I have always used normal cloth gaffer taper

If you mean that silver stuff with fibres thru it, and bit stronger / stickier than gaffer then hell yes. I was not really aware of it until I had to remove some on a board repair recently. What a nightmare. It just doesn't come off!!!

Depends on how big a tear we're talking about.
Creases, small holes in mono can be fixed fairly permanently with mylar sail tape.
Anything bigger I use dacron sail tape. You can pick it up at any sailmakers and again it's pretty permanent.

I've tried them all. the cloth gaffer tape is cheap and easy to use, especially if you discover something while rigging and you want to get on the water fast. The mylar sail tape looks good and works well, but its fussy to use. The Dacron tape is the bees knees, good value, easy to use, strong and reliable.

Out of the mylar and Dacron recommendations what sticks best, if any to mast sleeve and batten pockets? Have had best results so far with cloth tape (currently using the Gorilla brand)

pirrad said..
Out of the mylar and Dacron recommendations what sticks best, if any to mast sleeve and batten pockets? Have had best results so far with cloth tape (currently using the Gorilla brand)

Dacron sail tape

Not that it matters ,
Its only my old fart opinion,
mylar tape on cleaned mylar is the best, x , ply is the best.
When on the beach and u need damage controll a Dacron sticky tape is great , Gorilla , and other $ 25 a roll will work great
When talking luff and batten repair u want at least $ 25 a roll ,And a lot of hope.
If u dive thru your sail u have half a chance,
Mylar is your friend.
If u shove your mast through the luff pocket , u gotta think , how do I get the new sail into the garage without the missus noticing