Grip tape is an essential component of the wooden deck. Having a similar consistency to sandpaper, the grip tape prevents your shoes from sliding off the edges of the skateboard. While most brands of grip tape may seem similar, certain companies offer special features.
MOB Grip
MOB refers to a popular brand of grip tape that sponsors professional skateboarders including Jamie Thomas, Jerry Hsu and Johnny Layton. Professional skateboarder Vincent Alvarez recommends MOB grip tape. Unlike conventional styles of grip tape, MOB tape has many tiny perforations. These holes prevent air from being trapped under the tape during the application process. According to MOB, the company uses silicone carbide grit to guarantee the grip tape does not wear down over time.
Jessup
Professional skateboarder Nyjah Huston recommends Jessup grip tape over other brands. The Jessup company has been specializing in skateboarding grip tape since 1975. According to Jessup, over the years the company has manufactured more than 70 million feet of grip tape. Jessup grip tape comes with various graphics that allow you to customize your skateboard deck. The solvent based adhesive of Jessup grip helps to ensure the tape remains fastened to the to top of your skateboard deck.
Black Magic
Black Magic remains one of the most well- known grip tape brands in the skateboarding industry. The Shorty's skateboard company offers Black Magic grip tape as one of its signature products. Establishing itself in the early 1990s, Black Magic grip tape sponsors some of the top skateboarding professionals. While some skateboarders swear by the Black Magic brand, others feel the tape is too grippy. Black Magic grip tape often features a die-cut design in the shape of the company logo.
Grizzly Grip
At the ripe age of 12 years, professional skateboarder Torey Pudwill established the Grizzly grip tape company in 2002. While it took a few years for the product to catch on, as of 2011 Grizzly grip tape sponsors some of the biggest professional skateboarders in the industry including Paul Rodriguez and Rob Dyrdek. Each sheet of Grizzly grip tape features a signature graphic in the shape of a grizzly bear.
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