Recommendations for matte/matt frame protection tapes

[snazpizaz]

Hi

I've shortlisted 5 types of frame protection tape based on reading forums:
1. 3M 8671HS - otherwise known as 3M's standard helicopter tape
2. 3M VENTURESHIELD - 203 and 355 micron thickness option - also used in Invisiframe products.
3. Suntek tape - i don't know about this product
4. Rhino-Hide tape - mixed reviews
5. Paragon tape - not many reviews

My issue is that my frame is matt black and the M3 products i favour apparently no longer come in matte, only high and semi gloss.

So i'm putting a general call out on the above for folks feedback about using them AND suitability for matt frames.

cheers folks - appreciated
sp
N.B. I'm not soliciting opinions on disapproval of frame protector tape - thanks for keeping these to yourselves.

 

[Milkfloat]

I just have standard 3M helicopter tape on mine and it does not show up too much at all.

 

[coffeehound]

I'll go ahead and ask the newbie question, then: why is it called helicopter tape?

 

[pawl]

What exactly is Helicopter tape who sells it?

I'll go ahead and ask the newbie question, then: why is it called helicopter tape?

Didn’t see your query re Helicopter Tape I have asked the same question I have often seen it referred to on here but like you I have no idea what it is.I have a vision of a Chinook helicopter 🚁 being held together with the stuff🚁🚁😀😀😀

 

[DCLane]

@snazpizaz - did you try any of these? If so how have you found them?

I'm about to buy a frame protection set for my son's new Ridley Noah that's due, although it'll be a generic one since there's no specific frame tape kit available.

There's the Bike Shield protection kit but otherwise tape rolls. I've not found an alternative yet.

 

[Darius_Jedburgh]

I use/have used helicopter tape for years. The thicker stuff is best, but a bit trickier to apply. Cut it to size and shape first. Then warm it with a hair dryer whilst you apply it. (A second pair of hands can be useful)

Lasts for years and is easily removed after warming with said hairdryer. Leaves no residue.

A lot cheaper than the made to measure stuff, and just as effective.

 

[PaulSB]

I'll go ahead and ask the newbie question, then: why is it called helicopter tape?

It's used on helicopter rotor blades to protect them from erosion from sand and other grit particles.

 

[Darius_Jedburgh]

I'll go ahead and ask the newbie question, then: why is it called helicopter tape?

Bit of a late answer, but it is called helicopter tape, or more usually heli tape because it is usually applied over the leading edges of helicopter rotors to protect against all the **** floating around in the atmosphere that could damage the leading edges.

 

[dretbon]

The Paragon tapes are good also. They have matte and glossy ones.

 

[Tom B]

Perhaps a day late and dollar short on this one and it Depends what you are doing but I have Lizard skin pre cut patches in Carbon Black effect on my Matt black bike.

Theyre quite thick and I'm at the point where I don't care now, but at the time they was quite unobtrusive

 

[snazpizaz]

@snazpizaz - did you try any of these? If so how have you found them?

I'm about to buy a frame protection set for my son's new Ridley Noah that's due, although it'll be a generic one since there's no specific frame tape kit available.

There's the Bike Shield protection kit but otherwise tape rolls. I've not found an alternative yet.

Hi - sorry - late reply - yes i used the bike shield and i liked it alot - i also used some heli tape see images:
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/brompton-in-old-fashioned-upright-style-completed.276219/

the bike shield is pretty invisible but the heli-tape (frame) was a bit glossy (mudguards)
sp

 

[Blue Hills]

I'd just use black duct/gorilla tape - stuff I have isn't matte though - but you could always live dangerously/brave the contempt of some.