San Leandro, CA – Skate Shop News: Does Cleaning Your Grip Tape Really Matter?

There is nothing better than fresh grip sparkling in the sunlight. Those tiny grains glistening and letting you know that they are there to help that flick go right where you need it to. Unfortunately, for most skaters that new board glisten doesn’t last very long. One trip to the dusty local, a cruise to the shop or just a simple flat ground session and your grip is now caked with memories of the world you just pushed through.

The rough surface of griptape typically consists of silicon carbide and provides resistance and friction between your deck and the soles of your shoes. Without this friction, it’d be extremely hard to get your deck into the air. As the dirt from your sessions begins to fill in the gaps between the grains of sand, the grip becomes increasingly more slippery, which creates difficulty in traction and control of your board. 

Most will say… time for a new board! But wait! There’s a solution! You can clean your grip tape! There are a variety of companies that make an eraser type tool that will easily clean dirt and grim out of your grip tape.  

Made from strong rubber, their cleaner is tough enough to rub out rubber cement! Grip Gum, and other products like it are extremely easy to use—just wipe it firmly over all areas of the grip tape to remove dirt and dust. The more you use it, the more you prevent your board for grime build-up in the long run. Stop by Orbit today and refresh your grip!