Which tape works best in bandy 2026

Summary: This article discusses which tape actually works best for each part of bandy equipment, based on what each situation truly requires rather than habit. It is written for players, parents, and coaches who want to make an informed choice instead of buying whatever happens to be in the club's storage. The reader will get a clear overview of what works best for grip, blade, and shin guards, as well as which brands actually differ within each category.

It's a question every bandy player asks sooner or later: which tape actually works best? The answer varies depending on what you're actually trying to achieve – a good grip requires different properties than a good blade wrap, and it's rarely the same product that's best for everything. We often see players stick to one brand early in their career and then never question whether it's actually the best option for their particular playing style. Bandy's large playing surface and high speed also mean that marginal differences in tape quality are noticed more quickly than in many other sports, as the equipment is subjected to more repetitive stress during a match. In this article, we'll go through what actually works best for the grip zone, the stick blade, and the shin guards, and what options are available within each category.

The grip zone – what works best depends on how much you sweat

For most players, a classic grip tape works perfectly throughout the season, but which product works best largely depends on how much the hand sweats during matches and training. Use Grip Tape as your first choice for the grip zone, as it provides a consistent, reliable friction surface that works well under most conditions on a bandy rink. We often see players with very sweaty hands continue to struggle with the same product despite recurring grip problems, instead of trying an alternative better suited for that particular situation. Use LizardSkins if you belong to that category, as the material is specifically developed to maintain grip even when the hand or glove becomes damp, while also dampening vibrations from hard shots. In practice: test both options over a period with similar training conditions, rather than judging an option after a single match, as weather conditions can significantly affect the result.

The stick blade – several brands solve the same problem with varying success

The blade needs a tape that provides consistent contact with the ball regardless of moisture and wear, and here there are several brands that are all specifically developed for this task rather than generic cloth tapes. Use CCM Cloth Tape or Howies Cloth Tape as a starting point, as both are well-established choices with consistent weave quality for bandy's demands on ball control. We often see players who have never tried alternatives like Comp-O-Stik Cloth Tape, ES Hockey Cloth Tape or Jaybird Cloth Tape, despite the differences in price and available width making one of these a better choice for your particular stick. You solve this by trying different widths within the same brand before switching completely, as a wider or narrower wrap can solve a problem you previously thought was due to the material itself. In practice: wrap diagonally with a light, consistent overlap regardless of which brand you choose, and pay extra attention to the toe where wear is normally greatest.

Shin guards – what works best depends on how often you re-tape

For most players, the choice between premium quality and a budget alternative is really a question of how often they are willing to re-tape their equipment during a week. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO if you want to minimize the number of times you need to redo the job, as the adhesive strength remains more consistent over time compared to a standard alternative. We often see that players who have switched to premium quality need fewer wraps per taping for the same result, which saves time over an entire season. If budget is the decisive factor, Advance AT7 Shin Guard Tape or the standard variant Shin Guard Tape still work well, but expect to re-tape a little more often. In practice: wrap two to three times just below the knee and one more time at the ankle regardless of which product you choose, as it is the placement rather than just the product choice that determines whether the shin guard stays in place during the match.

Combining the right product with the right technique

No matter how good the tape itself is, the final result is determined as much by how it is applied as by which brand is chosen. Use Grip Tape, CCM Cloth Tape, and Shin Guard Tape PRO as solid basic equipment, but place as much importance on taping technique as on product selection. We often see players change products in search of better results, when the real problem has been an uneven wrap or incorrect application technique all along. In practice: maintain even, moderate pressure throughout the wrap regardless of the product, and always test mobility immediately after taping to ensure that the result actually works for your playing style, not just in theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grip tape works best for players with very sweaty hands?
LizardSkins is specifically developed to maintain grip even when the hand becomes damp, making it a better choice than standard grip tape for that situation. Test LizardSkins over a period with similar training conditions that you normally encounter, and compare the result against your usual Grip Tape before switching completely.

Is there any practical difference between the various cloth tape brands for the stick blade?
The difference often lies in price and available widths rather than in fundamental function, as 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. Test the width that best suits your stick rather than just going by the brand name.

How do I decide whether to choose premium or budget for shin guard tape?
Ask yourself how often you are willing to re-tape your equipment during a week. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO if you want to minimize the number of re-tapings, or Advance AT7 Shin Guard Tape if budget is more important and you don't mind redoing the job a little more often.

Does taping technique play as big a role as product selection?
Yes, an uneven wrap or incorrect placement can cause even a premium product to underperform. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and wrap with even, moderate pressure throughout the wrap, rather than just relying on product quality to solve a technical problem in application.

Should I test several different grip tape brands before deciding?
Yes, especially if you are not entirely satisfied with your current product. Use Grip Tape as a starting point and test LizardSkins in parallel over a period with comparable conditions, rather than judging an option after a single match where weather or form may have affected the result.

Why do I only notice a difference in cloth tape after a few weeks of use?
Weave quality and adhesive consistency usually become most apparent over time, rather than upon initial application. Use CCM Cloth Tape or Howies Cloth Tape and note how ball control changes throughout a period of regular use, not just at first impression.

Can I mix different brands for different parts of the equipment?
Yes, there's no reason to stick to a single brand for all your equipment. For example, combine Grip Tape for the shaft with Jaybird Cloth Tape for the blade if that combination works best for your playing style and budget.

How do I know if my choice of tape is actually the best for my playing style, not just what I'm used to?
Deliberately test an alternative over a period instead of changing based on a single impression. Compare Shin Guard Tape PRO against a budget alternative during the same training period, and concretely note how often you actually need to re-tape before drawing a conclusion about which works best for you.