In the event you’re like me, you’ve most likely missed grip tape greater than as soon as in your skating journey. I imply, for the longest time, I assumed griptape was simply griptape—slap it on, and also you’re good to go. However as I’ve rediscovered skating and tailored my type over time, I’ve realized that choosing the proper grip tape could make a major distinction, particularly for road and vert skating on popsicle boards.
So, let’s dive into all the things a newbie must know to make the correct grip tape selection.
What Is Griptape and Why Does It Matter?
Griptape is the sandpaper-like sheet you stick on high of your skateboard deck. It supplies the mandatory traction between your footwear and the board, permitting you to keep up management whereas performing methods or simply cruising round.
Again in my early skating days, I didn’t pay a lot consideration to grip tape. I knew the stuff on these Toys “R” Us boards was rubbish—slick as ice and completely ineffective. However past avoiding that, I didn’t suppose a lot about it.
Quick-forward to a few years in the past after I stumbled upon this hex-patterned grip tape on Amazon. Not solely did it carry out nicely, however individuals on the park couldn’t cease asking me about it. It appeared cool, and it has develop into my go-to ever since. Whereas I don’t do any fancy designs on my grip tape—apart from reducing a line to differentiate the nostril from the tail—it’s good to have one thing that stands out a bit.
Components to Contemplate When Selecting Griptape
1. Grit Degree / Coarseness
The grit degree of your grip tape impacts each grip and the way rapidly your footwear put on out. Whereas grip tape doesn’t have standardized grit scores like sandpaper, it typically falls into three classes:
- Coarse Griptape: Gives most grip however can put on out your footwear quicker. Typically utilized by downhill and freeride longboarders[^3][^5].
- Normal Griptape: Presents a steadiness between grip and shoe put on. Supreme for many road, park, and vert skating—good for popsicle boards[^3][^5].
- High quality Griptape: Much less abrasive, simpler on footwear, however supplies much less grip. Not generally used for trick-oriented skating[^5].
Professional Tip: I favor super-grippy grip tape. In actual fact, some tapes are so grippy initially that you simply may wish to put on them down a bit. You should utilize leftover grip tape to sand down the nostril space barely, saving your footwear from extreme put on.
2. Dimension Issues
Normal griptape sheets are sometimes 9″ x 33″, becoming most traditional decks[^1][^2]. In the event you’re using a wider board (like my most popular 8.5″), be sure that the griptape covers the whole deck. All the time measure your deck earlier than buying to make sure correct match.
3. Materials
Most griptapes are made out of silicon carbide or aluminum oxide:
- Silicon Carbide: Extra sturdy and maintains sharpness longer[^3].
- Aluminum Oxide: Softer really feel however might put on out quicker[^3].
4. Design and Aesthetics
Griptape is available in quite a lot of colours and designs:
- Plain Black: Basic look, what I often go for.
- Coloured Griptape: Provides a pop of coloration to your setup.
- Graphic Designs: Logos, patterns, and even customized prints.
- Clear Griptape: Nice for exhibiting off deck graphics[^1][^2][^6].
Whereas I hold it easy, it’s all about private choice. Simply keep in mind that closely printed or painted griptape may supply barely much less grip because of the ink layers.
5. Perforation for Simple Utility
Some griptapes, like Mob Grip, come perforated to forestall air bubbles throughout software[^6]. Belief me, nothing’s extra annoying than peeling again your griptape to repair a bubble. Perforated griptape makes the applying course of smoother and saves you time.
6. Adhesive High quality
A great griptape ought to have sturdy adhesive to forestall peeling. Manufacturers like Mob and Jessup are identified for his or her dependable stickiness[^7].
Well-liked Griptape Manufacturers Comparability
Right here’s a fast comparability of some well-liked griptape manufacturers that can assist you resolve:
| Model | Options | Worth Vary |
|---|---|---|
| Mob Grip | Tremendous grippy, perforated, long-lasting | $6 – $12 |
| Jessup | Basic really feel, much less coarse, simple on footwear | $5 – $10 |
| Grizzly | Number of designs, good grip | $7 – $14 |
| Shake Junt | Daring graphics, customary grip | $7 – $15 |
| Black Magic | Sturdy, constant grip | $6 – $12 |
- Mob Grip: My private favourite for its superior grip and perforation.
- Jessup: Nice for learners who need a dependable, barely much less aggressive grip.
- Grizzly: Presents cool designs should you’re into that, with out sacrificing efficiency.
Why I Select Mob Grip
I’m a giant fan of Mob Grip for 2 fundamental causes:
- Superior Grip: It’s extremely grippy. Sure, it is perhaps too grippy at first, but it surely wears all the way down to an ideal degree 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 while you apply it. This function saves a ton of trouble throughout setup.
