Retro reflective vinyl reflects in one of two ways. Either through the use of glass beads or Microprismatic . Reflective glass beads sheeting  is the normal and older technology and metallized prismatic reflective vinyl are more recent.

Glass bead type reflective vinyl reflect light back less efficiently than prismatics. However, glass bead vinyl is much less value. For applications within a 300 foot range they are fine and sometimes preferable.

Flexible prismatic reflective vinyl has a tighter more efficient return of light. A high visibility, tighter beam extends much further giving high gross prismatic reflective vinyl an operating range beyond the thousand foot mark. For marine, highway or reflective vinyl signage for road sign applications where long distance conspicuity is important, prismatic is the way to go.

What is the difference between prismatic type and glass bead type of brightness? For example , we test it, compare the white reflective vinyl. White Glass bead type reflective vinyl reflects at about 80 cd/lx.㎡  for the standard engineer grade reflective vinyl and 250 cd/lx.㎡ for the high intensity grade reflective vinyl for type 3 . Prismatic types start at around 500 cd/lx.㎡and go up to 1000 cd/lx.㎡  for diamond Grade prismatic reflective vinyl.So we can see that there is a big difference between them. Both of them have their function and neither will ever become obsolete.

The diagram below shows the dispersant characteristics of each type of vinyl. Glass bead type reflective vinyl reflects light back sort of like a flood lamp. Up close this is fine. Prismatic type reflective vinyl shine like a spot light.This is better when you are far away.