I've tried both. I've had success with both. But found that Gorilla tape is the "better" method. Is that enough for you to believe me? Just in case, I'll yap some more.
The Gorilla tape was less time consuming and cheaper. I purchased a roll of 2" at Home depot for under $10.00 and was able to get multiple rims out of it. The tubes (2) at a LBS was about the same - but you get 2 and your choices may be somewhat limited in regards to valve size.
Installation was initially easier with the split tube, but overall, the Gorilla tape over took this area. To get the split tube on the wheel, you blow it up and line it up. It's that easy. But then you need to cut it. And then the story changes. Inside the tube is a mess and the mess gets all over you. When you fold the tube, you will also notice that there is excess tube hanging over the wheel. That will need to be trimmed - which is not fun.
Gorilla tape has it faults. Especially if you happen to get the tape stuck to itself. The stuff is strong, like Ox (or Gorilla if you will), so it will take a little effort to unstick it. After the initial strip is installed, you then need to have a valve trimmed to the indent in the rim and a small slice made to put the valve in. After the valve is in, another small strip and then I added a second full strip around the entire wheel. This does not take long, but its not as "easy" as the single step of the split tube. **Grab the valve off of any popped tube you have laying around.
The trimming of the excess tube was the deal breaker for the split tube. With the tire installed and aired up, you will need to trim the overhang. The entire time, I felt as if I was slicing scratches into my wheel and wondering if I was getting my going to slice into my tire by mistake.
Weight would go to Gorilla tape. Wheel weight is important weight.
However the rim is protected from the ammonia in the Stan's better with the split tube (Cafe Latex better?)
Both methods can be found on YouTube in 2 step videos. Watch the vid, keep the computer handy just in case and get to steppin'. If I could do it, the average idiot could do it (and probably quicker).
For the Islander's out there, I received flats at Meadowlark Park before deciding to go tubeless. Since, I have not had 1 (well, I had 1 but it was because a twig caught in between my spokes and tore the valve stem clear off to the screw. This is also when I went with Gorilla Tape for the second go-round. By the way, when choosing valves, I also decided shorter valve stems would be better.
Stan's Kit (online, not including shipping: $50 minimum.
Stan's Fluid: $15 - Gorilla Tape: $6. Valves: If you're going tubeless, you probably already have plenty of popped tube laying. If you have a bike, more then likely you also will have tubes in the tires.
Savings: (about) 50% or $25 initially. You can do MULTIPLE bikes with the Gorilla tape (1 bike, 2 wheels, with Stan's Kit). The Quart of Stan's will probably do 4 sets of wheels and 2" Gorilla tape will like do the same.
