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2010-06-30 1:56 PM

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Subject: TriTats?

At my race this weekend I picked up TriTats, temporary tattoo race numbers.  I liked them a lot and would like to get more for my next race in a few weeks. Unfortunately I looked up their website and there’s no means to buy them for individuals.  (looks like the only sell bulk to races.)

Is there another company that makes a product like this? Is it something I could find in a store, or  would I have to order it online?

Thanks!



2010-07-01 6:26 AM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
Well - I'm not sure if you have thought this all of the way through - but you can buy them here:
http://www.tattoosales.com/TattooSearch.aspx?keyword=numbers

The fact is, though, you never really know what your race number will be, so you woiuld have to keep at least 9 (assuming that you are doing races with less than 1000 participants) or 12 of each number (say you are number 2222).  Remember that most races are going to three locations for numbers (both arms and the side of the leg) plus the age on the calf, which could get a little expensive, I would think.  At $.55 each, that would be $66 for your initial purchase, plus you would have to re-purchase after every race. 

Your other option is to buy some pre-made sheets for inkjet printers, and just print off your numberthe night before the race, but you would have to take your computer and printer with you on races that you are staying out of town.  You can get these here:
http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/8.htm?gclid=CMObx9ebyqICFRINDQodunruwQ
2010-07-01 8:56 AM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
I had tritats at a race a few weeks ago and wasn't a big fan.  The problem is that I didn't get the numbers until I picked up my packet that morning.  Which a large portion of people did.  Which meant a good number of people were waiting in line to get to the buckets and sponges to put the numbers on.  It took much longer than just using sharpies.

Not too mention I had to use WD-40 to get it off. There are probably other options, but I knew this would work.
2010-07-01 10:23 AM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
You can use stencils and sharpie.
2010-07-01 11:40 AM
in reply to: #2953734


1

Subject: RE: TriTats?
TriTats sells "Seasonal Race Packets" for $20.00 plus $4.95 shipping.  These packets include enough TriTats race numbers that will get you through 4 to 5 races.  You can inquire at www.TriTats.com

-Skip the long body marking lines
-Look Pro
-Increase safety
-Use TriTats !!

Many thanks,
2010-07-01 11:43 AM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
I e-mailed TriTats and they e-mailed me back;  They sell a "season packet" with 20 each of #'s 1-9, good for 3-4 races, for $25 shipped.

The ones I used last weekend came off pretty easy with alcohol (rubbing, not wiskey).  Though it took a few applications to really get all the adhesive off.


2010-07-01 12:36 PM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
maybe i'm missing something, but what's wrong w/ the marker that the officials use?
2010-07-01 12:39 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
LostSheep - 2010-07-01 1:36 PM maybe i'm missing something, but what's wrong w/ the marker that the officials use?


I've got to admit that I agree.

I hate to be the curmudgeon (Where's Bear?), but I don't get the point of them.  IMO, they fit in the same category as transition mats.
2010-07-01 12:46 PM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
Many races use different locations for marking...my last race marked hands and thighs, not arms.

I like the way the tats have a nice & clean look, but until I podium, I'll sharpie like the rest.
2010-07-01 2:01 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
Not to steal the thread but at our last race my wife brought a Sharpie and wanted me to mark her. I thought it would be funny to add a couple of years to her age on her calf but instead decide an A for "Athenas" would be even funnier. Don't make the same mistake. Apparently it is not funny.
2010-07-01 2:33 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
pschriver - 2010-07-01 12:01 PM ...I thought it would be funny to add a couple of years to her age on her calf but instead decide an A for "Athenas" would be even funnier. Don't make the same mistake. Apparently it is not funny.


it would only be funny if your wife was obviously petite. 
personally- I thought that idea was hilarious.... but then again, I'm not your wife.


2010-07-01 2:40 PM
in reply to: #2956460

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
I thought they were pretty sharp looking but they were nasty when they started coming off.....clumpy and sticky.  They also left far more distinguishable tan lines than I've encountered with the sharpies.  I'll use them at any race they are provided but I can't see a justification for buying them.

Although the stencil comment is genius if you are really anal retentive about the appearance of the numbers (don't worry that is not an insult since most triathletes are at least a little neurotic, myself included).
2010-07-01 2:46 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
Apotheosis - 2010-07-01 11:43 AM

I e-mailed TriTats and they e-mailed me back;  They sell a "season packet" with 20 each of #'s 1-9, good for 3-4 races, for $25 shipped.

