"GMB Flags vs the Flag Dude?" Topic

Hello Everyone -

Can anyone tell me how big of a difference there is between the flags produced by GMB and the Flag Dude?

Thanks!
Larry

Two different styles, both of which I use and feel are excellent in all respects.

GMB is high resolution, with vivid colors. They come as a paper you wrap around the pole and glue in whatever drape you want to create. Edges should then be painted in the predominant flag color to cover up any white edges.

Flag Dude is computer generated, so you can see a few jaggies if you get real close – with a few inches, but certainly not at any normal viewing range. They are pre-mounted on a pole with appropriate cords. The flag is crumpled in a very animated style, so all you have to do is glue the whole thing into the flagbearers hands. One of the benefits of the computer generation is that the Flag Dude can make custom flags to order, if you have an image or a good description. I have had several flags created like this, and they can now be found in the Flag Dude's catalogue. (He asked.) Absolutely fantastic customer service.

Flag Dude's home page:

flagdude.com

GMB home page:

salespartners.co.uk

You can get a pretty good idea for yourself from the images.

Rick

I gather the GMB website is not complete yet, and was leaked before the owner was ready.

Been waiting for a thread like this. Maybe someone should doo a side-by-side review?

I have and use each. I like the Flag Dude's colors for
the animated style and use them for my Napoleonics.

For ACW, I prefer the GMB colors because the devices
peculiar to specific units can be more easily seen
(regimental state colors, for the most part).

From a quality perspective, each is very strong.

I'm not a big fan of the crinkly effect of the Flag Dudes' flags. Does he also make them "waving" or "wavey" instead? That said, they are nice flags and they seem to get snapped up quickly at conventions. I really like the GMB flags, which are hard to beat, IMHO.

I really like the Flag Dudes flag flapping action, if you get my meaning, and the flag mounted on an excellent pole with all the trimmings already done for you. I have emailed my order to Rick (Flag Dude) and he has mailed out my flags before I have even sent him a check! Hard to beat that for customer service. I think 3 days is the longest I have waited for a flag. GMB are also very nice. Thank goodness we have choices in this world.

Paul

How many flags do you get per GMB pack?

Enzedmaster,
TMP link
scroll down for reviews for 15mm Napoleonic flags,
GMB & Flagdude
Regards,

Der Alte Fritz, I have successfully "uncrinkled" my flags from the Flag Dude. I just carefully unbend them. He did some nice ECW cavalry flags for me. The way they were crinkled, the cool designs were not very visible. Now they are.

Tom

Crap….I've got some GMB flags that have faded or the ink has run. My once cool yellow flags are now white and the yellow has gone away and my once way cool orange flags are now PINK!
I know GMB should replace them but I wonder if there were any pink flags in the ECW? (I know there weren't but had to pose the question)
It's a pity too, these flags are quite cool! I wonder why they faded? I used Elmer's Glue Stick to glue them together and painted the edges with Vallejo to tidy them up. It's the same process I've used for 20+ years with no issues.
Has anyone else had this issue? Any printers out there to give me their 1/2 centavo's worth on why this might happen?

Thanks!
Steve Miller
DFW Irregulars

Steve

I seem to be chasing you around the forum boards…

TMP link
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Steve !

'I'll get hold of Mr. Black and see if this is a recent problem. I'm sure he'll make it right. His reputation preceeds him. I really like GMB flags…they're exquisite and make my collection stand out.'

I will indeed, email me. gmbdesigns@blueyonder.co.uk

--------------------------------------------------------------

gmbdesigns@blueyonder.co.uk

Grahame

Both are excellent to use. I've used both and really like them. One thing I can get from the Flag Dude is to request my flags on 'cloth' which gives them a really different look and I like. It costs more but I think it is worth it.

Der Alte Fritz, you can either reduce the amount of 'crinkle' in a Flag Dude flag or when you place the order tell him to NOT do that. He does 'custom' orders that way. Also, since I use his cloth flags they don't crinkle that much so I get the look I want.

I've bought about 40 GMB flags. Only 2 fades in several years. Its not enough to discourage me. I probably should have complained, but left it a 'casualties of war.'

I'm not had many flagdude products, but I've been impressed and will get some cloth flags next time I purchase. Both ranges are excellent.

There is also Maverick Models here in UK. They do a wide range of flags, on paper, on paper with effects and most recently on cloth. They do 6mm, 15mm 20mm and 28mm flags. The guy who runs it is willing to create new flags for you if you can direct him to the details and will even resize them to fit your requirements. I recently got him to provide me with a batch of french 18th C flags, some of regiments he had not done before, and to 33mm square size since that fitted my flagpoles. Really nice flags which came out, in cloth, £1.00 GBP each. Have a look at his site here: link

I've had one GMB flag(out of literally hundreds)that has faded and gone slightly pinkish..coincidentally, it is one of the few that I didn't finish by gloss varnishing prior to matt. With all the ones I've used, putting four or five coats of gloss varnish onto them seems to seal them very well (and makes them rock-hard). Then just finish them with a coat of matt to finish. Whether the fading was because I didn't do this I don't know…but, it is a coincidence

Another vote for Maverick – excellent service, wide range, custom options, different materials including cloth and silk – all round top service from a great guy.

Now where's my sock gone……..

Oh, one more item for the Flag Dude. Tell him what size you want your flag and he'll do that as well. I have my flags made at 45mm on the pole (or bigger ) since I like the oversized look.

AWESOME info guys!!!

Thanks!!

I'm getting ready to place an order from the Flag Dude and one of the flags is a custom job for Sharpe's South Essex Reg't. I know there is a company that makes one already, but to me the chained eagle is a bit too big.

A friend said he bought some GMB flags and really like them.

I'll probably end up using flags from both!!

Unfortunately I need to remove the brass rod poles I made for my OG minis. Turns out they are too short (I used the molded ones as a template even).

BTW – the Flag Dude will send you the flags without poles if you wish.

Again – thanks for all the help!!

And yet another vote for Maverick –
I agree; excellent service, wide range, custom options, different materials including cloth and silk – all round top service from a great guy.
AND
Excellent VALUE for MONEY!

I also recommend GMB flags.
I can't comment on FLAG DUDE, as I've not purchased any.
Cheers

Recently received 16 custom flags from FLAG DUDE. Spectacular with great customer service to boot.

Can't go wrong with Flag Dude. Great product and great service. Plus he is a nice guy.

Love Flag Dudes product(recently bought dozens) and am happy with his consistent quality. Rick is also a very nice guy….

Both are nice.

I have purchased several dozen flags from Rick (Flag Dude) and can testify to the quality of the product and Rick's willingness to work with his customers. Great company.