Umair Ramzan 
Grip tape is a very popular component of longboards, and it provides traction and control when riding the board. Some people who ride their longboards daily might wonder if they need grip tape. There are a lot of different opinions on the topic.
In this blog, I will break down what I believe to be the pros and cons of grip tape and give my opinion on whether or not grip tape is essential for riding longboards.
What is grip tape?
Grip tape is a thin, sticky layer of material that provides traction for your longboard. It comes in different colors and thicknesses and is used to give you a better grip on your longboard. Some people argue that a board with grip tape is more difficult to slide on a smooth surface. But this is an opinion that is up to you to decide.
Why should you use grip tape?
Grip tape is essential for the longboard, and it is not just there for looks. Let’s discuss its benefits of it.
- The grip tape is the only thing that will keep your longboard from sliding on the ground. Without grip tape, the board will slide on the ground.
- Grip tape is useful to maintain your balance on the longboard.
- Grip tape is helpful to maintain control over the longboard. If you do not have grip tape, you will not be able to maintain control over the longboard.
- Grip tape will also help reduce the amount of noise your longboard makes. If you do not have grip tape, the board will make a lot of noise when you are riding it.
How to apply grip tape
It is important to note that longboard grip tape is not meant to be used on the wheels, and Longboard grip tape is intended to be used on the longboard’s deck. If you use a longboard grip tape on your wheels, it will not stick, and it may also lead to wheel damage and wheel wear and tear.
The best way to apply longboard grip tape is to use it on the longboard’s deck. You should first apply longboard grip tape to one side of the deck, and you should then flip the longboard over and apply it to the other side of the deck.
Final Words
Yes, longboards do need grip tape. Longboards are a type of skateboard, so they require a lot of balance. Grip tape is a material put on the bottom of longboards so that the rider can stand on them. The grip tape is applied to the bottom of the longboard so that the rider can stand on it and balance. If the longboard does not have grip tape, then the rider will fall and not be able to balance.
FAQs
Why do some longboards not have grip tape?
Some boards don’t have grip tape because they are made of wood, which is more challenging than grip tape and doesn’t need it. And many longboards do not have grip tape on them because they are intended for cruising, not performing tricks.
Can you ride a skateboard without grip tape?
It is possible to ride a skateboard without grip tape because using the grip tape is optional.
Can you replace grip tape on a longboard?
Yes, it is possible. But it would take some time and practice. You can use grip tape meant for handrails or the top of a skateboard and then use the regular tape to cover the grip tape.
How do you get the glue off a skateboard?
You can use a hairdryer set to cool to help lift the glue off if you have a heat gun that’s a little more effective. You could also try using a hairdryer set to high and then use a lubricant to help it slide out.
Can you put grip tape overgrip tape?
Yes, you can, but you have to be careful not to get too much of the old grip tape on the deck.
