The 10 Best Skateboard Grip Tapes

Gone are the days of a small handful of skateboard grip tapes to choose from. Now you walk into any skate shop to see dozens of different options ranging in color, graphics, and brand. At first glance, they all look the same, but after some time skating on different grips, there’s a noticeable difference.

After skating for 15+ years, I have used my fair share of grip tape. Over this time, I’ve learned the hard way that not all grip tapes are made equal. Some like to rip on application or lose their grip over time. Others feel as fresh as the first day I skated it, lasting long past the lifespan of my deck.

So to help you avoid the mistakes I’ve made in the past, I created this list of all the best grip tapes for skateboarding currently available. You may notice that there are a lot of repeat brands, but that’s for good reason; they’re simply the best. With that said, some grips vary in coarseness, giving you a different feel while skating, not to mention shred through your shoes a bit quicker.

Now, if you’re in a rush and just want to order a sheet of grip, Jessup grip tape is the first one you should choose.

Jessup was one of the first-ever grip tape brands in the skate industry, and it shows in their products. Their grip tape sticks to your skateboard forever, doesn’t tear when you trim it, and doesn’t lose its grip, period.

With that said, there are some other great options out there, especially if you want a clear or colored grip tape. So, let’s get into this thing and find you a new sheet of grip tape!

Best Grip Tape Overall

This first round of grip tapes are plain black but vary in coarseness. They can be found in the standard 9×33″ sheets or many in 11×33″ sheets for longboards. For cruiser decks, a 9×33″ sheet will work most of the time, assuming your deck is 9″ in width or less.

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1. Jessup Grip Tape

Jessup Grip is the longest-running skateboard grip tape company in the industry. They have long been the grip of choice for all levels of skaters, including the USA Olympic skate team.

What I love about Jessup is how sticky the adhesive is. Regardless of the climate you’re in or the weather your skateboard might see, this grip tape refuses to lift off your board. This was a reoccurring problem with knock-off brands of grip tape I’ve tried in the past.

The second part that makes Jessup a great choice to skate is the grip strikes a balance between sticky without being too much. Compared to MOB grip, it’s noticeably less coarse but doesn’t destroy your shoes as quickly. Especially if you’re a casual skater who just likes cruising around, a less gritty grip will make a big difference.

With that said, Jessup might not suit you as well if you prefer bombing hills. Having a more coarse grip at high speeds offers a bit of extra security that you’ll be more likely to find in MOB grip.

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2. MOB Grip Tape

MOB Grip is one of the most common grip tapes I see at skateparks today, and for a good reason. It has a more coarse feel than other grip tapes that makes your board feel like it’s attached to you. This can make all the difference for big tricks or getting a little extra height out of your pop.

A nice feature about MOB Grip is that it’s perforated. What that means is there’s a bunch of tiny holes in the grip tape that allow air to escape when you put it on your board. That way, it’s easier to apply, and there are fewer air bubbles to deal with!

Like Jessup, MOB has a solid adhesive and a waterproof backing, so this grip won’t peel even if your board sees extreme heat, cold, or rain. If you have a dedicated pair of skate shoes that you don’t mind wearing through a bit faster, MOB is an excellent option.

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3. Grizzly Grip Tape

Torey Pudwill created grizzly Grip in 2002, and in later years, this bear-stamped grip was one of the most popular around. This grip tape is pretty comparable to Jessup grip tape, with a medium-coarse grit that doesn’t feel too excessive. Due to that, this is a good option for just about any type of skater, even for those looking for a casual cruise around town.

A nice feature of this grip tape is that you can use the bear-shaped cut-out to tell your nose from the tail, useful for many beginners. Unfortunately, this grip tape doesn’t come in sizes larger than 9×33″, so anyone with a wide longboard deck can’t use this grip tape.

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4. Jessup Ultra Grip

Previously I mentioned how Jessup isn’t as grippy as MOB, but with Jessup Ultra Grip, that’s a different story. This grip tape is one of the tackiest grips around and will make your board feel like a magnet when popping tricks. I have skated this grip once before and found it a bit excessive for my tastes. However, it’s the perfect option for you if you’ve ever wished your grip tape felt a bit more coarse. It’s a slight step up from MOB if I had to compare it in feel.

Since this grip is so coarse, it’s best for skaters who are skating street or bowls. It would also be a valid option for longboards if your deck fits within the 10×34″ max sheet size for this grip. As for cruisers or kids, this is probably a bit overkill, and you should opt for a less coarse grip.

