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review
Reflectives
Respro Camo Sticker KitRespro Hi Viz Reflective Camouflage Sticker Kit

Respro Camo Sticker Kit

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 3, 2012

0
£12.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A fun way of remaining visible in the dark
Weight: 
25g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
How we test

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My traditional indifference to stickers has been softened by this Respro Camo Sticker Kit, which deliver exactly what they promise on the packaging - reflective stickers in a camo stylee (other styles are available including plain).

Judging by the set still adorning the Univega's wide section mudguards and hard-shell panniers, they're impervious to regular hand-washing and everyday muck and dirt. However, they don't like soft shell fabrics regularly subjected to machine washing and lids are at your own risk since there's no way of knowing if the adhesive will damage the shell's integrity.

Good surface preparation is key to preventing them peeling, so give the chosen areas a good wash or alternatively a lick of alcohol based solvent if you're short on time/patience. Whichever route you take, be sure to dry everything thoroughly before applying the stickers to the chosen surface. Smoothing them down at room temperature using your fingers gives them the best change of staying put and I've a set doubling as frame protectors that still look sharp despite 18 months and consistent chafing from abrasive Kevlar cable housings.

Patient/arty types can create all manner of eye-catching designs/logos, especially on trailers-although cycling entrepreneurs might find vinyl lettering a more cost effective means of promoting their business.

Scotchlite requires little introduction and pricks driver attention to around 400m, a little less around town so perfect for dressing blind spots such as pannier sides, rack packs and trailers. Cotton duck, hemp and hard plastic luggage make ideal recipients, although this latest generation have adhered convincingly to slippery weatherproof, rubberised fabrics including camera bags and some budget jackets. Three weeks characterised by plenty of spontaneous green-laning and subsequent clean ups haven't seen any telltale lifting or deterioration and there's plenty of alternative patterns including stars should the military theme not appeal. Some might find 13 quid for a set of stickers a bit steep, but given their usefulness, durability, versatility and longevity I'd say it's pretty reasonable - especially when yousome MTB frame sticker kits that are basically just stickers cost more.

Verdict

A fun way of remaining visible in the dark

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Respro Camo Sticker Kit

Size tested: Black/White

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

'The reflective stickers in this range are on an A4 sheet of Scotchlite material and on 'Day Glo' material. Ideal for cycle and motorcycle surfaces and any other solid surface that needs visibility. We cannot recommend the use of sticker kits for application to helmets as there is no EU law governing this and the adhesives on the vinyls have not been tested. That doesn't mean to say that you cannot use them on helmets as the manufacturers specification sheets say they are usable on fibreglass. Work that one out if you can!

For clothing application, the Pressure Sensitive kit which comes as a 'cut your own' A4 sheet, is a must. It is for use on soft and hard surfaces, and with 'easy peasy' application, it is really cool - no kidding'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

A4 sheet of self adhesive 3M Scotchlite stickers for most applications bar lids and clothing-although ours seemed to work just fine on some rubbery textured jackets, cotton duck and similar soft shell panniers.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Certainly stay put so long as their intended surfaces were prepared properly in the first instance.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

High quality stickers that work surprisingly well, grabbing attention from around 400m when lit by vehicle headlamps.They'll remain youthful and where you put them so long as surfaces were properly prepared and machine washing's avoided.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Extremely effective and stangely satisfying to apply.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Respro Camo Sticker Kit
Respro
Reflectives
reflective stickers
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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