From 4LPH41337.com

Reviewing the Brunton 8096-AR Adventure Racing Compass

Features

• From TheCompassStore.com

• The 8096 AR is the first compass built specifically for adventure racers. The patented circle-over-circle system gives this compass Eclipse status, and the UTM roamer scales take this tool to the next level. A global needle makes this compass a world traveler and an extra-thick baseplate ensures strength on the course. This compass includes a latitude, longitude and UTM template for those critical details and is the perfect companion for a GPS.

1. Circle-over-circle alignment system
2. Tool-free declination adjustable
3. Magnified read-out for 1° accuracy
4. 1° graduations
5. Baseplate scales - Inch & mm reversible slide scale. 1:24k, 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:62.5k 1:63.36 k & 1:250 k UTM roamer scales & 1:24k, 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:62.5k, 1:63.36k map scales
6. 100 m confidence circles
7. Lifetime warranty
8. Dimensions: 5.2in x 2.8in x 0.5in

Weight

• 1.7 oz

Includes

1. Includes latitude, longitude & UTM map template tool
2. Template tool scales -1:24k, 1:25k, 1:50k, 1:62.5k, 1:63.36k & 1:100k latitude-longitude scales & 1:100k UTM scale
3. Wrist lanyard (used to come with a full length "neck" lanyard, but easily replaced, if you like the neck version)

Jack's Take

I really like this compass. The fact that it has a built in UTM grid tool is key. No more searching for that UTM grid tool (which I keep losing or bending up) or having one more thing hanging on your lanyard, getting in the way of the compass. It has UTM tools for all the usual map scales. It also has a GPS accuracy circle, to give you an idea of how far off of the position a CP could be, if it were placed via GPS. It finds north and settles quickly. As expected for a compass in this price range, it is also adjustable for declination, and comes with a handy manual to teach you how to use it. I've used several others, but so far, the Brunton 8096-AR Adventure Racing Compass is my favorite.

I have had issues with sand getting under the dial and causing it to be harder to turn, but this may be a problem with all compasses with adjustable declination. I still like the integrated UTM grid for verifying points in the field, or plotting "on-the-fly", as some races require.

Update: How to Clean Sand/Dirt from Compass

First of all, do this at your own risk. That said, I've done this 6 times without breaking the compass. You are at this point because you've gotten sand or grit inside the compass, and when you turn the dial, it resists, or grinds the degree markers off the compass. Afterwards this procedure, it should work like brand new. You may get in a habit of doing this as soon as you notice the problem, to prevent the loss of degree markers on the compass. I couldn't find anything on the Brunton website about how to do this, so I can't say they recommend it. I'm guessing, as with most things, if you do this too many times, it may not hold tightly in the end, but I've not experienced this yet.

Use the photos to follow along:

1. Holding the compass base with both hands, push the center dial out through the back, using your thumbs(don't push on the black ring--only the clear center). The black ring will come off the top of the compass, and the clear center and declination ring will come out the backside.
2. Clean the parts to get out the dirt/sand/grit.
3. Assemble the compass. The clear center with needle and declination ring insert from the back, and the black ring used to rotate the compass center mounts from the top. The top black ring has tabs that fit into the compass center piece. Use your brain and figure out how they line up, it's pretty easy.

Map Holder Frame
Hold compass in both hands and push out the center with your thumbs	Compass Disassembled	Compass Top Ring	Compass Center Top View
Compass Teeth/Tabs Angled View	Compass Teeth/Tabs Aligned	Push the top ring back on

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