MarshGuard Slapper Tape - Review

Feb 15, 2016
by Paul Aston  
MarshGuard Slapper Tape


From the man that brought you the MarshGuard and the mechanic responsible for optimizing Greg Minnaar's Santa Cruz for his many World Cup victories. Slapper Tape is a soft, sticky-backed 'mastic' tape that can be used to keep your bike quiet by minimizing the effects of chain-slap, give your ride that factory race machine look as well as being handy for a few other uses. A 100cm x 25mm roll costs €14 ($15 USD approx.) and can be shipped worldwide.
Slapper Tape Details
• Comes in a reusable container
• 100cm length per roll
• 25mm wide
• MSRP: €14.00-28.00
• www.marshguard.com


MarshGuard Slapper Tape
While the number of bikes now coming with moulded chainstay guards has increased, many tend to add an unnecessary amount of 'black plastic' that can do little justice to the aesthetic value of your bike. Using Slapper Tape, you can add appropriate protection to exactly where it's needed - it's also nice to add a personal touch to your bike like this Scott Gambler.

MarshGuard Slapper Tape
This bikes was taped just before the end of last summer and has so far survived the onslaught of the British winter without concern - the trick to making a good job is to measure twice, cut once and work your way along the length of the tape while adding consistent pressure with your fingers to mould the tape around corners. If its not going where you want it to, use a hair dryer to heat it up.
MarshGuard Slapper Tape
It might take a few attempts to achieve some nice clean lines and if you're struggling, make some reference points or use masking tape and apply a minimal amount of pressure to the tape as it can be removed and reapplied more than once. The worst thing you can do is to pull on the tape and stretch the material and deform it into a useless mess of rubber - just take your time and enjoy the process.

Nose bridge mod
Slapper Tape's uses go way past seat and chainstays - I used it here to raise my riding glasses on my face.
Trailside bodge
A bit of leftover tape that I found in my bag helped keep this cable in place after the zip-tie gave up the ghost.



Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesSlapper Tape will pretty much stick to anything, it's easily cut to size with scissors, and can be moulded and shaped around welds and corners. It does a steller job of keeping things quiet, and I even found a few extra uses like modifying the nose bridge on my riding glasses for a better fit, stopping cable rub, and even taping down a brake hose during a trailside repair. - Paul Aston


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Marshguard


Must Read This Week
[Updated - Dante Silva Joins the Canyon CLLCTV DH Team] Round Up: A Complete Timeline of 2023 Team Moves
130839 views
Video: Grim Donut Part 3 - We Made It Less Terrible
64267 views
First Look: The 2023 Bold Unplugged Mixes Aggression With Integration
57107 views
Interview: Rocksled Suspension's Wild New Linkage Fork
56269 views
Transition Releases Relay Lightweight eMTB
55497 views
Bike Check: Comparing Jack Moir, Kasper Woolley & Christian Textor's New YT Capra Race Bikes
49745 views
Review: Rossignol Heretic - Not Quite Ready for Prime Time
49226 views
How Much Do Professional Mountain Bikers Get Paid? - Pinkbike's State of the Sport Survey
45944 views

119 Comments

  • 237 4
 Or you could go for 3M 2228 Rubber Mastic Tape. $9.27 for 10 ft (3 meters).
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B1AP3O
  • 33 0
 Beat me to it. I'm pretty sure this is probably the same stuff.
  • 29 0
 yeah I use the 3m stuff, literally exactly what this stuff is. Best chain guard of all time! Buy this people. It's cheaper.
  • 9 0
 The exact same thing... been using it for years.
  • 14 0
 Also, you can buy it in 2" wide for downtubes. It gets kinda cumbersome that wide... www.amazon.com/Scotch-Rubber-Mastic-Width-Length/dp/B001AO9IRG
  • 6 4
 pic of my 3m stuff on my rear triangle www.pinkbike.com/photo/12394085 rode it one season so far and its gotten super slapped up but the chain has never made it thru.
  • 6 0
 First review on that Amazon link is of a guy using it on a mtb chainstay. Nice!
  • 4 0
 Goddammit, Amazon.ca.

