The Best Cloth Hockey Tape Options For Sticks in 2023

The Best Cloth Hockey Tape Options For Sticks in 2023

How Cloth Hockey Tape Improves Your Game

As a lifetime hockey player, I’ve tried every type of hockey tape out there. Nothing beats old-fashioned cloth tape for grip, comfort, and customization. The first time I wrapped my stick in cloth tape I’ll never forget. It was like a whole new world opened up!

The soft, cottony feel of cloth tape is far superior to the slick plastic of synthetic tapes. Rather than sliding around in your hands, cloth tape sticks to your gloves like glue. I’ve never understood how NHL superstars could handle the puck so smoothly, dangling through defenses like pylons. Swapping to cloth tape gave me that same telepathic control. The tacky grip lets you cradle passes easily, like the puck is magnetized to your blade.

Cloth tape also dampens vibrations from hard passes and shots. I used to get stinging wrist pain from my slap shot. But cloth tape cushions the impact, making blistering one-timers much more comfortable. No more sore joints or tingling fingers after a long game. Plus the cotton provides just enough cushion for poke checks and other contact. You can swing your stick aggressively without it jarring your hands like synthetic tape.

Not only does it feel better, but cloth tape actually improves puck handling. I struggled for years trying to master saucer passes. The puck would either flip awkwardly off my blade, or get caught and dribble off the ice. But with the soft grip of cloth tape, I can put the perfect touch on delicate saucer feeds. I even backhanded a beauty of a saucer pass on a 2-on-1 last game, right in stride to my winger for the goal. My teammates were shocked, but it’s amazing what a little cloth tape can do!

Of course, it’s not a perfect solution. Cloth tape lacks the rigidity of synthetic tape, so your blade can lose structure after heavy use. I recommend re-taping your stick at least once per game to keep that lively pop. And in humid weather, cloth tape is prone to getting soggy and slipping. I keep a roll of backup synthetic tape in my bag for summer league games or rainy days. But for must-win games, it’s cloth tape all the way for me!

Switching to cloth tape took my game to the next level. The grip gives you so much more control and feel for finesse playmaking. If you really want to elevate your puck skills, give old-school cloth hockey tape a shot. It could be just the edge your game is missing!

Key Differences Between Cloth and Synthetic Hockey Tape

When equipping your stick, one of the biggest decisions is cloth or synthetic tape. As a former college player and youth coach, I’ve used both types extensively. While synthetics like Renfrew have their benefits, nothing beats real cloth hockey tape when it comes to grip and control.

The most noticeable difference is the soft, cottony feel of cloth tape versus the slippery plastic of synthetics. Rub your fingers across a roll of Renfrew – it’s smooth as glass. Now try some cloth hockey tape, like Howies – you can feel the fabric catch on your skin. That tacky texture is crucial for stickhandling.

With synthetic tape, the puck slides around as you cradle and deke. You have to squeeze tightly to keep control, which restricts your wrists. But cloth tape grabs the puck like glue, letting you dangle and dance without death-gripping your stick. The grip gives you way more finesse for saucer passes, shots off tricky angles, and highlight reel moves.

Durability favors synthetics. The plastic weave won’t rip or fray, maintaining its structure shift after shift. But cloth tape eventually frays with use, losing its pop. I go through at least one re-tape per period to keep that lively flex. Some cloth tapes even come pre-softened now, like Howies Hockey Soft Tape. It starts tacky right off the roll but wears down quickly.

In wet weather, cloth tape turns to mush, sliding around like a slip ‘n slide. Synthetic tapes retain their grip in rain, snow, and humidity much better. I keep some Renfrew tape in my bag for summer tournaments and winter outdoor games when cloth would fail me. However, most arena ice is cold and dry enough for cloth to shine.

For beginners, synthetic tape is more forgiving and consistent. The rigidity helps your blade retain structure for learning puck skills. Young kids are also less likely to tape their stick properly with fussy cloth. But as you develop your game, the superior grip of cloth tape becomes more apparent.

Many NHL superstars still swear by the classic cloth tape, like Sidney Crosby. The soft grip gives them better puck control for insane one-handed dekes and sharp angle shots. Some old school pros even refuse to switch to synthetics!