Fast Tip: Some individuals recommend utilizing grip gum to put on down the griptape. Nonetheless, grip gum is definitely meant for cleansing dust off your griptape to make it grippier[^9]. If it’s essential to put on it down, use leftover griptape to sand it barely.
Tips on how to Select the Proper Griptape
- Assess Your Skating Fashion: Avenue skaters may favor customary griptape, whereas longboarders may go for coarser choices[^5].
- Determine on Grip Degree: In the event you’re new, keep on with customary griptape. As you progress, you may wish to experiment with totally different textures.
- Measure Your Deck: Make sure the griptape will cowl your board solely.
- Contemplate Design: Would you like one thing flashy or easy? The selection is yours[^1][^2][^6].
- Verify Adhesive High quality: A powerful adhesive prevents peeling and extends the lifetime of your griptape.
- Learn Opinions and Ask Round: Skate communities are a goldmine for sincere opinions[^5].
Do’s and Don’ts of Griptape Choice and Utility
Do’s
- Do measure your deck earlier than buying griptape.
- Do take into account perforated griptape to keep away from air bubbles.
- Do use a pointy blade for trimming extra griptape.
- Do clear your deck earlier than software for higher adhesion.
- Do experiment with totally different manufacturers to search out what fits you finest.
Don’ts
- Don’t rush the applying course of; take your time to keep away from errors.
- Don’t use grip gum to put on down your griptape; it’s meant for cleansing[^9].
- Don’t neglect the sides; file them down to forestall peeling.
- Don’t assume all griptape is identical; high quality and efficiency differ between manufacturers.
- Don’t neglect to interchange your griptape when it loses its grip or begins peeling.
Making use of Your Griptape Like a Professional
- Put together Your Deck: Be sure it’s clear and dry.
- Align the Griptape: Begin from one finish, guaranteeing it covers the whole deck.
- Apply Slowly: Press down firmly as you go to keep away from bubbles.
- Clean 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 an expert end.
When to Exchange Your Griptape
Griptape can final wherever from just a few months to over a yr, relying on how usually you skate and the situations you expose it to[^2][^5]. Listed here are indicators it’s time for a alternative:
- Lack of Grip: In case your toes begin slipping greater than normal.
- Seen Put on and Tear: Holes, tears, or vital put on spots.
- Peeling Edges: Edges lifting can result in additional peeling and lowered efficiency.
Extra Suggestions for New Skaters
- Begin Easy: As a newbie, keep on with customary griptape from respected manufacturers.
- Funds-Pleasant Choices: You don’t want to interrupt the financial institution; there are high quality griptapes obtainable at decrease costs.
- Ask for Assist: Don’t hesitate to ask extra skilled skaters for recommendation or help in making use of griptape.
- Security First: Correct grip ensures higher management, lowering the chance of accidents.
Steadily Requested Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I reuse griptape from an outdated deck?
A: Usually, no. Griptape is designed for one-time software and often will get broken throughout elimination.
Q2: How do I clear my griptape?
A: Use a griptape cleaner or an outdated toothbrush with some gentle cleaning soap and water. Keep away from soaking it to forestall the adhesive from weakening[^9].
Q3: Does coloured or graphic griptape have an effect on efficiency?
A: It will possibly, barely. Heavy printing may scale back grip, however most skaters received’t discover a major distinction.
This fall: Is perforated griptape dearer?
A: It may be barely pricier, however the ease of software usually makes it price the additional value.
Q5: Can I apply griptape myself as a newbie?
A: Completely! Simply take your time and observe the steps outlined above.
Remaining Ideas
Selecting the best griptape isn’t nearly seems; it’s about enhancing your connection to the board. Whether or not you’re hitting the streets or the vert ramps, the correct griptape could make all of the distinction.
Bear in mind, skating is all about private choice and magnificence. What works for me won’t be your cup of tea, and that’s okay. The bottom line is to maintain experimenting till you discover what feels proper underneath your toes.
Comfortable skating, and see you on the market—simply be careful for these scooter children!
Citations:
[^1]: Techniques – Finest Grip Tape
[^2]: Final Gear Lists – Finest Skateboard Grip Tape
[^3]: Stoked Trip Store – The Final Longboard Grip Tape Information
[^5]: Dose Skateboarding – Skateboard Grip Tape Information
[^6]: Reddit – Do You Guys Actually Suppose There Is a Distinction in Griptape?
[^7]: Warehouse Skateboards – Skateboard Grip Tape
[^9]: Skatedeluxe – Griptape Upkeep
I hope this up to date information helps you make an knowledgeable determination on choosing the proper griptape in your skateboard. In case you have any extra questions or want additional clarification, be at liberty to ask!