The ones I used last weekend came off pretty easy with alcohol (rubbing, not wiskey).  Though it took a few applications to really get all the adhesive off.


out of interest, how do they work on hairy surfaces?!
2010-07-01 3:06 PM
in reply to: #2956460

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
pschriver - 2010-07-01 12:01 PM Not to steal the thread but at our last race my wife brought a Sharpie and wanted me to mark her. I thought it would be funny to add a couple of years to her age on her calf but instead decide an A for "Athenas" would be even funnier. Don't make the same mistake. Apparently it is not funny.


I can only imagine all the flowers, jewelry, and general -kissing that would be required to get out of that ditch. Smooth guy.
2010-07-01 3:10 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
LostSheep - 2010-07-01 1:36 PM maybe i'm missing something, but what's wrong w/ the marker that the officials use?


First, I thought they just looked sharp.  When the volunteers are marking hundreds of people in a hurry, they looked sloppy, some of them illegible.

2, the line to get marked at my first tri was easily a half hour long. People were standing with their bikes and trans bags full o'crap. You weren't allowed into the trans area without being marked. 
I put my numbers on the night before.  Plus that let put on my sunblock at home before heading out in the morning.

3, I saw a fair number of people whose markered numbers smudged to hell.

4, Isn't Sharpie marker a pain in the @ to get off?

Lastly, I just liked it. For a few bucks I thought it looked cool.  Considering all the hundreds of dollars we spend on all the stuff in this sport, I thought 'what's 5 bucks for this?'
I'm not justifying it or saying you should do it. I like it and was asking for advice on where to buy it.


out of interest, how do they work on hairy surfaces?!


Just fine on my moderately hairy legs.  If you're a sasquatch, you might have issue.

crazyalaskian - 2010-07-01 3:40 PM I thought they were pretty sharp looking but they were nasty when they started coming off.....clumpy and sticky.  They also left far more distinguishable tan lines than I've encountered with the sharpies. 


Mine didn't come off at all in the race, though I was initually worried about that.
I also totally expected to have race number tan lines, but didn't see it in the slightest.

Just my experience after a single. Not saying they're perfect or anything.



Edited by Apotheosis 2010-07-01 3:13 PM
2010-07-01 3:15 PM
in reply to: #2953734

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Subject: RE: TriTats?
My question would be how do they hold up to sunscreen? at my KS HIM this past month, my numbers came off pretty easily Sunday morning after I applied my sunscreen. I had the numbers applied the night before, but as I "lubed" up on Sunday morning, they came off pretty easily.

Kevin


2010-07-01 3:33 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
Kevin_MS - 2010-07-01 4:15 PM My question would be how do they hold up to sunscreen? at my KS HIM this past month, my numbers came off pretty easily Sunday morning after I applied my sunscreen. I had the numbers applied the night before, but as I "lubed" up on Sunday morning, they came off pretty easily. Kevin


When I got them the night before, the woman told me "you can use spray sunscreen directly on them, but put lotion sunscreen around it." 

I figure sunscreen lotion would act much like baby oil to break the adhsive backing. I use spray sunscreen anyway, so this wasn't an issue for me.

(Maybe I should ask the TriTat guy if I can have these for free, since I'm becoming his spokeman!)
2010-11-23 3:55 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
I did the Miami Man HIM 2 weekends ago, and they were really organized and well planned. They use TriTats for the race, and their was no line (or very short) and all of them were done when you did the check in. After you got all your stuff, when you checked out of the check in place, they had like 7-8 people working on it, and all did a great job.

To remove it, I just used the hotel towel, and scraped the area really well, then it all cleaned up that same afternoon. Now it you wait a day or two, well that would be a different challenge. All stayed on really nicely, and really well done. Also an awesome race to participate in. Cheers!!
2010-11-23 4:04 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
I bring my own sharpie with me... DIY
2010-11-23 5:05 PM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
crazyalaskian - 2010-07-01 3:40 PM   They also left far more distinguishable tan lines than I've encountered with the sharpies. 


Not a down side as far as I am concerned
2010-11-23 6:00 PM
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2010-11-24 7:46 AM
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Subject: RE: TriTats?
I too think they are like transition mats, a solution to a problem that does not exist.  I just carry my own sharpie.  I know that some of the volunteers get sloppy with the body markings.  So I just do my own the morning of the race. 
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