So while modern synthetic tapes have earned a spot in the game, true cloth hockey tape still can’t be beaten for mastering stick skills. The tacky grip lets you handle the puck like it’s glued to your blade. If you really want to take your game to the pro level, a switch to old-fashioned cloth tape could give you that extra edge.

Top Cloth Hockey Tape Brands on the Market

With so many cloth hockey tape options out there, it can be tricky choosing the right brand for your needs. Through years of play, I’ve tested all the major names in cloth tape. Here are my top picks for performance, grip, and durability.

For a classic cloth tape, Renfrew is the gold standard. This Canadian brand has been making hockey tape since the 1920s. Pros like Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr used Renfrew back in the day. It has a medium tackiness and grip that’s great for all-around play. The cotton-twill weave is soft but dense, absorbing moisture well. While not the grippiest, Renfrew’s blend of control and smooth unwind makes it a tape I always keep on hand.

Howies Hockey Tape is quickly becoming a cult favorite for its insane grip. It uses a medical grade cotton with extra glue for almost freakish puck control. When cradling passes, it feels like the puck is velcroed to your blade. For dangling through traffic and firing wicked wristers, Howies can’t be beat. The tack does wear down fast though, so be prepared for lots of re-tapes.

For old school cloth grip, Canadian Tape by Jaybird is the way to go. They use a vintage weave with thicker cotton fibers that really lock onto your glove. It has that nostalgic fabric feel of tapes used in the 50s and 60s. While rougher than modern cloths, it excels at absorbing moisture and providing cushioning. The extra tack makes toe-drags and quick stickhandling shine.

Griffith’s Cloth Tape is popular among college players for its value and versatility. It has a smooth, consistent unspool plus a controllable level of tackiness. I keep this budget-friendly cloth tape in my bag for pre-gaming and practices when I don’t need the high-performance grip of pricier options.

For a high-end cloth with pro pedigree, try Titanium Plus by Renfrew. It uses a special weave soaked in a titanium resin that makes it ultra-durable. There’s noticeably less ripping, fraying, and breakdown compared to regular cloths. The unique rubber-like tack also provides amazing control on poke checks, saucer passes, and power moves to the net. Titanium Plus is on the pricey side but stands up to elite-level play.

If you want to try cloth but find the traditional tapes too grippy, Soft Cloth by Howies is a nice in-between option. Using special softened cotton, it starts off slightly tacky with a smooth finish. It helps new cloth users graduate from slippery synthetics to full tack cloths. While not the grippiest choice, Soft Cloth tape offers a nice introduction to the control of cloths.

There are tons of cloth hockey tape brands on the market, but these are my proven favorites. Whether you desire elite pro-level grip or an affordable, smooth cloth feel, you can’t go wrong with these top cloth tape picks.

What To Look For When Buying Cloth Hockey Tape

With a dizzying array of cloth hockey tape options on the market, it can be tricky to know what to look for when stocking your hockey bag. As an adult rec league player and youth coach, I’ve tested all kinds of cloth tapes over the years. Here are the key factors I consider when buying fresh rolls of cloth hockey tape for optimal performance.

Grip is arguably the most important element for cloth tape. After all, the tactile control is why most players choose cloth over synthetic options. Look for tapes with a tacky, grippy feel rather than those with a smoother, slicker finish. Run your fingers across a tape sample if possible to test the texture. The ideal cloth hockey tape will be slightly sticky to the touch for excellent puck control.

Durability is another big consideration. Cloth tape inherently frays and softens easier than synthetic weaves. Premium brands use dense stitching and special treatments to harden the cloth and maintain grip longer. Check user reviews to see how many games or periods a tape retains its tackiness before needing a re-tape. For best value, seek out durable cloth tapes that withstand wear and tear.

The unwind is something often overlooked with cloth tape but can make a real difference. On the rink, you need to be able to tear off strips one-handed, so smooth unspooling is crucial. Avoid tapes where the cloth bunches up or sticks to itself when unwinding. Test the unrolling action in-store by ripping off a short strip to ensure nice, even unspooling.

The thickness of the tape matters too, as thicker cloths provide more cushioning while thinner varieties offer more blade control. For contact-heavy positions like defenseman, consider thicker, protective cloth tapes around 0.5mm. For snipers and danglers, thinner 0.25-0.3mm tape gives better puck feel while still maintaining grip.

