Whether you are a pro skateboarder or a beginner who loves to ride a scooter, you cannot deny the importance of these products. You will not be able to perform tricks safely without having the right amount on your ride.
Scooter grip tape is vital if you are going to do tricks on your ride. It takes a lot of practice, courage, and endeavors to do stunts. If you do not apply the best grip tape on your scooter, it might result in an accident.
Here, we will discuss the features of some of the best items available and how they can help to keep you safe. Make sure you read the full article as it will help you choose the right product for your scooter.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Scooter Grip Tape
- OUR TOP PICK: Black Widow 9" x 33"
- RUNNER-UP: Black Diamond 9 x 33 (Clear)
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Gonex 44 x 11 Grip Tape
Comparison Chart of the Best Scooter Grip Tapes
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Our Top Pick  |
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Runner-Up  |
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How Often Should You Change Grip Tape?
The constant friction between the deck surface and your shoes wears out the product, which results in smoothing the grain. In such a case, tricks become imprecise and difficult. However, this does not mean that you need a new deck – just changing the grip tape will work wonders.
The best way to remove worn-out grip tape is with the help of a hairdryer. The hot air will loosen the adhesive enough for you to peel off the grip tape easily. Use a hobby knife to scrape off any leftover tape before applying a new layer.
You can keep your product in perfect condition by making sure that your shoes are free from dirt and grime before skating. Otherwise, you will not only find unsightly marks on your item but will also reduce friction and resistance. In case you do get your tape dirty, you can use a conventional household or shoe cleaning brush to clean your board.
Is All Scooter Grip Tape the Same?
Nowadays, scooter grip tapes are available in various colors with stunning graphics and prints, brand logos, and even small cut-outs. Since some brands have introduced decks with increasingly elaborate designs and graphics, transparent products have also become quite popular among riders.
Grip tape also comes in various sizes. Some tape fits the deck perfectly, while some have to be cut in shape to fit the scooters. In addition, some grip tape is water-resistant, which in turn may also make them long-lasting. Thicker grips, on the other hand, have the ability to absorb external shocks, which makes them perfect for new riders.
What Should I Look For When Buying Scooter Grip Tape?
Quality products are important to ride at an optimal level. Even if you are a beginner, you need a decent grip as it helps you to stay on the scooter while riding or when you are landing tricks. Therefore, before choosing a grip tape or switching to another brand, it is essential to keep the following factors in mind:
Easy Application and Removal
Removing worn out tape can be quite difficult and time-consuming. However, using high-quality items can eliminate this problem. Make sure that when you choose a product, it is produced by a well-known company so that you can be sure that only will it be easy to apply, but when the time comes, it will be easier to remove as well.
Grittiness
Some items have an extra-strong grip, which is preferred by some riders, but as a downside, these tapes will wear out shoes faster. Choosing a less gritty product will protect your shoes from wear and tear, but it may compromise your ability to stay on the scooter and your performance. Therefore, it is best to go with a product that is strong but will not cause damage to your shoes.
Style
Grip tape is not just black anymore. There is a wealth of designs and patterns to choose from. Everything from skeletons, to pizza, to kittens, to women – grip tape has become a popular way for riders to express their individual style and preference. You can adorn your deck to mirror your unique personality and taste.
Review of the Best Scooter Grip Tapes
You will find a wide range of products on the market. They are of different colors, construction, dimension, and design. You need a tape that will fit your ride’s deck properly and makes a statement about your individual personality. The following reviews will help you find a product that will suit your requirements perfectly, so read on:
Best Overall:
Black Widow 9″ x 33″
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have found this item very easy to apply and easy to remove. They have used it on paddleboards, longarm rulers, nickel boards, etc. and they all agree it adheres very well. It provided the needed extra traction while giving the boards a very trendy look. Buyers who wanted a striping pattern on their boards found this item very easy to cut.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Black Widow grip tape is formulated with long-lasting glue that conforms to all deck concaves. It is easy to trim and does not tear like other tapes. It comes in the form of a nine by a thirty-three-inch sheet and is perfect for skateboards and longboards.
