The Best Hockey Tape Brands for Stickhandling and Grip in Canada

The Best Hockey Tape Brands for Stickhandling and Grip in Canada

How Hockey Tape Improves Your Stickhandling and Control

Having the right grip and feel on your hockey stick is crucial for stickhandling and overall puck control. This is where hockey tape comes in handy. By wrapping tape around the shaft and blade of your stick, you can customize the texture and tackiness to match your preferences. The grip from the tape helps keep the stick firmly in your hands as you cradle and deke the puck.

Hockey tape provides a tacky, friction-enhanced surface that lets your gloved hands cling to the stick better. This allows for quicker stick movements and more responsive handling. You can hang onto wrist shots, snap hard passes, and stickhandle at top speed without the shaft slipping in your hands. The grip boost also helps you keep control if you get slashed on the hands or take a high stick while maneuvering the puck.

The grippy surface of hockey tape makes it easier to do quick dekes, toe drags, and other maneuvers with the puck on your stick. Even subtle motions like opening up your blade for passes or angling the face of the blade for shots become more instinctive with tape on. You can roll your wrists and shift the angle of the blade seamlessly. Having that friction and tackiness allows for more fluid stickhandling without losing control.

Hockey tape also provides some cushioning which helps absorb vibrations and shocks when stickhandling and shooting. This allows you to cradle and control passes smoothly without the blade rattling as much. The cushioning effect helps you aim wristers and snapshots more accurately by reducing blade flutter and twist.

Taping your stick properly gives you better sensibility and feel for moving the puck. Your hands connect better with the stick so you can pull off precise dekes, toe drags, and other puck tricks. It enables quicker reactions with the stick, allowing you to stickhandle past opponents, thread passes through traffic, and get shots off in tight spaces. In essence, it allows your hands and stick to function as one seamless unit with the puck.

The Top Brands for Hockey Tape in Canada

When it comes to finding high performance hockey tape, Canadian players are spoiled for choice. Some of the top hockey tape brands in the world are made right here in Canada. Companies like Renfrew, Howies, and Comp-O-Stik have earned glowing reputations for making tapes that offer great grip, cushioning, and durability.

Renfrew is arguably the most storied hockey tape brand in Canada. Based in Quebec, Renfrew has been producing hockey tape since the early 1900s. Generations of pro, amateur, and junior players have used Renfrew over the decades. Their cotton-based tapes are renowned for having excellent tack and adhesion even during active play. The grip stays consistent so you don’t have to keep reapplying tape during games or practices. Renfrew offers their tapes in different textures and formulations to suit individual preferences.

Howies is another leading Canadian hockey tape manufacturer, offering a wide selection of tapes. Their formats include cloth, synthetic cloth, and paper tapes. Howies uses advanced saturation methods to help their tape retain maximum grip and tackiness. They offer various grits from ultra smooth to extremely tacky. Popular choices like Howies Hockey Tape and Howies Hgt provide solid grip and cushioning without getting gummy or losing adhesion.

Comp-O-Stik is a top brand originating from London, Ontario. Along with traditional cloth hockey tape, Comp-O-Stik makes specialized tapes for stick blades and shafts. Their MaxGrip and ProGrip formulas really optimizes the tackiness and grip texture. Comp-O-Stik combines synthetic and natural materials to achieve ideal levels of adhesion. The compression process fuses the glue evenly for consistency. They also have options for goalie sticks and road hockey.

These leading Canadian companies also offer tape in a variety of different widths. The standard is 1 inch but you can find narrower or wider tape if you prefer. It comes down to your individual taping style and what feels comfortable. Wider tape provides more coverage and extra grip over traditional 1 inch tape. Narrower widths give you more precision.

With hockey tape so integral to stickhandling and performance, it’s fortunate there are great Canadian brands making tapes of all types. Look at tape textures, materials, and special features as you evaluate different brands. Testing out tapes to find your favorites for grip, cushioning, and longevity is recommended. Settling on tapes you like ensures you get ideal performance game after game.

Renfrew’s Reputation for Quality and Adhesion

When discussing the top hockey tape brands in Canada, it’s hard not to start with Renfrew. This venerable Quebec-based company has been producing hockey tape since 1909. In that time, Renfrew has established itself as one of the foremost hockey tape manufacturers through its focus on quality and adhesive properties.

