Reel tape or reel bands

What’s better for attaching reel to ice rods? Reel tape or rubber reel bands?

If you mean castration bands I will take tape every time. I use the cloth racquetball or tennis type tape. The bands roll off on me.

Tape, bands flex

Our pal Joel Nelson just put out a video on how he wraps his reels. I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/maggiesee-Waterproof-Self-Fusing-Self-Adhesive-Electrical/dp/B07WX4GPB5/ref=asc_df_B07WX4GPB5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385430347890&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17165889186445522808&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029028&hvtargid=pla-882061505007&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79247718955&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385430347890&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17165889186445522808&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029028&hvtargid=pla-882061505007

been using this stuff, fantastic!!

Silicone tape. Been using it for over 5 years and one or two reels still have the original tape on it. Funny how everyone who swore by bands 2-3 years ago, suddenly switched to tape!

I never used reel bands until I bought my Fusion last season I had TUCR put them on. I guess I’ve had no problem with them and like them. Makes it easy to switch a reel out if you need to. I have a Precision coming and had them put on that as well.

Hockey tape. always on ice, wears like iron and absolutely no issues related to cold. Been using it for years….no issues and doesn’t flex at all. Much cleaner than electrical tape in my opinion and you can still preserve cork handles with masking tape.

via Imgflip Meme Generator

Thanks everyone. Going with the tape.

https://www.allelectronics.com/item/sft-5/self-fusing-rubber-tape/1.html

Also a fan of the rubber tape.

S.R.

I’m with Travis, Hockey Tape all the way. I tried the bands and just never liked the feel, always felt like the reel was loose or could roll.

Scotch Electrical Tape made by 3M. I put a strip of 3M Blue painters tape on first so I don’t damage the handles.

I’ve used painters tape on the cork, duct tape to attach the reel for years and it’s worked well for me; have never cared for the bands. I’ll be trying the silicone tape this year, too.

Good Idea on the painters tape under electrical tape I think I will go that way this year. I have a precision noodle from TUCR that has the bands and have not had a problem in last four years but I have tape on everything else. But the handles do get a little worn with straight tape to the handle so will go with the painters tape first this time around.

If you mean electrical tape, then use that. Or duck tape. I don’t think it matters.

mahtofire14 wrote:

Our pal Joel Nelson just put out a video on how he wraps his reels. I like it.

x2 on this. Tape is way better than bands, and clean tape… Joel, you’re the man.

For the guys using electrical tape, just put a layer on sticky-side-out first. No need to use two different tapes. Also, with the sticky side out, your reel will stick to the handle in the position you want it in while wrapping the tape on instead of trying to hold the reel in place. Makes it much easier to line up the reel with the guides and leaves zero tape residue.

Nice video. Thanks. Gona use this for sure

Bands feel weird, so I use tape.

3M electrical tape is worth the extra money. Way better than the $0.99 hardware store stuff. You can stretch the heck out of it and get a really tight wrap that doesn’t allow the reel to flex under a load like with the cheap tapes.

If you don’t want to damage the handle, put a wrap of painters tape underneath. It’s easier than trying to wrap tape upside-down. I do that in case I resell it.

Bass Thumb wrote:

Bands feel weird, so I use tape.

3M electrical tape is worth the extra money. Way better than the $0.99 hardware store stuff. You can stretch the heck out of it and get a really tight wrap that doesn’t allow the reel to flex under a load like with the cheap tapes.

If you don’t want to damage the handle, put a wrap of painters tape underneath. It’s easier than trying to wrap tape upside-down. I do that in case I resell it.

Cut the “upside down” tape to length first…

I use the colored electrical tape to color code the # test of line on the reel.
https://www.menards.com/main/paint/adhesives-glue-tape/tape/electrical-tape/electrical-tape-5-pack-assorted-color/10378hs/p-1532413669754-c-6482.htm?tid=-6141098074176053690&ipos=2

I use castration bands and never any issues. I can “fine-tune” the reel position whenever I want. Also they don’t affect my grip on the rod and I don’t have any issues with sensitivity.

I use this tape from Menards. Still on my first pkg. and have done several reels.

https://www.menards.com/main/paint/adhesives-glue-tape/tape/electrical-tape/gardner-bender-reg-1x-10-w-black-silicone-self-sealing-tape/htp-1010/p-1444431009999-c-6482.htm?tid=-1074589663144192340&ipos=1