If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself struggling with those frustrating blind spots while driving. You know, the moments when you’re almost certain the lane is clear but hesitate to switch over.
The Angel View mirror seems like it promises a fix, claiming to give you a broader, nearly 160-degree field of view to minimize those blind spots. Naturally, I had to try it out — anything that can make driving safer is worth a shot, right?
However, after using the Angel View mirror for a while, I have some real thoughts about its benefits and drawbacks, and I think it’s important to share the full picture with you. Let’s get into the details.
My Experience Using Angel View Mirror
My experience with the Angel View mirror has been a mixed bag. On one hand, it does what it claims — it widens your field of vision, allowing you to see more of what’s behind and beside your car. Installing it was simple, and it snapped onto my existing rearview mirror without much effort.
Once installed, I did appreciate the wider panoramic view it provided. I could see both of my blind spots from a single glance, which was a definite improvement over my standard rearview mirror.
However, this mirror has some serious drawbacks. The most annoying issue for me was the vibration. At higher speeds, the mirror would start to shake, making it difficult to clearly see what was behind me.
The constant vibration made my driving experience less comfortable, especially on long highway trips. Also, the image distortion took a bit of getting used to. While the wide-angle design did help cover blind spots, it also made judging distances more challenging, especially during lane changes.
Another downside was the fit. Although advertised as fitting most vehicles, I found the clips didn’t secure the mirror as tightly as I would have liked. On more than one occasion, I had to readjust it, which isn’t ideal when you’re focusing on the road.
The mirror also picked up the headrests of the back seats, which often blocked a significant part of my view.
All in all, while Angel View did offer some improvement in visibility, the drawbacks make it difficult for me to fully recommend it. If you’re just looking for a quick and affordable solution, it might be worth a try.
But for those who prioritize reliability and clarity, I’d suggest exploring other options that don’t come with these compromises.
Pros And Cons of The Angel View Mirror
Pros
- Enhanced Viewing Angle: Angel View boasts a nearly 12-inch convex mirror that claims to eliminate blind spots. While using it, I noticed a definite increase in how much I could see on either side, especially compared to a regular rearview mirror.
- Easy Installation: One undeniable advantage is how simple the installation process is. You just snap it over your existing mirror, and it’s ready to go. The spring-loaded rubber feet made it feel secure on my mirror.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to other blind spot reduction devices or technology like sensors, the Angel View is inexpensive. It’s an easy addition if you’re looking for a potential boost to your overall visibility without splurging.
Cons
- Mirror Vibration: One major issue that I ran into, and which others seem to agree on, is the mirror’s tendency to vibrate. At high speeds or on rougher roads, the mirror would start vibrating enough to make it hard to focus clearly on the reflection. It’s a big drawback since visibility is what the mirror is supposed to enhance. Instead, it made some views a little blurry.
- Fit Issues: The mirror is advertised to fit most cars and SUVs, but “fits most” definitely does not mean “fits all.” Unfortunately, many customers (including myself) found that the clips didn’t hold as securely as expected, especially if your mirror was on the thicker side. Some people even reported that their Angel View fell off, which isn’t exactly a confidence booster.
- Distorted Image: The wide-angle convex design does give you a broader field of view, but it comes with a level of distortion that can be tough to get used to. The classic “objects are closer than they appear” effect was very prominent. Initially, it made judging distances a little tricky, especially when trying to switch lanes on the highway.
- Blockages: A surprising con that I noticed is that while the mirror increases the view, it also picks up unwanted visual elements — like the headrests of the back seats or, in some cases, even your own face. This issue is particularly noticeable in sedans or smaller cars, and it doesn’t quite deliver on the “eliminate blind spots” promise if half the view is blocked by your backseat.
Maintenance Tips For The Angel View Mirror
If you decide to give the Angel View a try despite the mixed reviews, it’s important to know how to keep it in the best shape. Maintaining clarity and reducing vibrations requires a bit of extra care:
- Regular Cleaning: Make sure to clean the mirror regularly, as dust and fingerprints can quickly hinder visibility. A microfiber cloth and some glass cleaner will do wonders for keeping the mirror in optimal condition.
- Securing Proper Fit: Take the time to adjust the rubber feet properly during installation. Ensuring that the mirror is secure will help reduce vibrations, though admittedly, it’s difficult to completely eliminate it.
- Checking Stability: Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to double-check the mirror’s stability. If it feels loose, it might be better to remove it temporarily rather than risk it falling off while driving.
How Angel View Compares To Other Brands?
Now, let’s talk about how the Angel View stacks up against other brands and mirror solutions. When I was considering buying Angel View, I also looked at alternatives, like panoramic rearview mirrors and even blind spot mirrors that stick onto the side mirrors.
- Angel View Vs. Other Wide-Angle Mirrors
Compared to other wide-angle mirrors on the market, Angel View is fairly similar in size but falls a little short in execution. While other mirrors often use improved mounting solutions, Angel View’s spring-loaded feet don’t feel quite as reliable.
A brand like Broadway makes wide-angle mirrors that generally receive better feedback for stability and durability, without the consistent issue of vibrations that I experienced with Angel View.
- Angel View Vs. Blind Spot Mirrors
If you’re solely interested in eliminating blind spots, smaller stick-on blind spot mirrors for your side-view mirrors might be a better option.
These add-ons offer more targeted blind spot coverage without the extra bulk of a large mirror over your existing one. Plus, they tend to be more reliable and have none of the vibration issues that larger mirrors like Angel View have.
- Angel View Vs. Technology-Based Solutions
There are more expensive, tech-driven solutions for blind spot coverage, like cars that come with built-in blind spot monitoring systems. Obviously, these are costlier options, but it’s worth considering if you’re someone who values safety and ease of use.
In comparison, Angel View is much more affordable but lacks the accuracy and convenience that modern technology offers. It’s also worth noting that the reliability and clarity of a blind spot monitoring system far outweigh the benefits of a wide-angle mirror.
FAQs About The Angel View Mirror
Angel View mirror works to an extent by providing a wider field of view than your standard rearview mirror. However, the additional coverage comes with some trade-offs, including vibrations, image distortion, and occasional fit issues, which means it might not work as seamlessly as expected for everyone.
The best view for a car mirror is one that provides an unobstructed line of sight along the sides of your vehicle to minimize blind spots. Properly adjusted side mirrors can greatly reduce blind spots without the need for extra attachments like Angel View.
Wider rearview mirrors can be beneficial as they provide a more comprehensive field of view, potentially reducing blind spots. However, they may introduce issues such as image distortion or vibrations, particularly if they’re not properly secured.
Convex mirrors provide the widest view due to their curved shape, allowing you to see more of the surrounding area. While they offer great coverage, keep in mind that they also distort the image, which can make judging distances challenging.
Final Verdict: Is Angel View Worth It?
After using the Angel View mirror, I have to say I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for everyone. Yes, it does give you a wider field of view, but the drawbacks — like vibrations, distortion, and the challenges of fitting it properly — ultimately outweigh the benefits for me.
If you’re a casual driver who wants a quick fix for visibility issues and you’re willing to put up with some shortcomings, it could be worth a try.
However, if safety is your main concern and you want something dependable that doesn’t require you to adapt your driving style, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. A properly adjusted set of side-view mirrors or even smaller blind spot mirrors can be just as effective without the bulk or drawbacks of the Angel View.
