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.