Griptape is the sandpaper-like sheet you stick on prime of your skateboard deck. It offers the required traction between your sneakers and the board. However, should you’re like me, you’ve most likely ignored grip tape. I imply, for the longest time, I believed grip tape was simply grip tape—slap it on, and also you’re good to go.
However through the years, I’ve realized that choosing the proper grip tape could make a giant distinction. So, let’s dive into every part a newbie must know to make the suitable grip tape selection.
Take a look at this video from Ways about choosing the proper grip tape. It’s most likely the very best video you’ll ever see about grip tape.
What’s the Greatest Skateboard Grip Tape? from Ways YouTube channel.
And should you’re extra of an audio form of man. Check out this podcast episode that principally sums up this entire article.
Key takeaways
- Grip tapes are constituted of silicon carbide or aluminum oxide.
- Road skaters may desire normal grip tape, whereas longboarders may go for coarser choices.
- In the event you’re new, follow normal grip tape. As you progress, you may wish to experiment with completely different textures.
- Make sure the grip tape will cowl your board totally.
- Grip tapes are available many colours and designs. The selection is yours.
Components to think about when selecting grip tape
Shopping for grip tape is definitely not that daunting. It’s fairly easy, however that is the final word information to selecting it so right here’s every part that you simply may want to remember if you’re contemplating grip tape.
1. Materials
Grip tapes is constituted of silicon carbide or aluminum oxide.
1. Abrasiveness and Grip:
- Sharpness: Silicon Carbide has very sharp, angular grains. This sharpness offers an distinctive grip as a result of the abrasive particles can “chew” into the soles of your sneakers.
- Traction: The grip is commonly extra aggressive, permitting for exact management, which is helpful for technical tips that require fast foot actions and safe footing.
2. Sturdiness:
- Put on Over Time: Whereas Silicon Carbide offers superior preliminary grip, the grains are extra brittle. They’ll break down quicker with heavy use, doubtlessly resulting in a lower in grip over time.
- Consistency: The grip could turn out to be much less constant because the sharp grains put on off erratically.
3. Influence on Footwear:
- Shoe Put on: The aggressive texture could be powerful on shoe soles, inflicting them to wear down extra rapidly as a result of sharper abrasive motion.
4. Ultimate For:
- Those that don’t thoughts changing grip tape or sneakers extra regularly for the sake of efficiency.
- Skaters who prioritize most grip and are performing superior tips.
1. Abrasiveness and Grip:
- Sharpness: Silicon Carbide has very sharp, angular grains. This sharpness offers an distinctive grip as a result of the abrasive particles can “chew” into the soles of your sneakers.
- Traction: The grip is commonly extra aggressive, permitting for exact management, which is helpful for technical tips that require fast foot actions and safe footing.
2. Sturdiness:
- Put on Over Time: Whereas Silicon Carbide offers superior preliminary grip, the grains are extra brittle. They’ll break down quicker with heavy use, doubtlessly resulting in a lower in grip over time.
- Consistency: The grip could turn out to be much less constant because the sharp grains put on off erratically.
3. Influence on Footwear:
- Shoe Put on: The aggressive texture could be powerful on shoe soles, inflicting them to wear down extra rapidly as a result of sharper abrasive motion.
4. Ultimate For:
- Those that don’t thoughts changing grip tape or sneakers extra regularly for the sake of efficiency.
- Skaters who prioritize most grip and are performing superior tips.
Fast comparison abstract
When selecting griptape, the fabric used can considerably influence your skating expertise. Right here’s a comparability of the 2 fundamental griptape supplies: Silicon Carbide and Aluminum Oxide.
| Function | Silicon Carbide | Aluminum Oxide |
|---|---|---|
| Grip Degree | Extra aggressive, sharper grip | Barely milder, smoother grip |
| Sturdiness of Grip | Could put on down quicker on account of brittle grains | Longer-lasting grip on account of harder grains |
| Shoe Put on | Causes sneakers to wear down quicker | Gentler on sneakers, extends footwear life |
| Consistency | Grip could turn out to be uneven as grains break off | Wears evenly, sustaining constant grip |
| Greatest For | Most grip for technical tips | Balanced grip and sturdiness for basic skating |
When making your selection, contemplate these two elements:
- Efficiency vs. Longevity: In the event you prioritize the very best stage of grip for technical efficiency and don’t thoughts changing your grip tape or sneakers extra typically, Silicon Carbide grip tape could be the selection for you.
