Best Skateboard Grip Tape for Every Kind of Board (2026)
Seven griptapes for skateboards and longboards, and how grit, perforation and sheet size change the way your board feels.
Why Griptape Matters
Griptape is the sandpaper-like sheet on top of a skateboard that keeps your shoes locked to the board. Good grip lets you flick, pop and land tricks with confidence; worn grip makes your feet slide. Griptapes differ in grit coarseness, how well they stick, how long they last and how they look. The right choice depends on whether you skate street, park, cruising or downhill. Need to refresh your current grip first? See how to clean griptape.
Mob Grip
Best all-round griptape
- Popular with street and park skaters
- Perforated to prevent bubbles
- Standard 9 x 33 inch sheet
Jessup Griptape
Best classic griptape
- Long-running skate standard
- Even, consistent grit
- 9 x 33 inch sheet
Vicious Coarse Griptape
Best for longboards
- Coarse grit for extra hold
- Made for longboards and downhill
- Grips well at speed
Griptape Compared
| Griptape | Grit | Sheet Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mob Grip | Medium | 9" x 33" | Street and park |
| Jessup | Medium | 9" x 33" | All-round |
| Vicious Coarse | Coarse | Longboard sizes | Longboards, downhill |
| Grizzly | Medium | 9" x 33" | Street, graphic designs |
| Mob Clear | Medium | 10" x 33" | Showing deck graphics |
| Mob Shake Junt | Medium | 9" x 33" | Street, colorful designs |
| Black Diamond Longboard | Coarse | 48" sheet | Budget longboard grip |
The Best Skateboard Grip Tape
1. Mob Grip
Mob is one of the most widely used griptapes in skateboarding. It has a consistent grit that grips well without shredding shoes, strong adhesive and perforations that let air escape when you apply it, so it goes on without bubbles.
Good to Know
- Consistent grip
- Easy, bubble-free application
- Widely available
Watch Out For
- Standard sheet is too narrow for very wide decks
2. Jessup Griptape
Jessup is a long-running griptape brand used by generations of skaters. It offers even grit and dependable adhesion at a reasonable price.
Check Price on Amazon3. Vicious Coarse Griptape
Vicious makes coarse griptape for longboards and downhill riding, where you need your feet to stay planted at speed and through slides.
Check Price on Amazon4. Grizzly Griptape
Grizzly griptape comes with a bear logo cutout and colorful designs, combining good grip with style. This clear-stamp version shows off the bear logo.
Check Price on Amazon5. Mob Clear Griptape
Clear griptape lets your deck's top graphic show through. This 10-inch-wide sheet suits wider decks.
Check Price on Amazon6. Mob Shake Junt Griptape
A Mob-made griptape with Shake Junt's graphics, for skaters who want a bit of color on their board.
Check Price on Amazon7. Black Diamond Longboard Griptape
A budget 48-inch griptape sheet long enough for most longboards.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose Griptape
Grit
| Grit | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | Smoother, kinder to shoes | Freestyle, flip tricks |
| Medium | Balanced grip | Most street and park skating |
| Coarse | Very grippy | Longboards, downhill, cruising |
Size
Standard sheets are 9 x 33 inches, enough for most street decks. Use 10-inch or wider sheets for wide decks and longer sheets or rolls for longboards.
Perforation and Adhesive
Perforated griptape prevents bubbles. Strong adhesive keeps edges from peeling.
Style
Plain black is classic. Clear grip shows off graphics; colored and printed grip adds personality.
How to Apply Griptape
- Remove the trucks and clean the deck surface.
- Peel the backing and lay the griptape on from one end, pressing out air as you go.
- Press firmly over the whole deck.
- Score the edge with a screwdriver or file to mark the outline.
- Trim with a sharp blade along the scored line.
- Poke holes for the bolts from underneath.
Our full guides cover how to apply grip tape and how to remove grip tape.
Making Griptape Last
- Keep the board dry and avoid muddy shoes.
- Clean it regularly with a grip gum; see how to clean griptape.
- Store the board indoors.
Building a new board? See skateboard decks and the skateboard size chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grip tape for skateboards?
Mob, Jessup and Grizzly are among the most popular skateboard griptapes. Mob is known for consistent grit and perforations that prevent bubbles; Jessup is a long-running classic.
Is coarse or fine grip tape better?
Coarse grip holds your feet better at speed and suits longboards and downhill. Medium grip suits most street and park skating. Very coarse grip can tear shoes during flip tricks.
What size grip tape do I need?
A standard 9 x 33 inch sheet covers most skateboards up to about 9 inches wide. Wider decks need 10-inch or wider sheets, and longboards need longer sheets.
What does perforated grip tape mean?
Perforated grip has tiny holes that let air escape as you apply it, preventing bubbles. Most modern griptapes are perforated.
How often should I replace grip tape?
Replace it when it's worn smooth, peeling or torn. Many skaters regrip with every new deck.