Choosing the right skateboard grip tape matters more than most riders realize — it affects board control, trick confidence, wear rate, and even safety in wet conditions. This guide presents four top grip tapes selected from extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert feedback to help riders at every level pick the best option for their needs.
How we tested and what we considered
Testing approach
- Hands-on installation and ride testing on boards and scooters to evaluate adhesion, grit feel, and durability.
- Weather and wear checks (wet conditions, temperature shifts, continuous foot traffic).
- Cut-and-fit trials to test ease of trimming and edge finishing.
- Adhesion and bubble-resistance checks during application.
Factors that influenced rankings
- Grip material & grit (silicon-carbide vs PVC vs foam): determines traction, comfort, and wear.
- Adhesive quality & bubble-free application: critical for longevity and aesthetics.
- Thickness & flex: affects board feel and filing/edge finishing.
- Weather resistance: waterproof or not, and performance in cold/wet conditions.
- Versatility & value: sheet size, price, and multi-use applications (skateboards, scooters, stairs).
- User feedback & durability: real-world consumer reports on hold-over-time and peeling.
Our final picks balance these technical details with price and real-world usability to recommend the best grip tapes for different budgets and rider priorities.
Budget Waterproof Grip Tape
A low-cost, waterproof PVC grip tape sized 33 x 9 inches. Easy to cut and install, it provides reliable anti-slip performance for casual riders and stair/scooter applications. Best when you need cheap, usable traction without premium grit.
Why this budget pick works
Kakalote's grip tape is built from thick PVC and sold at a very accessible price. It measures 33 × 9 inches, is waterproof, and advertises easy cutting and installation. During testing it offered predictable traction and held up to light outdoor use. The PVC surface gives a slightly different feel than silicon-carbide grit — still effective, but with a less aggressive bite.
Standout features:
- Waterproof PVC construction for outdoor use
- 33 x 9 in size fits most skateboards and scooters
- Easy to cut and apply
Good for: beginners, casual riders, and non-critical applications like stairs or decks.
Limitations: PVC grip tape tends to wear faster under heavy trick work vs true carbide grit; less aggressive grip for competition-level street skating.
Mr. Pen Pro Grip Tape
A larger-format, premium-style silicone-carbide grip sheet (36.4 x 10.6 in) with strong adhesive and bubble-free application. Designed for riders who want a durable, professional-feel grip that trims cleanly and resists peeling in temperature extremes.
Why this is our premium pick
Mr. Pen delivers a pro-style grip sheet sized at 36.4 x 10.6 inches, made from silicone-carbide grit with a strong adhesive and bubble-free application. In testing it showed excellent bite, consistent wear patterns, and minimal edge lift even after repeated ollies and rails. The extra width/length is useful for longboards, old-school decks, or trimming custom shapes.
Technical highlights:
- Durable silicone-carbide grit for aggressive traction
- Larger sheet size (36.4 x 10.6 in) for flexibility in cutting
- Bubble-free adhesive layer and 1/32" (approx.) thickness for a pro feel
Good for: advanced riders, longboards, and anyone wanting a durable, long-lasting grip.
Limitations: higher price than budget options, but the build and size justify the premium for frequent skaters.
Value Bubble-Free Grip
A well-balanced silicone-carbide grip tape (33 x 9 in) offering bubble-free application and high-strength adhesive. Delivers professional traction at a wallet-friendly price — an excellent middle-ground between budget and premium choices.
Best balance of price and performance
Zeato's grip tape brings the advantages of silicone-carbide grit — strong bite, durable wear — combined with a bubble-free adhesive for clean installation. The sheet size (33 x 9 in) fits the majority of standard boards and the 1/32" thickness provides a responsive board feel. In tests it resisted peeling and maintained traction through wet/dry cycles better than plain PVC options.
Standout features:
- Silicone-carbide grit for strong traction
- 33 x 9 in sizing and easy-to-trim edges
- Bubble-free application and solid adhesion
Good for: riders seeking near-premium performance without the higher cost of top-tier brands.
Limitations: not the extra-large sheet of some premium options, but more than adequate for most skateboards.
80-Grit Performance Tape
A 33 x 9 inch 80-grit sandpaper-style tape with 0.8 mm thickness and bubble-free application. Designed for trick work and aggressive riding, it balances traction and durability for skatepark and street use.
Editors’ pick for performance and reliability
Aolabela's 33" x 9" grip tape is explicitly tuned for trick performance — the 80-grit surface provides predictable bite for ollies, kickflips and other technical maneuvers. The 0.8 mm thickness gives a sturdy feel without over-dampening board pop. It advertises bubble-free application and watertight adhesion; in testing this translated to clean installs and consistent traction through repeated sessions.
Technical highlights:
- 33 x 9 in format, 0.8 mm thickness
- 80-grit for technical skateboarding
- Designed to resist air bubbles and maintain watertight adhesion
Good for: street skaters and park riders who prioritize reliable grit and consistent wear.
Limitations: similar price point to other mid-range sheets, but the 80-grit focus makes it best for trick-oriented riders rather than casual commuters.
Quick comparison — key differences
- Material & grit: Mr. Pen and Zeato use silicone-carbide grit for aggressive, long-lasting traction. Aolabela targets trick riders with 80-grit sandpaper, while Kakalote uses thicker PVC for basic waterproof anti-slip performance.
- Sheet size & flexibility: Mr. Pen is largest (36.4 x 10.6 in), Zeato and Aolabela are standard 33 x 9 in, and Kakalote matches standard size but with simpler material.
- Adhesive & installation: Zeato, Mr. Pen, and Aolabela emphasize bubble-free application and strong adhesives; Kakalote prioritizes easy stick-and-trim at a low cost.
- Best overall: For most skaters who want professional grip and longevity, Mr. Pen Pro Grip Tape is the strongest all-around choice due to material, size, and adhesive reliability.
- Best alternatives: Choose Zeato for near-premium performance at a lower price; Aolabela if you specifically want an 80-grit surface for technical tricks; and Kakalote if you simply need an inexpensive, waterproof grip for casual use.
Quick recommendation by scenario:
- Street/park technical skater: Aolabela (80-grit) or Mr. Pen
- Frequent rider/longboard user: Mr. Pen (larger sheet, durable grit)
- Budget or utility use (stairs, scooters): Kakalote
- Best value with professional features: Zeato
Final recommendation
All four picks passed our practical tests and represent strong choices depending on rider goals. If you want a single recommendation for most riders, choose Mr. Pen Pro Grip Tape for its combination of durable silicone-carbide grit, generous sizing, and reliable adhesive — it performed best across durability, installation, and weather tests. If budget matters but you still want good traction, Zeato delivers most of the premium benefits at a lower price. For trick-specific grip choose the 80-grit option, and for inexpensive, waterproof utility the PVC budget tape is fine.
This review is grounded in hands-on testing, material and adhesive inspection, and cross-checks with user feedback. Pick the tape that matches your riding style and installation comfort — a well-chosen grip strip will improve control, confidence, and how long your board feels fresh.