Price: CDN$ 73.80 + CDN$ 52.18 shipping

Anyone have a good Canadian source?
  • 2 0
 @dhmachine86, found it here: m.uline.ca/h5/r/www.uline.ca/Product/Detail/S-16010/3M-Electrical-Tape/3M-2228-Rubber-Mastic-Tape-2-x-10

Mind you its 44 bucks 2"x10' roll and you have a minimum order of two. But get one of your buddies to hop in and split the order.
  • 3 2
 can it be used as down tube protector?
  • 1 0
 @dhmachine86, that's probably for a case.
  • 5 0
 Plumbing aisle...any hardware store.
  • 10 3
 For anybody that lives in the U.S., you can simply roll into your local homo depot and pick up a roll of the 3m 2228 tape for $9.
last year [for whatever reason] they had it on sale for I wanna say $6/roll, so I bought several.
For those areas where you don't want thick black tape on your bike, i.e. down tube, top tube etc, you can buy rolls of helicopter tape-which is clear for $30. FWIW, it's called ' helicopter' tape because its original use was taping leading edges of helicopter blades. It's also called 'racers' tape-particularly on Amazon.
It'll do the job just as well as 2228-I wanna say it's just as thick, but not pliable like 2228.
And as I said, it's CLEAR, and it's more expensive, although IIRC you get more
  • 2 0
 Anyone have a source in europe for the mastic tape? don't wanna order it in the us.
  • 6 0
 @macem...because I agree with your Favourite Pics selection...I'll help ya out. Search "3M 2228 tape" and narrow it down to your location. It's sold worldwide. This same tape is sold in the plumbing section of hardware supply stores under various brand names.
  • 1 0
 Cheers @loopie Smile
  • 1 0
 Amazon has that $9 roll at 22€ ... definitely need some cheaper source!
  • 4 0
 @loopie... When I went looking for 3M 2228 around me (Toronto area), I had a hell of a time finding it. No local hardware or big box store carried it. I was able to find it at "speciality" shops like Uline, but they wanted an arm and a leg for it, plus shipping on top. I ended up getting a buddy to buy and ship me some from the states. What hardware stores are you buy it from and for how much? You also mentioned various brand names, what other brand names is it listed under?
  • 5 0
 I've been trying to find some 2228 tape here in Sweden and it'd actually be cheaper for me to order the MarshGuard one including shipping than get some locally. For people living in places where you can actually get a hold of it pretty easily this might not make a lot of sense, but for Europeans it seems like a viable option.
  • 2 0
 Amazon sells it as well I believe. Little bit more expensive but the roll is about 3 times longer!
  • 1 0
 Had the exact same thought as soon as I saw the stuff. It's Mastic tape, but more expensive.
  • 5 4
 Or you could use a old tube and some electrical tape for next to nothing.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the Home Depot tip. Going today. Love a $9 item that works and has enought to last for years.
  • 1 0
 It's also known as Water-Sealing electrical tape, for those looking for it out of states.
  • 1 0
 @dhmachine86

I work for that big company. Try going to the Amazon.com website and ordering it there. For quite a few products, it will actually be cheaper for you. Let me know your findings!
  • 1 0
 HAHAHA as soon as I saw this I thought the same thing. I buy the 3M stuff for cheap at home depot.
  • 3 0
 @dhmachine86 @pittman9 Confirmed - you can order it from Amazon.com for $9, and the shipping to Canada is $5.69.
  • 2 0
 Actually, this looks like it might be the same stuff. I'd have to see it in person to be sure though.

www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/fushion-pro-self-fusing-black-silicone-tape-0670023p.html
  • 1 0
 Thanks @pittman9 . A lot of products will ship across the border, but not all. But with the Canadian dollar down so far down on the USD right now, and my Prime membership not working on the .com.... I try to get what I can from .ca. But I may end up doing just that for this.
  • 1 0
 My guess is 3M makes this for them. Or they just buy it from the same factory and have it packaged. My question would be how well does this product come OFF and how well does the 3M stuff you're talking about come off. I don't want some crap on there that will never in a million years come off... even this stuff will get beat up and need to be replaced.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I haven't tried removing the 3M stuff. I've had it on for one season and it looks perfect, but we'll see how it goes next season.
  • 2 0
 The 3M stuff actually comes off clean. It sticks like mad when you wrap it or tape it down but it comes off clean. Kinda like removing old playdough or clay, comes off with some rubbing in spots
  • 3 1
 3mduro...
  • 1 0
 @slipfinger ...Rust-oleum Leak Seal...Cantech Fusion Pro...Magic Wrap...Duck Brand Wrap-Fix Repair...and a few more. Sometimes they aren't in a specific spot....might just be on an aisle end rack or somewhere random like an Impulse Buy display..."as-seen-on-tv" type of deal
  • 1 0
 @loopie... Thanks for the info, I'll check it out!
  • 1 0
 Found the mastic tape on eBay from Hong Kong. 15ish bucks for a big roll and free shipping.
  • 2 0
 @micah356

The self fusing silicone tape is not the same as this stuff. Self fusing silicone tape will only fuse to itself, so you must wrap up the whole chainstay. It is not adhesive backed. Also, while silicone is "soft", self fusing silicone tape hardens just a little bit and doesn't have the rubbery softness that 3M 2228 has.

