Helicopter Tape Alternatives
03-30-22, 12:39 PM
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Helicopter Tape Alternatives
Of course things are going up in price but Helicopter tape has always been up there. Here are a few substitutions I have tried that work well and offer a more economical alternative.
Real Helicopter tape 2" - 39 USD for 30 ft - (Can't beat the real McCoy but it is expensive)
Gorilla Tape Clear 2" - 9 USD 54 ft - (Good value and nice to have around the shop for multiple uses. Can be messy at removal)
Kohree RV Awning Repair Tape Clear 3" - 13 USD 30 ft - (Is 3" wide so covers more area of tube, thick, I am still evaluating its use but it looks good)
Note also that I use these tapes for making clear monochrome decals more than protecting my bikes.
Real Helicopter tape 2" - 39 USD for 30 ft - (Can't beat the real McCoy but it is expensive)
Gorilla Tape Clear 2" - 9 USD 54 ft - (Good value and nice to have around the shop for multiple uses. Can be messy at removal)
Kohree RV Awning Repair Tape Clear 3" - 13 USD 30 ft - (Is 3" wide so covers more area of tube, thick, I am still evaluating its use but it looks good)
My Favorite: Frost King Clear Plastic Weather Seal Tape 2" 8 USD 33 feet (Crystal clear, thick enough to protect the frame, sticks in hot or cold weather, lasts very, very long, offers the best sub for real Helicopter tape)
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03-30-22, 01:20 PM
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I find that the helicopter tape I have used, tends to peel up around the edges of complex frame contours, then the lifted up parts get dirt under it making the effect look grungy. I thought maybe purchasing some of the 3M "wrap" that is used to wrap car bodies might be good to play around with. I have tried "crankskins" for my crankarms - but the generic shapes provide poor coverage.
03-30-22, 07:24 PM
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I find that the helicopter tape I have used, tends to peel up around the edges of complex frame contours, then the lifted up parts get dirt under it making the effect look grungy. I thought maybe purchasing some of the 3M "wrap" that is used to wrap car bodies might be good to play around with. I have tried "crankskins" for my crankarms - but the generic shapes provide poor coverage.
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03-30-22, 10:18 PM
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I don't know what "real helicopter tape" is. I have always bought car body clear film (3m) from ebay sellers in various widths and lengths. I have no idea how it compares cost wise to the alternatives mentioned, but it's an insignificant cost in the quantities I use it. If put on a clean surface and round the corners, it lasts years and stays clear.
03-31-22, 06:07 AM
#7
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I like this:
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...FrameSaverTape
Works great, peels off easily w/no stickiness.
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...FrameSaverTape
Works great, peels off easily w/no stickiness.
