Stick with Style: 19 Best Skateboard Grip Tape Options

This comprehensive roundup examines the best skateboard grip tapes available today, comparing their durability, traction, and grip properties to help you find the perfect match for your riding style and board type.

As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn through qualifying purchases.

Reviews

9in Thrasher Big Destroy Sheet Mob Skateboard Grip Tape

A new addition to the Grip Tape market, Mob's Graphic Mob features premium silicon-carbide grit that bonds full-color graphics permanently into the deck, preventing peeling or wear even in extreme conditions. The high-strength backing ensures clean cuts every time, while the super-sticky adhesive maintains grip in all weather. The result? Hundreds of skateboarders praising its durability and performance.

CCS x Realtree Original Grip Tape

CCS Classic Grip provides unmatched boardstickiness through its super sticky adhesive and innovative perforated design that prevents air bubbles. The rip-resistant construction ensures your grip tape remains intact through thousands of hard landings. At 9" by 33", one sheet covers your entire deck with generouscoverage.

9x33 Skateboard Grip Tape

This grip tape has received mostly positive feedback for its quality and grip level. While some users found application a bit challenging, especially for precise cuts, the overall satisfaction is high. The grip is described as real and effective, though a few mentioned it might be too grippy for certain skating styles. Many users appreciate the good value for money, with one noting it rivals premium brands in quality.

Powell Peralta Collage Griptape

This grip tape pulls out all the stops with its mixed-media design, featuring Powell-Peralta's best hits from years of skateboard culture. The long-lasting glue keeps your board sticky-slick for every session, whether you're nailing kicks, sliding, or just cruising. It's like a piece of skate history stuck to the bottom of your board.

Spitfire Classic Swirl Griptape Black Camo

The Spitfire Classic Swirl Griptape adds a vibrant pop of color to your skateboard setup with its distinctive black camo pattern. The red and orange swirls create a dynamic look centered around the brand's logo. At just under 3 feet long, this durable grip tape provides ample surface area to secure your feet while adding some eye-catching style to your deck.

9in x 33in Slayer Logo Skateboard Grip Tape

MOB grip tape brings pro-level adherence to your skateboard with its uniquely designed surface that prevents air bubbles during application. The proprietary silicon-carbide grit process ensures lasting grip that stands up to intense trick sessions, while the tear-resistant backing makes clean cuts every time. The nearly invisible perforations in the high-strength backing allow for smooth installation without the hassle of air bubbles, though a few reviewers noted the online color representation could vary slightly from the actual product.

Jessup Grip Tape

Jessup grip tape has earned its place as an essential board accessory through its reliable performance and versatile design. The black silicon-carbide surface adheres firmly to any deck while remaining simple to shape and trim – perfect for adding personal touches like custom cuts or subtle designs. The USA-made grip tape has become synonymous with lasting durability and secure foot placement during tricks.

Mob Skateboard Griptape Thrasher Gonz Pattern

As the top choice of professional skateboarders, the Mob Thrasher Gonz grip tape combines exceptional durability with precise boarding feel. The high-strength backing system ensures clean edges every time you trim, while the ultra-adhesive formula maintains secure footing in all weather conditions. The hundreds of microscopic perforations enable flawless air release during application, making installation a breeze.

Powell Peralta Caballero Street Skateboard Grip Tape

This classic Powell Peralta grip tape combines vintage appeal with practical functionality, featuring the brand's signature graphic on silicon carbide grit. At 10.5 inches by 33 inches, it perfectly matches traditional skateboard decks while showcasing Skate One's craftsmanship in Santa Barbara, California.

Pepper Grip Skateboard Grip Tape

Made for all types of boards, from skateboards to longboards, this premium grip tape has got you covered. The 9.5 by 33.5 inch sheet gives you plenty of grip-friendly surface area. Each perfectly perforated sheet features Pepper's reliable G5 formula, keeping your tricks smooth and your feet secure.

Jessup Skateboard Griptape

Jessup Skateboard Griptape features hundreds of microscopic perforations that enable air to escape during application, ensuring a smooth installation process. The grip tape employs a proprietary silicon carbide grit binding process that maintains its grip intensity without degradation over time. The high-strength, waterproof backing allows for clean cuts every time, making it a preferred choice among professional skateboarders worldwide.

Mob x Bronson Racer Grip Tape

The Mob x Bronson Racer grip tape combines full-color illustrations with crystal-clear photographs, locking graphics into the grit surface through a proprietary process that maintains the premium durability and performance expected from Mob Grip. Attested by users who appreciate its subtle design aesthetic, this edition maintains the brand's commitment to professional-grade grip while minimizing visual clutter.

Jessup Griptape 3398-9X33-SB-BX

Jessup's classic purple grip tape brings back the feel of 90s skate decks with its slightly aggressive bite and self-adhesive backing that holds up through extreme temperatures. The 9" by 33" sheets conform perfectly to your board's concaves, and while some users report minor creasing issues during shipping, the griptape itself is praised for its longevity and consistent 60s-era feel. The perforated design prevents air bubbles while applying, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced skaters who prefer a traditional grip texture.

Jessup 9" Black Grip Tape

Skate like you're glued to your board with Jessup's super grippy silicon carbide grit. The solvent-based adhesive bonds instantly to any smooth deck, while the durable 9" by 33" sheets cut cleanly with a razor blade. Thousands of skaters worldwide swear by these USA-made sheets that resist canvas-sneaker sock-slipping and hold up flawlessly through intense sessions.

