You’ve just unwrapped your shiny new pickleball paddle and can’t wait to start smacking that ball around the court. But before you rush out to your first game, you need to take care of one important detail – applying edge tape.
Edge tape protects the rim of your paddle from dings and scratches, allowing you to play aggressively without worrying about damaging your new paddle.
With so many options out there, choosing the Best edge tape for pickleball paddle can be tricky. In this article, we’ll review some of the most popular edge tapes and help you find the best one based on your playing style and needs.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have the confidence to select Best edge tape for pickleball paddle that will keep your pickleball paddle in top shape for many games to come.
Why Edge Tape Is Important for Pickleball Paddles
Best edge tape for pickleball paddle is essential for any pickleball paddle to prevent damage and keep you playing your best. Without it, your paddle surface and edges can start to splinter, crack, and break down over time.
Why You Need Edge Tape
Best edge tape for pickleball paddle protects the rim of your paddle from the repeated impacts against the ball. Even though pickleball paddles are made of durable materials like composite fiberglass, the edge is still the weakest point.
Best edge tape for pickleball paddle absorbs shock and prevents the edge from chipping or splintering.
It also provides extra padding and comfort. Playing for long periods can make your hands sore from vibrations and hits against the hard paddle edge.
Best edge tape for pickleball paddle gives just enough cushioning to reduce discomfort while still allowing excellent ball control and response.
Best edge tape for pickleball paddle comes in a variety of thicknesses for different levels of protection and feel. Thicker tapes, around 1/8-inch, offer the most shock absorption and durability for aggressive players.
Thinner tapes, closer to 1/16-inch, provide good protection for recreational players but with more sensitivity for ball control and touch shots. You may need to try different types to find your perfect match.
To get the most out of your edge tape, apply it as soon as you get a new paddle or if your current tape is showing signs of wear.
Take your time applying it to get even coverage all the way around the edge. With the proper edge tape and application, your paddle can maintain high performance for many matches to come.
Best edge tape for pickleball paddle
When it comes to choosing an Best edge tape for pickleball paddle, you have a few good options to consider:
JOOLA Best Edge Tapes for Pickleball Paddles
JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Edge Tape, like tennis racquet tape or hockey stick tape, works great for pickleball paddles. It’s designed for high-impact sports equipment and provides good grip and protection. Look for cloth athletic tape that is 1-2 inches wide.
Read More: Best Pickleball Paddles for Power and Control
The cloth backing, as opposed to plastic, helps the tape stick firmly to the paddle edge. JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Edge Tape is very affordable, durable, and water resistant. The downside is that it can be tricky to apply smoothly and may loosen over time. Re-taping the edge every few games will keep your paddle protected.
Augment Best Edge Tapes for Pickleball Paddles
Augment Pickleball Edge Tape, often called racquet tape, is another popular choice for pickleball paddles. It has a strong fiberglass mesh backing with an adhesive coating.
Read More: Best Pickleball Paddles for Dinking
Augment Pickleball Edge Tape stays firmly in place, even when wet, and does not loosen as easily as athletic tape.
Read More: Best Pickleball Paddles for Big Hands
However, it can be more difficult to cut and apply without fraying. Augment Pickleball Edge Tape is a bit more expensive, but also very durable. It’s a great option if you want a tape that you can apply once and largely forget about.
Grip tape
Grip tape, like skateboard grip tape, provides good traction and grip for pickleball paddles. The gritty, sandpaper-like surface helps give you more control of the paddle.
Grip tape does tend to be more abrasive though, and can wear down more quickly. It also may not protect the actual edge of the paddle as well as cloth or fiberglass tape.
Grip tape can work well when used in combination with an underlayer of athletic or fiberglass tape.
In the end, the best edge tape for your pickleball paddle comes down to your preferences for grip, durability, and price. Try out different options to see which helps take your game to the next level!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Edge Tape
When choosing Best edge tape for pickleball paddle, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
The material is important. Fiberglass tape is lightweight but durable, and won’t affect the balance or handling of your paddle.
Leather tape looks high-quality but requires maintenance to prevent cracking. Synthetic leather alternatives like PU are water-resistant and lower-maintenance.
The thickness impacts shock absorption and grip. Thicker tapes, around 1/8 inch, cushion your shots better but can be bulky. Thinner tapes, around 1/16 inch, have less cushioning but maintain paddle sensitivity. For most players, a medium 1/10 inch thickness works well.
The grit refers to the texture, ranging from smooth to extremely rough. A rough, high-grit tape with more grip can help prevent slippage for players with sweaty hands. However, rough tape may irritate your hands and a lower grit around 400-600 is fine for most.
