Coghlan's Signal Mirror

An ok single mirror, slight flaw in mirror but seems to be accurate in aiming ability.

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.

The advertising is deceiving - the product is wayy smaller than a standard signal mirror. I had one of ghese for years and it was the size of my hand. This one is a quarter of that size. Will prob return.

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.

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.

This model does look to be the actual Vector model made in Japan. Looks fairly well sealed and built, and testing it in the sun, the aiming circle actually works as it's supposed to, so it's not a cheap knock-off. I've not exposed mine to salt water or anything that truly tests the seal yet. I also bought one of the S.I. Howard signal mirrors to compare it to, and I have to say they both look, and work, almost exactly the same. They both appear to be about the same quality and durability of construction, but the Vector looks to be a bit better tolerance and finish on edges and the lanyard hole than the S.I. Howard one does, which is purely nit-picking, as neither one has any real faults. This Vector one works fine, but if you're set on S.I. Howard because they got the military contract, you won't go wrong either way.

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!