MOB Checkerboard Skateboard Grip Tape

When you see professional skaters nailing those sick flips and grabs, it's probably because they're riding on MOB grip tape. This stuff is sticky enough to handle the heat of a spin, but flexible enough to avoid those pesky air bubbles. If you're building a board or looking to replace your grip tape, these blue and red sheets are worth the investment – especially since they come with those tiny holes that help the tape sit flat and clean.

CCS Classic Purple Griptape

This classic purple grip tape holds its stickiness through countless sessions, with dozens of tiny perforations preventing air bubbles and maintaining a smooth deck surface. The super-sticky backing and rip-resistant material make it a reliable companion for both new and experienced skateboarders, keeping riders secure during tricks and jumps.

Mob Black Grip Tape

Mob grip tape has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for skateboarders and longboarders, combining superior traction with precise foot placement. The high-quality, waterproof backing ensures clean cuts and consistent application, while the super sticky adhesive provides unwavering grip in all conditions. Made from durable, long-lasting material, each sheet covers 2.06 square feet and features a perfect 80-grit texture that prevents air bubbles while maintaining just the right balance of friction.

Powell-Peralta OG Stickers Grip Tape

The Powell-Peralta OG Stickers Grip Tape brings a classic skateboarding aesthetic to your deck with its USA-made quality construction and durable silicon carbide surface. The high-adhesion sticker graphics pay homage to the brand's rich history while providing excellent traction during your ride. Whether you're cruising around town or nailing tricks at the park, these griptapes combine style and functionality for a timeless addition to any skateboard setup.

Jessup Skateboard Griptape

When pro skaters choose Jessup grip tape, they're opting for the original silicon carbide formula that revolutionized skateboarding traction. The USA-made black sheet bonds rock-solid to your deck while conforming perfectly to its curves. With razor-sharp corners and a legendary grip that handles everything from ollies to flips, it's no wonder this classic remains the standard by which all other grip tapes are judged.

Buyer's Guide

Skateboard grip tape significantly impacts a deck's surface traction, affecting performance and safety. Understanding grip tape features helps in selecting appropriate levels of grip, durability, and board feel.

Surface Texture and Grip Level

Grip tape surfaces range from smooth (for technical tricks) to aggressive (suited for street and vertical riding). Common surface patterns include crosshatch, diamond, and random dot patterns, each offering different levels of friction and board feel.

Material Composition and Durability

Modern grip tapes combine natural rubber with polyester film for durability and consistency. Higher-quality tapes use premium rubber compounds that resist wear and maintain consistent grip over time. Consider the tape's thickness as thinner options provide more board feel but less durability.

Application and Adhesion

Grip tape bonds permanently to the board through a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. Premium tapes often feature faster-curing adhesives for quick installation. The tape's backing paper should be removed cleanly, and the edges sealed to prevent peeling.

Maintenance and Long-term Care

Regular cleaning with mild soap and water maintains grip tape performance. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the rubber surface. Proper storage in a cool, dry place slows degradation and prevents warping.

FAQ

What is skateboard grip tape?

Skateboard grip tape is a thin rubberized material adhered to the top surface of a skateboard deck, featuring a grid pattern for traction. The backside has an elevated layer that creates texture when pressed against the skateboard's surface.

This adhesive backing allows riders to apply the grip tape themselves, and its durability and traction make it essential for preventing the skateboard from slipping during tricks and grinds.

How is it installed on a skateboard?

Begin by cleaning the top surface of your skateboard deck thoroughly. Apply a thin, even layer of bonding adhesive, then quickly place the grip tape grid-side down onto the deck. Press firmly along the tape's edges to remove air bubbles and ensure proper bonding.

Use a credit card or similar tool to smooth out the surface and press the tape firmly into place. Allow it to cure for 24 hours before use to ensure proper adhesion.

Do I need different grip tape for different skateboard types?

Standard grip tape works well on all skateboard types, including street, park, and longboards. However, some specialized applications may benefit from specific tapes: double-bonded grip tapes offer extra durability for professional riders, while softer options provide more cushioning for longer sessions.

For sliding tricks, consider using grip tape with a higher friction surface. For technical park riding, a smoother surface may allow for more precise control during manuals and ollies.

How long does a grip tape typically last?

A standard grip tape usually lasts 1-2 years with regular use, depending on riding frequency and style. Professional riders might need to replace theirs every 6 months, while casual riders might get 2 years of consistent performance.

Signs that it's time for a replacement include noticeable loss of surface texture, delamination of the adhesive backing, or increased slippage during rides.

Can I reuse grip tape?

While you can reuse grip tape, it's generally not recommended due to its adhesive properties. The backing becomes ineffective after removal, and new decks typically require fresh adhesive for proper bonding.

Professional reusers sometimes cut the tape to reapply to specific areas of a board, but this requires careful preparation and a suitable adhesive to ensure proper reattachment.

What's the best way to store grip tape?

Store grip tape in its original packaging with the backing intact to maintain its adhesive properties. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.

If you need to remove the backing, store the grip tape with the grid surface facing down to prevent dust and debris from sticking to the adhesive side.

As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn through qualifying purchases.