declination adjustment, and the confidence of having a high quality device that will be sure to work when you really need it. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Baseplate Compass with Everything You Need *by T***N on June 11, 2023* This compass has a declination adjustment (with a supplied tool--a tiny screwdriver), luminescent markings, an inch- and centimeter ruler, a scale for using 1:50,000 topographic maps, a lanyard and a global needle that is very forgiving as to how level you hold the compass. It lacks a "sighting aperture" and mirror---but as you get older, you discover it's really hard to read the small numbers reflected from the compass dial to the mirror. You can take surprisingly accurate bearings by just holding the compass at waist level and pointing it at the desired terrain feature. In fact, this is how the Army teaches soldiers to use the lensatic compass. This one is easier to use in conjunction with a map. You can measure distances with it on a map, and then quickly orient your map with the terrain. There's a magnifying lens built in so you can see certain map details better. There is also a lanyard for wearing the compass around your neck or securing it to your belt or other piece of gear. Once you determine the grid-magnetic angle for your particular locality, you can use the supplied declination tool to adjust your compass for your local magnetic declination---once set, you can forget having to convert magnetic azimuths to grid azimuths and vice-versa. If you want to travel at night, just charge up the luminescent markings with a light source, and you're good for about four hours. You can rotate the bezel to line up the compass needle with the "dog house" and you will stay on track (I don't particularly recommend traveling at night--due to snakes in summer and holes you can fall into year 'round!). I'd recommend carrying this compass in a pouch, or compass case so it doesn't get banged up. This is a precision instrument which should last you many years with just a little bit of care. GPS devices are great, but they can fail and their batteries can drain. This compass will always point north, and if you know how to use a map and compass, you should not get lost. Suunto offers a limited lifetime guarantee, which is better than any of the other compass makers out there. That means Suunto will repair or replace the compass over its normal life. It's made in Finland, a country which still cares about quality and it shows in the way this compass is made. Highly recommended! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high quality, unfortunatly discountinued. *by T***G on August 14, 2025* This is a very high quality compass that sadly, has been discontinued. The needle moves smoothly and settles quickly. The markings are clear and sharp. The bezel moves with just the perfect amount of resistance--not too loose and not too tight. The night time illumation is very strong. The declinaation is pretty easy to adjust (but the markings are a bit small). I do wish it had romer scales, but I can live without them. I considered the MC-2 Global, but this is a lot less bulky and otherwise pretty much the same plus, this was less expensive. I am unhappy to see that it has been discontinued. This looks like it leaves a gap in their compass line as there is nothing between the A-30 and the MC-2. I looked at the Bruntons which have a lot of very nice features, but the quality is iffy (and they are expensive for what you get) and some parts are cheap (like the declination adjustment markings being just a sticker). I was tempted by the Silva, but their reviews were not as high as the Suuntos. ## Frequently Bought Together - Suunto Compass White One Size - Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter & GPS, 3rd Edition (Mountaineers Outdoor Basics) - Be Expert with Map and Compass --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.pl/products/28449773-m-3-compass-quality-precision-compass-for-demanding-conditions](https://www.desertcart.pl/products/28449773-m-3-compass-quality-precision-compass-for-demanding-conditions) --- *Product available on Desertcart Poland* *Store origin: PL* *Last updated: 2026-04-24*