Skateboard grip tape is a very important part of a skateboard. It allows you to grip your shoes to the top of the board and insure you don’t slide off as well as helping you keep your balance while skating.

Grip tape is a sandpaper-like material on the top side and it has an adhesive bottom so you can stick it to your skateboard. The most common grip tape size is 9in x 33in.

Related: Beginner Skateboard Set Up Guide

What Type Of Grip Tape Should I Buy?

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to grip tape for your skateboard. For example, you will need to consider the grit (how rough it is), the color and style that you prefer, and of course which brand you prefer and trust. The price of grip tape can vary greatly between brands too.

Some of the most popular grip tape brands are MOB, Grizzly, Jessup and Shake Junt so let’s take a closer look at what these grip tape companies offer and what sets them apart from each other.

MOB Grip Tape

MOB grip tape is one of the most popular grip tape companies due to its rough grit which makes it a very grippy grip tape!

The only downside to having such rough grip is it takes a toll on your shoes shredding them up a little faster than usual. However, MOB have a not so rough grip tape called M-80 designed for more technical skating that is less abrasive on your shoes. The M-80 is thinner and lighter than regular MOB grip tape.

There is no doubt MOB is a high quality grip tape and is the choice for many pro skateboarders. Their grip tape comes in black and with a variety of graphic options too.

Grizzly Grip Tape

Grizzly Grip Tape was founded by professional skateboarder Torey Pudwill so as you can imagine, it has a great reputation. This grip tape is known for being high quality due to its increased grain and perforation which allows for excellent grip and less air bubbles. Grizzly grip offers standard black, bear cut out, and a variety of graphic grip. It is a great choice of grip tape for any level of skateboarder.

Jessup Grip Tape

Jessup Grip Tape is the original skateboard grip tape and was introduced to skaters worldwide in 1975! Jessup’s silicon carbide formula will ensure it conforms to all skateboard decks. This is the real “OG” in the grip tape game and is sure not to disappoint any skateboarder from beginner to professional. Jessup grip tape comes in black and a variety of colors.

Shake Junt Grip Tape

Shake Junt Grip Tape is extremely popular and is known to be a long lasting grip tape that is nice and grippy. Shake Junt grip is all graphic style and comes in a variety of bright colors. They are on the more expensive side when it comes to grip tape but if you like what you see then don’t hesitate to stick this good quality grip tape on your board.

How To Apply Grip Tape To Your Skateboard

Now you have your grip tape it’s time to apply it to your skateboard. All skate shops will apply your grip for you for free when you purchase it but if you purchase it online you will have to do it yourself. Don’t sweat it! Applying grip tape is not a difficult task and can actually be a fun and creative process.

• First you will need a skateboard deck, grip tape and a box knife.
• Lay the skateboard deck on a flat surface to make it easier when applying the grip.
• The next step is to peel the paper from the grip tape to reveal the adhesive (just like a sticker).
• Lay the grip tape over the deck making sure its completely covered from top to bottom and side to side.

• Place the grip down at one end of the deck start to pad the grip down and work you way to the other making sure there are no air bubbles. If you have air bubbles apply pressure to make them stick down to the deck.
• Now you want to use something like a screwdriver to run around the edge of the board to give you a guide line to cut the excess grip.

• Now you have a guideline its time to put that box knife to use! It’s time to remove the excess grip tape.
• Use the box knife to cut around the edge of the deck and be sure to do this on a flat surface and always take safety precautions when using knives!

• After the grip tape is cut to shape you can use the excess grip tape to sand down the edges of the deck to make it smoother.
• Now you want to use your truck bolts to make holes in the grip tape where the trucks screw on. To do this push the bolts through the holes from the bottom of the deck. Once you have done all 8 holes your deck has been officially gripped!

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