Don’t neglect weight – heavier cloth tapes can feel cumbersome when stickhandling and shooting over time. Look for lighter cotton weaves rated 3oz or less per roll for optimal balance and maneuverability. Renfrew Pro Tape is a popular lightweight choice at just 2.7oz.

For cold weather play, like pond hockey or outdoor tourneys, seek out cloth tapes designed to resist moisture. Look for proprietary weaves like Renfrew’s Winter Cloth or silicone coatings that repel water and snow. Otherwise the cloth will become waterlogged and slippery.

Price is typically proportionate to quality and performance with cloth tape. Premium tapes from Howies or Renfrew will run $5 or more per roll, while general cloths are around $2-4. Remember you go through cloth tape faster than synthetics, so cost per roll needs factoring in.

With these cloth tape buying considerations in mind, you’ll be equipped to pick the perfect product to meet your hockey stickhandling needs and take your game to the next level.

Cloth Hockey Tape Pros and Cons

As a former junior hockey player turned beer league star, I’ve tried every type of hockey tape out there. Cloth tape offers some clear advantages over synthetic options, but also comes with some downsides to consider.

The number one benefit of cloth tape is the unreal grip and control. The tacky cotton fabric creates almost magnetic friction with your gloves, letting you cradle and stickhandle like the puck is glued to your blade. I found wrist shots, saucer passes, and poke checks way easier with cloth tape instead of slippery synthetics.

That soft, cushiony feel also dampens vibrations and impacts much better than plastic tapes. My hands and wrists used to ache after slap shot practice with synthetic tape. But cloth tape absorbs the shock, making blistering one-timers and clearing attempts much more comfortable and controllable.

Cloth tape like Howies comes pre-softened now so you can unwrap it straight onto your blade with instant optimal grip. The synthetics require workings the tape to warm up the adhesive. So cloth tape saves prep time in the dressing room to get you out on the ice quicker.

Speaking of time, cloth does need more maintenance during games. The grip wears down after intense use, so you’ll be re-taping every period or couple of shifts to keep optimal control. Synthetics retain structure longer before needing a redo. If you hate re-taping often, cloth may frustrate you.

That plush cotton also soaks up moisture from the ice and your gloves, getting waterlogged and slippery. In high humidity or wet conditions, cloth tape can turn to mush on your blade. For rainy outdoor games, synthetics hold up much better.

While the softness provides cushioning, it reduces blade stiffness that some players rely on for power. Shots can lose zip if the tape job gets too thick and spongy. It takes precision wrapping skills to get ideal cloth grip without sacrificing pop.

Cloth tape tends to fray faster too, with the adhesive wearing off and fibers unraveling after intense play. I’ve had cloth rip mid-slapshot, which is never ideal! Synthetic tapes keep their weave locked in better over time. So longevity favors plastics.

There’s also more technique involved applying cloth tape properly. It can bunch up on itself or wrap unevenly if you don’t precisely stretch and layer the cotton. Beginners tend to tape better with more forgiving synthetics.

But for intermediates looking to elevate their game, cloth tape is a must-try. The insane grip gives you so much more control to take your puck skills to the next level. Just be prepared for the extra maintenance cloth tape requires to really maximize the benefits.

Using Cloth Hockey Tape on Composite Sticks

As composite sticks become the new norm, many players wonder if old-fashioned cloth hockey tape still has a place in the game. As a rec league veteran who swears by composite blades, I’m here to report cloth tape pairs perfectly with the space-age materials.

The key benefit is the insane tactile grip of cloth tape complements the slick carbon fiber and fiberglass finish of composites. Those materials are so smooth, pucks can slide around in your hands. But add some grippy cloth tape and those composites hold onto rubber like glue.

That extra grab really enhances the quick release and velocity of composite blades. With cloth tape wound from mid-blade to knob, you can flex composites to full power and still control the puck through release. It adds backspin and accuracy on wristers and snap shots.

Cloth tape also absorbs vibrations that can rattle your hands on composite blades. Those ultra-stiff blades transmit more shock and sting to the hands compared to wood sticks. But soft, cushiony cloth tape dampens those harsh vibrations for a more comfortable feel.

Now cloth does reduce the rigidity and structure of composites slightly. But I found a thin, precise tape job with high-quality cloth barely affected my shot power. And the insane grip was well worth the minimal loss of stiffness.

