Skateboard Grip Tape

Buying Guide: Choosing Your Skateboard Grip Tape

The Crucial Role of Grip Tape

Skateboard grip tape is the element that ensures the connection between your feet and your skateboard deck. Perfect grip is essential for landing your ollies, nailing your flips, and maintaining total control. At Independent Skateshop, we select the best grains to offer you maximum control.

How to Choose the Right Grain for Your Practice?

The "grain" of the grip tape defines its level of grip. The choice should be made according to your desired feel and how quickly your shoes wear out:

  • Standard Grain (Universal): The ideal compromise. It offers excellent grip without being too abrasive. This is the preferred choice for street and skatepark skating.
  • Fine Grain: Ideal for cruising or if you want to preserve your shoes longer.
  • Aggressive Grain (Coarse): The favorite of bowl, ramp, or transition skaters. It ensures maximum hold, even during the most committed landings in curves.

Skateshop's Advice: The Perfect Application

High-quality grip tape will only be effective if it's applied flawlessly. Follow these steps to set up your board like a pro:

  1. Cleaning: Make sure the top of your deck is clean and dry.
  2. Application: Apply the grip tape gradually, starting from the center towards the ends to push out any air bubbles.
  3. Marking: Use a metal file to mark the edges of your board all around the deck.
  4. Cutting: Neatly cut off the excess with a new utility knife.
  5. Finishing: Sand the edges with the cut-off grip tape for perfect adhesion and a clean finish.

Video Demonstration: How to Apply Your Grip Like a Pro

Nothing beats a good visual guide to master the technique. Watch our step-by-step video method to apply your grip cleanly, without bubbles, and with a flawless finish:

If you need a hand, feel free to check out our complete skateboards already assembled or ask us for advice on assembling your setup.

Need to Renew Your Setup?

Grip tape is the most frequently replaced consumable. For optimal gliding, pair your new grip tape with our latest skateboard decks. Need tools to install your trucks or hardware? Find all our essentials in our skate tool section.