The Complete Guide to Grizzly Grip Tape for Skateboarding

The Evolution of Grip Tape

Grip tape is an essential part of every skateboarder's setup. It provides the necessary traction between your feet and the board, allowing you to control your skateboard properly. But grip tape hasn't always been around. In fact, it was invented by a skateboarder looking for a solution to a slippery problem.

Back in the 1970s, when skateboarding first emerged as a mainstream activity, skateboard decks were made completely smooth. While this allowed boards to maintain their aesthetic appearance, it made controlling the board very difficult. Every time a skater went up a ramp or attempted any kind of trick, their feet were slipping and sliding uncontrollably.

Skaters began looking for ways to add traction. Some glued sandpaper directly to their decks. Others tried drilling holes or adding metal studs. While these homemade solutions provided a bit more control, skaters were still struggling with excess slipperiness.

Then in the 1980s, skateboarders started experimenting with grip tape. By applying an adhesive paper embedded with grains of sand, they could add durable traction to their decks. The first commercially available grip tape was made by NHS Fun Factory, marketed under the brand name “Jessup”. This launched the evolution of modern grip tape as we know it today.

How Modern Grip Tape is Made

Modern griptape consists of a paper or cloth backing coated with an adhesive resin binder layer. Embedded in this resin are particles of abrasive material, usually silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. The gritty abrasive particles provide the traction you need to control your board.

To make grip tape, the fabric backing is first covered with a layer of viscoelastic glue. Then the abrasive particles are broadcast across the wet adhesive surface. The abrasives become partially embedded in the glue layer as it dries. Finally, the grip tape is die cut into the shapes needed to apply to various skateboard and longboard decks.

The amount of abrasive material and the size of the grit particles can be adjusted to control the tape’s level of grip. More abrasives or larger particles produce rougher, more traction-heavy grip, while less grits make for a smoother contact surface.

Types of Grip Tape

There are a few main varieties of grip tape available today:

• Black grip - The most common style, made from a black cloth or paper backing. Provides moderate to high traction.
• Clear grip - A translucent tape that preserves the aesthetic of a deck’s graphic. Provides less traction than black grip.
• Colored grip - Available in a variety of colors while still providing reliable traction.
• Coarse grip - Uses larger grit particles for maximum traction. Very grippy and can tear up shoes.
• Fine grip - Minimizes the amount of abrasives for less shoe damage. Lower traction than coarse tape.

Within these broad categories you’ll find even more variety. Brands like Jessup, Mob, Grizzly, Vicious produce an array of grip options tailored to different riding needs. You can also find tape with custom graphics or die-cut grip that exposes parts of the deck graphic.

Choosing Your Grip Tape

With so many choices out there, how do you select the right grip tape for your skateboard? Here are some factors to consider:

Level of Grip

The stickier your griptape, the more control it will provide. But super sticky tape can also limit board tricks and mobility. Longboarders usually prefer less grip, while aggressive street skaters opt for maximum traction. If you’re unsure, go for a moderate level grip tape.

Abrasiveness

Grit size and abrasive material amount also affect grip level. Larger grit wears down shoes faster while providing more stick. Fine abrasives don’t shred shoes as quickly. For all around skating, medium grit is recommended.

Graphic Visibility

Do you want your deck graphic completely covered or partially exposed? Full coverage grip leaves the graphic unseen but provides complete traction. Alternatively, die-cut grip selectively reveals parts of the graphic.

Price

Grip tape price usually correlates with quality. Budget tape works decently but wears out faster. Premium brand grips last longer while providing stellar traction. Expect to pay $10-25 for top-tier grip tape.

Replaceability

Grip tape loses its traction over time. Reapplying fresh tape when yours wears down extends the life of your deck. Easy-to-remove grip makes regular replacement simpler.

Applying New Grip Tape

Putting on a fresh sheet of grip is easy with just a few steps:

1. Use a razor to remove any old grip tape and thoroughly clean the deck.
2. Measure the deck and cut your new grip tape to size.
3. Remove the backing from the adhesive side of the tape.
4. Line up one end of the tape and press down evenly across the deck.
5. Use a soft tool like a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles.
6. Trim the excess tape around the edges with a razor.
7. Use coarse sandpaper to round off the freshly cut edges.

Take your time applying the tape and ensure full adhesion across the whole deck. Cutting around complex deck shapes takes precision. Removing air pockets prevents the tape from lifting up. Sanding the edges prevents accidental peeling.

Caring for Your Grip Tape

With the right maintenance, your grip tape can last a long time. Here are some tips for making it go the distance:

• Clean with grip gum or tape to refresh stickiness
• Avoid soaking grips in water to prevent delaminating
• Don’t leave tape in direct sunlight when not riding
• Replace immediately if tape starts peeling at the edges
• Use skate wax on rails and ledges to reduce grip wear
• Reapply new tape once the grits become too worn down

Proper cleaning and rotation preserves traction. Quick replacement when damage starts prevents grip problems mid-trick. With some care, you can get many months of high performance out of quality grip!

Grip Tape Tricks and Tips

Beyond traction, grip tape has a variety of other uses for improving your skating. Try out these grip tape tricks:

Edging

Add strips of extra grip along just the edges of your board for better flip tricks and aerial control.

Nose and Tail Reinforcement

Build up layers of tape in high-wear areas like noses and tails to prevent damage.

Grip Accents

Cut small grip designs or logos out of different colors of tape to personalize your deck.

DIY Cheat Sheet

Stick an index card under your grip to make an always-available crib sheet.

Rail and Ledge Protection

Apply strips of grip along the underside of your deck to reduce damage from grinding.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with extra pieces of grip tape. It can serve many purposes beyond just traction under your feet. Let the grip tape inspire your creativity!

The Future of Grip Tape

While traditional sandpaper-style grip has dominated for decades, newer technologies may disrupt the market going forward. Some examples include:

• Nano-adhesives - Grips made from gecko-inspired nanostructures for unparalleled traction.
• Magnetic grip - Tape embedded with ferromagnetic particles to “stick” to special decks.
• Active grip - Electronics allow changing the tape’s surface between sticky and slick.
• Programmable grip - Uses modules to alter the grip patterning across the deck.

These futuristic concepts show the potential for innovation in grip technology. While it’s unclear if any will catch on widely, they represent intriguing possibilities on the horizon.

Even with advanced options emerging, traditional grit and glue grip tape remains the time-tested standard. As long as there are skateboarders looking for control over their boards, there will always be a need for high quality grip.

FAQs

How long does grip tape last?

With proper care, quality grip tape can last 3-6 months of regular skating before needing to be replaced. Heavier use or exposure to the elements shortens grip life.

What tools do I need to apply grip tape?

You'll need a razor blade, ruler, and plastic applicator like a credit card. Optionally, sandpaper helps smooth edges. Grip gum can also help with application.

Can I apply grip tape over an existing graphic?

Yes, standard black grip tape can be applied over an existing graphic. Die-cut or clear grip tape can also expose parts of the graphic underneath.

Should I get coarse or fine grit tape?

Coarse grit provides more grip but damages shoes faster. Fine grit is easier on shoes but less grippy. Medium grit offers a good balance for most skating.

How do I get old grip tape residue off my deck?

Use a plastic scraper or steel wool to scrub residue off. GoofOff or other solvents can also help remove sticky residue before applying new grip.