Another nice upside of cloth tape is it provides friction for puckhandling that the smooth composites lack. Coming off the sidewall, rolling passes along the blade, and receiving hard feeds become much easier with the tactile grip of cloth.

Just be careful not to OVER-tape the blade. Too many thick, overlapping layers of cloth will start muting the lively kick of composites. I try to keep it to two smooth single layers up the blade. It offers plenty of grip and shock absorption while maintaining the pop.

Applying a synthetic tape base layer also helps maximize structure if using softer cloth options. I’ll often go one wrap of Renfrew then two layers of Howies on top for the ideal balance of grip and stiffness.

As for durability, the cloth protects the exterior finish against chips and scratches during play. Friction from passes and poke checks can damage composite blades over time. But cloth tape shields the vulnerable resin while providing tacky grip.

So don’t be afraid to tape up your composite stick old-school style. The right application of high-quality cloth hockey tape complements modern composites beautifully.

Re-taping Your Stick During Games with Cloth Hockey Tape

One downside of cloth hockey tape is it loses tackiness and structure faster than synthetics. But with the right technique, you can quickly re-tape your blade during games to keep insane grip all match long.

Ideally, have a fresh roll ready in your bench or penalty box. Pull off your gloves and use scissors to cut away the old tape down to the blade. Try to peel it off in bigger chunks rather than little strips to speed up removal.

If pieces of the old tape won’t lift off, don’t pick at it. Just make sure the surface is as smooth as possible. Laying new cloth tape over small scraps is fine.

Wipe down the blade with a towel or glove to remove any moisture or debris so the new tape adheres better. Even a quick rub with your jersey will help prep the surface.

If you have time, apply a quick base layer of synthetic clear tape like Renfrew. This helps the weave adhere evenly and adds rigidity under the cloth layer. But in a pinch, you can go straight to cloth.

Unroll a length of cloth hockey tape, making sure it doesn’t bunch up on itself. Start about an inch or two above the toe of the blade on the bottom face. Apply the first layer by pulling lightly on the tape and rotating the shaft in your hand.

Don’t wrap too tight or stretch too far. Aim for about a 50% overlap with each rotation, keeping the tape smooth and flat as you work up the blade. Too much tension makes the job harder and reduces tack.

Move your grip up the shaft as you wrap, so you’re always pulling back on the tape. This keeps the weave locked in for better adhesion. Avoid going over the same spot twice.

About two-thirds up the blade, tear off the first strip. Then start a second layer in the opposite direction, working from top to bottom. The overlap helps bind the tape layers together.

Finish the job by tightly wrapping the knob area for grip. Stick the end down firmly and use a scissors or fingernail to sever the tape.

Aim for two layers total – enough for grip but not so much it dampens blade flex and pop.

The whole re-tape process should take 30-60 seconds once you get it down. Having a teammate cover your position helps. But with practice you can do a quick tape-job pit stop mid-game without getting caught out of position!

Caring for Cloth Hockey Tape and Making It Last

One downside of cloth hockey tape is it frays and loses grip faster than synthetics. But with proper care between games, you can extend the life of cloth tape rolls. Here are my pro tips for making cloth hockey tape last.

Start by keeping rolls in a cool, dry place like a hockey bag side pocket. Heat and humidity can soften the adhesive prematurely. Keeping cloth tape in your vehicle between games exposes it to temperature swings that take a toll.

When wrapping your stick, make sure both the blade and your hands are dry first. Moisture under the cloth creates bubbles and a weak bond. I lightly wipe down my blades with a towel before applying fresh cloth tape.

Watch your overlap as you wrap – overlapping too tightly bunches up the weave, while too little causes gaps that lead to loosening. I aim for about a 50% overlap ratio for consistent adhesion.

Wrap in the direction from heel to toe and don’t re-wrap over the same area twice. Pulling backwards as you wrap locks in each layer. Going over spots twice creates friction that damages the weave.

Maintain light tension as you wrap rather than stretching too tight. Excess tension strains the cotton fibers, causing them to detach prematurely. Keep each wrap snug but not super-tight.

Avoid clicking your sticks together at the knobs excessively. That rubbing and grinding frays the tape over time. Same goes for banging your stick against the boards or net. That friction wears down the grip.

