difference between user variables and something like weaponsUnlocked

So, I've run out of weaponsUnlocked bits...
Does anybody know how I can either use the items/relics variables or at least create a new um... what would it be, a variable?

I'm working on a script that works just fine if I compare bits in a bitfield, but for some reason does not work if I compare a #$value

I.e.
Lda weaponUnlocked
Cmp #%00000001
Beq+
Jmp fin

Works just fine and branches accordingly,
However

Lda myVar
Cmp #$01 ;; (variable is set in user variables)
Beq+
Jmp fin

Does not work... what's up here ?