- Balanced Method: In the event you desire a grip tape that provides good traction whereas additionally being sturdy and fewer damaging to your sneakers, Aluminum Oxide grip tape might be extra appropriate.
2. Grit and coarseness
The grit stage of your grip tape impacts each grip and the way rapidly your sneakers put on out. Whereas grip tape doesn’t have standardized grit rankings like sandpaper, it usually falls into three classes:
- Coarse Griptape: Gives most grip however can put on out your sneakers quicker. Usually utilized by downhill and freeride longboarders.
- Commonplace Griptape: Affords a stability between grip and shoe put on. Ultimate for many avenue, park, and vert skating—good for popsicle boards.
- Effective Griptape: Much less abrasive, simpler on sneakers, however offers much less grip. Not generally used for trick-oriented skating.
Understanding grit rankings is essential when deciding on the suitable grip tape to your skating type. Right here’s a breakdown of various grit rankings and their typical makes use of:
| Grit Score | Sort | Makes use of |
|---|---|---|
| 24-40 Grit | Tremendous Coarse | Ultimate for downhill or freeride longboarding. Gives most grip however can tear up sneakers rapidly. |
| 50-60 Grit | Medium Coarseness | Good for basic longboarding and doing that factor the place women dance on longboards. |
| 80 Grit | Commonplace Skateboarding | A standard selection for avenue, park, and vert skateboarding—good for popsicle boards. That is what MOB grip tape will likely be. |
As a private be aware, I are likely to assume that extra grip might be higher on invert because you’re not gonna be doing as many flip tips, however you will have to be completely positive that your ft don’t slip off of the board. Conversely, when doing a little avenue stuff, you’ll need a bit bit much less grit to get a clear flick whereas not destroying your sneakers as quick.
Professional tip: In case your tape is simply too grippy, you may make it smoother
In case your tape is simply too ‘grippy,’ you can put on it down a bit utilizing leftover grip tape to sand down the nostril space barely, saving your sneakers from extreme put on. And don’t use grip gum to put on down the grip tape. Grip gum is definitely meant to scrub grime off your grip tape to make it grippier.
3. Design and aesthetics
Griptape isn’t nearly perform; it’s additionally an opportunity to specific your type. Grip tapes are available every kind of colours and design selections. Right here’s a breakdown of your choices:
- Plain Black: That is the basic look, and it’s what I often go for. It’s easy, clear, and goes with every part. Plus, it doesn’t present grime as a lot as lighter colours. In the event you’re all about perform over type, black is your finest wager.
- Coloured Griptape: Need to add a pop of shade to your setup? Coloured griptape is the best way to go. From daring reds to chill blues, you may match your griptape to your deck graphics or go for a contrasting look. Simply understand that lighter colours will present grime and put on extra rapidly.
- Graphic Designs: That is the place griptape will get enjoyable. You could find griptape with:
- Model logos: Showcase your favourite skate brandsPatterns: Geometrics, camo, tie-dye, you identify itCustom prints: Some firms even allow you to design your individual griptape
- Clear Griptape: In the event you’ve obtained a sick deck graphic, you may wish to present it off. Clear griptape helps you to do exactly that. It’s not utterly clear – extra like frosted glass – nevertheless it does let the deck artwork shine via.
- Die-Minimize Designs: That is next-level stuff. Some skaters lower intricate designs into their griptape, revealing the deck graphic beneath. It takes some severe persistence and ability, however the outcomes could be superb.
Whereas I maintain it easy with plain black (outdated behavior, I suppose), it’s all about private desire. Your griptape is like your board’s signature, so select one thing that displays your type.
A Phrase of Warning: Simply keep in mind that closely printed or painted griptape may provide barely much less grip as a result of ink layers. In the event you’re all about efficiency, you may wish to keep on with plainer designs, particularly in areas the place you want essentially the most grip.
