Nova Series Mirrors
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Learn how to identify and care for Nova Series MO vs. Si mirrors, including weight differences, visual cues, and proper cleaning methods for each type.
Nova Series Switches to Si Mirrors from MO Around Q4 2022
Nova Series mirrors were originally MO mirrors. Since August 2022, Si mirrors have been introduced. While there are few visual indicators as to the type of mirror you have, you can tell them apart.
The MO mirror weighs about 13.8 grams. The Si mirror weighs in at around 3.6 grams, so the weight alone is enough to identify it.
The back of the MO mirror is textured, metallic, and a bit rough. The back of the Si mirror has a smoother look almost like plastic.
The MO mirror is chamfered on one edge. The Si mirror is chamfered on both edges.
In these front and back pictures of the mirrors, the Si mirror is on the left and the MO mirror is on the right.
Cleaning and Care
The cleaning procedure is different between the MO and Si mirrors, so it is important to know the difference.
If an MO mirror gets fouled, you can usually buff it back out with aluminum wheel polish or other very fine abrasive compound and it will withstand heavy duty cleaning.
Caution: If you try the above technique with an Si mirror, you will damage the coatings and ruin the mirror.
For the Si mirrors, you clean them in a similar manner, but much more care has to be taken not to scratch or damage the optic.
Using the recommended cleaning solution and swabs as directed will be fine for the Si mirrors. The real difference is that MO mirrors are much more resilient and can be cleaned with a dirty t-shirt and polished back into shape. The Si mirrors are more delicate so more care must be used when cleaning.
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