How to choose the right tape for bandy 2026

Summary: This article is about finding the right tape for each part of your bandy equipment, instead of guessing or using the same roll for everything. It is written for players, parents, and coaches who are unsure about the differences between tape types. The reader will get a clear guide to grips, blades, shin guards, and skates, as well as what actually differentiates different brands within the same category.

It's a question that pops up in almost every equipment bag sooner or later: what tape should I actually use for what? Choosing the right tape for bandy isn't about finding a single universal product, but about understanding that each piece of equipment – the stick shaft's grip, the blade, the shin guards, and the skates – has different requirements that a single tape rarely meets equally well. We often see players mix up the categories, leading to the wrong product being used and the result being worse than it should be. Bandy's large playing surface and high speed also mean that poorly performing equipment is noticed faster than in many other sports. In this article, we'll go through what differentiates the various tape types, which brands are available in each category, and how to choose the right one based on your own playing style.

The Grip Zone – tape that provides control regardless of weather conditions

The hand should stay still on the shaft throughout the entire game, regardless of whether it's cold, wet, or if the player is sweating unusually much. This comes up in almost every team during the winter season, when the cold makes grip tape that previously worked perfectly suddenly feel unreliable. Use Grip Tape to create a smooth, reliable friction surface on the shaft's grip zone, as it provides consistent adhesion throughout the game regardless of weather conditions on the bandy rink. If you train a lot and sweat heavily, LizardSkins is a good alternative, as the material maintains grip even when the glove gets damp, while also dampening vibrations from hard shots and stick contact. In practice: wrap with even, moderate pressure and consistent overlap regardless of which of the two products you choose, and change as soon as you feel the slightest slip during a hard shot.

The Stick Blade – cloth tape for consistent ball contact

The blade needs a tape that provides consistent contact with the ball throughout the entire game, regardless of moisture and wear from the ice or surface. Use CCM Cloth Tape or Howies Cloth Tape to wrap the blade and knob, as both are specifically developed to provide consistent control with the ball, unlike a generic tape not made for the purpose. If you already have another brand on hand, Comp-O-Stik Cloth Tape, ES Hockey Cloth Tape, or Jaybird Cloth Tape also work on the same principle, as they are built for the same type of use. We often see players hastily re-tape the blade when time is short, resulting in creases and unevenness that are most noticeable in delicate situations like dekes and receptions. In practice: wrap the cloth tape diagonally with light, consistent overlap and extra attention at the toe, where wear is normally greatest.

Shin Guards – tape that keeps them in place all game

A slipping shin guard is one of the most common yet underestimated problems in bandy, and the solution is rarely the equipment itself but rather how it is attached to the sock. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO to attach the shin guard directly to the sock before a game or practice, so that it stays in place even during quick changes of direction and checks against the boards. You can achieve this with Shin Guard Tape PRO by wrapping two to three times just below the knee and an additional wrap at the ankle, where slipping usually begins. If budget is the deciding factor, Advance AT7 Shin Guard Tape or the standard version Shin Guard Tape work as alternatives with the same taping technique, although you may need to re-tape a bit more often. In practice: check the taping again during the intermission if the game is physical, so that you catch any looseness before it becomes a problem.

Skates – the right lacing for stability on a large surface

Bandy's large surface and high speed make stable ankle support extra important compared to sports with smaller playing areas, as changes of direction often occur at higher speeds. Use Waxed Skate Laces and tighten the lacing most firmly over the ankle bone, where support against twisting is most needed, rather than at the very top of the boot. We often see players lace the entire skate equally tight all the way through, which creates unnecessary stiffness where it's not needed, while ankle support may still be insufficient. In practice: always re-lace after warm-up, as waxed laces hold the knot in place better throughout an entire period compared to an unwaxed alternative that gradually loosens during the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tape do I need if I'm only going to do basic equipment maintenance for bandy?
For most players, Grip Tape for the shaft, CCM Cloth Tape for the blade, and Shin Guard Tape PRO for the shin guards are sufficient. These are the three basic products most bandy players use regularly throughout a season. Build a simple routine where you check all three before each game.

Does the brand of cloth tape I choose for the stick blade matter?
No, not decisively – CCM Cloth Tape, Howies Cloth Tape, Comp-O-Stik Cloth Tape, ES Hockey Cloth Tape and Jaybird Cloth Tape are all developed for the same purpose. Choose based on what you are already used to or what width best suits your stick.

Is LizardSkins worth the extra cost compared to regular grip tape for bandy?
It depends on how much you sweat and train. Use LizardSkins if you've noticed that regular grip tape quickly loses its grip, as the material is specifically developed to work even when your hand gets damp. Try both for a period to determine what best suits your playing style.

How often should I check my shin guard taping during a game?
Check during the intermission, especially after a physical period with many checks against the boards. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO for quick adjustments and keep an extra roll in your equipment bag. A quick check takes less than a minute but can prevent you from playing an entire period with a partially loose guard.

Is Advance AT7 a good alternative to Shin Guard Tape PRO for bandy?
Yes, Advance AT7 Shin Guard Tape works with the same taping technique as Shin Guard Tape PRO, but as a PVC-based budget alternative, you may need to re-tape a bit more often. Choose based on what suits your budget and how often you are prepared to redo the job.

Why is skate lacing more important in bandy than in some other ice sports?
Bandy's large playing surface means that changes of direction often occur at higher speeds, which places higher demands on ankle support. Use Waxed Skate Laces and tighten most firmly over the ankle bone. Always re-lace after warm-up, as the lace stretches slightly with the heat and the support would otherwise be compromised.

Can I use the same grip tape for both matches and training in bandy?
Yes, but grip tape typically only lasts one to two weeks of regular training before the adhesion noticeably deteriorates. Use Grip Tape and change it as soon as you feel the slightest slip during a hard shot, rather than waiting until the grip is completely gone.

Do I need different tape for matches compared to regular training?
The principle is the same, but in matches where the load is higher, it is extra important not to skimp on the number of wraps for both grip and shin guards. Use Grip Tape and Shin Guard Tape PRO generously before a match, while lighter taping is often sufficient for a regular training session.