Well, if you have a kayak then you will need flex tape, gorilla tape, or duct tape for many reasons. You should keep in mind that all these tape types work better in different conditions, materials, and surfaces. So, you have to pick the tape type depending on your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The flex tape is the weakest of all three tapes while the gorilla tape is the strongest one
- Gorilla tape is perfect for a wide range of materials, including brick, wood, stone, etc.
- Duct tape is water-resistant as it has a water-resistant top layer which is very convenient
- Flex tape is waterproof, and it can adhere to wet surfaces withholding its grip underwater so it will be a great option for your kayak
What Is Gorilla Tape?
Gorilla Tape is a type of duct tape that is designed with a double power bonding agent and a protected water-resistant backing. This type of tape is perfect for a wide range of materials, including brick, wood, stone, etc. Other kinds of tapes may not always stick to every element. Gorilla tape is UV resistant, and you don’t require scissors to cut this type of tape. Moreover, in extreme temperatures, gorilla tape works perfectly.
What Is Duct Tape?
Many people know/call duct tape like duck tape because of the duck brand. Duct tape was initially designed to seal ammunition cases for military use during World War II. However, people nowadays use it domestically because of its versatility and ease of use. Duct tape is available in silver or black color, and you can easily slit off the tape from the roll. Therefore, you won’t need scissors to cut it. Duct tape is water-resistant as it has a water-resistant top layer.
What Is Flex Tape?
The name “flex” suggests the flexibility of this tape. It is a rubberized tape, and it is designed to be stretchy enough to stick to all sorts of shapes. Flex tape is waterproof, and it can adhere to wet surfaces withholding its grip underwater. This tape is designed to seal out air and water, and it should stick to many types of surfaces. However, flex tape is not suitable for plastics and certain other materials. Another disadvantage of flex tape is you can’t use it right away as it requires a minimum of 24 hours to take hold.
Gorilla VS Duct VS Flex Tape | The Differences
Gorilla, duct, and flex tape is useful for anything but different tape works better in a different condition, material, and surface. So we make a comparison between these tapes.
| Gorilla Tape | Duct Tape | Flex Tape |
| The Sturdiness of gorilla tape is great. It took 85 pounds to break the Gorilla tape. Yet still, you can easily tear this tape by hand. | The sturdiness of duct tape is less compared to gorilla tape. It took less than 35 pounds of weight to break the tape. | The flex tape is the weakest of all three tapes. |
| The Stickiness of gorilla tape is also great. The tape can hold its wires in place for a week. | The stickiness of this tape is also not that great compared to gorilla tape. It only can hold its wires in place for a night. | The Stickiness of flex tape is good, but it requires quite a bit of time to reach its maximum hold. |
| The Water Resistance of gorilla tape is great. The stickiness of the tape was not compromised by a week in the water. | The Water Resistance of duct tape is average. The stickiness of the tape was compromised in copper and PVC bundles for both wet and dry conditions. | The Water Resistance of flex tape is good, but it won’t stick to certain waterproof materials. |
Which Type Of Tape Is Best In Underwater?
One thing is clear all these tapes are designed to be resistant to water. Though, one may work better than the other depending on which material you are using the tape. For emergency repairs or damage control, duct tape is the best option. But if you require underwater use, then gorilla tape will be the best option.
For kayaks, gorilla tape can act as a keel guard on the hull while drugging it along the ground. Gorilla tape can provide an extra level of protection for your kayaks with its thick layer. Moreover, gorilla tape can stay put in wet conditions because of its extra-strong adhesive.
One of the disadvantages of gorilla tape is; if the tape is removed after a long time, then it may leave behind some marks from the bonding agent though there is nothing to worry about as you can use acetone to remove the marks.
Manufacturers claim that flex tape is waterproof, but there is evidence that shows flex tape doesn’t stick to water-repellent and certain plastics. So if your kayak is made of plastics, then it will be wiser not to use flex tape on it.
What are the Different Use-cases of These 3 Kinds of Tapes?
Flex Tape is perfect for sticking any kind of thing on even Wet surfaces and that is why the kayaks love using Flex. It’s awesome in fixing patches, fixing minor and major damages (unless the surface is oily or greasy and plastic-based).
Duct tape performs well on wrapping stuff on corners of kayaks and it works well on uneven surfaces.
