Rear mirror view

[peter805]

Ok, this may sound kinda stupid, but what about a rear
mirror view on the tube . Just think about it for a minute. It may not be a bad idea.

Peter
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[bendopolo]

Just like the Bicycle guys wear. Ok for a little extra safety but you really need to scan your entire area all the time. I try to get in a scan more than every five minutes. Those lousy Sunday sailors will sneak up on you, drive over you and then yell at you for being there! Be ever vigilent and you will be here giving fishing reports for a long time.
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[michaelnel]

I think a mirror is a good idea, but rather than constructing some complicated PVC contraption to hang a mirror on, just use a Bike Peddler "Take a Look" mirror.

They attach to the frame of your sunglasses and give a clear, vibration-free view. I have used them for years for bicycling. Available from Amazon and several online bicycle supply places.
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[pontoonman]

Yes, I've been using one for years. I use a large convex (blind spot) mounted near the point of one pontoon. Blind spot doesnt have to be in perfect alignment to work.
I tried a scullers view mirror but kept having to adjust and would bump it out of alignment, plus the strap would loosen up. Wonder if the biker's on glasses type would work if you already wear prescription glasses....

Pon

[quote peter805]Ok, this may sound kinda stupid, but what about a rear
mirror view on the tube . Just think about it for a minute. It may not be a bad idea.

Peter[/quote]
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[peter805]

[quote michaelnel]I think a mirror is a good idea, but rather than constructing some complicated PVC contraption to hang a mirror on, just use a Bike Peddler "Take a Look" mirror.

They attach to the frame of your sunglasses and give a clear, vibration-free view. I have used them for years for bicycling. Available from Amazon and several online bicycle supply places.[/quote]

That is a good idea Mike. I need to get one of those
and try it out.

Thanx Peter
[url "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001VTQNVO/sr=8-1/qid=1248984592/ref=dp_image?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&img=MAIN&qid=1248984592&sr=8-1&color%5Fname=x"][/url]
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[flygoddess]

I tried a mirror.......ONCE.
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[peter805]

So what do YOU think of the mirror little lady ?

Peter
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[TubeDude]

[quote peter805]Ok, this may sound kinda stupid, but what about a rear
mirror view on the tube . Just think about it for a minute. It may not be a bad idea.

Peter[/quote]

[cool][#0000ff]That is a question that usually only occurs to newbie tubers. While it seems like a good idea to be able to watch behind you, it is generally more fuss than functional and becomes something else to tangle lines or get knocked into the water. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Like most tubers I have tried a couple of ideas, including the little bicycle models that hang on glasses or the bill of your hat. Still found myself just doing my usual looking around as I moved to keep myself on track and to avoid running aground. Those little mirrors only show things in one dimension and you really need more detail and depth reference for navigation.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]And, if you have a problem with boats running over you that little mirror is not going to help. I suggest a 50 caliber machine gun or some RPGs.[/#0000ff]
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[peter805]

Thank you for your reply TD. I respect your opinion but
some things I just have to learn the hard way [].
However I understand about the depth reference
and detail. Sometimes just one inch makes a difference
and that is when looking at things with your "real" eyes
is the only way to look.
My body rides a bike, so I asked him if I can use
his little mirror for a day and I'll see how I like it. ( I called
him and he does have one).

Peter
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[michaelnel]

I would not rely solely on a mirror for the rearward view when float tubing anymore than I would rely on it when bicycling.

Note the name: "Take A Look". It is for a quick look to see if there is something back there, and if there is, I turn my head and look.
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[peter805]

[quote michaelnel]I would not rely solely on a mirror for the rearward view when float tubing anymore than I would rely on it when bicycling.

Note the name: "Take A Look". It is for a quick look to see if there is something back there, and if there is, I turn my head and look.[/quote]

Right ! Thats what i was thinking.
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[pontoonman]

[quote TubeDude][quote peter805]Ok, this may sound kinda stupid, but what about a rear
mirror view on the tube . Just think about it for a minute. It may not be a bad idea.

Peter[/quote]

[cool][#0000ff]That is a question that usually only occurs to newbie tubers. While it seems like a good idea to be able to watch behind you, it is generally more fuss than functional and becomes something else to tangle lines or get knocked into the water. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Like most tubers I have tried a couple of ideas, including the little bicycle models that hang on glasses or the bill of your hat. Still found myself just doing my usual looking around as I moved to keep myself on track and to avoid running aground. Those little mirrors only show things in one dimension and you really need more detail and depth reference for navigation.[/#0000ff]

They only alert me something is back there, without having to turn my boat or twist my old, inflexible neck constantly. Saved me countless collisions with logs, rocks, overhead tree limbs that slap you on the head, etc. Objects may appear smaller, so if you notice a tailing or jumping fish- huge. Anything in motion can be detected from quite a distance and you can at least pull in your lines before you get run over.[]

Pon
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]And, if you have a problem with boats running over you that little mirror is not going to help. I suggest a 50 caliber machine gun or some RPGs.[/#0000ff][/quote]
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[flygoddess]

[quote peter805]So what do YOU think of the mirror little lady ?

Peter[/quote]


Pretty much said by TD. I think they are worthless and just more un-necessary stuff, just my opinion. Honestly, how hard is it to turn slightly and look over a shoulder. Come on guys, a little movement DAILY is a good thing.
I have broke my back three times in three different spots...in pain constantly, you bet, but it gets worse if I don't move.
Next you are going to want back up lights and the beeper![laugh]
IT IS FLOAT TUBING!!!![]
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[michaelnel]

I don't think I am going to use one myself, but I don't see any need for anyone to get all agitated about whether or not someone else does want to use one.
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[flygoddess]

Who's agitated?
Just my opinion. And I was asked WHY.
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[jnbsigma]

I tried setting a little something up along these lines and actually kinda liked it (after the first couple of failed attempts). I admit, I don't use it as much as I thought I would and could easily do without, but it's fun and handy at times. Here's a link to a post I made last year when I put it together (My mods obviously very closely mimic those of tubing sensei TD!):

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...60#p417460 (Sorry, I haven't figured out how to link stuff like you used to be able to on here).

I like the gooseneck idea because you can easily bend it out of the way or adjust it if needed. Again, it would probably have been just as easy to bag the whole idea and just turn around now and then, but for me coming up with new ways to trick out my ride is part of the fun! Now I just gotta figure how to install a couple of turrets on my backrest for the power squadron and I'll be all set! []

Anyway, that's just my 2 cents.
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[IrishFloatTube]

I thought about mirrors on my tube to see where I was going.
But I prefer to let the force guide me. [laugh]
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[flygoddess]

Now that is good![laugh]
Pontoonman, I see the river thing and a pontoon being a different situation for sure.
I floated the Snake on occasion and hit trees, but I doubt a mirror would help that.
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[mojorizing]

Float tubing, 'tooning is good exercise. Kicking, rowing, etc I think all would agree with that. I can see using a motor for a toon. You cover more ground that way. You still will kick off and on. But a mirror? To me, that's getting to the point of laziness.
Remember the song from the late '60's by Zager and Evans called "In the Year 2525? Almost spooky. And that's my not so humble opinion.

But, if you want to use a mirror go for it, it's nobody's business but your own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQB2-Kmiic
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[albinotrout]

[quote flygoddess][quote peter805]So what do YOU think of the mirror little lady ?

Peter[/quote]


Next you are going to want back up lights and the beeper![/quote]

Awe c'mon, I thought the light were there to blind the numbskulls that want to run over people.[:p]
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