Without a doubt, two of the biggest names in the premium adhesive market are gorilla tape and flex tape. So, when it comes to gorilla tape vs flex tape, who makes the better adhesive tape?
Both manufacturers make some pretty outsized claims when it comes to their tape’s abilities, including the ability to use it underwater (in the case of flex tape). To make a definitive choice, we’ll need to dive into the specifics of each tape, including how well they perform in real-life scenarios.
Let’s take a closer look at gorilla tape vs flex tape in detail, so you’ll be able to make the right choice for your repair needs.
Jump To:
Gorilla Tape vs Flex Tape Summary
| Flex Tape | Gorilla Tape | |
| Strength | Not ideal for repairs under stress. | Superior tensile strength, ideal for tough repairs. |
| Water Resistance | Highly water-resistant, can even be used underwater. | Fairly water-resistant, can be used for most exterior repairs. |
| Adhesive Strength | Extremely sticky, nearly impossible to remove once applied. | Very sticky, will hold for much longer than traditional duct tape. |
| Price | $$$$ | $$ |
Flex Tape
The undisputed king of the late-night infomercial, flex tape knows a thing or two about viral marketing. If you’ve ever been up late and seen the incredible boat-sawing, the leak-stopping performance of Phil Swift then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Flex Tape is a thick rubberized tape that’s flexible enough to conform to all types of shapes. One of its most distinctive features is its ability to work underwater.
Flex tape will continue to adhere to a surface even when submerged for extended periods of time, making it ideal for use in repairing leaks. I’ve tested Flex Tape’s ability to work underwater and was seriously impressed by its ability to seal and prevent leaks.
Design
Unlike duct tape and most other adhesive tapes, Flex Tape features a plastic backing that needs to be removed before you can deploy it. That means the roll is not stuck to itself like most tapes, and you’ll need to remove this backing before you can apply the tape.
This unique design is one of the reasons the tape is so adhesive. When compared with other tapes, Flex Tape takes the cake in terms of tackiness. Once you apply the tape to a surface, removing it is essentially impossible without a specialized flex tape remover.
This can be seen as both a positive and a negative, as it’s highly durable once applied, but if you misapply it you’ll have a tough time getting it off.
Usage
Flex tape performs well in a variety of applications and is particularly effective for anything involving moisture or water. The ability to seal out water is certainly its strong point and makes it somewhat unique among adhesive tapes.
As mentioned previously, the tape has a backing that must be removed before it can be deployed, which means it needs to be cut rather than torn. Its rubberized design also makes tearing it essentially impossible, so you’ll want to have a sharp knife or pair of scissors nearby when using it.
The tape is fairly strong, but because it doesn’t have an integrated mesh, don’t expect to have the tensile strength of gorilla tape.
The manufacturer recommends 24 hours for the tape to adhere completely, which is more than most premium-grade tapes. In my experience waiting this long isn’t necessary, and the tape forms a strong bond as soon as you apply it.
Price
Available online for approximately $12.50 for a 5-foot roll, flex tape is one of the more expensive tapes on the market. It costs significantly more than gorilla tape on a foot-by-foot basis, but as they have different use cases the comparison isn’t exactly valid.
Gorilla Tape
Gorilla Tape is a heavy-duty double-thick adhesive with a similar design to duct tape. It features reinforced backing with a tight-weave that contributes to its heft, but can still be ripped by hand.
The tape is both UV and water-resistant, making it ideal for both outdoor and indoor use. It’s designed to withstand extreme temperatures, both on the higher and lower end of the spectrum.
The tape features a high tensile strength, making it ideal for challenging repairs that traditional duct tape can’t handle. It also performs well in the water-resistance category, although not to the degree of Flex Tape.
Design
Gorilla tape is formulated similar to traditional duct tape but beefed up to make it much stronger and more durable. It’s double-thick and features a weather shell, making it two to three times thicker than traditional duct tape.
Due to this design, the tape will stick to rough and uneven surfaces like wood, stucco, stone, and masonry. It also works well on smooth materials like plastic, fiberglass, metal, and others.
In terms of adhesiveness, gorilla tape is stickier than traditional duct tape, but far less so than flex tape. Peeling the tape off the roll is a bit of a challenge, and once you apply it to a surface removing it will require some force.
Removing the tape after it’s been applied will usually leave some residue, so you’ll want to be sure when you apply it you’ve picked the right spot.
Usage
Gorilla tape performs well in a variety of applications and in my usage worked well whenever you would normally reach for duct tape. I’ve used it for everything from fixing patio chairs to holding pieces of plastic automobile housing together, and I’ve yet to see it fail.
The tape’s strong point is without a doubt its strength and durability. Repairs that would put traditional duct tape to the test are an ideal role for gorilla tape.
As far as using it on wet surfaces, you can certainly get away with using it for outdoor repairs that will come in contact with water, but don’t expect it to seal a leaking pipe like flex tape can. If you’re looking for an adhesive tape primarily for repairing leaks and aquatic-related items, then this isn’t the tape for you.
Price
Retailing for less than 10$ for a 35-yard roll, gorilla tape is a good deal less expensive than its higher-priced competitor. This makes a good go-to tape for everyday household repairs, where specialized waterproofing is not needed.
