SOLAS tape (and the like)

Getting some SOLAS tape has long been on the list of "safety items" since before I had even gotten my kayak. I also knew KFS sold it for $2.50 a foot (2" width), so whenever I got around to ordering something from them (like the YakAttack VisiPole), I'd order a few feet.

Well, I still haven't made that order.

But I did swing by Portland Kayak for the first time last week.  I knew they were a touring kayak shop, but thought I'd take the time to scope the place out.  I'll skip out all the details, but I did find a roll of SOLAS tape on their racks.  At 4" in width, they sell it for $3.75 a foot.  While talking about fishing and SOTs, I went ahead and had them cut me 4'. 

Its been sitting in my car since then.  I hadn't figured out what exactly I was going to do with it, how/where I was going to apply it, etc.  I also knew I had a good amount to work with.  This morning I headed to Signs Now and figured I'd see if they could cut me a decal.  Sure enough.  Two decals made for my kayak from the SOLAS tape I provided.  And my wallet wasn't any lighter than it was went I went in.  Bonus!

Here are some results...

Flash off, normal ambient lighting.


Flash on, normal ambient lighting.


Flash on, Nighttime conditions


ok... the night time pic doesn't do much justice since the rest of the picture is well within the flash's effective zone.  I'll have to get another picture when the yak is on my car and i can hike down the block.

Real 3M SOLAS tape like this acually has a candlepower ratting! Thats some reflected stuff.  900cp if you're interested.  At night, that's something you'll definitely notice when the spotlight is being bounced around.  Even my little LED headlamp can make this stuff shine through the fog when I couldn't see anything else.

There's other reflective tapes out there, but I don't know if any are quite this good.  Reflexite is very well known and I know a lot of motorcycle riders out there that love the stuff.  I think only the SOLAS tape is USCG approved for its reflectivity. 

Pretty cool stuff!

West Marine had (still has?) the "real" Solas tape.  It makes you more visible for sure, but be careful where you put it on your yak as it will "kill" the quality of your "fish porn" pics with the flashes reflection.  I took mine off as I was tired of  the "SOLAS eye" ala red eye affect.

The only SOLAS i remember seeing when I was last at WM was pre-cut.  (3M Solas Scotchlite Pre-Cut - $28.99 USD according to their website).  This is the same stuff from a $300+ roll, cut to what you want.

I'm not too concerned about the reflections.  Infact, I want them.  If i'm taking the pics, they won't come up. If someone else is taking the pics, then they need to study up on strobist.com

The 3M tape I bought can be found at Walmart for pretty cheap.

yeh, that's great stuff. last year picked up some diamond shaped SOLAS paddle reflectors on a whim while at one of my favorite local shops.. took 2 of them, cut them down the middle, and put a triangle on each side at bow and stern on my T15. been happy with them there, since i ain't yet been runned over by a power boat. 

got it at alder creek too for $2.99ft.

Jason- 2" or 4?

both. But I'd call first and make sure it's in stock. usually it's by the bungee & perimeter line.

right on! i'll definitely swing by next time i'm out shopping around. AC is close enough for me

OK, correction. It's $4.00/ft for the 4". Not any better I guess. I'll give a NWKA discount if I'm there.

J