When cutting the tape at the end, use scissors or gently tear it rather than ripping aggressively. Yanking the tape damages the adhesive and causes early unraveling.

Consider applying a thin layer of clear synthetic tape first. This reinforces the blade and helps the cloth tape bond evenly across the surface. It extends the grip life noticeably.

Air out your gear after games so moisture can evaporate, especially gloves and pads where tape contacts. Storing damp gear accelerates softening and wear.

Re-tape during games as needed, but don’t layer on too thick. More than 2-3 layers dampens the blade without adding much extra grip. Afew smooth layers is ideal.

When removing old tape, try to peel it off in bigger pieces rather than shredding it into little strips. This reduces residue that could impede fresh tape bonding.

By taking care of your cloth hockey tape properly, you can easily get multiple games out of a single roll. A few simple habits will extend the grip life significantly.

DIY Cloth Hockey Tape Options for Sticks

Quality cloth hockey tape can get pricey buying roll after roll. But with a bit of DIY spirit, you can create your own homemade cloth tape for a fraction of the cost.

My favorite DIY cloth tape recipe calls for basic cotton quilt binding and spray adhesive. Look for 1/2 to 3/4 inch cotton binding at a fabric shop or Walmart. Make sure it’s a cotton blend, not polyester.

Buy a quality multi-purpose spray adhesive like 3M Super 77. Avoid cheap dollar store sprays that likely won’t bond well. This will serve as the glue to activate the cotton binding.

Start with a wooden stick blade you don’t mind experimenting on until you perfect the technique. Use an acrylic stick or old blade with chips and cracks for your cloth tape test runs.

Thoroughly clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or debris. Even wiping vigorously with a paper towel will help the tape adhere better.

Lay down painter’s tape strips along the edges on the top and bottom of the blade to create clean lines for your cloth tape wrap. This keeps things neat and tidy.

Hold the cotton binding strip at one end and spray a light coat of adhesive onto the back. Wait 5-10 seconds for it to tack up but not totally dry.

Firmly press the binding onto the bottom 1/3 of the blade, keeping it straight and taut. Stretch it gently as you wrap at about a 50% overlap ratio up the blade.

Apply a second light coat of adhesive and do a top layer from heel to toe. Ripping off any ragged edges for a clean look.

You can experiment with different width binding strips. Wider 3/4 inch gives you more cushioning and grip, while 1/2 inch offers more blade feel and control.

Let the DIY tape cure overnight before using so the adhesive sets fully. In the morning, remove the painters tape for nice crisp edges.

You can get multiple tape jobs per binding strip, just cut more lengths as needed. Reapply light adhesive coats to restore the tackiness when it wears down.

While not quite pro-grade, this homemade cloth hockey tape costs just a few dollars compared to $5-7 for good cloth tape rolls. And you can customize width, thickness, and adhesion to your preference.

With basic craft store supplies and some trial and error, you can equip all your hockey sticks with custom cloth tape on the cheap.

Customizing Stick Handling with Cloth Hockey Tape

One underrated benefit of cloth hockey tape is the ability to customize and perfect your grip for stick handling. With the right tape job, you can engineer insane control to dangle defenders and snipe top corners.

Start by analyzing your style and where you need more friction. If wristers are weak, build up extra layers around the bottom third of the shaft for leverage. Need more poke check control? Tack up the upper shaft area for grip when reaching.

Vary the wrap direction too for more precision. I go heel-to-toe on the blade for stability. But switch to toe-to-heel up the shaft, which locks the tape tighter when cradling hard passes.

Get creative with grip zones at key points. Slap small strips near the midpoint and top of the shaft for hand anchors during dekes. Reinforce high wear areas like the bottom corners.

Change the texture too by integrating the shiny backside of the tape periodically. This adds grip across different glove and hand positions. Alternate matte and smooth tape faces.

Soft cloth options like Howies let you mold unique contours. Build up cushioning where your bottom hand drives stickhandling force. Taper off thickness near the toe for touch.

You can sandwich different tapes too for custom performance. Try a slick synthetic base layer then add gritty cloth on top. Or a stiff backing with soft cloth for protection.

Don’t forget the end knob which is key for control on hard shots. A mushroom wrap with cloth tape gives you leverage and absorbs sting.