Renfrew’s reputation stems from using high-grade cotton cloth and specialized saturation methods. The tapes provide incredible grip right out of the package with no need to moisten them. Renfrew tapes like the Pro and Millionaire lines are famed for their superior tackiness and adhesion. The tack resin permeates the fabric deeply leading to consistency in every roll.

This adhesion allows Renfrew tapes to stand up to active play. The gritty grip holds fast even when you’re stickhandling aggressively, battling for pucks, or winding up for slapshots. Sweat and moisture don’t affect the bond much either. Players also praise how the tape retains its tackiness across the full blade from heel to toe.

Beyond grip, Renfrew tapes offer thick cushioning that helps absorb vibrations and shocks. This provides a more comfortable feel and responsive puck control. The tapes resist fraying so they maintain their integrity shift after shift. Renfrew’s products also avoid getting gummy or gooey like cheaper vinyl tapes.

Over the decades, Renfrew’s dedication to quality has made their tapes popular with players of all levels. Their products tape up pro hockey sticks and local pond hockey sticks alike. Renfrew’s continued innovation has also led to specialized tapes like Renfrew Blade Tape with extra bite tailored for stick blades.

With other brands trying to emulate it, Renfrew Hockey Tape remains the measuring stick for adhesive properties in hockey tapes. Generations of players, from NHL superstars to backyard rink amateurs, have relied on Renfrew’s grip and cushioning to elevate their puck handling. It’s this long-running reputation that makes Renfrew one of the most trusted hockey brands in Canada.

Pros Who Use Renfrew Tape in the NHL and Junior Leagues

Renfrew’s reputation for high performance hockey tape is evidenced by the many pro, junior, and college players who rely on it. The list of NHL stars, up-and-comers, and legends who tape up their sticks with Renfrew is extensive.

Two-time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky uses Renfrew tape on his goalie sticks. He appreciates the grip and responsiveness it provides. Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs’ slippery winger, trusts Renfrew to help him stickhandle at top speed. Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron, one of the best two-way forwards ever, has taped his sticks with Renfrew for over a decade.

Ice hockey stars of the past like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr all used Renfrew tape during their careers to enhance puck control. Today’s icons like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid continue that tradition by taping up their sticks with Renfrew products.

Beyond the NHL, you’ll see Renfrew tape in locker rooms across the CHL junior leagues. Top prospects taping up their sticks with Renfrew include Connor Bedard, Matvei Michkov, and Adam Fantilli. In college hockey, players and coaches endorse Renfrew’s adhesion and cushioning qualities.

This loyalty stems from Renfrew’s tapes providing the right blend of grip, shock absorption, and longevity that players need. The cotton-based cloth soaks up the ideal amount of resin for excellent tack with no smoothing required. The adhesion holds up shift after shift. By helping pros at all levels enhance puck control and stickhandling, Renfrew tape improves performance when it matters most.

Seeing the best players consistently choose Renfrew tape for games is a testament to its reputation. While sponsorship deals factor in, the fact is players want the tape that will give them the biggest competitive edge. That so many hockey stars have stuck with Renfrew tape throughout their careers speaks volumes about its quality and effectiveness.

Renfrew’s Different Tape Widths for Your Preferences

One of the great things about Renfrew’s hockey tape selection is the variety of widths available. Renfrew offers their performance cotton hockey tapes in widths ranging from 3/4 inch up to 2 inches. This range lets players find the ideal tape width to suit their personal stick handling preferences.

The standard 1 inch width is the most common. This gives you a good amount of coverage and grip on the shaft and blade. Many players opt for 1 inch as it provides a nice tactile feel in your hands for cradling and maneuvering the puck. Goalies also tend to favor 1 inch tape.

For players who want more grip and padding, Renfrew’s 1 1/2 inch tape is ideal. The extra width cushions your hands more from vibrations and stick impacts. It also allows more passes of tape up and down the shaft to build up layers of tacky grip. The wider tape helps reinforce your hold through contact and high-force shots.

