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When we discuss how to stay safe on the roads, one important element of that is wearing the right gear. High Visibility Safety Vest are important for anyone working in an environment with moving vehicles, equipment and cranes- but they can also be great for running, biking, and walking. But just what are those reflective materials on those vests? We will take a look at various reflective materials, test their reflectiveness, and learn what works best for high visibility.
Reflective materials in high-visibility vest
High visibility vest reflective material types There are a few different options of reflective materials we can use on safety vests. Some popular ones are reflective tape, reflective fabric, and reflective paint. Reflexive tape is a kind of reflector that reflects light in order to the source, increasing the visibility of the wearer in the darkness. Reflective fabric is a material that has been coated with fine glass beads which reflect light when a light source hits the fabric. Reflective paint is a paint that contains glass beads or other materials to reflect light back to its source, which makes the painted surface shine.
Performance of Various Types of Reflective Materials
Every type of reflective is a compromise. Tape is long-lasting and durable, but it may not be the most visible option when compared to reflective fabric or paint. Fabric is a lightweight reflective material that can be sewn on apparel, though the durability may be questionable compared to reflective tape. Reflectorized paint can be painted onto many surfaces and provides the best visibility, though it may fade over time.
Determining the best reflective material for visibility
The choice of the right reflective product for a high-visibility vest involves the balance of durability, visibility, and versatility. The best reflective tape for very harsh conditions is likely to be reflective tape and the best reflective fabric is likely to be best for vests that need to be lightweight and pliable. If vest for safety need to be seen from far away, reflective paint could be the way to go.
The surprisingly hard science of the best high-visibility gear materials
When deciding on the best reflective material for your high-visibility gear, knowing how light reflects off of all different materials is the key. When a light beam strikes a shiny surface, the light reflects off at the same angle as it arrived on the surface. This reflective vest reflects even more light back in the wearer’s direction, so that he or she is better seen in darkness, the more reflective the material is.