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Best Grip Tape With Graphics

Although you can find some pretty wild grip tape designs at your local skate shop, these are two top-tier classics that look great and feel awesome to skate on.

5. Shake Junt Graphic Grip Tape

Shake Junt is another one of the most popular grip tape brands, with this stamped graphic design as one of their most popular options. This grip tape is comparable in feel to Grizzly or Jessup, except a bit less durable in the long run. I have also found the edges to tear easier when trimming the sheet compared to Jessup of MOB. Of course, that’s not the end of the world, but it definitely won’t make your grip look as clean.

This grip tape is still a great option if you want an “in-between” coarseness that doesn’t feel overbearing. It allows your foot to slide nicely for tricks but still catches well.

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6. Stamp Graphic Grizzly Grip

If you have skated the Grizzly Grip with the bear-shaped cut-out (mentioned in #3), this grip feels the same. It has a medium grit that balances good grip and easy flicking. The adhesive on this grip tape has held up well in my experience and doesn’t often tear when trimming to your deck.

Since it’s a stamped graphic, it does begin to fade a bit over time. However, that’s a trade-off for better grip tape compared to many full-graphics from knock-off grip brands.

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Best Clear Grip Tape

7. MOB Perforated Clear Grip

Clear grip tape has become increasingly popular in the last few years, but good-quality ones have been hard to come by. MOB Clear grip is an exception and should be your first choice when it comes to clear grip tape. This grip tape is very coarse, similar to the regular MOB grip. It doesn’t wear out quickly compared to other clear grips, and the adhesive won’t fail in any weather or temperature condition.

Before you buy clear grip tape for your skateboard, it’s worth noting that it’s not completely see-through. Once applied to your skateboard, you can still see the graphic on the top of your deck, but you can still tell there is grip tape on your board. It’s as close as you’re going to get to “invisible” grip tape.

Also, remember that clear grip tape shows dirt a lot more than black grip tape, so regularly cleaning it will be necessary if you want a pristine setup. I’ll get into how to clean your grip tape later in this post!

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Best Colored Grip Tape

8. Jessup Colored Grip Tape Combo Pack

If you are looking for colored grip tape for your skateboard, the Jessup combo pack is one of the best bangs for your buck. It comes with six different colors of grip tape, so you have grip tape for future setups or can mix and match the grip tape colors. I’ve found some colored grips to be lower quality than black grip tape, but Jessup’s colored grip is one of the exceptions. It has a very similar feel and coarseness to its standard black grip. In addition, it has a strong adhesive, so the grip never peels, and it’s tough to tear when trimming.

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9. Red Shake Junt Grip Tape

With an identical “in-between” coarseness feel as standard Shake Junt grip tape, their colored grips are a good option if you want to spice up your setup. Like their standard black grip, it has a feel similar to Jessup, where it’s sufficiently grippy for tricks but doesn’t feel like your shoes are going to disintegrate. Like the other stamped graphic grip tapes, the graphic does fade over time, which is worth noting before buying.

You can also find this grip tape in pink and yellow. Just remember, the lighter colored the grip, the faster it looks dirty!

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10. Black Diamond Blue Grip Tape

Lastly comes the blue, black diamond grip tape. This is a brand I haven’t mentioned yet on the list, mainly because the other options are genuinely better. With that said, Black Diamond is a very coarse grip tape that feels great to skate on. Their vibrant grip tape colors are pretty unique, and they’re slightly more affordable, although all grip tapes are pretty cheap.

I would only recommend Black Diamond if you tend to go through your decks every couple of months. If you ride the same deck for years, this grip tape can start to bald in places you pivot your feet a lot. For me, that ended up being under the front foot by the front trucks. It is also more brittle than other grip tapes, so it tears and cracks a lot easier when trimming and placing hardware. This isn’t the most long-lasting grip tape but is a good option as far as colored grip tape goes.

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Buying Advice For Skateboard Grip Tape

Before you buy a sheet of grip tape, here are some things to consider.

– What Is Grip Tape For?

If you’re looking to buy grip tape for someone and you aren’t sure if it’s necessary, know it’s a key component to any skateboard or longboard. Grip tape helps create extra friction between your feet and the board, making tricks easier to pop and flick. It also adds an obvious grip factor, keeping your feet planted securely while riding your board.

– Can Skateboard Grip Tape Be Used On A Longboard?

Yes, you can use skateboard grip tape on a longboard, but you will need to confirm the dimensions of your longboard before you buy. Both skateboard and longboard grip tape is the same; the only difference comes in the size of the sheet.