At the other end, Renfrew’s 3/4 inch tape offers precision benefits. The narrower tape reduces bulk on the shaft and blade for a more streamlined feel. It also lets you tape specific areas like just around the knob. The thinner tape gives you more control over the exact placement and tape jobs.

Then there’s Renfrew’s jumbo 2 inch tape for maximum grip and shock absorption. Players really looking to maximize the traction and cushioning effects go with the 2 inch. It’s also great for building up custom grips on goalie sticks. However, the wider tape can mute feel and control if you go overboard with it.

Trying out different Renfrew tape widths is the best way to find your ideal fit. It comes down to your taping style, positions played, and personal stickhandling preferences. Experiment to see whether standard, wide, or narrow tape performs best for you. Having options makes it easier to customize your grip and sensations.

Finding the Right Renfrew Tape Formulas for You

Renfrew produces a wide selection of hockey tape formulas, giving you plenty of options to find the right grip and feel. Testing different Renfrew tapes lets you experience how subtle variations in the materials and adhesives affect performance.

For extreme tackiness, Renfrew Pro Tape features a gritty resin compound to really stick to gloves and sticks. The Pro tape is a go-to for players who relish maximum grip. It excels at boosting friction for slick stickhandling maneuvers and solid puck control in traffic.

Renfrew Millionaire Tape provides a blend of grip, shock absorption, and smoothness. The medium tack resin gives you great adhesion without being too gummy. The cotton backing has nice density for cushioning while retaining blade responsiveness. It’s a balanced tape that suits many playing styles.

If you want more velvety feel, Renfrew Velvet Tape has a softer cotton surface. The tape still offers reliable grip but with less roughness on your hands. For goalies, the velvety tape helps seal holes while retaining flexibility.

For specialty use, Renfrew Blade Tape features a flexible weave and extremely tacky resin tailored for stick blades. It really locks your puck handling and shooting grip into the blade. Renfrew also makes glove palm tape for extra stick control right in your glove.

With so many great Renfrew tape options, take the time to try different ones out. Notice how the grip, smoothness, and cushioning of each affects your puck handling. You may end up keeping a few on hand for different needs. Dialing in the right Renfrew tape delivers tangible performance improvements.

Other Leading Hockey Tape Brands in Canada

While Renfrew is the old guard of hockey tape, there are several other top-quality tape brands made right here in Canada. Companies like Howies and Comp-O-Stik offer their own takes on grip, adhesion, and performance. Having options lets players find the right tape for their needs.

Howies Hockey Tape is one of the biggest Renfrew alternatives, providing pro-level grip and cushioning. Based in Toronto, Howies uses a saturated lamination process to permeate the cloth backing deeply with resin. This yields a tape with excellent tack retention and shock absorption.

Howies Hockey Tape comes in a few formulas too. The standard provides great all-around grip and feel. Howies Hgt dials up the tacky texture for maximum stick control. Their synthetic cloth Max Tack is even more adhesive and weather-resistant. Howies gives players pro-caliber grip in different flavors.

Comp-O-Stik is another Canadian hockey tape giant, manufacturing tapes of all types since 1931. Their Pro Grip and Max Grip hockey tapes rival Renfrew for tacky grip that lasts. Comp-O-Stik also makes specific tapes for goalie sticks, composite sticks, and road hockey that excel in their roles.

Players also can’t go wrong with Thunderstick tape for grip and shock absorption. Rugged materials and durable adhesives make Thunderstick very weather-resistant. For extremely soft, tacky tape, Underground Hockey Tape is a cult favorite. It provides an ultra-smooth yet nicely grippy feel.

With hockey such a major part of Canadian culture, it’s no surprise there are so many great tape brands. Testing tapes from these leading companies lets you find the ideal stickhandling performance. Matching tape features to your needs and preferences ensures you get the most out of every shift.

Comparing Textures and Grip of Howies and Comp-O-Stik

When looking at alternative hockey tape brands beyond Renfrew, two big names are Howies and Comp-O-Stik. Both companies make tapes with excellent adhesion, grip, and shock absorption. Here’s a closer look at how the tape textures and feels compare.

Howies Hockey Tape provides a nice smooth, cottony feel with ample grip. The resin saturation process gives it reliable tackiness and moisture resistance. Howies has enough cushioning to dampen vibrations but retains good blade feedback. It strikes a great balance for an all-purpose stick and blade tape.