Gorilla Tape doesn’t go well on very wet surfaces (not all cases) but when you think about durability and strength; then Gorilla Tape is there to help you the best. It’s one of the best transparent types of the tape yet too powerful.
Is Gorilla Tape Better Than Duct Tape?
Yes, Gorilla Tape is better than Duct Tape if you compare the build materials, adhesiveness and durability.
Although both gorilla tape and duct tape are strong adhesive tapes, the materials from which they are made vary significantly. Gorilla tape is made from synthetic rubber that is more durable than duct tape.
One of the advantages of gorilla tape over duct tape is that it can be torn by hand, while most of the time, you need scissors to tear duct tape.
Additionally, gorilla tape is available in various widths and thicknesses. On the other hand, there are only three standard widths for duct tape: 1.88 inches (48 mm), 2 inches (50 mm), and 2-1/2 inches (64 mm).
Gorilla tape is a brand of duct tape which is manufactured in the US. The company claims to have the strongest, longest-lasting, and most weather-resistant duct tape ever.
The duct tapes are either made of cloth or plastic, and the cloth duct tapes usually use cotton as batting and water-resistant fabric to seal the adhesive side. The plastic ones are usually heat-sealed with an adhesive coating on one side.
This type of tape can be used to fix just about anything from a broken air conditioner to a leaking roof. It’s also good for taping up boxes and for making emergency repairs on clothing and other objects.
Is Duct Tape Waterproof?
Duct tape is not waterproof. It is, however, a great option for temporary fixes.
When you seal an area with duct tape, it blocks the airflow and moisture is unable to seep through. This makes it an excellent option for quick repairs on leaks or tears.
Duct tape does not have a good seal if you apply it over a wet surface and it cannot be used as a substitute for proper waterproofing done by professionals using tarps, membranes, or roofing shingles.
The downside to using duct tape as a waterproof solution is that it can only be used once or twice as the adhesive will eventually lose its stickiness and allow water in the seam.
Is Gorilla Tape Waterproof?
In general, the Gorilla Tape product called “Gorilla Tape Liquid Seam Sealer” is waterproof.
Gorilla Tape is a good option for waterproofing items such as boxes to be shipped or campers in inclement weather. It is also a good option for tasks like taping up a broken pipe, closing up bookshelves, and sealing garbage bags.
Gorilla tape is also resistant to extreme temperatures and UV light and will not lose its strength or stickiness in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long Does Flex Tape Last?
The durability of Flex Tape depends on the type and thickness of the application. You can replace it if you need to, but most Flex Tape will last for over 3 years.
How Much Does The Duct Tape Cost?
The Duct type is comparatively less pricey and you will get it at your nearby super shop at just $7.99 for 60 yards.
Does Flex Tape Work?
Flex Tape is a durable and flexible fabric that can be used to patch and repair items. It is commonly used on tents, tarps, inflatables, canvas, boats, tents, and more.
It is made with a rubber-like adhesive that can stretch up to 200% of its original size.
Flex Tape is perfect for camping enthusiasts because it can be applied or removed easily without the use of tools or heat and is commonly used for repairing small cracks, dents, and scratches. It is not a liquid and does not require any water to be applied on the surface to be repaired.
It’s a thick adhesive patch that can be applied to a surface using its self-adhesive backing. The tape works well with materials of varied hardness which makes it versatile in use. The tape works well with both dry surfaces as well as wet surfaces where the material is porous enough for the adhesive to stick properly.
How To Apply Tape To Your Kayak?
Here are a couple of steps to follow –
1. Clean your vessel properly and remove all the possible dirt and oils or greases from the Kayak’s surface.
2. Dry the surface or that particular portion where you will apply tape.
3. Apply your Tape. Gently press your tape and make it tight so that any air bubbles don’t get created under your tape.
Bottom Line
So the battle is between the gorilla tape and the duct tape. And the winner is gorilla tape because it is much thicker, stronger, and stickier than other tapes. Now the choice is yours!
References:
- https://housegrail.com/flex-tape-vs-gorilla-tape/
- https://homeimprovementscout.com/gorilla-tape-vs-flex-tape/
- https://thetechnologyman.com/the-best-duct-tape-duck-gorilla-3m-or-something-else/
Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!