Hi all.

I was reading some previous threads that said that the 'Starflash' signal mirrors by 'Ultimate Survival', although being possibly the best plastic signal mirror from a money-quality aspect, has a tendancy to warp, thus not creating a 'perfect' reflected light signal.

Ultimate Survival undertook to try minimise the warping. Does anybody know if they have done this? Anybody want to contradict the best-value-for-money statement for PLASTIC mirrors? I don't want to go with glass, as it is a bit heavy for hiking. the rescue-reflectors plastic mirrors are also apparently releticly heavy.

Hello Woft, I've used the Star Flash for a bunch of years and haven't run into the warping effect. At least I could never see it <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
The rescue reflectors are new to me. Someone just emailed me about them <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (are you Johnny?)
Can anyone shed some light on the benefits of the rescue reflector 2x3 mirrors in particular? Compared to the StarFlash. Or just on their own merits.
I've just been to their web site and they're expensive ~$17.
Tom

Rescue Reflectors are the Rolls Royce of signalling mirrors and are virtually handmade. Starflash are good solid Jeeps. Both can get you home. CDs, polished altoid tins and shiny knife blades fall somewhere in the Yugo and Trabant order of things <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Cd's I never thought of using them <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I usually use my cd burner failures for target practice <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
But if I brought a lot of my failed cd's on a hike It could be seen from space
Tom

TOB9595

Yup, I'm Johnny!

The differences between Rescue Reflectors Plastic 2x3 mirror and the StarFlash are very significant. The reflected light from a Rescue Reflector is a solid defined ball of light vs a more unpatterned diffuse reflected pattern from the StarFlash. Look into each product, the StarFlash has a wavy refected image, the Rescue Reflectors have a normal flat mirror image. IMHO the Rescue Reflectors are vastly superior to the StarFlash mirror. The sighting hole, the flat tuned mirror, the sealed waterproof edges and the packaging all favor the Rescue Reflector mirrors. I consider the Rescue Reflector products to be worth every penny. For me, they are the best value.

Rescue Reflectors mirrors are individually tested and made, they are quality products with no peer.

I'll have to try out one of these Rescue reflectors <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
probably the 2x3 size
Thanks for the info
Tom

How do they compare in thickness and weight to the starflash?

The StarFlash and the 2x3 Rescue Reflector nonbuoyant Model 4, are the same external size. The Rescue Reflector is packaged in a heavy plastic bag so its carry dimensions are greater. The Rescue Reflector is mirror all the way to the edge; the StarFlash has a border and a corner lanyard hole so its actual reflective area is a bit less. The StarFlash is rectangular with square corners; the RR is rectangular with rounded corners.

Weight I cannot comment on with certainty. My Gerber is sealed up in my PSK and my Rescue Reflector is at home today. Off hand, my recollection is that the StarFlash is lighter, definitely lighter when you add the RR packaging, but by how much I cannot say. Weight is insignificant is my opinion however. IMOH the StarFlash is a good mirror if it is all you can get but no one should even bother with them if they can get a Rescue Reflector.

Rescue Reflectors also make 3x5 mirrors both buoyant and nonbuoyant models which are the way to go for boats, planes, large kits etc. The 2x3 is great for your pocket and supersized Altoids type kits.

Remember a 2x3 mirror has 6 sq inches of reflective surface and a 3x5 has 15 sq inches so if you can do it go for the bigger mirrors.

The RR buoyant models have foam applied so they are very thick in comparison to the nonbuoyant models. The packaging also adds to their bulk, so look carefully at the models and your needs. I have only bought the nonbuoyant models, but if I had a boat I would go for buoyant in its kit.