The color and design allow you to customize the look of your paddle to suit your style. Flashy neon colors and intricate patterns can make a statement, while solid colors or simple stripes are more understated.
Installation
To install the edge tape, start by cleaning and lightly sanding the edge of your paddle. Next, cut the tape to size and round the corners.
Remove the backing and firmly press the tape onto the edge of the paddle, smoothing out any air bubbles. Use a roller or cloth to ensure even adhesion. Finally, trim off any excess tape for a professional finish.
With the right edge tape and proper installation, you’ll be ready to get back out on the courts feeling confident in your gear and your game!
How to Properly Apply Edge Tape to Your Paddle
Once you have your edge tape in hand, it’s time to apply it to your paddle. This step-by-step process will ensure you get clean, professional-looking results.
Clean and rough up the edge
First, wipe down the edge of your paddle to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly rough up the surface. This will help the edge tape adhere better to the paddle edge.
Measure and cut the edge tape
Measure the circumference of your paddle edge. Add about 6 to 8 inches to this measurement, then cut a length of edge tape to size. It’s better to have too much than not enough.
Apply edge tape
Start with one of the short ends of the paddle. Place one end of the edge tape along the edge, holding it in place with your thumb. Begin wrapping the tape snugly around the edge, keeping it aligned as you go.
Use a heat gun on a low setting to warm the tape as you apply it—this will make it more pliable and help it stick better.
Overlap the tape by about 1⁄4 inch with each revolution. Once you reach the starting point, cut the edge tape so it overlaps the loose end by 3 to 4 inches. Press firmly to adhere in place.
Seal the edge tape
To prevent the edge tape from peeling up over time, you’ll want to seal it to the paddle edge. Run a bead of wood glue, superglue, or epoxy along the top edge of the tape.
Spread it evenly over the tape using a small putty knife or similar tool. Wipe away any excess adhesive that squeezes out from under the tape.
Let the sealant dry as directed. Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand over the edge tape and smooth out any ridges or bumps.
Your paddle edge is now protected and ready to use! With proper care and maintenance, edge tape can last through many games of pickleball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edge Tape for Pickleball Paddle
So you’ve bought yourself a new pickleball paddle and want to improve its performance and durability. Adding edge tape is one of the best ways to do that. Here are some frequently asked questions about edge tape for pickleball paddles:
What is edge tape?
Edge tape is a protective tape you apply around the edges and rim of your pickleball paddle. It helps prevent cracks, dents and chips in the paddle edge. It also provides extra grip and cushioning. The most popular types of edge tape for pickleball paddles are cloth, vinyl and rubber tape.
Why should I use edge tape?
Using edge tape on your pickleball paddle has several benefits:
- It protects the paddle edge from damage. The edge of a paddle sees a lot of impact, so edge tape prevents cracks, dents and chips.
- It improves grip and control. Edge tape gives you extra grip on the paddle edge, allowing for better ball control and spin.
- It dampens vibration. Edge tape acts as a cushion to dampen vibration and shock from paddle impacts. This makes for a more comfortable playing experience.
- It extends paddle life. By protecting the paddle edge and rim, edge tape helps ensure your pickleball paddle lasts longer.
How do I apply edge tape?
Applying edge tape to your pickleball paddle is easy. Here are the basic steps:
- Clean the paddle edge. Wipe down the edge of your paddle to remove any dirt or debris.
- Measure and cut the edge tape. Measure the circumference of your paddle edge and cut the edge tape to size. Leave an extra inch or two for overlapping.
- Apply edge tape. Place the edge tape evenly around the paddle edge, overlapping the ends slightly. Press firmly to adhere in place.
- Trim excess edge tape. Use scissors to trim off any excess edge tape around the paddle edge.
- Seal the edge tape (optional). You can apply a sealant like epoxy or waterproof glue over the edge tape for extra protection. Let it dry completely.
Your paddle is now ready to play with improved performance, protection and grip thanks to the addition of edge tape. Be sure to reapply or replace the edge tape if it starts peeling or wearing off.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the best edge tape options for your pickleball paddle to help improve your game and extend the life of your gear. While edge tape may seem like a small detail, choosing a high-quality product designed specifically for pickleball paddles can make a big difference in how well you play and how long your paddle lasts.
Any of these three options would be a great choice, so select the one that fits your needs and budget. Get out there, tape up your paddle, and start improving your game. The right tools can take you to the next level, so give yourself every advantage with the best edge tape for your pickleball paddle.
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