2026 Grip Tape: Mob, Jessup, Grizzly – The Verdict.

Level: Beginner

Contents

Why Grip Tape Really Matters

Spring is here, spots are filling up, and too many riders head out with a wobbly setup. Grip tape is often the last thing you think about — wrongly. It's the interface between your feet and the deck. Without proper grip, your flips go haywire, your pop lacks precision, and you lose the feel for the board.

Too smooth a grip, and your shoes slip during technical tricks. Too aggressive, and you shred your skate shoes in a few sessions. Balance is the whole game.

Change your grip every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you skate. Or as soon as you feel the surface losing its grip. It's an operation under €15 that can completely transform your skateboarding.

1. STANDARD — Max grip — Classic black grip.
2. PERFORÉ — Bubble-free — Easy install.
3. CLEAR — Clear — Keeps the graphic visible.

Understanding Grits: Coarse vs. Fine

Grip tape is made of silicon carbide — the same abrasive found in industrial sandpaper. Grit size determines everything. The coarser the grit, the stronger the grip. The finer the grit, the softer the grip on your shoes.

For street and tricks: medium to coarse grit. For beginners learning foot placement: medium grit. For old-school riders doing bowl or transition: fine grit is more than enough.

Industry Standard Grit

Most grip tapes sold in skate shops are around 80 grit. That's the universal compromise. Jessup sits in this range. Mob Grip is slightly coarser — it's measurable and immediately felt on flips. Grizzly Griptape positions itself between the two.

Mob vs. Jessup vs. Grizzly: The Honest Comparison

Three brands have dominated the market for years. Each has its fierce defenders. We're cutting the bullshit.

Mob Grip — The Grip for Technical Tricks

Mob Grip is the go-to choice for technical street skateboarding. The surface is aggressive, flips are crisp, your foot grips immediately. Nyjah Huston, Luan Oliveira, the cream of street tech — they all use Mob. The downside: your shoes take a beating. In intensive sessions, you'll see the difference after 2-3 months.

Average price: €12-15 per sheet. Bubble-free application with the backing paper. Decent lifespan on a clean deck.

Grip

Price/Value

Durability

Jessup — The Undisputed Classic

Jessup Griptape has been around since 1975. Over 50 years on the market, that's no accident. Finer grit than Mob, super simple application, strong adhesive. For beginners, it's the most logical choice: the grip is sufficient without trashing your shoes. The standard 9" x 33" sheet covers any modern deck. It's what you'll find in 80% of independent skate shops in France.

Grip

Price/Value

Durability

Grizzly Griptape — The Happy Medium

Grizzly Griptape, founded by Torey Pudwill, arrived later but quickly established its style. The grip is between Jessup and Mob. The designs are often elaborate — the Grizzly bear has become an iconic logo in current skateboarding culture. For intermediate riders who want serious grip without sacrificing their Janoskis, this is the right choice.

Which Grip for Your Level and Style

You're a beginner: Jessup. No hesitation. The price is affordable, application is simple, the grip is solid without being harsh on your feet or shoes. You learn foot placement without fighting a grip that's too aggressive.

You do technical street skateboarding, you already know your setup: Mob Grip. It's what the pros use in contests, and it's justified. Foot lock on flips is crisp, heelflips are cleaner. You sacrifice a bit of shoe lifespan, but the feel is worth it.

You alternate between street and park, you want a versatile setup: Grizzly. The compromise is real, and the designs also let you customize your board. Spring is the perfect season to upgrade your deck — new grip on a deck that's starting to wear, and you're back like new for outdoor sessions.

How to Apply Your Grip Without Bubbles

The pro method in 5 steps. Fast, clean, no bubbles.

1. Clean the deck. Remove old grip if necessary. Wipe the surface with a dry cloth. No dust, no moisture.

2. Remove the backing paper gradually. Don't peel it all off at once. Start from a corner, stick the first centimeter, then unroll while pressing down as you go.

3. Press from the center outwards. Your palm, your skate tool, or your old grip — any smooth tool will do the trick to push air out.

4. Mark the outline with your truck. Run the hardware or the side of the truck all around the deck to score the cut line into the grip.

5. Cut with a blade. Cut holding the blade at a 45° angle outwards, slightly tilted. The result is clean, the grip holds perfectly.

Verdict and Entry Price

Grip tape is a €10 to €15 investment that changes your daily skateboarding life. If you're still hesitating: start with Jessup, the best entry price on the market. When you want to upgrade and feel the difference on your flips, switch to Mob. Grizzly remains the smart choice for versatile spring-summer setups.

Jessup Griptape — 9" x 33" Sheet

The benchmark grip since 1975. Balanced grit, bubble-free application, long-lasting. Ideal for beginners or regular sessions without sacrificing your shoes.

See the best price 🛒

Fast delivery · 30-day returns

Mob Grip Tape — 9" x 33" Sheet

The grip for street tech pros. High-density silicon carbide, maximum grip, crisp flips. Recommended for experienced riders who want the best foot-to-deck lock possible.

See the best price 🛒

Fast delivery · 30-day returns

What are you running for grip tape right now? Drop your brand and why. Drop a comment ↓