Ever feel like your board slips out from under you at the worst possible moment? That sudden slide can turn a perfect trick into a messy bail. It’s frustrating when your board won’t stick with you!
Choosing the right grip tape is more important than you might think. It’s the main thing connecting you to your skateboard. Too rough, and it eats your shoes. Too smooth, and you lose all control when you try to ollie or land a flip. Finding that perfect balance of stickiness and durability feels like a guessing game, leaving riders unsure if they are getting the best performance.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of grip tape, explain what makes one better than another for your style, and show you how to apply it perfectly the first time. Get ready to transform your ride from slippery to super-stuck!
Top Grip Tape Recommendations
- Hot Melt Technology for Extra Sticking Power. Get a rug holder that will finally do its job! Our hot melt double stick carpet tape is highly adhesive compared to acrylic tapes. It offers an outstanding holding power to fix your rugs, runners, carpets, or other stuff you want to keep in its place. Because of increased tensile strength, our two sided carpet tape will be doing its sticky job for 6 months and more.
- One, Two, Three, and it’s Ready. Get annoyed by the tape all torn and gummed up on your scissors no more. 2 sided carpet tape has never been so easy to cut, handle, apply, or remove. Just cut the required length with a kitchen or knife and stick it to the surface. You can also remove the tape with one move without the need to scrape it off the floor.
- No More Glue on the Surface. Excellent adhesion doesn’t mean your stuff will all get messy. We offers a double sided tape for carpet that will keep all your mats, rags, and carpets in place while being residue-free. It means that when the time comes to change the tape, you won’t see sticky residues on the surface. In this way, our rug tape works great even on delicate surfaces like vinyl, laminate flooring, and more.
- Multi-Purpose Use you’ll Love. This floor mat tape is suitable for a wide range of applications. Because it is resistant to water and high temperatures, this carpet tape for area rugs delivers excellent adhesive qualities in any condition. You can use this carpet tape for area rugs on hardwood or as a rug stopper in the bathroom. It is also a great carpet tape for laminate floors and gym mats. Secure unfixed flooring covers with our double sided rug tape.
- MADE FROM PET MATERIAL: LifeGrip General Anti-Slip Tapes are made from PET material, which offer superior durability and tensile strength. The higher tensile strength of PET allow our anti-slip tape to withstand heavy foot traffic, ensuring long-lasting performance. With its easy removal feature that leave no residue or surface damage, LifeGrip General Anti Slip Tapes are versatile and convenient for any application.
- IDEAL FOR EXTREME WEATHER – The PET base layer also withstands temperatures (-20ºc to 60ºc / -4 F to 140 F). No cracking, peeling, disintegrating using in hot or cold weather, perfect for INDOOR and OUTDOOR all year around.
- HIGH TRACTION TO PREVENT SLIPS - HYPO-ALLERGENIC 80 Grit Aluminum Oxide traction pad boosts foot traction with a subtle texture, giving you utmost protection without sacrificing comfort. Provides extra foot traction for protection to your child, family, elderly, and pets on slippery surfaces. Prevents slipping especially for elderly people.
- For ALL SMOOTH SURFACES - Our anti-slip tape has a thick and premium Acrylic adhesive that will form a strong, water-proof bond to Smooth Surfaces, Including concrete, metal, plastic, wood, tile, stone, laminate. This tape is weather and water proof, making it ideal for ensuring anti slip on steps, ladders, ramps, trailers, decks and other equipment.
- Upgrade Your Grip with Rubber Grip Tape: Our professional-grade rubber grip tape delivers superior traction with its high-friction diamond rubber surface, creating a secure and reliable non-slip layer on any contact area. This versatile friction tape excels as a durable skateboard grip tape while also enhancing grip on everyday handles and tools for maximum control and safety in all applications.
- Ultimate Comfort & Protection: Experience exceptional comfort with this non-abrasive, ultra-thin rubber grip tape that provides a soft, cushioning layer to protect surfaces from scratches. The wear-resistant, waterproof, and heat-resistant grip tape ensures durable, comfortable handling, making this premium friction tape ideal for prolonged use on skateboard decks, tools, and household items without discomfort or damage.
- Easy To Install & Customize: Applying this flexible rubber grip tape is simple—clean the surface, peel the release paper, and stick for instant grip enhancement. Easily trim this adaptable friction tape to any size and shape, and it conforms perfectly to slightly curved surfaces, offering a hassle-free installation every time as a custom-fit skateboard grip tape or handle wrap.
- Extremely Versatile Application: This multi-purpose rubber grip tape is the ultimate solution for boosting safety and traction on countless surfaces. Use this reliable friction tape on handrails, tools, skateboard decks, controllers, utensil handles, appliance lids, phone backs, and cameras. The high-performance grip tape provides secure, non-slip coverage wherever enhanced grip is needed.