Get creative with colors and patterns if allowed by your league. Stripes, zig-zags, diamonds, or color changes make it easier to quickly index hand placement for stick tricks.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – you can always peel off and rewrap if a technique fails. Try extreme ideas in practice like checkerboard tape faces or a corkscrew pattern up the shaft.

Dialing in the right tape job for your game takes trial and error. But once you find tape grip sweet spots that mesh with your hands, your stick will feel like an extension of your body.

The Best Cloth Hockey Tape Rolls and Packs to Buy

With so many cloth hockey tape brands available, choosing the right product for your game can be confusing. Based on years of first-hand testing, here are my picks for the top cloth hockey tape rolls and multi-pack values.

For elite-level tackiness and grip, Howies Hockey Tape is my top choice. This cotton hockey tape is almost freakishly grippy, grabbing both the puck and your gloves like velcro. Serious dangle artists love Howies for insane puck control. It does fray faster than others, so go with the 3-pack for value.

Renfrew is the classic cloth hockey tape brand trusted for decades. Their Pro Cloth tape has ideal light tackiness and smooth release for all-around play. The 2.5oz weight offers great balance of grip and maneuverability. Grab the 5-pack for a stockpile of this timeless tape.

If you want more longevity between changes, try Renfrew’s Titanium cloth hockey tape. It has a unique rubberized feel that provides amazing grip while resisting wear and moisture much better than regular cotton tapes. A good 3-pack option.

For beginners, I recommend the Renfrew Beginner Value pack. It includes basic white and black cloth tape rolls plus synthetics to help new players learn proper taping techniques. At under $10 for 4 rolls, it’s a steal.

Griffith’s cloth hockey tape flies under the radar but provides excellent grip and cushioning. Their Ultra Soft cloth feels broken-in right off the roll with ideal medium tackiness. Grab the 4-pack for tons of great tape at a very wallet-friendly price.

If you play year-round, the Renfrew All Weather tape 5-pack is a smart buy. It includes specifically engineered tapes for cold weather, wet conditions, and indoor arena ice to keep you gripping in any environment.

For goalies seeking maximum blocker and stick cushioning, the Jaybird & Mais Fat Boy 5-pack has ultra thick cotton tape. It takes some getting used to, but provides noticeable damping and protection.

Those are my go-to cloth hockey tape picks after testing countless options. Focus on multipacks to keep fresh rolls handy in your bag all season long!

Strategies for Stretching and Preserving Cloth Hockey Tape

One frustration with cloth hockey tape is it wears out and needs replacing often. But you can extend the life of cloth tape rolls using a few strategies I’ve picked up over the years playing rec hockey.

First, tightly wrap the roll after each use rather than leaving it loose. This keeps the adhesive from drying out and the cloth getting creased. Tuck the end piece firmly into the roll and snug it up.

Store rolls in a sealed bag or tub to prevent dust and dirt from embedding in the tape over time. Keeping them in your stinky hockey bag expedites degradation.

When applying tape, don’t yank too aggressively when unwinding from the roll. Pulling too hard strains the fabric glue and causes early fraying.

Stretch lightly as you wrap the blade for consistent adhesion. Over-stretching makes the weave thin and prone to rips. Find the sweet spot of light tension.

Avoid re-wrapping the same spot twice, which causes friction wear. Work methodically heel to toe then back again for even layers.

For extra longevity, start with a base layer of synthetic clear tape. This reinforces the blade and helps the cloth tape bond smoothly across the contours.

Keep extra rolls in your freezer at home. The cold prevents the glue from softening over time. Just remember to take them out well before games to thaw.

When your on-stick tape gets soaked, thoroughly dry the blade rather than just taping over damp cloth. Moisture underneath ruins adhesion.

Air out gear bags fully after each use so moisture doesn’t accumulate. Storing wet pads and gloves accelerates tape decay.

Consider wider 1″ cloth tape, which has fewer feet per roll. You get less unwinding mileage from a wider roll before it starts ripping.

Handle rolls carefully rather than tossing in bags haphazardly. Drops, crushing impacts, and blunt force also shorten usable tape life.

With some care and smart storage methods, you can stretch cloth hockey tape rolls to get every inch possible out of the grippy cotton. Handle with care and make each roll last!

