How to Choose the Best Hockey Stick Tape

Whether you’re taping up your first hockey stick or looking to upgrade your setup before the playoffs, choosing the right tape can improve every facet of your game.

Our quick guide breaks down the best hockey stick tape options available today — along with tips to help you apply, maintain, and customize your tape job like a pro.

Why Stick Tape Matters

In the world of hockey, choosing the right hockey stick tape can make a measurable difference in performance. For both amateur and elite hockey players alike, the tape applied to the blade and handle enhances puck feel, protects your stick, and gives you a better grip — especially in high-stakes games.

The best hockey stick tape helps control the puck, cushions vibrations on shots, and protects the stick blade from moisture and wear. Over time, constant contact with the ice and puck can degrade even the most durable stick, but proper taping shields it from premature damage. That added layer of protection keeps your stick performing longer and gives players the confidence to play hard without worrying about breakdowns mid-game.

Using tape also helps players fine-tune their feel of the hockey stick. For example, tight, evenly layered cloth tape on the blade improves puck handling and shot accuracy, while tailored grips on the handle enhance comfort and stick control. Tape also complements the rest of your setup — a well-taped stick, properly fitted gloves, and a responsive hockey skate all work together to maximize your impact on the ice.

For insight into taping precision at the highest level, consider how players in the Stanley Cup Final rely on their taping routines. Many, including stars like Connor McDavid, customize taping styles game-by-game for peak performance and puck visibility. These small details reveal how elite players leverage every tool — including hockey tape — to gain an edge.

Types of Hockey Stick Tape

Understanding the different types of hockey tape is crucial. From cloth tape to grip tape and beyond, each style serves a specific purpose:

Blade Tape vs. Knob Tape vs. Grip Tape

• Cloth tape is the go-to for wrapping the blade. It's available in white tape or black tape — white improves visibility of the puck, while black can hide the puck’s location from goalies.
• Grip tape is tackier and typically used for the top of the shaft or knob for enhanced grip.
• Knob tape styles vary, with some players preferring a spiral, thick knob for easier handling.

Waxed vs. Non-Waxed Tape

Waxed tape repels moisture and extends tape life. It also helps reduce snow buildup on the blade. Some players use additional wax coatings post-wrap, especially for outdoor games or wet ice conditions.

Whether you prefer waxed or non-waxed tape often comes down to feel — but moisture resistance can give players a real edge when ice conditions get unpredictable.

Other Options

Though not recommended long-term, some players experiment with electrical tape for its smooth surface. However, it lacks the durability and grip of proper hockey tape. It’s a good example of how personal experimentation plays a role in performance, but for consistency and longevity, traditional hockey stick tape remains the best choice.

Designed for gear rather than sticks, shin pad tape is another must-have. Used to secure pads during games, it's typically clear and stretchable, differing from grippy cloth tape used on the blade.

You can explore the full range of different types of hockey tape at Pro Stock Hockey. Having the right tape for each purpose — from your blade to your shin pads — ensures every piece of gear performs the way it should, shift after shift.

How to Choose the Right Tape for You

When selecting the best hockey tape, consider how your position, preferences, and conditions affect your performance:

• Defensemen may prefer thicker, more durable wraps for shot blocking and coverage.
• Forwards often use thinner tape to increase stick feel and puck responsiveness.
• Moisture-resistant options are better for humid rinks or outdoor play.
• For young players or beginners, non-waxed cloth tape provides ease of use and ample grip.

Be sure to experiment with waxed vs. non-waxed, black cloth tape vs. white, and even pre-cut grip solutions until you find what suits your play style. The key is to test different combinations during both practice and games; over time, you’ll figure out what gives you the best balance of grip, feel, and durability.

If you're unsure where to start, Pro Stock Hockey offers a wide variety of stick options for better puck control that pair well with your taping needs.

Stick Taping Tips

Applying hockey tape the right way is just as important as the type you choose. Good tape application ensures consistent puck contact, better stick feel, and fewer distractions during intense play.

Here’s how to get it right:

Blade Taping

• Start at the heel or toe of the blade, depending on your preference.
• Overlap each wrap slightly to avoid gaps.
• Use consistent tension to prevent bubbling or peeling.

Explore this technique in greater depth by reading our guide on how to tape a blade properly. The more precisely you tape, the more confidently you’ll be able to shoot, pass, and carry the puck under pressure.

Knob & Shaft Taping

• Create a knob by folding or spiraling tape, then wrapping over it.
• Use grip tape or textured layers for improved hand feel.
• Add ridges for tactile markers — a favorite among high-level players.

Frequency of Re-taping

• Re-tape every few games or after each practice, depending on usage.
• Look for fraying, water damage, or reduced grip as signs that it’s time to replace.

Every player has a different rhythm for re-taping, but checking your stick regularly keeps you ready for whatever the next shift demands. For more custom ideas and inspiration, explore the latest trends in taping styles.

Final Takeaways

So, what is the best hockey stick tape for most players? The short answer — it depends. Preferences vary by player, and the only way to find your perfect fit is through trial and error. What works for a defenseman in wet ice conditions might not suit a speedy forward — and that’s exactly why testing a few styles matters.

If you’re just getting started, high-traction black cloth tape for better grip is a safe and effective choice. From there, explore grip tape variations or pre-waxed options based on how you like your stick to feel. The right tape setup becomes second nature once it matches your style of play.

Above all, trust your hands. Comfort and confidence on the ice matter more than brand names. If you're looking to upgrade your gear, check out our sticks used by pro players, clear tape for shin pads, and explore options for choosing the right stick curve and sizing gloves for proper coverage.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you perform at your peak. Pro Stock Hockey has all the essentials you need for full gear coverage.