How to Choose the Right Hockey Tape in 2026

Article Summary

Choosing the right hockey tape isn't about preference – it's about function. In this guide, we'll explain how different types of tape and accessories impact grip, control, and stability in the game. You'll get concrete examples of how to use grip tape, Howies wax, LizardSkins, shin pad tape PRO, and skate laces in practice, as well as how to build a setup that lasts through the entire practice and game.

It's quite easy to tell when someone is playing with a setup that isn't quite holding up. The stick is adjusted every shift, gloves are moved around, and between shifts, the player is pulling on laces or pressing down shin pads.

It's not about the skill level. We see the same thing in junior and senior teams.

The problem is that the equipment doesn't behave the same from start to finish. And it often starts with the tape.

Choosing the right hockey tape isn't really about "which tape is best," but about understanding what each part does. Use grip tape to create a stable base on the stick. Apply Howies wax on top to get the same feel even when gloves get damp. If you want something more consistent over time, use LizardSkins instead to avoid re-taping constantly.

For the rest of the body, the same principle applies. Use skate laces that maintain tension so your foot doesn't start moving after 30 minutes. Use shin pad tape PRO to lock shin guards in place so nothing slides around during play.

When these parts are right, it's immediately noticeable. Fewer adjustments. More focus on the game.

What "the right hockey tape" actually means in practice

The first thing many people think of is blade tape. But in practice, hockey tape is about the entire system around the player.

We often see players changing tape without really knowing what problem they're trying to solve. The grip feels different every session, and that affects how the stick is used.

You solve this by starting with the grip. Use grip tape to build a stable surface where your hand always lands the same way. Once it's there, it shouldn't change during the session.

To make it last over time, use Howies wax on top of the grip tape. This reduces friction and prevents the grip from being affected as much by moisture.

For players who train a lot and want to avoid frequent re-taping, use LizardSkins. It provides a more consistent grip over time.

When it comes to stability around the legs, we often see shin pads start to move. This affects the entire feel of skating. Use shin pad tape PRO to lock the pads in place so they stay where they should.

And for skates – use skate laces that maintain tension. This ensures your foot stays in the same position throughout the entire session.

It's the combination that matters.

How to build a setup that lasts through the entire session

The biggest problem we see is that the setup works at the beginning – but not after 40 minutes.

It's not about something being broken. It's about certain parts changing over time.

We always start with the stick.

Use grip tape to build a grip that feels natural right away. Apply Howies wax on top to get the same feel even when the pace picks up. If you don't want to re-tape as often, use LizardSkins instead.

Then we move to the skates.

Use skate laces that maintain tension. Tighten them consistently every time so your foot stays in the same position.

Finally, the shin pads.

Use shin pad tape PRO to lock them. This prevents anything from starting to move when you get tired or when the pace increases.

In practice, we do this:

use grip tape as a base
use Howies wax to stabilize the feel
use LizardSkins if you want less maintenance
use skate laces for foot stability
use shin pad tape PRO to lock the pads

When this is set up correctly, you won't need to adjust during play.

Common mistakes when choosing hockey tape

A common mistake is choosing tape based on what someone else uses. That might work – but often not.

We also see many people changing tape too often without knowing why. This means the feel never becomes consistent.

Another problem is focusing only on the stick. But if skates or shin pads move, it matters less how good the grip is.

You solve this by thinking holistically.

Use grip tape and Howies wax for the stick. If you want a more long-term option, use LizardSkins.

Use skate laces that maintain tension instead of constantly having to adjust.

Use shin pad tape PRO to lock everything in place.

And most importantly – do the same thing every time. That's where the difference comes from.

How teams work with taping in practice

When you look at teams where the game flows, you often see the same thing: players do the same thing every time.

There is a routine.

We often see that teams struggling with pace also struggle with details. Players adjust equipment during the session instead of playing.

The solution is simple, but requires discipline.

Use grip tape the same way every time. Apply Howies wax on top to get the same feel.

If the player wants something more stable over time, use LizardSkins instead.

Ensure skate laces are tied the same way every session. And use shin pad tape PRO to lock the pads.

This is not advanced. But it allows the player to focus on the game instead of the equipment.

FAQ

How do you choose the right hockey tape?

Start by identifying what you want to solve. For grip, use grip tape and apply Howies wax on top. For a more durable option, use LizardSkins. For stability, use skate laces and shin pad tape PRO. It's about building an entire setup.

What's the difference between grip tape and LizardSkins?

Grip tape offers flexibility and can be customized each time. LizardSkins provide a more consistent grip over time and require less maintenance. Many players use grip tape and Howies wax, while others switch to LizardSkins for stability.

How do you make the grip last the whole game?

Use grip tape as a base and apply Howies wax on top. This reduces the impact of moisture. For even more stability, use LizardSkins.

Why do shin pads slide?

It's often because they're not locked in place. Use shin pad tape PRO to keep them secure so they don't move during play.

How should skates be laced?

Use skate laces that maintain tension and tighten them consistently every time. This ensures your foot stays stable throughout the entire session.

How often should you re-tape your stick?

It depends on use. With grip tape and Howies wax, you can maintain the feel longer. With LizardSkins, you'll need to re-tape less often.

Is more expensive tape better?

Not always. The important thing is that the tape solves the right problem. Grip tape, Howies wax, LizardSkins, skate laces, and shin pad tape PRO all serve different functions.

What's most important – grip or stability?

Both. Use grip tape and Howies wax for grip, and use skate laces and shin pad tape PRO for stability. It's the combination that makes the difference.