Why NHL Players Prefer Cloth Hockey Tape

Watch any NHL game and you’ll notice most pros still use old-fashioned cloth hockey tape on their sticks. With all the high-tech tape advances, why do the world’s best players stick with classic cloth tape?

The biggest reason is the unbeatable grip and control cloth tape provides. The soft, tacky cotton texture creates amazing friction with gloves for telepathic puck handling. Synthetics just can’t match the tactile grip elite stars need for insane dangles.

That plush cloth also dampens vibrations much better than slick plastic tape. NHL play is so fast and forceful that hand stings are common. But cloth tape absorbs that harsh shock, providing a more comfortable feel when receiving hard passes.

The grip also enhances puck control and touch on quick release shots. Snappers like Ovechkin use cloth tape to flex sticks to the max while still controlling accuracy and spin.

While synthetics are more durable, NHL players re-tape sticks frequently anyway to keep things fresh. So they’ll gladly trade longevity for the insane grip of cloth tape.

Many NHL superstars started their careers using cloth tape, so it’s simply what they’re accustomed to. After decades perfecting a tape job ritual, they don’t want to mess with their grip mojo.

There’s also superstition and comfort in routine. Elite players are creatures of habit and get in a mental flow with the exact same tape feel every game.

The grip and cushioning helps reduce blisters and calluses during marathon seasons. NHLers log huge minutes, so cloth tape protects their hands better long-term.

Cloth tape also provides more individualization options with how players apply and layer the cotton strips. It lets them dial in custom grips.

Many players shred and fray cloth intentionally to get it perfectly worn-in. Synthetics don’t rip and feather the same way.

While waterproofing has improved, cloth tape still gets tackier as you play and build up moisture in your gloves from sweat. Some pros take advantage of this.

There’s also sentimental value in cloth tape. It reminds players of taping up their first sticks as kids. The nostalgia factor shouldn’t be overlooked.

Finally, cloth tape just looks cooler, continuing hockey’s retro vibe. Fans associate it with pro skill and it’s part of the enforcer intimidation factor.

The next time you see an insane no-look, between-the-legs goal on highlight reels, take note of the tape job. Chances are it’s old-school cloth giving them that silky touch.

How Cloth Hockey Tape Can Improve Your Slapshot

Unleashing a booming slapshot feels incredible, but mishits can sting your hands or cost games. This is where cloth hockey tape can really improve your drive. Here’s how it helps all aspects of mastering the slapshot.

Firstly, cloth provides cushioning to reduce vibrations that cause numbness or pain. Slapshots put tremendous force on your stick, palms, and wrists. But soft cotton tape dampens that harsh shock compared to rigid synthetics.

The grip also lets you flex the stick to maximum power with control. Synthetic tapes can allow the stick to twist on the slapshot swing. But tacky cloth keeps the blade firmly loaded so you transfer all energy to the puck.

That friction likewise prevents the puck from rolling off the toe of your blade on windups. Nothing’s worse than whiffing on a wide open slapper. Cloth tape’s grip grabs the puck so you make solid contact.

On your lower hand, cloth tape lets you really lean into the stick and drive through the puck on the follow-through. That ensures you get your weight and body behind shots.

The soft grip also reduces muscle fatigue when rattling off multiple slapshots. Combating vibrations allows you to keep firing one-timers without getting that familiar slashshot ache.

For accuracy, cloth tape provides great toe feel for angling blade faces into top corners versus just pure power. The tack gives you control for picking spots.

On harmless clear attempts from your zone, cloth absorbs some sting if you happen to misfire off the glass or boards and make direct contact.

When you master the slapshot, goalies react to the unique sound of your specific shot. Consistent cloth tape improves this, signaling your power.

During games, cloth maintains your unique grip contours and sweet spots as you re-tape worn spots. Familiar grip boosts muscle memory.

The classic hockey look and feel of cloth also boosts confidence versus new-school tapes when winding up for a big slapper. It gets your head in the right place.

Finally, cloth makes the slap shot motion feel right. The tacky unwind and wrap ritual gets you focused and dialed in before stepping on the ice.

Take some slapshots with synthetic then cloth tape to feel the difference for yourself. Harness the unique benefits of cloth tape, and your booming one-timer will quickly rise to the next level.