10+ Best Skateboard Grip Tape- expert opinion

Summary

Grip tape is an important part of a skateboard, as it provides traction and grip for the skater when riding. It also helps to protect the deck of the skateboard from wear and tear. Grip tape is available in a variety of colors and designs, so it can be used to personalize your skateboard. This article will help you to identify all the features of the bet skateboard grip tape.

It’s a necessity for skateboards and often taken for granted but rest assured that not all kinds of grip tape are created equally. While there are many brands out there, it might seem that the best choice can be challenging.

If you don’t want to end up on the pavement every time you hop onto your skateboard, make sure to invest in the best skateboard grip tape.

We solve all your problems while buying the best skateboard grip tape. 

We have enlisted the following products for your best interest, along with a buying guide for selecting the best grip tape for skateboards. 

Top 11 Best skateboard Grip tape In 2022

1. Black Widow Skateboard Griptape Sheet

• Size: 9″ x 33″(One Sheet)

Black Widow Grip Tape has phenomenal grip and is more resistant to slippage. 9″ x 33″ sheets of Black Widow grip tape come in blue, black/yellow, black/white/green, and purple.

The adhesive backing on the grip tape makes it ideal for coping – so if you aren’t looking to customize your board with a complete re-grip fully, then this might be something you are interested in.

From decks like Penny skateboards and Arbor longboards to classic cruiser decks like the Sector 9 wav-r and Plan B boards – 9” x 33” sheets of Black Widow grip tape have what it takes to meet all your deck’s needs when it comes to size or color.

2. Grizzly Blank SkateboardStamp Print

• 9″ x 33″, One Sheet

Grizzly Grip Tape is a premier brand of skateboard grip tape. It was launched in 2002 by American legend Torey Puddwell and quickly grew to be one of the most popular grip tapes around.

The crisp, black grip is made with medium grit that keeps your shoes firmly attached to your skateboard or longboard.

Whether you’re cruising or practicing for tricks, Grizzly’s signature logo will keep the tape clean and in place so it doesn’t come loose when you walk down to the store for drinks with the boys.

The Grizzly logo marks the perfect spot for your feet to go when learning tricks. You will easily find the nose and tail of your skateboard deck. The grip tape looks great, keeps you safe, and doesn’t shred your shoes like stronger, sharper grip tape.

You want to wear a helmet when riding any kind of vehicle, and things can get dangerous quickly if you don’t pay attention while biking, so make sure you pick up one of the best bike helmets for your ride.

3. Black Diamond Sheet of Skateboard Grip Tape

• 9” X 33” sheet 

Black Diamond grip tape shines when it comes to durability and weatherproofing. The 80 grit silicon carbide is highly reliable for skateboard grip performance and longevity.

It may not offer the most cushion for your feet, but you can’t do better if you’re looking for a durable outdoor option. This grip tape is easy to apply. But many users complain about how easily it falls off, which can be frustrating.

 Black Diamond tape does have its weak points, though; it tends to wear out at the bottom of your foot as well as where you place your hands while on your board, making it slippery when wet.

If you’re carefully capping your sharp edges with another surface or wrapping with another grip material, this is the option for you.

4. Vicious Griptape

• 10”x11”

Vicious Griptape is a coarse grit custom grip tape that will allow you to create custom traction patterns with ease into your existing deck’s surface.

Making that perfect board feels while contributing to the perfection of its concave, keeping your feet from slipping on the surface once Vicious Griptape Self-adheres completely.

Vicious Griptape is exceptionally sticky and does not require removing your old grip tape. It’s perfect for longboard sliding, as it provides excellent traction and is ideal if applied to a longboard meant for the same.

However, the downside of Vicious grip tape is that it wears out at an alarming rate in some areas due to its coarse grit. If you plan on using it often or daily, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem because replacement will inevitably be needed anyway.

We also recommend wearing gloves when applying Vicious grip tape as the grip tape can hurt after being used by hand and left to set for more than half an hour. 

For the inexperienced skateboarder who’s planning on using your longboard frequently then, Vicious Griptape might be a better option than skateboard grip tape simply because replacement won’t have to happen so often.

There is a firm grip tape on the board that’s solid and grippy. However, when coming out of a ramp, your feet may slide off of the “Vicious” grip tape easier than regular grip tapes.

