The question: Which retro-reflective tape is the brightest? can be answered by the type of construction, its color, and how much octagonal prism is present on the surface. The brightest tapes are white or silver, and their brightness remains constant regardless of distance. Unless you plan to use them for extremely long periods of time, you can safely choose whichever one you prefer.
Flexible engineer grade type 1 reflective tape is the most common type of reflective tape and is perfect for vehicle striping. This type of tape has a lifespan of seven years outdoors and maximum color choices. Type 3 reflective tape is a higher-intensity material that is usually used for traffic purposes and is three to four times brighter than type 1. Usually, it's government-approved for transportation applications.
The most expensive reflective tapes are those with micro prisms, and they have a higher refraction efficiency than glass bead tapes. Glass beads, on the other hand, are less reflective than glass bead tapes, which reduces the brightness. Prismatic tapes are more expensive than glass bead tapes but work just fine within 300 feet. They're also easier to cut into designs.
Prism-style reflective tape returns light in a parallel pattern. Glass bead tapes, on the other hand, reflect light from a wider angle. This latter type is more useful for close-range viewing and is more visible from a wide range of viewing angles. Glass bead tapes are best for a close-range view, but lose their intensity as the viewer approaches them.