The standard grip tape sheet for skateboards is 9 inches wide by 33 inches long. However, you can purchase bigger sizes up to 11×33″ with brands like MOB. There are also longer sheets in 10×48″ from Black Diamond available here on Amazon or in many local skate shops.

To make sure a sheet of grip tape will fit your board, take a tape measure and measure the width and length of your deck. When taking your length measurements, make sure to go from the center of the nose and tail.

If you are riding a standard skateboard under 9.0 in width, any standard grip tape sheet will work for your setup.

– Does Grip Tape Coarseness Matter?

As I mentioned throughout this post, different grip tapes have varying levels of coarseness. That means some will feel a lot more sticky than others when you’re skating. Unfortunately, there is no answer to whether more or less grit is best because it comes down to personal preference.

Now it’s worth noting that more coarse grip tape will wear through your shoes faster than less rough grip tape. This isn’t a huge problem if you have a dedicated pair of skate shoes since it’s bound to happen anyway. However, this is less ideal if you just want a board to cruise around with your everyday shoes, which you probably don’t want to wear out as fast.

So if you’re choosing a grip tape to skate street, bowl, or park, you can’t go wrong with medium or high coarseness. I would recommend trying a less coarse grip like Jessup to start, then trying a more coarse grip like MOB on your next setup to see what you prefer.

For casual cruisers and skateboard commuters, opt for a less coarse grip tape to keep your shoes lasting longer.

– How To Apply Grip Tape To A Skateboard

Once you get a sheet of grip tape, it’s easy to apply on your deck right at home. You don’t need any special tools besides a sharp knife, such as a box cutter. I walk through the entire process in this article on how to apply grip tape and make designs.

To summarize the process, here are the steps to apply your grip tape:

Step 1: Peel The Grip Tape Backing Off

Grip tape is like a giant sticker, so start by peeling off the backing to reveal the adhesive. Next, hold the grip tape over your deck with the sticky side facing the top of your deck.

Step 2: Place The Grip On Your Deck Starting From The Middle

Carefully place the grip tape centered on your deck, letting the center of the grip stick to your deck before the rest. Slowly lay it down completely, so it’s covering all areas of your deck.

Step 3: Press Down Evenly On The Grip Tape

Once the grip tape is placed, press your hand along the grip tape to adhere it to your board. Again, work from the center out to ensure you don’t get any air bubbles.

After you’ve gone over with your hand, take the adhesive backing you peeled off earlier and place it over the grip tape. Now rub and press your hand along the grip tape to make sure it’s sticking correctly. By placing the backing over the grip tape, you can push harder and drag your hand without hurting your skin on the grip.

Step 4: Rub A Metal Object Along The Grip Tape To Outline Your Deck

You need to see an outline before trimming the grip tape, so your cuts are accurate. Taking something like a screwdriver, rub the metal part along the edges of your deck to create an outline on the grip tape. This will be used as a reference point for trimming.

Step 5: Trim The Excess Grip

Taking a box cutter and starting from the outside center of the grip, trim off any excess grip on the outside of the outline you made. All that will be left is the grip tape adhered to the deck.

Step 6: Poke Holes For Hardware & Mount Your Trucks

Taking your hardware, flip your deck around and force the bolts through the holes to poke through your grip tape. Repeat this process with all eight bolt holes, then mount your trucks. Now you’re ready to go skate!

– How To Clean Your Grip Tape

Grip tape will look dirty after a while, especially with clear or colored grip tapes. The easiest way to keep your grip tape clean is with something like the black diamond grip tape cleaner gummy cube. This rubber gum block can be rubbed onto your grip tape and instantly lifts dust and dirt. It’s pretty cheap and worth having if you want to maintain a fresh-looking grip at all times.

– How Long Can You Expect Grip Tape To Last?

With high-quality grip tape like the ones mentioned in this list, you can expect your grip tape to last as long as your deck. Decks can last anywhere from a month to just under a year when frequently skating, depending on what tricks you’re doing. This timeline can extend to multiple years for those who just use their skateboards for cruising around and never pop tricks. I’ve never had an issue with my grip tape going before my deck does, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Now, if you still aren’t sure what grip tape you should use for your skateboard, I would go with Jessup. It’s incredibly long-lasting, is easy to put on your deck since it doesn’t tear, and is perfectly grippy for all skill levels. You can buy a sheet of Jessup grip tape on Amazon or from Tactics Boardshop.

Happy Shredding!

Brendan 🙂