Choosing the Best Tape for Your Hockey Stick: Complete Guide

Editor: Diksha Yadav on Oct 28,2024

In hockey, each little advantage counts. The most minor thing can be a crucial difference between a great shot on goal and an empty hit into the stands. Tapes on the stick come in a variety of strengths, which differ between pros and rookies. Regardless of their experience, everyone wants an excellent grip, control, and durability with a well-taped stick that will give them their best performance. However, selecting the correct tape from all of these is not a challenging task. In this entire review, we'll explore the best tape for hockey sticks, different hockey tape types, the advantages of those tapes, and how you make the right choice for your game.

Why Does Hockey Tape Matter?

Before getting into all those options, it is vital to understand why you have to tape your hockey stick. Hockey tape is applied for several reasons: 

• Increases Grip: A well-taped handle grip will produce a better stickhandling and shooting ability because you'll feel comfortable holding it in your hands.
• Protects Blades: Taping the blades preserves them from wear and tear, which could reduce the life cycle of the stick and maintain the performance.
• Puck Manipulation: The texture created with hockey tape provides some level of friction, which renders it easy to handle the pucks in fast game-related situations.
• Personalization: Hockey tape enables a hockey player to customize the grip on his stick to the fit and feel he needs, which improves his playing as a whole.

Knowing all this, let's see what types of tape there are and what makes them so different.

Types of Hockey Tape

The best hockey tape for your hockey stick will depend on your requirements. Here are the most common types of hockey tape and what they are used for:

 1. Cloth Tape

Cloth tape is the most popular hockey tape among all players. It's a versatile kind of tape that offers the best grip for both the blade and the handle. Here's why many players like cloth tape:

• Advantages: The strength of cloth tape, the simplicity of its application, and the firm grip make it highly popular among the ones seeking to personalize their sticks. It comes in many different widths and colors, making it a favorite for the personalized look.
• Durability: Most brands of cloth tape are made to last and hence are perfect for the ones who want an assured, reliable, and long-lasting product.
• Usage: Most of the players tape the blade with cloth tape to make puck control easy and handle with cloth tape for good grip.

Suitable for: A player seeking a more traditional, firm grip with reliable puck control.

2. Grip Tape

Grip tape is the one made specifically for the handle. It is rubbery, not adhesive in nature. This gives the player a feel of a stick grip that he could hold tightly onto the stick.

• Advantages: It allows for a sticky feel, and even when your hands are dripping with sweat, it stays in a non-slip position. Grip tape is brilliant at preventing the stick from twisting during powerful shots or passes.
• Durability: Very durable and holds up the grip for long periods, making it the favorite of players who do not have to retape frequently.
• Usage: Commonly placed at the top of another tape to support grip where it delivers friction so that better control about the hold can be executed

Suitable for: It would be apt for the player who takes grip stability and security, and they really will make sure during highly competitive plays that the bat is appropriately secured in his hand.

3. Clear or Synthetic Tape

Clear or synthetic tape is a lighter, plastic-based alternative that often serves for blade protection without the weight. It is thinner and more flexible than cloth tape, making it suitable for minimalist players.

• Advantages: It provides blade protection without causing much weight or feel effects on the stick. This tape is waterproof and, therefore, does not make the stick heavy with absorbed water.
• Durability: It doesn't last as long as the cloth tape, but it is perfect for players who like to keep the blade light and fast.
• Usage: It is primarily used on the blade to provide a smooth, sleeker release for shots.

Suitable for: Players looking for lightweight blade protection and swift shot release.

Advantages of Different Tapes

These vary in their benefits on ice. Knowing these can really guide you in making an intelligent choice on which type of hockey tape to use:

•  Cloth Tape: It's very durable and offers good grip. It weighs the stick, which might be desirable for players who like it heavy.
• Grip Tape: Ideal for a secure, no-slipping grip. Excellent for novices, control of the stick, and the prevention of slippage.
• Clear/Synthetic Tape: This tape is suited to those who like it light in weight and yet can be swift without compromising on the protection of the blade.

Grip Tape vs. Cloth Tape: What is the Difference?

One of the most common dilemmas players face is whether they should use grip tape or cloth tape. Here is a comparison between them:

• Texture: The cloth tape texture is old school with a bit of cushion as opposed to grip tape, which has that tacky, sticky feel, allowing for good grip without piling up any additional layers.
• Durability: Grip tape typically lasts longer on the handle as it doesn't wear off as fast as cloth tape. However, cloth tape usually is more durable on the blade.
• Weight: Cloth tape is heavier and bulkier. Some players prefer it due to a solid feel. Grip tape is light in weight, hence ideal for players who want to decrease the weight of their stick.

Tape Durability: What to Expect?

Tape durability is one significant factor nowadays for most players, especially for frequent players. Here is what you need to know about tape durability:

• Cloth Tape: Generally, lasts longer than synthetic tapes, especially with proper application and layering. However, it needs replacement after a few games if worn heavily.
• Grip Tape: Because it is highly durable and can be used throughout an entire season without having to change, grip tape is nearly free for the grip of a stick.
• Clear/Synthetic Tape: While not quite as durable as cloth tape, it is much easier to replace and often used more for its lightweight and aesthetically clean appearance.

Tips for Choosing Good Hockey Tape

Now that we've discussed the kinds of hockey tape and the advantages they have, here are some tips on how to choose the best:

 1. Consider Your Playing Style

• If you're a forward who likes to take quick shots and have light handling, then clear tape may be the best choice for your blade.
• If you are a defenseman who needs a power shot, cloth tape may provide the weight and grip you need.

2. Durability and Price

• If you play frequently, invest in good-quality cloth or grip tape that is durable. It will pay off in the long run, even if it costs more initially.
• If you have a tight budget, clear or synthetic tape is relatively cheap and easy to replace.

3. Try Different Tapes

• You do not have to fear testing various types of tapes until you find one that will suit your taste. Just test different textures and thicknesses to see which feels right.

4. Width and Length

• Width and length are other significant differences in hockey tape. Hockey tape varies in width and length. You would want a width that offers the coverage you want for your stick, and then you would wish a length that is long enough to wrap around your handle or blade without having to replace it constantly.

Best Hockey Tape Brands

These are some of the best hockey tape brands offering extremely high-quality options available to you:

• Howie's Hockey Tape: This brand is popularly known for its durability and wide range of colors, which has a favorite position in many.  
• Renfrew Pro: Excellent grip and durability, along with a focus on traditional cloth tape choices.
• A&R Sports: Clear or synthetic tape from them can provide reliable protection at an affordable cost.

How to Properly Tape Your Hockey Stick

Proper application makes all the difference in performance and durability. Here is a quick step-by-step guide.

• Handle: Begin from the top and wrap down, spiraling the tape over itself for a good grip.
• Blade: Start from the back of the heel and go down towards the toe. Each layer overlaps.
• End Cap: Roll a small amount of tape into a thicker section, making a knob on the end of the handle for better control

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate tape for your hockey stick makes a huge difference while playing. Whether you go for cloth tape for age-old durability, grip tape for its sticky grip, or clear tape for the feel of lightness, there is a perfect tape in store for every player. Decide based on playing style, durability needs, and personal preference. There is absolutely nothing wrong with experimenting and finding the tape that makes you play best. The right kind of tape can really make a difference between grip control and enjoyment on the ice.

This content was created by AI