Searching for the Best Skateboard Grip Tape? Here are 3 Things to Consider.
Skateboard grip tape is an important part of a skateboard. It allows you to grip your shoes to the top of the board and ensure you don’t slide off, as well as helping you keep your balance while skating.
Back when skateboarding first started they didn’t use grip tape and many just skated barefoot. Imagine the accidents that happened along the way. Jessup Manufacturing started producing skateboard grip tape in 1975 and by the start of the 1980’s it was considered mainstream and is now used throughout the skating community.
Good, Better, Best Skateboard Grip Tapes- What to Consider
Skateboard grip tape is a funny thing. Some people might love one brand because it allows them to do major air tricks, while others find it to thick and “sticky”. While one skater loves basic black grip tape, others prefer clear grip tape to show off their unique board. When you’re searching for the best skateboard grip tape there are a few things to keep in mind.
Grain
There are different grains of grip and materials that make grip tape.
Sometimes a thicker or medium grade, even a super low grain, are out on the market. People will need to buy according to what their preference is and how they intend to skate. Going around town on the sidewalks is a lot different then flipping through the air. Standard grip is medium grade and in general it works great for most skaters. Expect to change out your grip tape because like sandpaper it will start to lose its grittiness and ability to grip over time no matter what grain you choose.
To get that sandpaper feel of skateboard grip tape it is usually made from one of two materials- silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. While silicon carbide might run a few dollars more it is well worth it. Aluminum carbide loses its edge and grip faster, while silicon carbide is a very hard material and stays sharp for longer making it well worth the extra dollars.
Design
Black is the most common color on the market, but now you can pretty much find anything to fit your unique style. You can get colored grips in just about every color. They have different graphics and stencils cut out of the grips. Keep in mind more grip on the board is better for your skating, so if you plan to cut it make sure where your feet will be is completely covered in a grip surface. Clear grip tape is growing in popularity because it allows people to see through to their board design. One thing to keep in mind with clear grip tape, make sure you keep up with cleaning it or it will lose its translucent factor and not work as well.
Did you know that Jessup even recently introduced ULTRA NBD? This is the world’s first griptape made with Nike Grind, recycled rubber scrap from Nike’s footwear manufacturing.
Width
The standard size width of most skateboards is within 8 inches and some running as wide as 10 inches. You can also buy grip tape by the foot or a sheet of grip which is usually standard to about 33 inches to 9 inch wide for most street set ups.
The Choice is Yours
There are a lot of options on the market when it comes to grip tape for your skateboard. What you consider the best skateboard grip tape might not be the same choice as your fellow skater. Keep in mind how you intend to skate (tricks or no tricks) and go from there. Starting with a medium grade grip that covers your entire board in any color is a great starting choice.
Jessup Manufacturing is the official griptape partner for USA Skateboarding, the governing body responsible for Team USA in the upcoming Olympics. Shop our entire line of skateboard grip tape now.
