Coghlan's Signal Mirror

I have an older (with metal grommet) version of this mirror—as well as several less expensive plastic versions. The difference in reflective power and ease in aiming is really noticeable compared to the plastic versions. I practiced with it in my apartment complex and it creates a bright, sharply defined light on my targets several hundred feet, leaving me pretty confident it will create bright, noticeable flashes at much greater distance. Yes, it is significantly heavier than the plastic versions—1.85 oz vs 0.80 oz— because it is made of two pieces of laminated glass) but the difference in quality and ease of use is, IMHO, well worth a 1 oz weight penalty. Yes, it probably could break if dropped but I've had the older one for 20+ years and I haven't broken it yet (however it's kept in my "oh crap" dry bag when I'm paddling). If you are concerned about breakage, you can buy a case for it (or keep it in the padded foam sleeve it's shipped in or put it on a lanyard around your neck. It will not, however, scratch nearly as easy as a plastic one. Really, this is a great low-tech, reliable signalling device and anyone venturing outdoors should consider adding one to their 10 Essentials. And, if you venture onto the water (I'm a sea kayaker), don't even consider it, just get it. I will, also, echo other comments here about practicing with it. The instructions written on the back of the mirror (in English only) are clear and, while its easy to use once you figure it out, do that figuring out before you hit the trail or the water. Then play with it. Siblings or significant others make great practice targets and are sure to provide you with valuable feedback! :D

Polishing up a metal box or using a plastic mirror for signaling isn't as effective as a real glass mirror. This is a convenient size, weight and a sturdy alternative to other mirrors. Great price too. March 2014. Back from a tour overseas, this was in my E&E pack the whole time so it got bumped and knocked around quite a bit. It is holding up very well - NO damage! I keep it wrapped in a folded bandanna which I keep next to my abdomen in a fanny pack. I think I will pick up the small pouch for this (it is available on Amazon). I am worried that if I go to unwrap this from the bandanna I might drop it. With the pouch and maybe some cotton for padding the mirror should be safe if I drop it. I am thinking I will continue to use the bandanna to pad the pouch and mirror when it is in the fanny pack. The vendor, Helenbac, seems to have done his homework in selecting this device; I am very pleased (I bought 3, one for each of my packs: E&E, Main Pack and Assault Pack.

Una gran herramienta para la supervivencia principalmente para señales a helicópteros, drones o larga distancia ya que cuenta con una malla que permite una dirección del reflejo más precisa

I bought this signal mirror for my great nephew (age 11) who is interested in the outdoors. The signal mirror is just like the official military type except it is smaller (approx. 2"x3" x1/4"). It is made of 2 layers of sandwiched glass with a mirrored front, the back has directions printed in orange on black, the center viewing hole also has a mesh targeting screen. It also has a hole in the corner for a lanyard. It came in a foam pouch. It was made in Japan and imported by Coghlans. This is the second one I bought. There is a tiny amount is misalignment of the 2 glass plates, barely noticeable and will not affect its function. That is a little picky but that is the reason for 4 stars, not 5. Some mirrors have metal grommets on the lanyard hole to prevent wearing the lanyard, this one does not but I don't think it is necessary on something as small and light as this item. I am pleased with this item; the price is good, and I am sure my nephew will have fun learning to use it.

This signal mirror is made of high quality glass and is a great rival to the standard issue GI signal mirror sold here on Amazon (my buddy bought the GI model). It provides detailed easy to read instructions on the back side of the mirror. The glass mirror is laminated which provides greater durability to the structure of the mirror. The sighting hole for the mirror is clear and easy to aim onto your target you wish to signal. Unfortunately, there is no case provided however, I used an idea from Cody Lundin's book. I used the sleeve it came with and beefed it up with blaze orange duck tape. It is holding up quite nicely, but you could also buy the OD green case that is sold on Amazon (same buddy bought that to protect his standard issue mirror). Great Price and Great product!

Overall I am satisfied and will keep this mirror, though I received a lesser-than-expected brand and found assembly sloppy with misaligned glass plates and an off-center sighting hole. (The seller's description was incomplete and I felt misleading but I'll rate that separately from the mirror itself.) The seller's description of an "authentic glass signal mirror by the original Vector 1," "Accept no substitutes," "Japanese optics" and instructions that the polished lanyard hole "is how you can tell a Vector from a fake" implied a higher-level mirror. What I received was a mid-grade Coghlan's No. 9900. The mirror back and packaging are marked, 'Made in Japan.' On the one I received, the two glass plates were misaligned slightly and the sighting hole wasn't centered in the mesh. I didn't downgrade as much for the un-centered hole because Googling photos of other military glass signal mirror brands - including S.I. Howard, one of the benchmarks - revealed varying degrees of centricity. I showed it to a former Ranger with whom I work and he agreed that assembly looked sloppy but opined, "Coghlans' isn't top quality, but this mirror will work fine: there's no need to return it." He felt issues were cosmetic - not affecting operation - and that it should be perfectly serviceable. Usage instructions on back were helpful and printed beneath the glass so they won't rub off. I experimented in the back yard - it worked - so I kept it. My rating is strictly about the mirror - with which I am satisfied despite shortcomings. However, I have the following suggestions for the seller's benefit in case they read this: 1) State in the title what the buyer is actually getting: a Coghlan's No. 9900. 2) Mention the dimensions - 2" x 3" - somewhere - anywhere - in the listing, ideally in the bullets or product details. I shouldn't have to rely on customer Q&A to find this information. 3) Add a photo of the mirror's back showing the usage instructions.

I bought this mirror to add to my scuba dive kit for emergency use. I had read a lot of stories about serious currents around Indonesia so this was part of beefing up my dive safety gear prior to a trip last year to Komodo. I spent a couple minutes practicing getting comfortable signaling with it on land. It works remarkably well and will create a flash that should be seen for considerable distance, likely miles, given decent conditions and a clear line of site. Hopefully I will never need to use it for a rescue situation, but it’s securely strapped to my backplate webbing in case I do.

Yes, I highly recommend this signal mirror. I am an avid hiker, venturing out nearly every weekend in the Los Padres, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains in Southern California. It's compact design easily fits into my survival pouch that I always carry while hiking. The mirror has excellent reflectivity and it's aiming method is incredibly precise. On a recent outing, my hiking party encountered a group of mountain bikers, one of which had crashed his bike and needed an immediate evacuation. We were fortunate to be able to get out a spotty cell call, but were not able to provide our GPS coordinates before losing contact. When the SAR helicopter arrived it began searching the wrong part of the mountain high above us and a couple miles away. Using this signal mirror, I was able to bring them to our location swiftly. Would they have found us without the signal? Probably, but it would have taken significantly more time, with the added complication of other hiking parties on the mountain at the same time. I never venture out without this handy unit. A word of caution, be sure you attach a lanyard and buy a lined soft pouch to keep it in, as any mirror can be easily scratched or chipped.