I use self fusing silicone tape to re-wrap my battery packs, but I wouldn't use it on my chainstay.
  • 1 0
 I just happened to be in a store a couple hrs ago and a couple different brands of this silicone repair tape were there...It does say right on the pkg that it sticks to itself, not anything else per-say. So I guess some of these tapes may not be exactly the same...
  • 37 0
 I thought this was the stuff Essex girls used to hold their 'bits' in??
  • 1 0
 I made a few of these back in the 80's when VHS was a thing after getting them home from the pub.
  • 31 1
 You might want to think again about using the stuff on your glasses. Slapper tape works great on a chainstay, and I'm sure it gets the job done on the glasses as well, but I'm also pretty sure that 3M never designed the stuff for prolonged skin contact, while exposed to salty liquid (sweat). In all likelihood the manufacturer of your glasses took some care to make sure that the nose pads are BPA- free and non- allergenic, I wouldn't replace them with something that was designed for industrial use.
  • 12 0
 True story .... its not intended to be placed on your skin for a prolonged period of time. Petroleum, yuck.
  • 35 2
 This is a new low. Is this serious?
  • 1 1
 Not even new, this shit's been advertised on here before.
  • 29 0
 Im impressed by the 'reusable container' feature.
  • 18 0
 Yeah, but that's still 15 bucks for a meter of mastic tape and a weed container.
  • 29 6
 Good ol tube does the trick
  • 10 3
 A tube and som zip ties is all u need
  • 13 2
 Yeah, but that's not enduro.
  • 16 0
 I buy the same stuff from the local electric/lighting store ... it's slightly thicker but SUPER sticky,,, tough as nails about $6 per square that you can cut to shape
  • 12 0
 Is it April first already? This is 3M mastic tape repackaged into a useless container...unless I'm missing something here!?
  • 13 3
 For this price I expect it to be enduro-specific Smile
  • 7 0
 Looks like good stuff but the price is way to high for me! I'll stick to my clear thick 3M tape.
  • 6 0
 The loop side of Velcro does a great job as well. Tougfh and great and damping out slap. Available in loads of widths and super cheap.
  • 3 0
 Yeah..you can buy Velcro in all sorts of shapes and sizes...use the fuzzy size or the J side individually. ...works like a champ...sometimes I just can't buy into these bike - brand prices which seem to be over inflated simply of a poor marketing. ...same goes for most oils and cleaners I buy for the shop...I get the stuff from auto and motorcycle shops....it's better products and far cheaper
  • 5 0
 Wrapped a bunch of tape around my seatstay to protect it. But I used electrical tape and made it look like an American Flag. You know, cause 'merica.
  • 8 0
 Pics or it didn't happen! Wink
  • 6 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/13173266
  • 2 0
 Rad! That's badass!
  • 3 0
 Jackson, given your location, you should go pick up a ski strap to hold your tube on your bike. Nice and wide, has a soft foam to protect your paint, re-usable and it won't leave a residue on your frame. They're cheap too!
  • 3 0
 Haha poor marshy! This went over like a lead balloon! The secret is to put this down. Then put the fuzzy side of Velcro overtop and slightly bigger, then burn the fuzz off with a torch. Way tidier and quieter. Then the tape doesn't get all gooey and smeared around by your heel in the hot weather. This slapperr, I mean 2228 tape gets pretty messy if you just use it alone.
  • 2 0
 A little rubber cement, and some old inner tubes will do the exact same thing, AND when you want it to come off, use a rubber cement eraser, and it will all come up no questions asked! BOOM, saved you some dinero, and helped you use your useless burnt out tubes.
  • 3 0
 I'm a power lineman. It's actually produced to use in terminations for high voltage cable to seal concentric neutral wires at the bottom of the termination. Try an electrical supply house for those of you outside the US.
  • 4 0
 Screw-fix sell the same stuff but cheaper as well. Also Bike Tart have been selling rolls of the stuff for years.
  • 2 1
 Can highly recommend this stuff. There's enough in a pot to do two rear-ends, and the 1 inch wide strips are perfect size and easy to mold around joints etc. Also looks very neat and tidy, like it's supposed to be there. I did my both my Yeti 303WC & my Yeti DJ and still had a bit left over. Makes a MASSIVE difference if you want to keep things quite, which I do! Velco was good but this is 100 times better imo.
  • 4 0
 Well what you expect... Their most famous product this company made is a straight up copy of the mucky nutz...
  • 2 1
 The first rule of Slapper Tape is don't talk about Slapper tape........The second rule of Slapper tape is DON'T TALK ABOUT SLAPPER TAPE........THE THIRD RULE OF SLAPPER TAPE IS IT IS OVERPRICED 3M 2228.......but don't talk about that either!
  • 4 1
 I cut my old tires to the size of my chainstay and seal it with zip tie.. voila, got my free chainstay protector
  • 4 0
 Has fluffy velcro gone outta fashion? Its super quiet.
  • 2 0
 I use velcro and its awesome. No noise whatsoever.
  • 2 0
 Sam Hill's mechanic used to use it on his Sunday to silence the bike. Ever since reading the article in Dirt I have used Velcro and it is super quiet.
  • 4 0
 Just use an inner tube. Going tubeless don't mean you can't improvise!
  • 1 1
 £1.19
Useful-Bike-Bicycle-Frame-Protector-Clear-Wear-Surface-Tape-Film-60-To-120-1M




