What's better: 100% silicone tails, or silicone tails backed with neoprene?

[Finfolk Productions]

Alrighty,
So Bryn and I have made five mostly successful silicone tails. I say mostly because they were the first ones we've ever made, and they did have several minor issues. (Yay learning! You can see the entire discussion with vid/pics here http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3956-is-there-another-tail-maker-coming ). They were 100% dragonskin silicone. The entire process was lengthy and very experimental, and we are working on improving several of our techniques. HOWEVER, the biggest problem we had with our tails was with holes. Now, for the most part, these holes would rip along the scales, where the silicone was thinnest, and at high pressure points, such as knees and bums. Some of this may be because we cast our silicone in rounded molds, as opposed to flat scales sheets (something we will be CHANGING) and it resulted in weak spots where the silicone coverage was not entirely even. Still, by attempting to fix this with our old, rounded molds, I feel that one or two of the tails became entirely too thick. I would like to avoid this in the future, as well as the tearing, which brings me to my questions...

For anyone who uses a silicone tail... Have you ever had problems with ripping or holes? On the whole, is the silicone rather thin, or thicker and a bit bulky to prevent tearing?

Secondly, would backing with neoprene make a significant difference in preventing tears/providing longer durability? I'm guessing so, but I'm also just questioning if making our first tails with rounded molds that resulted in the unevenness of the silicone is the main issue. I also have a sneaky suspicion that backing with neoprene would make seaming MUCH easier (I know Bryn and I both felt like crying every time it came to doing seams) but I want to know... Are neoprene lined silicone tails generally seen as "cheaper" or not quite as desirable as full silicone tails?

Please let me know your thoughts!
~Abby
Finfolk Productions

[Finfolk Productions]

Oops! Wrong thread, moving now... SOrry

[MerEmma]

I'm not sure if it would be more durable, although I do think that perhaps it was poured a bit thin? Maybe if it were thicker it would just be..."better", although I know as a future-consumer, I would definitely purchase a full silicone over one with neoprene. I'm not even considering a half neoprene tail because I have some anger with the stuff. :p

[Finfolk Productions]

I'm not sure if it would be more durable, although I do think that perhaps it was poured a bit thin? Maybe if it were thicker it would just be..."better", although I know as a future-consumer, I would definitely purchase a full silicone over one with neoprene. I'm not even considering a half neoprene tail because I have some anger with the stuff. :p
Ok, that's what I was thinking. Thanks for the input!

[Odette]

I like both full and neoprene.

Ripping holes in silicone i have heard of once by a special FX enthusiast.Make a patch and do experiments.For your case. measure the thickness, stretch the carp out of it. Do not hesitate;I have and regretted it.

Backing with neoprene may help. Test that out too and you'll get it.

[Mermaid Annariea]

it seems like it could be the thickness. maybe backing with neoprene would help. as long as you use neoPRENE and not neoPRIN, you should be fine. partial silicone tails (ones with neoprene backing) are often less expensive, and honestly, im saving up for one from fish butts soon. i dont see anything wrong with partial silicones, but ive never had either, so i dont know from experience. the only tail i have is partial latex.

like odette said, EXPERIMENT AND STRETCH THE CARP OUT OF IT. a lot of trial and error goes into tailmaking, and the better you make the tails, the more money you will make. especially because the overall look of your tails is lovely.

[Blondie]

I personally believe that neoprene lined silicone tails are the best. I really don't like cold water and neoprene is a lifesaver. I also, like you said, believe that it protects the silicone from holes and tears. I think people prefer full silicone tails because it doesn't bunch at the ankles or knees. And I hear it's easier to slip into full silicone tails because they stretch so much better.

[AniaR]

my tail is dragonskin silicone and very very thin. It doesn't rip or tear. I poked a tiny hole in it by accident once when I was trying to put it on in less than safe conditions, slipped, and pushed my very strong nails which resulted in one nail poking through. I was able to fix it on my own, that was June- and it's never torn again. My tail doesn't have neoprene inside, it'll be a year old in February and still looks and works like brand new. I haven't had any issue with colours fading or coming off. Having owned a variety of tails, it's been my experience that neoprene is easier to get on- I can put that type of material on dry. But silicone require some lubing up of the legs or wet skin. Unless you hold your legs perfectly pointed, wrinkles can still happen regardless of the material or thickness. I have a thicker silicone tail too, (a few inches) and it's tough as nails, nothing pokes through it or tears ever, colour doesn't fade, but still will wrinkle at ankles.

[Odette]

I figured out how to fix the bunching at the heels.for my golden emerald tail,i did this test that included hiding the heels a bit.this would be an area to make the silicone, urethane, or latex,thicker or denser or make room for the heels with a more stiff material.also making sure the tail stays at the hips nice and tight is a great idea.Observe:
8435

(something else i do is to take progress notes and write down tips and tricks in my tails including tool attachments and keep it at the workshop) :p
i hope i have been helpful

[Tasha Mermaid]

i know i would be interested in a neoprene/ silicone over a full silicone i think they would feel more durable to me personally :)