Get a Grip: How Skateboard Griptape Impacts Your Ride

Grip tape might seem like a minor aspect of skateboarding, but it plays a pivotal role in how well you perform on your board. In this article, we will explain how griptape works, why it's essential, and how choosing the right one can change your skateboarding experience.

What Is Skateboard Griptape and Why Is it Important?

Skateboard griptape is a rough, sandpaper-like material that sticks to the top of your skateboard deck. The purpose of griptape is simple: it provides friction between your shoes and the board, helping you stay balanced and secure while riding. Without it, your feet could easily slip, making tricks and even basic maneuvers much harder to perform.

Grip tape enhances your control, allowing you to execute flips, turns, and jumps with greater precision. It’s particularly necessary for street skaters and those who enjoy performing tricks, where a secure footing is required.

Types of Skateboard Griptape

Not all griptape is created equal. There are different types of griptape designed to suit various riding styles and personal preferences:

This is the most common type of griptape, featuring a gritty texture that provides maximum traction. It's ideal for street skaters who need secure footing when performing tricks.

For those who want to showcase the graphics on their skateboard deck, transparent griptape is a great option. It offers the same level of traction as standard griptape but lets you see the design underneath.

Perforated griptape is designed with small holes to make application easier by reducing air bubbles. It's great for beginners who may not be as experienced in applying griptape to their boards.

How Griptape Affects Your Ride

Your griptape's texture and quality have a significant impact on your overall skateboarding experience. Here are a few ways griptape influences your ride:

Grip tape ensures your feet stay in place, giving you more control over your skateboard. Whether you're cruising, carving, or performing tricks, good griptape provides the friction needed to keep you steady.

• Improved Control and Stability

With proper griptape, you’ll have more confidence while skating. It allows you to execute sharper turns and maneuvers, knowing your feet won’t slip off the board.

Slipping off your skateboard is not only frustrating but also dangerous. Grip tape minimizes this risk by securing your feet to the deck, helping prevent accidents.

Choosing the Right Griptape for Your Style

Different skating styles require different types of griptape. When choosing your griptape, consider how you ride:

Street Skating vs. Vert Skating

Street skaters often perform a lot of tricks, so they need a tape with a gritty texture for maximum traction. Vert skaters, on the other hand, prioritize smooth transitions, so they may opt for slightly less abrasive griptape.

Longboarding vs. Skateboarding

If you're longboarding, you may want griptape that’s more comfortable underfoot, especially for long rides. Skateboarders often prioritize a gritty texture for better control during tricks.

The Materials Behind Griptape

Grip tape is made from durable materials designed to withstand constant use and rough conditions. The top layer often has a sandpaper-like texture, usually made from silicon carbide or aluminum oxide, which provides the friction needed to keep your feet on the board. Underneath is an adhesive backing that sticks firmly to the skateboard deck.

Installation Process: How to Apply Griptape

Installing griptape can be tricky, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right:

1. Clean the deck: Before applying new griptape, make sure your skateboard deck is free of dust and dirt.
2. Position the tape: Line up the griptape with the deck and start sticking it down from one end, smoothing it out as you go to avoid air bubbles.
3. Cut the excess: Once the tape is on, use a sharp blade to trim off the excess around the edges of the deck.
4. Smooth the edges: Use the leftover pieces of griptape to sand down the edges, ensuring a smooth finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Air Bubbles: Always press down firmly and smooth out the tape to prevent air bubbles.
• Uneven Edges: Take your time when cutting the excess tape for a clean, professional look.

Maintaining Your Griptape

Proper maintenance will extend the life of your griptape and ensure it continues to perform at its best. Here’s what you need to pay attention to: 

Use a stiff brush or griptape cleaner to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using too much water, as it can loosen the adhesive and reduce the tape’s effectiveness.

If your griptape has lost its texture, feels smooth underfoot, or has large worn-out spots, it’s time to replace it. Worn griptape can make riding less safe and harder to control.

Customizing Your Griptape

Many skaters like to personalize their griptape with artwork or unique designs. Some manufacturers offer pre-cut designs, while others let you create your own patterns by cutting shapes into the tape.

Art and Design Options

From solid colors to intricate patterns, griptape comes in various styles to suit your personal aesthetic. You can even find limited-edition designs from your favorite skate brands.

Popular Brands for Skateboard Griptape

Several brands are well-known for their high-quality griptape. Here are a few top recommendations:

• Jessup: One of the most trusted names in griptape, Jessup offers a reliable, high-traction product.
• Mob Grip: Known for its durability and superior grip, Mob Grip is a favorite among many pro skaters.
• Grizzly: Grizzly offers griptape in a range of fun, colorful designs, as well as standard black.

You can find them all here in our Griptape Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does skateboard griptape last?
   Grip tape can last anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on how often you skate and the conditions you ride in.
2. Can I reuse griptape?
   No, the griptape is designed for one-time use. Once it's removed, the adhesive won't work as well.
3. Is it difficult to replace griptape?
   Replacing griptape is easy if you follow the right steps. Just be sure to clean the deck thoroughly and apply the new tape slowly to avoid air bubbles.
4. Can I apply griptape by myself?
   Yes, applying griptape is something you can do on your own with a bit of practice.
5. Does griptape affect speed?
   Grip tape primarily affects traction, not speed. However, if the tape is too gritty, it may slightly slow you down.
6. What’s the best way to clean griptape?
   Using a griptape cleaner or a stiff brush works best. Avoid using too much water, as it can weaken the adhesive.