For even more grip, Howies Hgt tape has a grittier, more aggressive resin. The tackiness is turned up for exceptional hold on gloves and sticks. Howies Max Tack synthetic tape offers the same adhesive quality but with more strength and weatherability.

Comp-O-Stik uses a strong rubber-based resin for impressive staying power. Their Max Grip tape really bites with its extremely tacky texture. Yet it avoids feeling thick or gummy. Comp-O-Stik’s tape backing resists water well. The grip holds steady even when playing outdoors in the wet.

For more finesse, Comp-O-Stik Pro Grip provides great grip without being too aggressive. It has a smooth, consistent feel great for stick handling. Comp-O-Stik’s blend of synthetic and natural fibers finds a nice balance between responsiveness and shock absorption.

In the end, it comes down to personal feel. Howies’ tapes excel at an all-around responsive grip. Comp-O-Stik focuses on optimizing tackiness and durability. Trying out rolls of each lets you decide which texture and grip suits your play best. Both deliver pro-level performance to help elevate your game.

Getting the Right Tape for Your Hockey Budget and Needs

With all the great hockey tape brands available, price can factor into finding the right tape for your needs and budget. Fortunately, there are quality grip tapes at every price point to suit players.

For a premium tape with pro-level grip and smoothness, Renfrew’s Millionaire tape is a fantastic choice but costs more per roll. It offers performance that lives up to its legendary name at around $5-7 per roll.

In the middle tier, Howies Hockey Tape provides excellent grip and softness for around $3-4 per roll. Comp-O-Stik Pro Grip gives you great bang for your buck at $2-3 per roll. These deliver pro performance for less.

If you want maximum value, Thunderstick tape has amazing grip and cushioning for just $1-2 per roll. Even bottom-tier tapes like Renfrew Yard Tape offer decent playability for the ultra budget-conscious. Buying tape in bulk saves more.

Consider how often you retape sticks too. Frequent retapers may prefer less expensive tape to use liberally. Those who tape sticks less often can invest more in pricier tapes that go farther.

You can also mix and match tapes for different needs. Use a premium tape like Renfrew Millionaire on your stick blade for optimal feel. Then use affordable Thunderstick tape for the shaft to save money.

While not the priciest piece of hockey gear, tape does add up. Finding the right balance of quality and value helps keep your stick game strong without breaking the bank.

Taping Tips for Ideal Grip, Cushioning, and Longevity

Knowing how to properly tape your hockey stick is key to getting the most out of your tape. Here are some useful tips for optimizing grip, cushioning, and longevity when taping up your stick.

Always start with a clean, dry stick to maximize tape adhesion. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, oils, and old tape residue. Let the cleaned shaft fully dry before taping.

Apply the tape from bottom to top in overlapping passes. Pull each pass tight to avoid air pockets between layers. Use consistent 50% overlap between passes for optimal bonding.

Keep tension firm but avoid pulling too tight. Excessive tension can mute stick feel and responsiveness. Moderate tension lets the tape give and flex while staying anchored.

Use thinner tape like Renfrew Pro Tape on the blade for more puck feel. Heavier cloth tapes add cushioning but can reduce sensitivity for stickhandling and shots.

Tape over wear spots like the bottom of the shaft and toe of the blade that see the most abrasion. Extra layers here prevent premature peeling.

When finishing, wrap the end of the tape back over itself and use your fingernail to split and tuck the end. This seals the edge to prevent early unraveling.

Retape often enough to maintain tackiness, especially on the blade. Once grip fades, peel off old tape and do a fresh wrap for optimal control.

Following these simple best practices will extend the life of your tape jobs. Take the time to tape right so your hockey tape grips and cushions like the day you put it on.

Applying Tape So It Stays Sticky and Durable

The key to getting the most out of your hockey tape is proper application. With some care and technique, you can tape your stick for maximum grip and longevity shift after shift.

Always start with a clean shaft. Use a composite stick cleaning spray or isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, oils, and old tape residue. This helps the new tape bond tightly to the shaft.

Wrap the tape bottom to top in overlapping passes, pulling each pass fairly tight. The ideal overlap is around 50% between passes. Less and the tape can unravel. More and you get bulges.