Professional tip: Combine up kinds
If you need the very best of each worlds, think about using a plain griptape for many of your deck, however add a small customized design or brand close to the tail or nostril.
4. Value
Happily, grip tape is fairly reasonably priced. And there’s not an entire lot of variation, differing types that justify costly tapes or something like that. So that they’re just about all gonna be comparatively the identical value. Right here’s a fast rundown on costs:
- Commonplace Sheets: Most high quality grip tape sheets run between $5 to $15.
- Finances Choices: You could find a fundamental grip for as little as $3-$5 a sheet.
- Premium or Specialised Grip: Anticipate to pay $15-$20 for top-tier or distinctive designs.
- Bulk Packs: In the event you’re a frequent skater or store proprietor, bulk packs (3-5 sheets) can value $20-$40, saving you some money in the long term.
5. Perforation
Some grip tapes, like Mob Grip, come perforated to forestall air bubbles throughout utility. Belief me, nothing’s extra annoying than peeling again your griptape to repair a bubble. Perforated griptape makes the appliance course of smoother and saves you time.
6. Sheet dimension
If you purchase a sheet of grip tape, it should very probably be a couple of inches bigger than your board, particularly you probably have a normal popsicle board. Commonplace grip tape sheets are sometimes 9″ x 33″, becoming most traditional decks. In the event you’re driving a wider board (like my most popular 8.5″), be certain that the grip tape covers the whole deck. All the time measure your deck earlier than buying to make sure correct match. You undoubtedly don’t wish to begin peeling it and sticking it solely to seek out that it doesn’t cowl the entire thing. Simply double-check, OK?
7. Adhesive high quality
A great grip tape ought to have a robust adhesive to forestall peeling. This one is the final on the record as a result of he received’t actually have a lot management over it. It’s only a byproduct of no matter model you select. Manufacturers like Mob and Jessup are identified for his or her dependable stickiness.
Dos and don’ts of selecting and making use of skateboard grip tape
Choosing and making use of griptape is essential to your skateboarding expertise. The suitable selections can improve your efficiency and delay the lifetime of your setup, whereas errors can result in frustration and potential questions of safety. Listed below are some key dos and don’ts to remember:
Dos
- Do measure your deck earlier than buying Griptape
- Do contemplate perforated grip tape to keep away from air bubbles
- Do use a pointy blade for trimming extra grip tape
- Do clear your deck earlier than utility for higher adhesion
- Do experiment with completely different manufacturers to seek out what fits you finest
- Do file down the perimeters after utility to forestall peeling
- Do exchange your grip tape when it loses grip or begins peeling
Don’ts
- Don’t rush the appliance course of; take your time to keep away from errors
- Don’t use grip gum to put on down your grip tape; it’s meant for cleansing
- Don’t neglect the perimeters; file them down to forestall peeling
- Don’t assume all grip tape is identical; high quality and efficiency fluctuate between manufacturers
- Don’t apply grip tape to a moist or soiled deck floor
- Don’t select grip tape solely based mostly on aesthetics; prioritize efficiency
- Don’t ignore indicators of damage; exchange your grip tape when essential
Well-liked grip tape manufacturers
There aren’t as many grip tape manufacturers as there are deck manufacturers. However there are a couple of to select from. Beneath are simply among the hottest ones. Right here’s a fast comparability of some in style grip tape manufacturers that will help you resolve:
| Model | Options | Value Vary |
|---|---|---|
| Mob Grip | Loopy in style, Tremendous grippy, perforated, long-lasting | $6 – $12 |
| Jessup | Basic really feel, much less coarse, simple on sneakers | $5 – $10 |
| Grizzly | Number of designs, good grip | $7 – $14 |
| Shake Junt | Daring graphics, normal grip | $7 – $15 |
| Black Magic | Sturdy, constant grip | $6 – $12 |
Why so many skaters select Mob Grip
MOB and Jessup are actually the commonest and in style grip tapes, nonetheless, Many skaters select Mob Grip for 2 fundamental causes:
- Superior Grip: It’s extremely grippy. Sure, it could be too grippy at first, nevertheless it wears all the way down to an ideal stage and stays there. Different manufacturers may begin much less grippy and lose effectiveness over time.
