Wind flag rebuild (vanes)

[TIMO]

I have an older set of 3 Smiley wind flags that I recently purchased. The vanes have some wear signs from use over time and in need of some refurbishment. The current vanes are made of corroplast, and I am in the process of ordering some sheets to cut my own vanes. I know this is very subjective but, is there a preferred size or design of the vane that works best and provides the indication of conditions with the daisy wheels or just replicate the current style and size? These flags are used for short range BR, (UBR matches 100 to 200 yards).

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Ive never seen smiley flags made from corroplast only aluminum. I would copy the current design since thats how they were balanced originally. You can cut your vanes then go to a sign shop and get vynyl put on them instead of paint too.

 

[TIMO]

Dusty,
Thanks for the advice. I am not (edit) 100% on the flags themselves as being Smiley's, that is what I was told. The poles definitely are, as they are labeled as such. Just wanted to pick the brain of those with more experience with flags than me.

Edit, maybe tomorrow I can add a pic of the flags.

Tim

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Dusty,
Thanks for the advice. I am 100% on the flags themselves as being Smiley's, that is what I was told. The poles definitely are, as they are labeled as such. Just wanted to pick the brain of those with more experience with flags than me.

Edit, maybe tomorrow I can add a pic of the flags.

Tim

We’ll get you plenty of ideas to get em fixed

 

[liljoe]

Here is a few flags that had a rebuild. New tails with vinyl on them. Much better than paint. It doesn't fade.
Joe

 

[TIMO]

Dust, liljoe, I appreciate all the input and advice. liljoe, what are the dimensions (L x H) of the vanes you posted?
Tim

 

[Walt Krafft]

I do not know, but Coroplast is very rigid in one direction and not in the other, depending on which way the ribs are running. Will it make a difference? Will the extra width of Coroplast over aluminum make a difference?

 

[TIMO]

Walt,
these flags currently they have coroplast vanes. I bought them late in the season so only used the a couple times. They seem to work ok, but just a little beat up from use over time from the previous owner. I thought this would be a good winter project and see what vane shape most shooters thought works the best. Let me what you think on vane shape & size (dimensions).

Thanks,
Tim

 

[D Coots]

Here is a few flags that had a rebuild. New tails with vinyl on them. Much better than paint. It doesn't fade.
Joe

^^^^^^^^^^What Joe says...forget the paint.

 

[liljoe]

I am not sure of the dimensions. They are genuine Smiley flags. He did make a few large vanes for longer range.
I will see if I still have one around here and measure it.
Joe

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I can measure some later as well. I have smiley flags in both sizes

 

[TIMO]

Here are a few pics of the wind flags that I plan to refurbish the vanes for. If these are not Smileys, maybe someone can ID them.
Thanks,

Tim

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Those are not smiley flags but they are smiley poles for sure. I got confirmation he never made coroplast vanes

 

[TIMO]

Dusty,
Thanks for the info on the flags, the poles still had a partial label on them. For what I have in them, I can live with them not being Smileys. They just need a little tune up and should be good to go for next year. Other than the vanes, the rest of the flag appears and functions as they should.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I agree, they aren't his flags. Probably home made.

 

[LCazador]

Dusty,
Thanks for the info on the flags, the poles still had a partial label on them. For what I have in them, I can live with them not being Smileys. They just need a little tune up and should be good to go for next year. Other than the vanes, the rest of the flag appears and functions as they should.

Thanks,
Tim

Just order flags from Mr Spradlin here alias Graham wind flags. He is quality!

 

[TIMO]

I agree, they aren't his flags. Probably home made.

Mike,
are your flags adaptable to the Smiley poles?
Tim

 

[A j shooter]

Here is a few flags that had a rebuild. New tails with vinyl on them. Much better than paint. It doesn't fade.
Joe

Who put the vinyl on your flags.

 

[TIMO]

Who put the vinyl on your flags.

I bought them used that way.
Tim

 

[A j shooter]

I bought them used that way.
Tim

I was asking liljoe who put the vinyl on his flag rebuilds