Tapes are used on sleds and other equipment to improve aerodynamic flow. (Photos courtesy of the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.)
Photos courtesy of the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.
“tesa tape is an integral part of our sleds, as it holds the padding to the pod of the sled and helps the aerodynamic flow around the sled,” said Tuffy Latour, U.S. skeleton head coach. “Our athletes also use tesa tape on helmets and any open areas to cut down on aerodynamic drag, which can help us gain valuable hundredths of a second to get onto the podium. The adhesion of this tape is second to none and is the world leader in adhesive tapes.”
The team uses tesa® 4651, a high-quality acrylic coated cloth tape. It is based on a 148-mesh woven rayon fabric backing and a natural rubber adhesive. Features include high adhesion (even on rough surfaces), excellent tensile strength and straight tear edges (longitudinal and horizontal). Easy to write on and conformable, the tape is available in eight colors (black, white, gray, yellow, blue, red, green, and brown).
According to the company, tesa® 4651 is a very strong cloth tape that can be used for almost any application, including:
- Bundling and reinforcing heavy pipes, profiles, etc.
- Covering bore holes and other openings
- Marking wires and cables
- Labeling and color coding
- Floor marking
- Airtight and permanent pipe sealing
- Securing sharp edges
- Fixing and insulating wires
- Sealing tins and tubes