- ECONOMICAL PACK : Combo Package include 2 rolls of Black hockey stick tapes: Size of each tape roll is about 1” inch. You can easily tear a narrow cloth tape roll by hand in half ( 1/2”in or 0.5” inches ) to suit your needs. Save by buying this affordable multi pack of hockey stick tape & Guard your accessories like a Pro.
- HOCKEY GRIP TAPE: Just Wrap & Go! These hockeystick tapes works perfectly on modern composite hockey stiks & blades, traditional wood or fiberglass blades. Blade tape extends the life of the stick blade by protecting the surface and edges from breaking. Professional team players wrap the hockey blade & add hockey stick wax on it to get better control over the puck on hickey Ice field as this fabric tape resists ice or snow buildup. It also bonds well to socks, pads and other sports gears.
- EASY TO APPLY + NO STICKY RESIDUE: Our cloth hockey stick tape is made up of Woven cotton which is flexible, Easy to Tear, strong, Non-Reflective adhesive. No scissors required for these cloth protection tapes. Just tear when you finish wrapping or applying the tape. The strong hockey wrap adhesive will stick to metal, tile, plastic, concrete, marble, rubber, skin, glass or smooth surfaces and ensure high performance. It’s water resistant, waterproof and abrasion resistant cloth tape.
- All-purpose strong adhesive tape: Cloth sticktape can be used as a general purposes tape like gaffer tape. It’s not the same as gaff tape but it’s NON-REFLECTIVE tape for photography sets, instrumental players, convention organizers, wire management to Secure & Organize cables, setup display areas, decorate automotive, add friction to tech gears, gadgets & equipments, golfers tape - thumb & finger sleeves or Caddies to prevent Golf blisters, athletic or Athlete wrap, Medical Trainers.
- Self Adhesive Bandage: Package includes 16 rolls of black self adhesive bandage wrap. Each roll measures 2 inch wide and 5 yards long after stretching. It easily adheres to itself but will not stick to other surfaces such as skin or hair, making it easy to pull off and change bandages
- Breathable & Highly Elastic Fabric: Self adhesive bandage wrap is made of special elastic lightweight compression bandage fabric, which is stretchy, breathable and skin-friendly
- Versatile Bandage: Elastic Cohesive Bandage help to secure bandage wraps, relieve swelling and promote healing, ideal for strains and sprains. Can be used as bandage wrap for wounds, vet wrap, sports wrap, athletic wrist tape, baseball wrist tape, ankle tape, tattoo wrap bandage, tattoo grip tape wrap
- Easy to Use: It is easy for you to tear it into any length you want by hand according to your own needs, without scissors. Dressing, changing or removing bandages is also very easy, without worrying about adhesive residue
- Professional grade anti slip adhesive tape: Durable waterproof anti skid tape for steps is perfect for outdoor and indoor use. We use premium heavy duty 80 grit tape which creates the ideal texture to fully prevent slipping. Non skid tape provides extra foot traction for your additional protection on any slippery surface, including stairs, patio, entryways, ladders, deck ramp, laminate, skateboard, scooters, tile, slippery floor, trailers, boats, sporting equipment, and forklifts.
- Waterproof, long lasting & peel resistant in any weather: Our abrasive grip tape roll for stairs was specifically designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and any weather conditions, including rain, snow, frost, sun, water, and heat. Stair tread tape creates an exceptional long term grip on all surfaces for many years.
- Works on multiple surfaces: Non slip tape strongly adheres to all surfaces, including smooth and rough coverings. You can stick this anti slip traction tape on wood, tile, stone, concrete, metal, plastic and glass, all of which require extra foot traction. Enjoy all around protection and ultimate comfort in your home, as well as in hotels, restaurants, businesses and educational establishments.
- Made for you safety: Our adhesive non slip tape for steps is designed specifically to make your home safe for you and your family. Superior anti skid tape for steps outdoor creates a safer environment for walking, working, stepping and standing. Reduce the risk of falls, trips and slips for your loved ones, especially the eldery, children and pets.
- Gaffers Tape - 2" x 30 feet long, strong, non-reflective, residue-free adhesive gaffer tape used for securing cables, staging, repairs, and temporary fixes in various settings
- Strong Adhesion with No Residue - Sticks firmly to surfaces like walls, floors, and carpets but removes cleanly without leaving sticky residue behind
- Durable & Weather Resistant - Holds up against rain, freezing temperatures, and heavy use, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor applications
- Easy to Tear & Apply - Rips cleanly by hand without curling or folding, ensuring smooth, hassle-free application on various surfaces
- Professional grade high traction- Our anti slip Traction tape Covered with heavy duty 80 grit aluminum oxide boosts foot traction and creates a perfect texture to prevent slipping.
- Peel resistant and waterproof- Designed with triple layer adhesive from Japan to make sure our grip tape does not peel off after a few days of use. Stair tread tape creates an exceptional long term grip on all surfaces for many years.Withstand heavy foot traffic and any weather conditions.