- Perforation: Mob Grip is perforated, that means no air bubbles if you apply it. This function saves a ton of trouble throughout setup.
Again in my early skating days, I didn’t pay a lot consideration to grip tape. I solely knew the stuff on these Toys “R” Us boards was rubbish—slick as ice and completely ineffective. However past avoiding that, I didn’t assume a lot about it.
My new favourite gript tape
I stumbled upon this hex-patterned grip tape from S&X, and I fell in love with it. Not solely did it carry out properly, however folks on the park couldn’t cease asking me about it. It regarded cool, and it has turn out to be my go-to ever since. Whereas I don’t do any fancy designs on my grip tape—except for chopping a line to tell apart the nostril from the tail—it’s good to have one thing that stands out a bit.
The best way to apply grip tape
- Put together Your Deck: Make sure that it’s clear and dry.
- Align the Griptape: Begin from one finish, guaranteeing it covers the whole deck.
- That is non-obligatory, however you may lower the grip tape in half a couple of quarter-way size clever. This fashion, you may maintain a small hole between the 2 sheets and simply inform the nostril and your tail aside.
- Apply Slowly: Press down firmly as you go to keep away from bubbles.
- Easy It Out: Use a tough object like a screwdriver to press down and take away any bubbles should you’re not utilizing perforated griptape.
- Trim the Extra: Use a pointy razor blade for clear edges.
- File the Edges: This prevents peeling and provides knowledgeable end. And file arduous, actually arduous. You shouldn’t fear concerning the aesthetics at this level. You ought to be smashing that file on the perimeters of your board to verify the adhesive and plastic actually mix into the wooden.
When to switch your outdated grip tape
Griptape can final anyplace from a couple of months to over a 12 months, relying on how typically you skate and the situations you expose it to. Listed below are indicators it’s time for a substitute:
- Lack of Grip: In case your ft begin slipping greater than common.
- Seen Put on and Tear: Holes, tears, or vital put on spots.
- Peeling Edges: Edges lifting can result in additional peeling and lowered efficiency.
You may exchange the grip tape in your skateboard with no need to purchase a brand new deck. Changing grip tape is a typical upkeep activity that may rejuvenate your board’s grip and total really feel.
Right here’s learn how to transfer your outdated grip tape.
- Apply Warmth: Use a hair dryer or warmth gun to heat up one finish of the grip tape. Persistence Is Key. Take your time peeling off the grip tape.
- Raise an Edge: Fastidiously use a razor blade to peel up the sting of the grip tape.
- Peel Off Slowly: Step by step peel again the grip tape, making use of warmth as wanted. Go slowly to forestall the grip tape from tearing.
Recommendations on making use of grip tape could be present in our information to establishing your skateboard.
Continuously requested questions (FAQ)
Branded grip tape typically presents increased high quality supplies and extra constant efficiency in comparison with generic choices. Manufacturers like Jessup or Mob Grip are identified for sturdiness and superior grip, which might improve your skating expertise; nonetheless, generic grip tape generally is a cost-effective selection for inexperienced persons.
Sure, you may customise your grip tape! Many skaters use spray paint, stencils, or lower distinctive patterns to create customized designs. Moreover, some manufacturers provide pre-designed grip tape with graphics or logos, permitting you to specific your type whereas sustaining performance.
Perforated grip tape options tiny holes that enable air to flee throughout utility, stopping air bubbles for a smoother end. In the event you’re involved about simple set up and desire a bubble-free expertise, perforated grip tape is a superb possibility to think about.
Last ideas
Eight of us in order that’s it that’s my information on selecting grip tape. Actually whereas I used to be scripting this I discovered so much myself that I didn’t know. However fortuitously, the entire idea or matter of grip tape is definitely fairly simple. There’s not so much to consider. So, simply get some mob tape and lower it up the best way you need or some shade grip tape simply be certain that it’s 80 grit and that’s it. Simple Peezy.