Q: The compass does not seem to be accurate.

A: The north area of the compass is essentially a small magnet that will experience a torque from the ambient magnetic field of the Earth. The preferred directionality of a compass can be affected by local perturbations in the magnetic field, like those set up by a near-by electrical system. Keep the compass away from any object that can potentially distort the magnetic field. Unfortunately, the battery distorts the natural magnetic field near its surrounding. Since the compass is positioned very close to the battery when the tailcap is threaded on, the direction that the compass is pointed to will be greatly affected by the presence of the battery inside. Furthermore, the pocket clip is metallic which can also cause pertubation to the natural magnetic field nearby. Since the compass is designed for emergency use, we recommend removing the compass tailcap from the light and place it on a flat surface away from objects that can potentially distort the natural magnetic field, before trying to take a reading. Please note the direction given by the compass can be easily distorted and may not provide accurate reading given natural and other mechanical difficiencies.