Grip tape is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of activities. While it’s a common accessory on skateboards, athletes such as weight lifters, golfers, and hockey players also utilize it to get a better grip on their equipment. It’s a great way to prevent slippage on a skateboard or scooter or to prevent your hands from getting torn or blistered. Grip tape is designed so you can perform better when playing sports or exercising. Not only that, some brands of grip tape are made specifically to prevent people from slipping on stairs or ramps. Whatever the purpose, you want a product that works well and doesn’t cost a lot of money. Check out our top picks in the buying guide below.
Benefits of Grip Tape
- Perform better tricks. If you ride a skateboard or scooter, you need good adhesion so you don’t slip off the deck. The best grip tapes improve your grip, so you can perform tricks, or even just cruise around, more safely.
- Be safe at home. Non-slip grip tape is great in areas such as walkways and steps that may be slippery for elderly people, children, and pets. It can prevent people and animals from slipping, falling, and getting injured.
- Prevent skin abrasions. If you lift weights or like crossfit training, rock climbing, and gymnastics, you need grip tape to protect your hands from blisters and skin tears. You also need proper grip if you play baseball, tennis, lacrosse, etc.
- It’s affordable. Grip tape in general isn’t very expensive. You can find several products that won’t set you back too much financially, and the benefits outweigh the cost.
Types of Grip Tape
Skateboard Grip Tape
Whether you’re a pro skate, an amateur skater, or a beginner, grip tape is vital because it helps you stay on your board. Skateboard grip tape helps with balance and enables you to do tricks. In addition, you need good grip tape if you intend on riding or cruising at high speeds.
Multi-Purpose Grip Tape
Some brands of grip tape are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. You can use it on everything from a skateboard and athletic equipment (i.e., baseball bats and tennis rackets) to stairs, ladders, and ramps. This type of tape is usually waterproof and is designed to create better traction and/or grip, depending on its use.
Weightlifting Grip Tape
If you want a firmer grip on your dumbbells and other gym equipment, you may want to get grip tape that’s specifically designed for your hands. It prevents your skin from tearing or getting blistered, which can affect performance. Grip tape for weightlifting, cross-training, gymnastics, martial arts, etc., won’t work on skateboards, stairs, etc.
Sports Equipment Grip Tape
Some grip tape is designed especially for use on sports equipment. There is grip tape for tennis rackets, baseball bats, hockey sticks, etc. This tape is often pre-cut, so you simply wrap it around the handle and seal it. If you want a firm grip on your equipment and don’t want your hands to slip, you need a product that works well and doesn’t stick to your skin.
Top Brands
Mob Grip
Based in Santa Cruz, Calif., Mob Grip has been in business since 2000. The company boasts that it is the number-one grip tape choice of professional skateboarders. We recommend the Mob Grip Perforated Black Griptape.
Jessup
Jessup, based in McHenry, Ill., makes grip tape for skateboard pros. It can also be used on surfboards, skis, sailboats, and is popular in fitness centers. We recommend the Jessup Skateboard Griptape Sheet.
Proguard
Proguard, based in Mounds View, Minn., has been around since 1977 and is one of the world’s oldest and largest hockey and skating accessory companies. The current owner, Mike O’Connor, is a hockey enthusiast who aims to meet the needs of players, parents, coaches, and more. We recommend the Proguard Cloth Hockey Grip Tape.
WOD Nation
WOD Nation got its start in 2013 and produces high-quality fitness equipment and apparel, including jump ropes, resistance bands, and grip tape. Its products are used by the everyday workout fanatic to record-setting pros. One popular product is the WOD Nation Weightlifting Hook Grip Tape.
Alien Pros
Alien Pros is a relatively new company that got its start in 2015. It caters to golf, tennis, and baseball and develops pro-quality grip with unique designs. If you need grip for a baseball bat, check out the Alien Pros Bat Grip Tape for Baseball.
Grip Tape Pricing
- $8-$20: Grip tape isn’t very expensive, and the cost is typically related to the amount of tape that is included in the package. Grip tape for skateboards usually comes in sheets, while tape for stick sports comes in rolls.
Key Features
Stickiness
The stickier a grip tape is, the better it will perform. It’s one of the most important features of a product. Sticky tape will adhere to a surface area for a longer period. Stickier tape is less likely to bubble up or tear, so it’s easier to use.
Application
The best grip tape is simple to use and apply. Most do not require any special tools or equipment for application. Some brands you can tear by hand, but you may need to use scissors for other products. Both experienced users and beginners should be able to apply the tape without much difficulty.
Thickness
Grip tape can range in thickness, and some brands are thinner than others. A tape that is too thick may not be as flexible as a thinner option. Also, it may be more difficult to tear. But if the tape is too thin, it may not be as long-lasting.
Other Considerations
- Size. Before you purchase grip tape, consider the surface area you want to cover. Are you using it for one skateboard? Do you want to cover a stairway to prevent people from falling? Is it for your child’s gymnastic endeavors? Some brands come in multiple packs or sheets, and you may save money by purchasing them in bulk.
- Design. While many brands of grip tape are black, you can also find colorful grip tape that is fun for use on skateboards or scooters. You may also want bright colors on your hands if you enjoy weight lifting. You can show off your personality by selecting a style that’s a little out of the ordinary.
Best Grip Tape Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Best Overall
Trazon Heavy Duty Anti Slip Tape
Best Value
Zuext Skateboard Grip Tape Sheets
Most Versatile
Proguard Cloth Hockey Grip Tape
Best for Weightlifting
WOD Nation Weightlifting Hook Grip Tape
Honorable Mention
Alien Pros Bat Grip Tape for Baseball
Tips
- If you notice bubbles when applying grip tape, you can smooth them out by popping them using a razor blade.
- Use a flat wide razor blade to remove grip tape from a skateboard. Watch the angle of the razor blade, so you don’t damage the surface.
- If you use grip tape for your hands, make sure it’s not too tight and that it will still enable you to move your fingers and wrists.
FAQs
Q. Is grip tape necessary?
If you have a skateboard, it’s necessary for traction. If you take care of elderly people, it can prevent them from slipping on stairs, walkways, and other surfaces. If you play sports, grip tape allows you to hold onto the equipment better.
Q. What grip tape do pro skaters use?
Skaters use a variety of different grip tapes. One popular option is Mob Grip Perforated Black Griptape. DKL grip tape is also popular as is Black Diamond grip tape and Jessup grip tape.
Q. How can I make my grip tape less grippy?
If you’re a skater, you can make the grip tape a little less grippy by saving excess grip and sanding down the deck. Or you may just have to skate hard for a day or two to wear it down.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best grip tape is the Trazon Heavy Duty Anti Slip Tape. This anti-slip tape is great for skateboards as well as other activities. The durable and waterproof tape can be used on wood, concrete, metal, and more. You can cut it to size, and it comes with a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Zuext Skateboard Grip Tape Sheets.