Why Black Silicon Carbide is the Ideal Grit for Skateboarding
The primary function of grip tape is to provide an extremely high level of friction between the skateboarder’s shoes and the deck, allowing for precise control during tricks like ollies, flips, and shuvits. Black Silicon Carbide (SiC) is perfectly suited for this task due to its physical and chemical properties:
Extreme Hardness: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Black Silicon Carbide ranks at 9.5. For reference, diamonds are a 10. This makes it significantly harder than other common abrasives like aluminum oxide (~9.0) or quartz sand (~7.0). This extreme hardness translates directly into superior durability and a longer-lasting, sharp grip.
Sharp, Angular Crystals: SiC particles fracture to form sharp, jagged edges. These microscopic “teeth” bite aggressively into the rubber soles of skate shoes, providing the instant, reliable traction needed to flick the board and keep your feet from slipping.
Excellent Wear Resistance: Because it’s so hard, it doesn’t break down or wear down quickly. A quality sheet of grip tape using Black SiC will maintain its “grippiness” over many sessions, even with constant scraping from shoes and tricks.
Cost-Effectiveness for Performance: While more expensive than lower-quality abrasives, Black SiC offers the best balance of performance, longevity, and cost for a demanding application like skateboarding. It is the clear choice for any serious skater.
How to Choose the Right Grip Tape (Beyond Just the Grit)
While the abrasive material is key, the “grit” (coarseness) and the adhesive/backing also matter.
Grit Coarseness (The “Grip Level”)
The grit number refers to the size of the abrasive particles. A lower number means larger, more aggressive particles.
Coarse Grit (Extra Grip): ~80 Grit
Pros: Maximum aggression and board feel. Ideal for technical street skaters who need the most responsive flick.
Cons: Wears out shoe soles very quickly. Can be too harsh for some.
Medium Grit (All-Purpose): ~100 Grit
Pros: The perfect balance for most skaters. Offers fantastic grip without being excessively harsh on shoes. This is the most common and versatile choice.
Cons: None, it’s the sweet spot.
Fine Grit (Less Grip): ~120 Grit and higher
Pros: Much easier on shoes, providing a smoother, more forgiving feel. Good for beginners or transition (ramp/vert) skaters who don’t do many flip tricks.
Cons: Lack of aggressive grip can make advanced flip tricks less reliable.
Recommendation: If you’re unsure, start with a 100 Grit grip tape. It’s the standard for a reason.