5. BooTaa Skateboard Grip Tape Sheet

• 45.2″ x 10.6″

BooTaa gripped skateboard decks are made for use on smooth, hard surfaces. The grip tape used on this brand is unique because it’s made from food-grade silicone and is long-lasting and tear-resistance.

The grip tape features tiny slits in the material that makes installation painless – you won’t end up with hideous-looking bubbles underneath your deck when you install their grips. It also allows the grip tape to be waterproof. 

We all know how hard that can be to find affordable brands. Their product will not just get ruined during a rainstorm – it withstands whatever weather China throws at it. This is excellent skateboard gear for electric skaters who need a non-slip surface while electric motors power a cruise on their boards.

While the grip tape will not fade, the colors may not be true to the picture. If you are okay with receiving slightly different colors for your video, then BooTaa would be the right choice for those looking for unique colors and designs.

6. Shake Junt Spray Grip Tape

• One Size

The Shake Junt Spray Grip Tape has received rave reviews and praise in the past, with many users raving about its ability to make Ollies easier than ever before.

While it’s true that a lot of people who have used this brand of grip tape in the past love the ease at which they can perform various tricks and stunts, this shouldn’t lead you to think that it’s necessarily the best option out there.

The Shake Junt Spray Grip Tape does have some shortcomings, however. After cleaning, the tape becomes very dirty, and the design fades.

7. Jessup Skateboard Griptape Sheet

• 10-Inch x 60-Feet

Jessup is a brand of skateboard grip tape that’s also known for being less grippy than other brands. Some riders prefer this, though, as it can significantly reduce hand fatigue and prevent slipping during longboarding sessions or when used with softer shoes to cover leather boots. Jessup offers smooth, no-frills performance explicitly designed for cruising.

Jessup’s grip tape is pretty thick and grippy – similar to Mob Grip. The real star of the show, though, is its price point. Considering that it’s priced in line with other high-quality grip tapes like Mob but has better padding and more durability to boot, Jessup is a fantastic choice over more well-known brands like Lush.

8. Lucid Grip Spray On Grip Tape

• 2.5 oz Bottle

I decided to re-grip my old Koastal board with LucidGrip, and I could not be more pleased with the results. The process was straightforward, following the instructions provided on the website, and I was amazed that I had such a beautiful new grip within minutes. It is a product I will recommend to others as well.

When you think about it, replacing grip tape on your entire skateboard or longboard can be pretty expensive. You can cover the worn-down places with Lucid Grip without replacing the whole thing. The same bottle can be used for two to three complete applications, saving you time and money.

It is a spray-on grip tape, the Best skateboard grip tape for budget-friendly skateboards. The clear grip tape on this skateboard allows the deck of your board to show through so you can keep an eye out for things like cracks or chips.

It’s great for decks made with maple owners and those who don’t want their feet to get cut up by wheels. The texture is nice and smooth, so there are no jagged edges or odd bumps.

9. Zuext Skateboard Grip Tape Sheet

• 11″ x 44″

Our Zuext Skateboard Grip Tape packs a lot of features for the needs of skateboarders. Firstly, it is made of silicon carbide and PVC and comes with a sharper grip with 90-100 grit on the sheet.

Zuext is a perfect skateboard grip tape because it’s easy to apply, making it difficult for the usual messy torn sides that plague the expert skaters out there. I spend my time skating up and down stairways and doing apparent loops, spins, and tricks over the rails.

The adhesive is super sticky and won’t leave a residue. It will not peel in extreme heat or cold either. One of the best things about our skateboard grip tape is how easy it is to remove and stick to other surfaces because of how self-adhesive it is – you can quickly put it on your sports gear.

Another great thing about Zuext skateboard grip tape as opposed to other types of grip tape out there: It isn’t stiff at all. If you are looking for a way to add more style to your sport, this skateboard grip tape might be just what you need.

10. Mob Skateboard Grip Tape Sheet

• 33″ x 9″ (Single Sheet)

The Mob Skateboard Grip Tape is a best-seller among professional skateboarders. A single roll offers nine-inch width and has easy to clean designs from the brand known for its fantastic quality.

Mob Grip Tape sticks well on the skateboard. It is waterproof, which makes it suitable for every weather. It does have a harsh silicon-carbide grit that can wear down the bottom of one’s shoes. 

Shoes designed explicitly for skateboarding are needed to utilize these tapes. However, even though the videotape starts as sharp, it mellows over time into a finish that’s “just right” for good grip and your shoes.