- Adheres to all surfaces- durable for indoor and outdoor uses. Adheres to all surfaces. wood, tile, stone, concrete, metal, plastic and glass,Our non slip tape also resistant to water, detergents and oils.
- Easy to install and cut to fit- Clean surface first! Just peel and stick to any slippery surface, Ideal for stairs, ladders, decks, tile, slippery floor, skateboard, scooters, trailers, boats, Ramps exercise/sporting equipment, Forklifts,trailers.
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Grip Tape
Grip tape is more than just sticky stuff. It helps you hold onto things better. Whether you skateboard, use tools, or just want a better hold on your phone case, picking the right grip tape matters. This guide shows you what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
Good grip tape has several important features. These features decide how well it works and how long it lasts.
1. Aggressiveness (Grit Level)
Grip tape comes in different levels of roughness, or “grit.”
- Coarse Grit: This feels very rough. It gives you the strongest grip. This is best for skateboards or heavy work boots.
- Fine Grit: This is smoother. It offers good grip but feels less harsh on your hands or shoes. This works well for tools or indoor steps.
2. Durability and Wear Resistance
You want tape that stays sticky and rough, even with lots of use. Strong tape resists peeling and wearing down quickly.
3. Waterproofing
If you use your item outside, the tape must handle rain and moisture. Waterproof tape will not lose its stickiness when wet.
4. Adhesion Strength
This is how well the tape sticks to the surface. A strong adhesive prevents bubbles and peeling edges. Check if the adhesive works well on smooth surfaces like metal or rough surfaces like wood.
Important Materials Used in Grip Tape
The material used affects the feel and performance of the tape.
Grit Material
- Aluminum Oxide: This is very common. It is tough and lasts a long time. It offers excellent grip.
- Silicon Carbide: This is often used for very heavy-duty or wet environments. It is extremely hard.
Backing Material
The layer underneath the grit holds it together and provides the sticky side.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): This is flexible and common for curved surfaces.
- Rubber or Vinyl: These offer good shock absorption and flexibility.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all grip tapes are made equal. A few things clearly show quality.
Quality Enhancers
- Strong Bonding Agent: High-quality tape uses powerful glue that resists heat and cold.
- Uniform Grit Distribution: The grit particles should spread evenly across the surface. Uneven grit means some spots grip better than others.
- Easy Trimming: Good tape cuts cleanly without fraying the edges.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Backing: If the base material is too thin, it tears easily.
- Weak Adhesive: Cheap tape often peels up after just a few weeks, especially at the corners.
- Odor: Strong chemical smells often mean lower-quality glues were used.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use the tape. This helps you choose the right type.
Skateboarding and Scooters
These need the roughest grip (coarse grit). The tape must handle heavy shoe friction and moisture. Durability is the top factor here.
Tool Handles and Sports Equipment (Rackets, Bats)
Here, comfort matters alongside grip. Look for tapes that offer vibration dampening or slightly softer grit. Many people use thin strips on these items.
Stairs and Floors (Anti-Slip)
Safety is key. These tapes must be very waterproof and have a strong, long-lasting adhesive. Fine to medium grit is usually enough to stop slips without hurting bare feet too much.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grip Tape
Q: How do I clean dirty grip tape?
A: You can gently scrub it with a stiff brush and soapy water. Do not soak it completely. Make sure it dries fully afterward.
Q: Can I put grip tape over existing grip tape?
A: It is usually better to remove the old tape first. Putting new tape over old, uneven tape will cause it to peel faster.
Q: Does grip tape expire?
A: Yes, the adhesive can dry out over time, especially if stored in heat. Try to use it within a year or two of purchase.
Q: What is the difference between skateboard grip tape and stair tread tape?
A: Skateboard tape is usually thicker and rougher for maximum boot friction. Stair tread tape is often thinner and designed to be more waterproof and slightly softer for bare feet.
Q: How hard is it to cut grip tape to a custom shape?
A: Good quality grip tape cuts easily with a sharp utility knife or razor blade. You just need a steady hand.
Q: Will grip tape damage the surface when I remove it?
A: Most good tapes remove cleanly. However, very cheap, old tape might leave sticky residue behind. Heat (like from a hairdryer) can help loosen the adhesive before peeling.
Q: Can I use grip tape on wet surfaces?
A: Only if you buy tape specifically labeled as “waterproof” or “marine grade.” Standard tape will fail quickly when wet.
Q: How thick is standard grip tape?
A: Most standard grip tapes are very thin, usually between 0.5mm and 1.5mm thick, depending on the grit density.
Q: Is colored grip tape as good as black grip tape?
A: Yes, the color does not affect the grip quality. The grit material and adhesive determine the performance, not the dye color.
Q: What is the best way to apply grip tape without bubbles?
A: Peel the backing off slowly, starting from one end. Press the tape down firmly as you go, working from the center outward. Use a hard, flat object (like a plastic card) to smooth out air pockets.
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