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Owner Review: Survival Incorporated StarFlash Signal Mirror
June 28, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: David Heyting
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Height: 6’ 0”, 1.83 m
Weight: 205 lb, 93 kg
Email: deheyting@yahoo.com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, USA
Backpacking Background:
I have been hiking and backpacking for over 15 years. A great deal of the backpacking that I do is related to mountaineering and rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest. When not climbing, I’m a hiker that tries to go light to be able to push more miles. My main areas of exploration are the Washington Central and North Cascades. However I have also done lots of hiking in the British Columbia Coastal Range as well as the Oregon Cascades. I am also an avid adventure racer and compete in several races each year ranging from 2 hours up to 24 hours in duration.
Test Conditions:
The primary test conditions were done in the Central Washington Cascades. Moderate temperatures: spring and fall down to the 40 F (4 C) up to 85 F (30 C). Typically a wet climate. Most of the trekking occurred on steep trails on varying terrain, from soft pack trails, scree fields, to snowfields and some minimal glacier travel. General elevation ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 ft (760 to 2,450 meters).
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Survival Incorporated
Model: StarFlash Signal Mirror
URL: www.survivalinc.com
Listed Weight: .7 oz /19.9 g
Measured Weight: .7 oz/19.9 g
Listed Dimensions: 2” x 3” (5.1 x 7.6 cm)
MSRP: $8.95 USD
Product Description:
The StarFlash is a targetable signal mirror. Signal mirrors are important pieces of ermgency gear that can be used to signal a rescue. The target system allows the user to aim the signal flash, thus increasing the odds of being seen. The StarFlash is about the size of a credit card and is super lightweight. The mirror features a starshaped hole in the center, which is how one is able to aim the signal. It is made from lightweight plastic (lexan polycarbonate) and features the mirror on one side and instructions on the other. The instruction reviews the process of using the StarFlash to aim the signal. They are simple and easy to understand and follow. The StarFlash can also be used as a mirror for performing tasks such as shaving, putting on contacts, etc.
Photo courtsey of Survival Inc.
Key Features:
Here are some of the key things that are advertised in Survival Incorporated’s literature and on their website.
- Extremely lightweight
- Made with very durable products making the StarFlash “virtually indestructible”
- Features the trademarked StarFlash technology that allows the user to easily aim the signal flash.
- It floats in the water
Summary:
The StarFlash is a permanent item of my first aid kit and accompanies me on all of my outdoor adventures. I have been carrying one with me for about 7 years now. Since the StarFlash is small and lightweight, it fits easily in almost any first aid kit. Although I have never had to actually use the StarFlash in an emergency situation, I have practiced with it many times. The aiming system is actually very simple to pick up on and it does indeed work! Plus it is extremely nice that the instructions are printed on one side of the mirror, as in an emergency situation they could become extremely valuable guidance if the user is somehow incapacitated or overcome with shock. Probably what I have used the StarFlash for most, however is putting on contacts. As a contact user the StarFlash is a dream, it is a lightweight mirror, built from durable products that doubles as a potential life saving tool. It also meets mandatory gear requirements for my adventure races. As almost all Adventure Races require participants to carry a signal mirror with them at all times. Typically to avoid scratching the surface of the mirror, I wrap my moleskin around the mirror before storing it in my first aid kit.
Things I Like:
Lightweight – makes it a no-brainer to add to the first aid kit
Easy to use and provides piece of mind on the trail
Can be used for many other things in the outdoors and around camp – like putting in contacts!
Things I don’t like:
It is easy to scratch the mirror, which makes it harder to put on your contacts! Thus you should protect the mirror in the first aid kit.
Recap:
The StarFlash Signal Mirror is a lightweight, easy to use signal mirror that fits into just about any first aid kit. The targetable aiming system increases one’s odds of a rescue during an emergency situation. The StarFlash can also be used around camp as a mirror for many tasks such as shaving. This makes it a great multipurpose piece of emergency gear.
Read more reviews of Survival Inc. gear
Read more gear reviews by David Heyting
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