Visible reflective strips

[SadieKate]

Now that Bubba and I are toodling about after dark, we are fiddling with reflective bands and tape and whatnot - not lighted stuff, just reflective. So, what do you find the most visible? I think there are some real differences but I'm not sure if it is me or everyone in general. If you mark other, what color?

I've set the poll to allow only one choice, but tell us if you think something is a close second.

[Irulan]

most types of reflective stripping are rated by "candlepower" I'm not sure what this means exactly but more candlepower = more seen. When I order strips for add on, I can choose how much candle power is in the silver reflective part.

irulan

[SadieKate]

Good to know! Where would us ignoramuses find such info?

[CorsairMac]

Have you looked into anything by IllumiNITE? It's clothing that is reflective and it's the greatest thing since sliced bread! I can't really tell anything when lights hit me the material just turns a dull gray - but I've noticed there isn't this "roaring up behind me and then swerving at the last minute" thing going on anymore. One night I was riding home in the dark with my IllumiNITE gear on, plus the headlights, blinkie rearlights etc etc and a police car shone his spot on me - don't know what he saw but he turned the spot off fairly quickly after it hit me. I must've lit up like a Christmas Tree!

I wear a jacket and leg warmers in this material. I also bought a pair of overtights.

[Irulan]

gosh, I dont know! Since I'm always buying by the roll, the catalogs will usually say. I'd ask LBS guy to find out the rating from the manufacturer!

[SadieKate]

We're only looking at things like arm/leg bands and pennies. We're not riding in traffic and we've got the cold weather clothing nailed so I don't want to mess with it. I really don't like the Illuminate stuff I have because it is stiff and noisy. I'd rather just add some stragically placed strips and lights to get us through the very few areas where there are cars.

As it is I'm rather awed that the few cars we have dealt with are nicer than in the daytime. I think that since we can't see each others' faces, we're each waiting for the other to make the first move. They're almost being too nice and there we'd all sit waiting for the other to go first.

[Irulan]

I think the best color out there is that neon green stuff. But if you can get something with reflective properties in addition to color, that's the best.

[Pedal Wench]

I just bought two - one pink, one purple. I voted 'other' because I will wear these, and therefore be more reflective. In another color, I might not be so anxious to wear it. Vain, yes, but true.