Choosing the best hockey grip tape is one of those small decisions that makes a big difference. Players obsess over sticks, blades, curves, and flex, but grip tape is what connects your hands to all of it. When the tape feels wrong, everything feels off. Shot release, stickhandling, even confidence.
At Tsquared Personal Training, working with hockey players in Vancouver, from beer league to competitive athletes, this comes up more than you would expect. Grip tape is personal, but there are clear winners depending on how you play, sweat, and train.
Below is a practical breakdown, no marketing fluff, just what actually works.
Why Hockey Grip Tape Matters More Than You Think
Grip tape does three main things.
- Improves control during stickhandling and shooting
- Reduces hand fatigue during long shifts
- Protects gloves and the stick shaft
Poor tape choice leads to slipping, over gripping, forearm pump, and premature glove wear. Over a season, that adds up.
The Best Hockey Grip Tape Options
1. Lizard Skins Hockey Grip Tape
Best overall for performance
This is one of the most popular choices among high level players for a reason.
- Excellent tack without feeling sticky
- Absorbs vibration, easier on hands and wrists
- Long lasting, does not shred quickly
This is a strong option for players who take a lot of shots or struggle with hand fatigue. Many of our hockey clients dealing with wrist or forearm issues gravitate to this tape.
2. Renfrew Pro Grip Tape
Best traditional feel
If you like the classic cloth grip feel, this is a solid option.
- Durable
- Easy to customize with wax
- Affordable and widely available
This is common with players who like to build up ridges or knobs at the top of the stick.
3. Howies Grip Tape
Best balance of grip and durability
Howies has built a strong reputation in the hockey world.
- Consistent texture
- Holds up well to sweat
- Available in multiple thickness options
This is a good middle ground for players who want grip but do not want rubber style tape.
4. Buttendz Grip
Best for players who hate re taping
This is a rubber grip that slides onto the stick.
- No adhesive
- Very durable
- Consistent feel all season
Downside, it is heavier and less customizable. Some players love it, others hate it. Very personal choice.
Which Hockey Grip Tape Is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions.
- Do your hands sweat a lot?
- Do you re tape often or hate maintenance?
- Do you want maximum grip or subtle control?
If you train hard off ice, especially with forearm and grip intensive work, your tape choice matters even more. We see players lose stick control late in games because their grip setup does not match their conditioning.
This ties directly into how we train hockey athletes at Tsquared Personal Training, focusing on grip strength, wrist stability, and multi plane control, not just bench press numbers.
You can read more about how structured strength work supports hockey performance here:
👉 https://www.tsquaredvancouverpersonaltraining.com/articles/personal-training-for-hockey-players
Common Hockey Grip Tape Mistakes
- Over wrapping, which restricts wrist mobility
- Using ultra sticky tape with poor forearm conditioning
- Never changing tape until it is destroyed
Grip tape should support your hands, not fight them.
Final Takeaway
There is no single best hockey grip tape for everyone, but there is a best one for how you play. If you want maximum performance, reduced fatigue, and better control late in games, start paying attention to the details.
Your stick is only as good as the hands controlling it.
If you are a hockey player in Vancouver looking to improve strength, shot power, or durability on the ice, this is exactly what we build at Tsquared Personal Training.
Call to action:
Book a consultation or learn more about hockey specific training here:
👉 https://www.tsquaredvancouverpersonaltraining.com
Small upgrades add up. Grip tape not included.