This newest tape version uses a modern process that binds the design into the grit, significantly improving quality control during production to ensure everything made meets our high standards.

11. Black Widow Griptape

• 9″ x 33″

The Black Widow Griptape is good for skateboarders looking for a new board grip tape, and it does not cost too much. It does not fare well against Jessup or Grizzly tapes, but it still holds its own on our list of the best skateboard grip tape available today.

The weather-resistant properties of the video allow it to have strong at all temperatures, even when soaked with water. However, this strength can become a disadvantage when skating in very humid climates as the tape becomes slippery after becoming wet.

Wow. This is an exciting piece, and we adore the available color options. The company has done an excellent job of ensuring this beautiful design will suit most styles. We’re so thrilled to present it. The checkered pattern is classic and pairs well with all sorts of outfits.

What is Grip Tape and Why You Need It

Grip tape is an adhesive sandpaper-like paper with a rough and textured surface. It is usually found on skateboards or longboards.

This grip tape keeps your shoes from slipping or sliding when applied to the skating board’s deck. Grip tape helps provide traction and safety and the ability to do tricks and maneuvers by increasing traction under your feet. 

Safety precautions should always be taken, such as wearing appropriate footwear depending on where you are skating.

For example, if you are using grip tape at a skate ramp, you will probably require extra grip on both sides of your shoes to help prevent falls if you lose your balance.

Riding in slippery shoes will make everything much more challenging to keep control of, especially if there are distractions like cars or even people around you when riding.

In addition, it’s also imperative that your shoes fit correctly so they don’t hinder balance while completing various tricks while skateboarding.

Different Types of Grip Tape

Depending on what you plan on doing with your skateboards and longboards can help you decide what grippy tape to use.

Depending on road speed goals, there are different grain sizes of grip: thicker for commuting or longer distances, medium for smooth city cruising, and fine and thin for ramps, bowls, and pools.

Features to Look for in Good Grip Tape

There are a few things you should consider when finding the best skateboard grip tape for your longboards as well.

Such as how durable the grit is, the quality of the adhesive, how easy it is to apply, and how unique you can make it look.

Stickiness

The grip tape on your skateboard is significant. You should make sure the grip holds tight when the temperature changes, whether it’s raining or snowing outside, and regardless of any external factors that may cause the weather to affect its stickiness.

Reviews show that Black Widow, BooTaa, Jessup, and Grizzly have a high level of stickiness; you should consider at least one of them before making your final decision.

If you want a grip tape with a higher grit that keeps you stuck to the board, you need 80 determination or more.

Great Budget Grip Tape

For best value, we recommend Black Diamond and Jessup. A grip tape can also vary greatly depending on the size and brand name. 

There are different price points, but your wrist does not necessarily have to suffer in comfort, as you can get an affordable grip tape for around $20 that is made from a durable material.

Optimal Application & Ease of Use

To ensure that your grip tape will not bubble, you should look for a grip tape with perforations. This perforation makes it easy to apply without worrying about trapped air underneath the video.

The best grip tape that offers an easy application is Mob Grip Tape. Mob grip tape is fully tear-proof and has a non-perforated surface which means that you won’t have any bubbles in your hold.

To make trimming easier, buy grip tape slightly larger than your board. The average skateboard size is 8″x10″; however, measure your board before purchasing grip tape.

Best Grip Tape Designs 

Among skateboard specialists, it is generally agreed that black grip tape is most famous for customizing a skateboard. If you opt for fancy colors, you can get some incredible art pieces such as stencils and stickers made to decorate your board with.

However, skateboard decks meant for the “professionals” are always equipped with a standard colored grip tape: black.

There are also companies offering their unique designs, encouraging more people to try out this sport if they like the plan they see on their friend’s skateboard decks.

Waterproof Grip Tape

If you get stuck out in a rainstorm with your skateboard or longboard, the first thing you’ll want to do is protect your traction so that if it does get wet and slippery, you’ll be able to maintain control of your board.

There are some tremendous waterproof grip tapes out there that are worth checking out. You might have to spend a little more on them, but they’re superior in quality and will last quite a while longer too.

Some brands of waterproof grip tape include Vicious, Mob, Black Diamond, Zuext, and boo ta.

