Brunton has overhauled their entire line of compasses for 2012. The new line includes some familiar faces and several entirely new designs.
The one thing that the entire new line has in common is Brunton’s OSS Alignment System. Previously, this OSS Alignment System was only available on a few select Brunton compasses. Most traditional compasses make you line up the tip of the needle in the “doghouse,” but Brunton OSS compasses feature circle in circle alignment. The compasses have a circular north reference instead of the tip of a needle. The north reference is then aligned in another circle by the user in order to orient the compass. Brunton claims that the system is easier to use and more accurate. I still tend to prefer traditional compass needles but the idea is very intriguing.
The new line includes an overhaul of the 8099, now called the 70M, and an overhaul of the 8096, now called the 40B. Additionally, it includes several other new designs. The completely new 50M and 60M feature a very compact sighting mirror that allows for a very long baseplate and sighting capability in a compact package. The design looks very interesting.
You can see the entire OSS line of of compasses on the Brunton website.
Interesting! Haven’t worked with a compass much since my days in scouts, but I would love to get back into it. A very valuable skill to have. These Bruntons look nice, I like how they make a compass for every budget.
It sounds to me like it’s akin to lining up the bubble in the bullseye level right next to the needle in the compass you have pictured. I like the simplification of that. I’ll have to see if I can pick one up to play around with.