I can never think of a time you would need a mirror. WHAT???

[EvaL]

Most rec divers I know deploy their SMB at the safety stop depth (15-20ft). Bearing in mind there may be wind/surge/wave motion on the surface that could push your SMB well away (so your line will no longer be vertical), I'd add 40ft to the 20ft = 60ft, so I'd say the 65ft finger spool is sufficient, but if the 100ft isn't a lot more expensive, I'd get it. (I'm guessing the 100ft is not a finger spool but a reel)
I've just purchased my best ever SMB from Scubatoys. It is huge, has a D-ring, dump valve, brass clip and even velcro to keep it rolled up when not in use and only costs less than $40, less than half the price of my smaller OMS SMB, and is inflated by octo:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=LargeSafety
The only disadvantage is size (huge) even when rolled up and might not fit in your BC pocket. If you like a smaller version, they have the more compact see me safety signal tube for $30, but it uses an oral push down inflator (inflate by mouth on the surface or via an adaptor connected to inflator hose):
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Seeme_signal
P.S. Mention you're from Scubaboard and they'll take 10% off your order.
Dive safely.

 

[AmyJ]

actually they do have spools with up to 165 (see the hot deals thread).... so, I'm guessing I should go with the 100 (especially since I'll take some off to make it not so tight on the spool... it'll be like 85 or so)... and thanks for the links...I'm off to check them out.

 

[DandyDon]

You never need any emergency equipment unless you need it bad. I figure a mask can reflect well enough.

We'll never know how many died trying that.

Carry the Sausage, Mirror, Storm Whitsle, and a dive light. Make sure we can find you quickly. I've had times that the second boat dive of an afternoon turned into an unplanned sundown dive. If it takes a while for the boat to find you, it could be dark.