I've played with all sorts of signal mirrors and really don't like using any of the sighting systems I've seen. I very much prefer using the "manual" method where you put the mirror under your eye, extend a hand with fingers in a "V", place the target inside the "V", and then flash the mirror across the "V" fingers - as shown in this illustration:

http://www.equipped.org/pp/pic236.htm

Maybe its because I wear glasses??

Does anyone else out there feel the same way about sighting systems on signal mirrors?

I bring this up because I've been teaching my children how to use their signal mirrors - recently added to their survival kits - and they seem to do better with the "V" method too.

I use the small glass mirror sold by Countycomm.com, but I gave my kids the plastic AMK Rescue Flash mirrors (lighter weight and maybe less likely to break).

Ken K.

Ken,

I still practice signalling by using the "V" method that I learned in the Boy Scouts over 25 years. I rather trust that method that I know works rather than rely upon a specific rescue mirror technique. I may have to resort to using a piece of metal or aluminum foil if my fancy mirror is lost or broken. The "V" method will work no matter what material is used.

I like the mirrors with the sighting hole, but the "V" technique always works. Learn both, if in doubt use the "V".

Preferring and using the two-handed V method is fine until you're stuck in an emergency situation and only have one hand to use. Therefore, in my opinion, it is best to at least obtain and at least occasionally practice one of the sighting systems as well. Having a mirror with a sight doesn't degrade the effectiveness of the mirror or prevent you from using the V method, so there's really no downside (other than maybe cost compared to a regular mirror).

The "V" method works, the starflash types work, but I learned on, and still like to use, the two sided mirrors where I direct the little dot of light that I see on my face (my side of the mirror) toward the hole in the mirror. As long as I have the target in the hole the flash will hit it...

Ken,

You've got to be kidding! When you use your fingers to make a V and shine the reflection up your arm and down your hand into your fingers it is no where near as accurate as using the fireball from a signal mirror with a sight. When the fireball is covering the target the light is shining on the target. When you use the V method you have parallax that shines the light much lower than the target you are looking at through your fingers. Try aiming on a spot on your house. You will see the fireball is right on and the V method will shine much lower.

I'm assuming you know how to use the sighted signal mirror. For those that have not used one before here is how you use it:
Face the sun
Bring the mirror up to your eye and look through the hole in the center
Tilt the mirror until you see the bright spot
Tilt the mirror until the bright spot is on your target
Make sure your hand does not block the sun on the mirror
By twisting your head and hand around you can shine the light 360 degrees
Remember you have about 30 seconds to deploy your mirror to be able to signal a plane before he can no longer see you

I think the problem is related to my glasses. I find the bright spot on the mirror sighting system is MUCH brighter without my glasses than with them, BUT without the glasses I can't see the plane in the distance.

Ken K.

Ken,

Are you using sunglasses, bifocals or progressive lenses?

I am surprised the bright spot is an issue for you. I know the bright spot is about worthless using the Starflash. The small glass and the Ritter PSP signal mirrors work perfectly. What exactly are you using Ken?

Thanks!

Exactly; the clue is in the web site name (the 'survive' bit). Just like no one seems to use the one handed fire lighter in Dougs kit for their own assemblies. But try using a flint and steel with one arm broken.




"It is better to light a small flamethrower than to sit and curse the darkness" Terry Pratchett

I just got bifocals with the "hidden" line and am still getting used to them. I'm nearsighted, but have aged enough to have some problems seeing very close up. I go from using the bifocal lens for reading to taking my glasses off to see very close up. My distance vision without glasses is very poor - which in itself is a survival risk if something really bad happens. Without glasses it would be very easy for me to trip & fall while walking, plus I wouldn't be able to see planes and other small objects at a distance.

I've tried with the small glass signal mirror sold at countycomm.com, the Starflash mirror, and the AMK Rescue Flash mirror used in Doug's kits.