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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: BradLantz on February 17, 2009, 05:41:00 AM

Title: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: BradLantz on February 17, 2009, 05:41:00 AM
I like practical things. I long ago learned that "wrapping" my carbons made my feathers bound better. I've tried it all, even electrical tape, but so far, nothing beats this 3M reflective tape, and here is why.

I left a quickee quiver in a tree 250 yards from the back of my mom and dad's house - and that night I shined a light up into the field towards it and my 3 arrows with 3M reflective tape lit up like flashlighs shining back at me, exactly what they suppose to do.

My theory is that in the past when I've had a hard time finding my arrow, pass through, broken off, missed, lost ...  or even a down deer that has an arrow still in it - looking for that arrow that has that tape on it at night might make a world of differnce, you know?

Fletchtite makes a great bond with feathers to it, its not expensive really ..... just thought I'd share what I found. Crowns/caps/crestings are gorgeous and I admire them greatly, arrow wraps work but are sometimes pricey and not as durable or as shiny as I like .... but like I said, I'm practical and these work for me.

Here is an example of how they shine


  (http://www.beseenonabike.com/shopuk/images/983_tape_headlight_anim.gif)
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Tim on February 17, 2009, 07:46:00 AM
Brad,

Did you check out onestringer.com for arrow wraps?  He's a sponsor here and has an incredible selection of unique wraps for a very fair price.

I use 3M reflective tape on my motorcycle...great stuff!

Tim
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Smallwood on February 17, 2009, 10:05:00 AM
i have been using that trick for about 13 years now, i was using the 3-m reflective tape from walmart to wrap my pultruded carbons in the early 90s cause that was the only way i could get the fletch to stick to them then.
where did you get that stuff? i have never had any that had that honey comb look, i like it!
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Shifting Shadow on February 17, 2009, 10:08:00 AM
Brad, thanks for the info!
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Dave Lay on February 17, 2009, 10:09:00 AM
I also use it.. great for findin the judo arrow shot before climbing down at dark....
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: MnFn on February 17, 2009, 10:40:00 AM
Got a picture of a finished arrow?
Thanks, Gary
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: huntsfairchase on February 17, 2009, 11:29:00 AM
Been using reflective tape for arrow wraps for years myself. Never seen the 3M honeycomb look either. As mentioned, real nice for finding an arrow in the dark.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: 1/4 away on February 17, 2009, 11:45:00 AM
Are you using the tape as an arrow wrap or just putting a small piece around the arrow say between the feathers and nock?
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: david janssen on February 17, 2009, 12:30:00 PM
Can you use fletch tape on top of the 3M tape when attaching feathers?
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: frassettor on February 17, 2009, 12:51:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by MnFn:
Got a picture of a finished arrow?
Thanks, Gary
Yeh, I would love to see a pic to
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: arklongbowman on February 17, 2009, 12:57:00 PM
Thanks Brad, now I have something to do until Turkey and deer season rolls around again.  I have 4-5 dozen arrows I can play with.  I like pretty arrows!
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: BradLantz on February 17, 2009, 04:39:00 PM
3M makes the honeycomb looking stuff ....... if I can get a picture tonight I will.

Fletchtape works on it too - its takes a good bond with about anything (haven't tried DUCO)

I've never seen anything glow/reflect like this stuff - I mean from 300-400 yards it will jump out at you it reflects so brightly at night ....
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: rxhntr on February 17, 2009, 05:23:00 PM
I use this on my Beaver arrows---makes retrieving a lot easier. I like the honeycomb and will try getting that one next time.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Skinny_String on February 17, 2009, 05:47:00 PM
What width should a guy buy? I am shooting 5/16 carbons.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: vtmtnman on February 17, 2009, 05:58:00 PM
Another vote for a pic of a finished arrow.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: tex-archer on February 17, 2009, 08:12:00 PM
How wide is the tape and where, what department can I find it in?
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Plumber on February 17, 2009, 08:27:00 PM
Ill tell ya something if you put it on clothes pins in a area your not use to hunting it looks like run way lights when leaveing the woods the darker the better.It really is incredible bright
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: BOWMARKS on February 17, 2009, 09:15:00 PM
Another vote on where to get ?
 :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: 2Knives on February 17, 2009, 09:51:00 PM
I've been using reflective tape for a long time and I love it!!!
I also crest on top of it while still letting plenty show through.
I'll post a pic when my camera gets done charging.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: BradLantz on February 17, 2009, 10:31:00 PM
google 3M reflective tape .... it comes in many lengths/widths - I use the white reflective honeycomb looking stuff, and I cut it with a paper cutter to the width I need for a ICS 400 shaft (can't remember the exact width I needed)

2knives - I never thought to crest over it and make it pretty .... I bet that looks spiffier than Air Force One
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Steve O on February 17, 2009, 10:47:00 PM
Yep, just about all my arrows have at least a 1/4" strip between the feathers and nock.  Also have some set up with Onestringers reflective wraps.  VERY helpful in finding arrows.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Ray Hammond on February 18, 2009, 06:39:00 AM
the honeycomb look is actually crushed glass under a clear tape. It was invented by 3M for use as a RR crossing arm reflector, as well as the sides of truck trailers.

The vendor who made it for 3M years ago was in Savannah GA and was a client of mine. The stuff sold then for thousands of dollars a roll and I was fortunate enough to get several "blem" rolls t use to mark stands, clothes pins for going in and out of Ft Stewart (you couldnt leave trail tape or other markers or stands there but it was an easy way to mark yourself in and then back out to your truck at dark)

I still have some of the stuff but its actually much thicker than the bike tape you are showing Brad.

Cool stuff.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Bakes168 on March 01, 2009, 12:55:00 PM
ttt
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Oregon Okie on March 25, 2009, 11:13:00 AM
anyone have pics of arrows??
does this method put more weight on than a "normal" arrow wrap??
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: Recurve50 LBS on March 25, 2009, 11:18:00 AM
I'd also like to see a finished arrow with this stuff on it.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: S. Brant Osborn on March 25, 2009, 11:23:00 AM
My dad put a little wrap in front of the nock and another behind the broadhead.  I think I will start doing the same.  He also has a litle on almost every piece of equipment he takes hunting.  Helps him find it but also marks it as belonging to him.

I am going to try the clothespin idea.

He gets his from either Walmart or O'reileys auto parts.  Thats the only 2 places here that would have it.
Title: Re: 3M Reflective tape (arrow wrap alternative)
Post by: RC on March 25, 2009, 02:14:00 PM
I like the clothespin idea. I got some reflective wraps frpm 3 rivers and use a small piece between feathers and nocs. I also put about a two inch piece below my feathers.

 A bag full of clothespins and a roll of tape will give you a lifetime of trail markers you can remove as you leave with ease and not ugly up the woods.Great Idea fellows.

Its amazing at the simple ideas folks have and how they make things easier in the woods.RC