Details about Useful Bike Bicycle Frame Protector Clear Wear Surface Tape Film -60 To +120° 1M www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252036259135?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
  • 3 0
 Why do people stuff the hollows of their cranks with steel wool? anyone?
  • 3 0
 to keep them clear of mud Wink
  • 3 0
 And it's actually foam. Steel wool would be way heavier and a lot more expensive than foam.
  • 3 0
 Moto foam
  • 1 0
 Thanks guys! now it makes sense.
  • 2 0
 I tend to use an old inner tube with gorilla tape on top of it. It's been on my hardtail for two years without peeling off
  • 1 0
 All the diffrent kinds of tape i use always get beaten through, now i use tennis tape like the have on there rackets. Works for me
  • 2 0
 Over here, Brazil, this 3m stuff costs 40usd. Hahahaahahahahaha we are f#cked
  • 2 0
 Yeah I feel your pain bro. But I use an old tube and it works just fine. It was never an issue for me.
  • 2 0
 Im used to use stripes of carpet. You can buy those in cloth stores. Cut them as stripes and roll then on stays. It helps to keep mud and grease out of chain
  • 2 0
 I just kind of wrap tape around the chain stays... Aha works for me.
  • 1 0
 I need some of this. due to my crank arm being too close to the swingarm (Bloody Trek)
  • 1 0
 When it comes to getting a new product out there this is proof that it's not what you know......!!!!
  • 1 0
 i wouldn't be surprised to see an upcoming "bike/life hacks" story where they tell you about 3m 2228
  • 1 0
 ive always used self amalgamating tape on my older bikes without plastic guards
  • 1 0
 Maybe not as thick but I really like ESI's silicone tape/wrap. $8.95 for 10'.
  • 1 0
 Has anybody tried PLymouth BISHOP 2625 Rubber Mastic Tape yet? looks the same, same width and thickness as 3M 2228
  • 7 6
 If I use slapper tape will the lack of noise make me as fast as minaar?
  • 7 1
 No, but u may find that more friends will ride w/u, as long as they can handle a lil sarcasm along ride!
  • 17 0
 Just remove your chain and you'll have the lack of noise and be as fast as gwin.
  • 1 0
 if the bike is a v10 it will be still noisy with no chains lol
  • 1 0
 Because you can shape it around welds!
  • 2 0
 ^too affordable.
  • 2 0
 I just use gorilla tape.
  • 1 0
 I have made that something like 7 years ago...
  • 1 1
 A ripoff from m3 2228. I've been using for years . Best stuff ever. Go to Home Depot and get a roll for under $10.
  • 1 0
 umm... tennis racket grip also does this trick very well for cheap.
  • 2 0
 3M 2228 is 3M 2228
  • 1 0
 Mastic Tape FTW! been using it forever and costs around $5-6USD!
  • 2 0
 this stuff is awesome
  • 2 5
 Doesn't anyone run clutch derailleurs? Chain slap has become virtually anon-issue since I've been running a clutch. And if you have enough slack in a SS set-up to hit the stays I'd say you have too much slack in your chain.
  • 1 0
 Old tube for life!
Below threshold threads are hidden





Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.032590
Mobile Version of Website