Professional-use compasses on the rise

	The T49 model from Zhejiang Newfine is a keychain compass made of zinc.

But promotional units will remain in strong supply for the premiums sector.

Facing dented margins from strong sales of outdoor gear such as flashlights and hiking poles that boast similar functions, compass suppliers in China have chosen two ways to boost sales.

A large number of those offering nonelectronic types are rolling out options for the dominant promotional segment. Priced below $3, these come in ABS, acrylic or aluminum housings.

Some enterprises focus on the professional line. They are employing a range of materials and high-precision processes to enhance the durability and efficiency of designs. Greater user convenience is also a target.

In line with this, several companies are adding more military-grade variants to their selections. Recent releases are liquid-filled lensatic types with pure brass housings and luminous dials for easier viewing at night. Such products are suitable for a range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking and scouting.

CATIC Fujian Co. Ltd is among the suppliers offering professional compasses that adopt brass bodies. Measuring 84x59.5x30mm, the maker’s GC032 model is fitted with a magnifier and scale.

Oriental Industries Co. Ltd offers the model #4580 professional lensatic compass in aluminum alloy. The product comes with a luminous dial.

A number of companies specializing in digital watches, radios, clocks and LED displays are introducing digital variants. These are considered to have a high growth potential because of their precision and versatility. Such products, however, currently account for only 5 to 10 percent of output.

China’s compass selection includes units employed as tools for navigation and direction and models for special applications. Currently, more than 80 percent of the turnout caters to promotional and professional applications. The rest are designed for a specific type of user.

The line comprises electronic and traditional types, with the latter dominating output.

Nonelectronic compasses: The category consists of baseplate and lensatic kinds. Accounting for 60 percent of nonelectronic releases, most models in the first group are meant for promotional or leisure purposes.

Prices start $0.30. Options below $3 are typically baseplate designs with an ABS, acrylic or alloy housing, clear base, dial and magnetic needle. The majority uses magnetic induction. Extra attachments such as a ruler, whistle, flint, map scale, magnifying lens and LED lights are seen in some models.

Upward to $8, midrange compasses are normally lensatic varieties with copper, brass, aluminum or zinc alloy enclosures. Many are suitable for professional outdoorsmen.

More expensive pieces follow military standards. Such products adopt copper or aluminum for the housing, which is sealed for water resistance. To enhance navigation, electromagnetic induction is employed.

Digital compasses: Most units have round and rectangular shapes measuring 4x4 to 7.5x13cm. These can be worn around the user’s neck or wrist, or attached to a backpack.

Digital compasses are priced at least $5. Quotes increase depending on the shape and built-in functions.

Low-end versions with LCD screens smaller than 5.5x5.5cm are available for $5 to $10. Because of their size, many units are constructed similar to a wristwatch or with a carabiner. Value-added features include a clock, an alarm, a calendar and a thermometer.

Models reaching $20 are larger, typically about 5x9 to 7.5x13cm. Apart from the functions incorporated in basic variants, these combine a heart rate counter, chronograph, hygrometer, altimeter, barometer and weather forecast for professionals.

More expensive designs have a built-in GPS, which enables the device to work even in remote areas. Some have a water-resistant enclosure and are equipped with an MP3 player and flash memory.

CATIC Fujian Co. Ltd

Model: GC032
MOQ: 2,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Professional compass; brass and zinc alloy; scale, backlight and magnifying lens; 84x59.5x30mm

Fine Offset Electronics Co. Ltd

Model: WS110
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 35 days
Description: Digital compass; 32 cardinal points; ±0.5m height accuracy; -20 to 60 C operating temperature; with altimeter, barometer, thermometer and calendar

Oriental Industries Co. Ltd

Model: #4580
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Military compass; aluminium alloy; luminous dial with sapphire bearing; neck strap and carry pouch; 83x63x30mm; 240g

Oriental Industries Co. Ltd

Model: #10
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Professional compass; ABS; LED flashlight, hygrometer, thermometer, flint and whistle; 79.5x40x24mm

Richforth Ltd

Model: RT371935
MOQ: 5,000 pieces
Delivery: 35 days
Description: Brass; 12.1x4.9x1.1cm; polybag packaging

Zhejiang Newfine Industry Co. Ltd

Model: DC45-2D
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Lensatic compass; zinc and aluminum; LED light, 1:50,000m scale and luminous dial; 79x64x29mm

Zhejiang Newfine Industry Co. Ltd

Model: DC40T
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Carabiner compass; 40mm-diameter; 110x47x13mm