Skaters have different preferences when it comes to grip tape, but what is the best grip tape? Should you focus on traction when making a selection? Or should you also consider other factors like consistency, durability, ease of application, and shoe protection? Or is it simply important that it makes it easier to stand on your board? We set out to use science to find the best grip tape by conducting a DIY science experiment comparing the top skateboard grip tape companies.
Firstly, what is grip tape?
Grip tape is a rough, sandpaper-like material that is applied to the top surface of a skateboard deck to give the skater's feet traction and grip, allowing them to maintain control and stability when performing tricks or pushing off the pavement.
Grip tape typically consists of a layer of adhesive and a layer of abrasive material such as silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. Grip tape is an important part of any skateboard setup and can be customized by brand, level of roughness, and colorful designs.
So let's examine it scientifically.
Experiment #1 Grip Tape Traction & Wet Traction Test
In our first experiment, we aimed to measure the traction performance of each grip tape brand. We developed a method to measure the force required to slide a Vans Half Cab shoe off the grip tape. We first attached each brand of grip tape to a piece of plywood and used a tensile scale to measure the force required to move the shoe. For consistency, we used twine with low stretch, and repeated each test three times to calculate the average results.
After completing the initial experiment and reviewing the results, Mob Griptape demonstrated the best traction, followed by Pepper. Jessup, Shake Junt, and Grizzly Griptapes also performed similarly well at keeping shoes securely in place. While these results are not surprising, the data did provide some interesting insights.
In a follow-up experiment, we looked at how the grip tape held up in wet conditions. To mimic wet conditions, we sprayed the grip tape liberally with water and then ran a traction test. The results showed that all grip brands lost 1-2 pounds of traction when wet.
What stood out was how consistent this loss of traction was across different griptape brands. No matter which brand we tested, exposure to moisture had a similar effect. This means that no matter what griptape a skateboarder chooses in wet conditions, they will experience a slight loss of traction. Even a slight loss of traction can affect their ability to maintain control when skating in wet conditions or the rain. Here's another way to look at the rankings.
Experiment 2: Grip Tape Tilt Test
For our next experiment, we took a scientific approach with a protractor. We placed our shoes on a grip tape-covered board, then raised them at an angle with a hinge to measure the exact angle at which the shoes began to slide. This angle measurement allowed us to gather additional data to verify the results of our previous pull test.
Interestingly, the data from the tilt test was very similar to the results from the pull test, double-checking the initial traction test. The grips that provided strong traction in the pull test also proved to be excellent at preventing slippage in the tilt test.
The correlation between the two tests further strengthened our confidence in our results. Mob Griptape again proved to be the most slip-resistant, followed by Jessup and Shake Junt. This result highlights that the results of the previous tests were not merely coincidental, but rather a consistent difference between the various grip brands tested.
Experiment #3: Grip Tape Roughness Test
To evaluate the roughness of different grip tapes, we designed a creative test using a belt sander and a mechanical arm. We placed a pencil eraser on the grip tape and used the mechanical arm to apply pressure while moving the belt sander. This setup allowed us to simulate the wear that grip tape experiences over time.
Because the erasers did not wear evenly during the test, it was difficult to measure the amount of wear directly. Instead, the erasers were weighed before and after the test to measure the change in weight worn.
We were surprised that the Pepper grip tape caused less damage than the non-abrasive DKL. It was also interesting to see that Shake-Junt and Grizzly caused the most damage, despite having less grip than Mob. It might be interesting to repeat this experiment using different materials, or even measure the wear time of each grip tape using a piece of suede. Let us know what you'd like to see in the YouTube comments!
Experiment 4: Grip tape durability test
In our final experiment, we tested the durability of our grip tapes. We started with square samples of the new Jessup grip tape and systematically scraped the surface of each piece of grip tape to simulate the wear that grip tape experiences during a typical skateboarding session.
After the scraping process, we ran the traction test again to measure the loss of traction caused by scraping. This experiment provided valuable insight into how the durability of each grip brand affects performance.
Based on our data, brands that initially have less grip tend to be more durable and stay consistent, while brands with more grip tend to lose traction but remain at a higher overall level even after losing it.
So what is the best skateboard grip tape?
Mob performed best in terms of traction, followed by Mob Clear. Graphic Mob and Pepper tied for third place. Results were inconclusive regarding which grip tape company caused the most damage, but see the data above for details. In the final evaluation, Jessup and Grizzly showed the least traction loss and performed well.
Ultimately, the grip tape a skateboarder chooses will come down to personal style and preference. However, this experiment will help you objectively compare different grip brands and make an informed decision based on your own needs and preferences.