We find this product a good option as users can enjoy rock-solid bonding irrespective of the kind of board they have. Moreover, it will not tear up their shoes. Its nice checkered pattern gives their boards a very attractive look. The sticky adhesive that keeps this grip tape in place will hold exceedingly well even in extreme heat and cold. Its large size ensures that you will be able to cover your board completely without having to worry about not having enough.
Bottom Line
If you want a durable and long-lasting item, then the Black Widow is a great choice. It has strong adhesion, while its large size ensures that you will not have any problem covering your deck completely.
Best Black Scooter Grip Tape:
Red Cat Brand Self Adhesive Non-Slip Tape
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are highly satisfied with this product due to its strong adhesion, easy application, and the overall excellent quality. According to them, this product is very easy to apply and trim according to deck size. It greatly helps to ensure the safety of riders; that is why many parents recommend this grip tape.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the Red Cat one of the best products for scooters as it has been designed with a perforated underside, thus eliminating any chance of bubbles forming when you apply it to the deck. Another feature that we find highly beneficial is that this product is perfect for all brands of scooters. It comfortably fits all scooters, including Micro, Fuzion, Micro, Lucky, Mongoose scooter, as well as electric, gas, kick, adult, and kid scooters.
This professional-grade item ensures improved safety for young riders and enhanced performance for pro-style or trick riders. It is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, which further increase its functionality.
Bottom Line
The Red Cat Non-Slip Tape features a 100% no bubble application. As a result, you can be sure of a tight professional fit every time. Made with commercial-grade silicon carbide grip, this product is durable and long-lasting. It comes in boxes packed with extra care that ensures that this tape reaches the customers without any creases.
Best Clear Scooter Grip Tape:
Black Diamond 9″ x 33″ (Clear)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The easy peel and stick application of this product have made this product very popular among recent buyers. They love the fact that it is available in a wide range of vibrant colors, thus giving them the freedom to create a unique design. It has a good grip, and buyers have not had a problem with bubbles, which they greatly appreciate.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Black Diamond grip tape is not only easy to apply; it also has an 80 grit silicon surface that provides great traction, which we find totally impressive. It comes with industrial-grade glue that sticks firmly to any deck surface.
Another feature that we absolutely love about this product is that it comes in various sizes and a variety of stunning colors. Whether you want to customize your board with a colored sheet of grip tape or want a graphic that complements your board Black Diamond has got you covered.
Moreover, it is reliable, weatherproof, and long-lasting. It is available in various sizes; therefore, riders can trim it and ensure a perfect fit.
Bottom Line
This heavy-duty and long-lasting product is perfect for scooters as it offers excellent resistance to slippage, thus ensuring rider safety. It is easy to apply and remove. Even if you do not get it right the first time, re-applying it is not a hassle.
Best Camo Scooter Grip Tape:
Gonex 44 x 11 Grip Tape
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are very happy with the Gonex grip tape, as they were able to apply it without any problem. It provides great traction, and they were able to trim it easily to fit their deck. Some buyers say that even their kids were able to apply this product and did not get any bubbles.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the Gonex grip tape a very handy product as it can be used in most kick scooters, skate scooters, skateboards, roller boards, slide plates, etc. Moreover, it can be easily trimmed with the help of a blade to provide a customized fit. In addition to this, we are also impressed with its construction.
The resin glue on the rear with numerous barely-visible perforations ensures a bubble-free application while the well-selected carborundum offers a comfortable thickness. This tape is waterproof and wear-resistant, which means that it will last a long time. Another great feature of this tape is that it comes rolled in a sturdy box, which ensures that it does not get deformed or creased during shipping.
Bottom Line
The Gonex grip tape is a highly functional product with exceptional adhesion and superior grip design for scooter riders of all levels. It improves the rider’s grip, which allows them to perform various tricks safely. Furthermore, it can also be used in pistol, pedal, handgun, or stairs to prevent slipping.