Best Brands for Grip Tape 

Skateboarders understand how important it is to look good as you ride a skateboard. Depending on what image you want to portray and what style of skating you prefer – like 5 to 50 percent of your board with grip tape, your customers will know if they’re looking at a pro-skater or just another Joe Schmo who got his gear at Toys”R” Us. 

The best brands in terms of quality can be found in Grizzly, Mob, and Shake Junt, followed by Diamond Supply Co., Almost, Alien Workshop, and Darkstar.

Best Grip Tape to protect your shoes

You need to balance the need for traction of the skateboard with not wearing out a shoe too fast. Be careful not to pick a grip tape with a high grit such as Jessup Grip Tape or Shake Junt Grip Tape if you are just looking for a grip because it will wear out your shoes very quickly. 

Best Skateboard Grip Tape for Learning Tricks

Skateboarders require a unique adhesive to keep their board on the right path. Otherwise, they might find themselves flat on the ground. 

We spoke with skateboarders and skaters who said that one of their preferred types of adhesive comes in the form of a Mob Skateboard Grip Tape. This is a favorite among both pros and hobby skateboarders. The more grip your board, the better it is for skateboarding tricks.

Some other types of grip include Shake Junt and Grizzly, but they are less grippy than Mob, so if you’re not sure where to place your feet, I recommend this Mob Type Grip Tape which helps you maneuver and stay in control of your board as you do ollies and kickflips. 

If you are more of a beginner and aren’t sure where to place your feet, I recommend these brands: Shake Junt or Grizzly. Their grip tape isn’t quite as aggressive as Mob’s, but it’s much easier to line up your feet with.

Beginner’s Best Grip Tape

It can be hard to find suitable grip tape for skateboards, especially when starting. There are a lot of different choices, and they all have different levels of trippiness.

You want something with just the right amount to hold your feet onto the board, but not so much that you lose your footing quickly. The best grip tape for beginners is Grizzly. 

Best Skateboard Grip Tape For Street Skating, Cruising, and Commuting.

People who are using their boards for commuting, experimental or casual skating don’t need as much grip tape for their board as someone downhill and doing skateboarding tricks. Of course, there are even different kinds of grip tapes depending on what type of skating you’re into too.

For example, the standard board has a light-to-medium grit grip tape. In contrast, the Vicious brand has extra heavy-duty that’s sticky to prevent skaters from losing their balance or falling off during chaotic downhill sliding.

The bottom line? You want a smoother stickier grip tape if you’re doing fast or rough downhill running or racing while also needing enough traction so your feet won’t come flying off after every turn.

Recommended Brandstape for cruising and longboarding.

1. Grizzly Grip Tape
2. Jessup, 
3. Black Widow 

How to Clean My Grip Tape?

You’re cruising down the street on a skateboard, a flake of dried mud gets stuck on the bottom of a shoe. You take a step off to jump over an obstacle but land on, and before you know it, half of the dirt has smudged into your grip tape. What are you going to do now?

The easiest way to get rid of this dirty residue is to grab yourself a grip cleaner. Simply rub in circles over the affected area using the included applicator block until all the dirt and grime disappears, just like magic.

Another option is to take a medium-to-coarse brush and use it on your grip tape, along with some soap and water. This should make cleaning much more accessible than just a grip cleaner.

If you find that your skateboard’s sheet has suffered from so much wear that it can’t be adequately cleaned anymore, then you’ll probably have to replace it if you want to keep riding safely. 

Time to Change Your Grip Tape

Depending on how often you skate, you may have to change your grip tape more frequently. You will have no grip if you slide a lot within a few months.

Price of the best skateboard Grip Tape?

There are many different kinds of skateboard grip tape, so I wanted to highlight some critical points about them in general. First, grip tape comes in many different sizes – depending on what you’re using it for.

Most boards designed for more leisure-like skateboarding purposes need skinnier grip tape than the kind used on a board designed for seriously hard downhill skating.

That said, there are still different sizes that people use on their boards – depending on how perfect they want it to be. Most grip tapes are available for around $10. Premium designs like fancy colors or shapes cost a little bit more.

Our list ranges from $5 to $30, with most between $7 and $15.

Final Verdict

Our top four best skateboard grip tape brands are ones we’re proud to recommend and stand behind. However, depending on your individual needs, one brand may work better than the others.

Pick up some Mob grip tape if you want to skate like a pro and have great stick and control. Best Overall Grip Tape goes to Grizzly grip tape.