Keep the tape under tension as you wrap but avoid pulling too tight. Excessive tension mutes feel and can cause the tape to peel off easier over time. Moderate tension lets it flex while staying put.

Run your fingernail across the end of the tape to split it and tuck the end under to finish. This seals the edge neatly so the wrap doesn’t prematurely unravel upwards.

Every few games, rub the tape with an older puck or glove palm to refresh the tackiness. This maintains the grip far longer before needing to retape.

Avoid gloves or sprays that leave residue on the tape surface. Chemical buildup diminishes adhesion and causes the tape to peel off sooner.

With clean application and proper technique, you can get 10+ games out of a quality tape like Renfrew before needing to redo it. Taking those extra steps extends the life and grip of each tape job.

Keeping Your Tape Clean and Replacing It Regularly

Hockey tape can quickly become dirty and grimy, so maintaining your tape is important. Here are some tips on keeping your tape as clean as possible and knowing when to replace it:

Wipe down your stick after each use to prevent dirt, dust and debris from building up on the tape surface. A microfiber cloth works well to gently clean the tape after games and practices.

Avoid using gloves or sprays near your taped stick that could leave silicone, grease or chemical residues on the tape. These contaminants reduce grip and shorten tape life.

Every few uses, rub down the tape with an older puck or glove palm to refresh the tackiness. This simple trick maintains the grip much longer before a full rewrap.

When waxing or cleaning composite sticks, tape off the blade first. Removing tape avoids wax getting on it and diminishing adhesion.

Check your tape after each game or practice session. Look for areas where grip is wearing down or tape is peeling. Retape high-wear spots like the lower shaft and bottom of the blade.

Once grip fades substantially or tape loosens across large areas, do a full rewrap. Old, worn out tape prevents you from stickhandling and shooting your best.

Preemptively replacing tape before it degrades too much maintains optimal grip and feel. For most players, retaping every 4-8 sessions keeps sticks fresh.

Why Hockey Tape Matters for Your Stickhandling Skills

Hockey tape may seem insignificant, but it plays a major role in stickhandling performance. The grip, cushioning, and feel of tape affects how well you control the puck.

The extra friction from grippy hockey tape allows you to cradle and maneuver the puck precisely. Your hands stay locked into the stick even through contact, allowing for quicker moves and reactions.

Cushioning in the tape helps absorb vibrations and shocks from stick impacts. This allows you to receive hard passes smoothly and take slapshots without losing feel.

Having tape optimized for your preferences enhances “stick feel” and dexterity. You can utilize the full range of motion in your hands for quicker wrist shots, dekes, and stickhandling.

The tackiness provides tactile feedback so you can “feel” the puck on your blade better. You gain more sensibility for moving the puck exactly how you want.

Fresh, high-quality tape like Howies or Renfrew maximizes these benefits. Replacing worn out tape restores the grip and responsiveness needed for silky hands.

Don’t underestimate how small tape details impact puck control. Having the right tape dialed in makes stickhandling more instinctive and helps skills shine when it matters most.

Why Hockey Players Should Replace Tape Regularly

It’s easy for hockey players to stick with the same tape job for multiple games and practices. However, old, worn out tape can really hinder your performance. Here’s why regularly replacing your tape is so important:

As tape ages, the grip fades substantially from use, sweat, and dirt. Old tape loses its tackiness, allowing your hands to slide around on the shaft.

Worn out tape that’s peeling and frayed provides little cushioning from vibrations. This can make hard shots and passes rougher on your hands.

Losing grip and cushioning from old tape makes stickhandling and puck control much harder. Your hands don’t connect as tightly with the stick.

Fresh, quality tape like Renfrew or Howies Hockey Tape restores that tacky friction needed for quicker handling. You re-gain precision in your stick movements.

New tape also absorbs shocks better, allowing you to receive passes cleanly and take big slapshots in stride.

Retaping regularly before tape fails too much maintains optimal feel and performance. It keeps your hands and stick functioning as one smooth unit.

Don’t wait for tape to become totally ineffective before replacing it. Be proactive about keeping fresh tape on your stick as grip and responsiveness will suffer otherwise.