How to Remove and Install Grip Tape
Removing a grip tape may seem like a daunting task, but in reality, it is very easy. You will just need a hairdryer and a hobby knife. Firstly, remove the trucks from the deck. Then, heat the product on the nose or tail of your board. This will help to loosen the adhesive so that you can slide your knife under the tape. Work the blade under the edges carefully, reheating with the hairdryer if needed.
Once you have loosened the edges, use the hairdryer again to heat up the whole surface of the board. Do this for at least two or three minutes. Now place one foot on the deck and starting from one end, pull the tape slowly. It will come off in one big chunk. Use your knife to scrape off any leftover tape.
Once the board is completely clean, take the tape you want to apply and peel its back. Make sure to fit the brake slot around the back wheel well/brake. If your chosen tape does not have a break slot, you can cut one yourself. Now stick the tape starting at the brake and working your way up to the head tube. Flatten the tape with an Allen Key to make sure there are no air bubbles.
Applying grip tape is a pretty easy process. However, it might take some practice to install it on your scooter perfectly. If you are a novice at applying grip tape, you can watch the following video for some pointers:
How to Clean Scooter Grip Tape
Dirty products not only make the deck less attractive but also difficult to ride on. If you have layers of mud on your deck, it will reduce the level of resistance on the grip surface and the traction of the grip, thus making it difficult to carry out stunts or any form of trick.
Having a clean product also helps to make the grip last longer and keep the board in shape for longer. Some people believe that cleaning the grip tape is quite a difficult process, but we can tell you that it is a very simple task.
Spray a little window cleaner on your scooter deck and use a toothbrush to scrub firmly from end to end moving from section to section. This will help to remove the dirt easily from the surface. Don’t push the brush too hard on the grip tape as this may result in wear and tear of the tape. Then place a microfiber cloth or paper napkins on the deck and pat to absorb the excess moisture.
Repeat the process to make sure there are no dirt spots on your deck. Make sure that the surface is completely dry and free of moisture. If you still have some questions or some confusion regarding this process, you can watch the following video to understand this procedure completely.
Conclusion
We strongly recommend that you use a good quality item on your scooter. This will allow you to focus on riding and develop your tricks and skills without worrying about staying on the scooter. Whichever product you choose from the above list, you can be sure of an improved ride and increased safety.
People Also Ask
People who enjoy scooter riding want a grip tape that is stylish, clean, and have great traction. Nobody wants an unkempt and unattractive grip tape, but if you want to keep your deck in tip-top condition, there are a few things that you should know. Answers to the following questions will allow you to see what is best for your grip tape and what should you avoid in order to ensure your tape’s long life:
Can You Put Griptape Over Existing Griptape?
No, you should not put grip tape over grip tape as this will not provide strong adhesion. You should remove the first layer of the grip before applying the new one to your deck.
Can Grip Tape Get Wet?
Grip tape ensures traction on the board even if it becomes wet. However, repeated wetting and drying over time can cause the grip tape to lose adhesion. In such a case, the tape will begin to peel off the deck.
How Do You Get Air Bubbles Out of Grip Tape?
If in case you see air bubbles on your item, gently use a utility knife and poke a tiny hole at the center of the bubble. Press it down to release all the air in the grip tape. For your safety, whenever you are using a utility knife, make sure to keep it away from yourself and others.
Is Water Bad For Grip Tape?
If you ride your scooter in the rain, not only will its metal components start to rust, but the grip tape will also start to lose its grip. This will, in turn, affect how well your grip tape adheres to your shoes.
How Do I Make My Griptape More Grippy?
Getting your product dirty not only makes your scooter look bad but also reduces the overall grip. Be sure to keep your tape clean and free from dirt as it will make your grip tape grippier and will help you get the best performance from your grip.
Can You Use Sandpaper As Grip Tape?
Grip tape is similar but not identical to sandpaper. The item has adhesive on the back, which makes it easier to apply and is more water-resistant than sandpaper. You can glue sandpaper on your deck, but it can be dangerous. Moreover, sandpaper will turn to a pulp in case it gets wet.