>>>Date: Thu, 01 Aug 2002 09:29:45 -0400 From: jfarrelly5_at_comcast.net Subject: [Paddlewise] tape Has anyone actually used the 4" x 4" pieces of reflective tape sold at West Marine on their PFD? I am concerned that the tape won't adhere well long term to the fabric. Good comments from Jack Martin.<<< ----------------- I applied the 1" wide tape across the back of my PFD, but also had concerns about whether the adhesive would hold up long-term, so I stitched the ends (but not the sides) to it with thread. I did that three years ago and so far it's held up just fine. Evan Dallas Woodinville, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
If you want lots of good reflective material to put on your PFD that is cheap, you might try what I've seen one local paddler, Emil Zen, do. He bought triangular reflectors that are sold in bike shops for bicylist to wear in traffic. I think they are about 10 inches on each side of the triangle and of course have lots reflective material both red and yellow. The triangular reflectors come with webbing straps. Emil works these through the shoulders of his PFD, using one in front and one in back. He reports that it is not uncomfortable. The triangular reflectors flap slightly up at the bottom in wind but the shape of the device prevents it from flipping totally up. This would certainly work for PFDs that are not bright. Just a bit of a daylight test. I was at our Downtown Boathouse embayment where I saw him. There were some other paddlers out with other PFDs that have built in strips of reflective material such as Lotus Design. Not much, if any reflection from them. Meanwhile Emil shun as if he were a christmas tree. At night or in low light, I think his triangular reflectors would reflect any stray light source. ralph diaz-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Yes, the 4x4 SOLAS reflective patches sold at West Marine will bond to and stick long term to your PFD. Even better is if they get beat up they can be removed fairly easily and replaced. I believe these patches were actually designed to be applied to PFD's. I think they are an ACR product. I had one on a PFD for a year and it was in perfect condition. I also had one on the bottom of a plastic boat for about the same period and it never showed any sign of coming off. Best of all, they are more reflective then any strip of tape you will ever find! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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