Topic: What's the best gaffers tape?

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

What is the difference between good and not so good gaffer tape?

I usually just get a $15 roll from Guitar Center and I've been happy with it. Well worth the upgrade over duct tape...curious how much better my life would be with $30 gaffer tape? 

[kirk97132]

What is the difference between good and not so good gaffer tape?

I usually just get a $15 roll from Guitar Center and I've been happy with it. Well worth the upgrade over duct tape...curious how much better my life would be with $30 gaffer tape? 

depends on your use and what you want it to do.  I'd say for most people here and their uses there is no difference, except amybe tape residue when removed...maybe depends on brands.  IF you need it to be in use day after day for weeks/months on end then the high end stuff will do better.  If you want to gaff you mic stand down at a show and maybe tape cables down at a show for a night that $12-15 price point has good options. 

[ScoobieKW]

What is the difference between good and not so good gaffer tape?

I usually just get a $15 roll from Guitar Center and I've been happy with it. Well worth the upgrade over duct tape...curious how much better my life would be with $30 gaffer tape? 

Qualities of good gaff tape.
It tears off the roll cleanly by hand.
It's adhesive holds well without leaving residue yet releases cleanly without damaging the surface that was taped.
Unless it's florescent colored, it should  be matte finish so that it blends into a dark stage

[ScoobieKW]

Tearing cleanly is huge when you have to work fast.  If it doesn't tear easily and doesn't release from its own adhesive well, then you'll waste a lot of pieces that will fold on themselves.  That wastes either money (when you toss the bad tear) or time (unfolding the bad tear).

this, nutshell.

[bhtoque]

A very important factor in my use is Tack. For holding down stands, or holding extensions up is all about tack and sheer force. It's graded by numbers. 40 is fine for running cable, but 60 or 80 is what you want protecting your rig.

JAson

[sinethomas]

AFAIC, Nashua is the ONLY true gaffer tape.