Hey Shred, I have had that tape before and had the same problems as you... wouldn't touch it with a barge pole now.

I did use silicon, super glue and maybe even double-sided tape for a while but unless you do the whole lot it will likely still happen. Now, I only ever use good brand name tape... RS Pro normally but ION Tape and 3M tape work good as well. Never had an issue with any of them (over the past 8 odd years) so I recon it is worth the extra bucks...

RS Pro products can be ordered online from a chap in Merimbula and he is super snappy getting his orders out (also distributes Ke Nalu products as well)

Don't waste your time with anything else . Just use RS Pro & you're done ! It'll last the lifetime of your board.

Use only RSPro or 3M Helicopter tape. The rest is not worth the trouble.

I now use only 3M Helicopter tape, because:
- it is clear, so you can see if you ever get a ding under it.
- it clear, so you can see if you leave bubbles under it while applying it
- it is smooth: the RSPro textured surface will eat paddle guards. I also use helicopter tape on my paddle, as I use rail guard on only some boards (the ultralight ones), and on a 3' portion of the rail.
- it is very flexible, easy to apply on thin rails.
- it is sold in various widths, to fit various rail sizes

The only drawback is that it is expensive, like RSpro, but quality has a price.

PS: some advice to applying any rail tape:
- apply at at least 20C, e,g, in winter heat the rails a bit with an hairdryer. Same as pads.
- let it cure 24h at at least 20C (e.g, indoors in winter). Same as pads.
- avoid touching the tape with your bare fingers, especially the ends. I leave the backing tape on and only remove it at the last possible time. i even keep some spare backing tape around to put between my fingers and the glue if I forgot and removed all the tape. Fingers have a small layer of grease that prevent the glue from fully working.
- Stretch the tape a bit to follow curves, but be careful to not stretch it for the first and last 2", just like when using as a paddle guard.
- if you see some of the tape coming off after a while, immediately re-glue with some MS-Polymer glue. It works even when parts are humid, and does not damage the board.

Thanks for all the responses guys, I'm sold! I'm getting some proper rail tape and ditching that surfboard warehouse stuff. Thanks also for the helpful tips about applying it, really appreciate all the advice.

I use the same tape that's used on bike frames and car doors to stop stone chips. Much cheaper than normal SUP tape and thinner too, meaning it works really well on sharp rails, where the thicker tapes lift off at the edges. This combined with paddle edge guard works a treat.
Available in UK through Paragon Tapes.

I have had that exact same issue re: rigidity of the SW rail tape. Took some creative post application trimming with a flat razor to get it stuck down on the narrower parts of the rail. Has held in there for a few months but looks ugly (probs due to my trimming skills!). Too stiff suit it's intended purpose.

I'll 100% go and look for a better product. Lots of great suggestions on here, thanks SUP community :)