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Using step in posts like the OP is talking about using there is no way to make anything TIGHT.
I think the tid-bit about wide tape catching more wind does apply.
Though for something like this wide tape will not look as tidy (because it is not TIGHT) but will be more visible so probably worth it.
Sure there is.
I use step-in posts as my line posts, and T-posts at the ends/corners. Heck, I even have some of my tape end “insulators” tied off to pipe panels with poly twine, and it has been rock solid tight for 5+ years.
Pounding in a few 5’ T-posts is worth it to make sure the fence is tight. No sense using longer T-posts than 5’ when the step-in posts are so low.
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I got the impression from the OP that they are not building something that they want to be pounding in corner T-posts.
I am glad your fencing is working great for you.
I use step in posts and electric tape all the time for making a corral when I go camping. Make a square with your step in posts then add a string of rope or paracord and pound it in using a tent stake. I just keep two - four posts attached to their tent stake and try to attach one post with baling twine to something like a tree.
I use a battery powered charger and a ground rod made out of another tent stake. It stays super hot.
My temporary fencing used in the same manner as what you are looking for are home built small standards (like jump standards) with insulators on the top. I use one line of tape. I hook them onto a solid fence post at either end, and into my existing electric line to power it. I like these movable standard supports because the ground can get very hard here, and putting step in posts IN, and getting them out again as needed can be pretty tough in summer months. With standards, I just pick them up and move them. They are made out of a vertical 2X4, and a three footed base like a jump standard. It took me about an hour to make a dozen of these out of scrap 2X4s. The solid fence posts on either end of where I put the fence gives it good tension, and the standards only support the tape. You can make them any size you like.
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yes, I love the step in posts and tape, also it lasts forever. I bought a ton of step ins and 2" white tape in 1999 when I wanted to split a large pasture into 3 sections and I’m STILL using them although I’m down to the last 20 or so and a few hundred feet of tape, but I have used and re-used them all over the years. But as other said, if you don’t have something seriously solid to anchor your corners, tight it will never be!
I have one that lives in fear of hot wire so I often use it without even having it hooked up and without any obvious external fencing to give him a little extra grazing (but the exit off the property is a long way away so he would have to work to find it, and it is a dirt road with low traffic).
BUT if your horse isn’t used to a hot fencing, tape gives off a much weaker shock unless you hit it just right or it is one of those damp wet days (the wider the tape the less potential for shock). For that reason, when dealing with the other idiot who is less respectful, I use the tape as a strong visual barrier and then I use regular hot wire (poly cord) at about nose level to remind him there are consequences (I have seen this horse hit the wire and go off on an angry bucking fit on many occasions. He ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed). I use the tape to split a dry lot into two areas (one with access to pasture/run in, the larger area with access to dry lot and stall, for an older foundered horse on no grass, and yes that would be the one who forgets about hot wires all. the. time.) But I can stretch it between the barn/wood fencing, so that top wire is at the height of four board fencing.
Last but not least, it may be checking with Jeffers for supplies - they may beat amazon on pricing and a lot of things are free delivery over $45.
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I had my "temporary’ step in post with 1 strand up for 2 years. The step in posts are actually quite hardy. I did electrify it. Because I liked where the “paddocks” were set up, I have slowly changed them all to permanent Tpost and 3 strand electrobraid. I’m keeping my step instructions because they are so easy and handy to block off sections or create more area.
I would also consider the area in which you live. We are at the end of a dead-end gravel road out in the sticks, so I’m comfortable using step-in stakes and tape fencing. If we were anywhere near traffic, I would never risk it.
My geldings don’t need the fence plugged in – just the sight of the tape frightens them. My Shetland mare on the other hand is not so easily convinced. One warm, summer day we had them out mowing the lawn while my husband and I relaxed in our lounge chairs. Scarlett decided she had to sample the raspberry leaves just outside the fence and stuck her head through. Naturally she then lifted her head into the top line and jumped into the air, ripping out the stakes and launching the very hot tape onto our laps. Once we had shed our shocking lap robes, we saw Scarlett eating the raspberry leaves while the boys were back in their nice, safe corral.
