Beatrice Lang
Pickleball paddle edge guards are essential for protecting your paddle and holding it together. While there are disposable rubber edge guards, taping is a more common method of protection. The width of electrical tape for pickleball paddles depends on the thickness of the paddle. For instance, 15mm-wide tape is ideal for 12mm or 14mm-thick paddles, while 24mm-wide tape is ideal for 16mm-thick paddles. The Gearbox Protective Bumper Tape comes in two thickness options: 20mm or 30mm. Pickleball paddle tape is also available in a variety of colours, such as black, white, and red.
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What You'll Learn
Tape width options: narrow, standard, and wide
When it comes to pickleball paddle tape, there are various width options available to suit different paddle sizes and player preferences. The three main width categories are narrow, standard, and wide.
Narrow tape is typically 20mm wide and is designed for 14mm and edgeless paddles. It provides coverage for the corners of 14mm paddles and fits perfectly on edgeless designs. This width option ensures adequate protection without adding bulk or weight to the paddle.
Standard-width tape measures 25mm and is suitable for 16mm paddles. It covers the corners of these paddles without fully covering the edge guard. In some cases, standard-width tape can also cover most of the edge guard on a 14mm paddle, depending on the specific dimensions.
Wide tape, typically measuring 30mm, is ideal for 16mm paddles, offering almost full coverage of the edge guard. This width option provides maximum protection and is suitable for players who prioritize edge guard coverage.
It's important to note that while these are the standard width categories, tape widths can vary slightly between different brands and products. For example, AMA SPORT offers edge protection tapes in widths of 20mm, 23mm, and 26mm, catering to a range of paddle sizes. Additionally, the Pickleball Effect LLC offers tape in narrow, standard, and wide widths, specifically designed as a perfect fit for pickleball paddles.
When choosing the appropriate tape width, it's crucial to consider the thickness of your paddle's core and the presence or absence of an edge guard. By selecting the right width, you can ensure optimal protection, performance, and aesthetics for your pickleball paddle.
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Tape width and paddle thickness
The width of the tape you should use for your pickleball paddle depends on the thickness of your paddle. The tape should cover the corners of the paddle without fully covering the edge guard.
For instance, the Gearbox Protective Bumper Tape comes in two thickness options: 20mm or 30mm. The 20mm tape is designed for 14mm and edgeless paddles, covering the corners of a 14mm paddle and fitting perfectly on edgeless paddles. The 30mm tape is ideal for 16mm paddles, providing almost full coverage of the edge guard.
The Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard Tape comes in three widths: 25mm, 28mm, and 30mm. The 25mm width fits 16mm paddles by covering the corners without fully covering the edge guard, and it can also cover most of a 14mm paddle's edge guard. The 28mm width is ideal for 16mm-thick paddles.
The PROLITE Edge Tape Armor is ½" wide, making it ideal for paddles with a ½" core thickness.
The JOOLA Edge Guard Tape is 15mm wide and is ideal for 12mm or 14mm-thick paddles, while the 24mm-wide option is better suited for 16mm-thick paddles.
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Tape for edgeless paddles
Edgeless pickleball paddles lack the traditional edge guard found on most paddles. Instead, they have a smooth, continuous surface from the face to the sides. This design is more aerodynamic and offers players a larger and more consistent hitting area. However, the edges of edgeless paddles cannot be repaired or replaced, so once they are worn down, the paddle's playability may be affected.
To protect the edges of edgeless pickleball paddles from scrapes, scuffs, and scratches, you can use edge tape, also known as paddle tape or guard tape. Edge tape can help extend the lifespan of your paddle by shielding it from impacts and scratches. It can also add a unique visual element to your paddle.
There are several options available for edge tape, varying in width, thickness, colour, and brand. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Selkirk Protective Edge Guard Tape: Available in three widths (15mm, 20mm, and 30mm) and two colours (black and white). Each order includes three strips.
- PROLITE Edge Tape Armor: Comes in black, red, or white. Each 3-pack contains three strips that are 31.5” long and ½” wide, making it ideal for paddles with a ½” core thickness.
- Gearbox Protective Bumper Tape: Available in black or white, with two thickness options (20mm or 30mm).
- ProKennex Training Tape: Specifically designed for ProSpeed and Ovation paddles, available in black.
- Pickleball Effect Edge Guard Tape: Available in wide (30mm), standard (25mm), and narrow (20mm) widths. The narrow width is ideal for edgeless paddles, providing a perfect fit and protecting the paddle without adding too much weight.
While electrical tape can also be used as edge tape, it may not provide the same level of protection and durability as the tapes specifically designed for pickleball paddles. Some electrical tape options include:
- 3M Super 33+ Electrical Tape: Available at Home Depot, this tape is a little thicker than most and conforms well to the paddle.
- 3M Super 88 Electrical Tape: Thicker than the 33+ and cheaper, also available at Home Depot.
- 3M High Temp Black Electrical Tape: Sticks well, is very tough, and is available on Amazon.
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Tape application instructions
The size of the electrical tape for a pickleball paddle depends on the thickness of the paddle. The two main options for tape thickness are 1/4" and 1/2". Any 13mm or thinner edgeless paddles will not work with the wider option. The 1/2" tape will bleed onto the face of your paddle and won't look as clean. This is less of a concern if your paddle has an edge guard. For 16mm or thicker paddles, you'll want 3/4" electrical tape. For thinner or edgeless paddles, 1/2" electrical tape is recommended.
Before applying electrical tape to your pickleball paddle, ensure you have selected the correct thickness for your paddle as mentioned above.
Firstly, if you are applying lead tape to your paddle, start by placing the lead tape at the throat of the paddle. Slowly unwrap the electrical tape while pressing it down as you work your way around the paddle. This will ensure the lead tape is secure and won't move around during play. If you make a mistake, the electrical tape can be lifted and repositioned without losing its adhesion.
Once you have covered the lead tape, cut the electrical tape with scissors and press it down firmly. To ensure proper adhesion, use a credit card or a similar flat object to press down the electrical tape, ensuring it is fully applied to the paddle. This step is crucial as it protects the lead tape and your hands while playing.
If you are not using lead tape, you can apply electrical tape directly to the paddle's edge guard. Remove the tape's backing, place it on the edge guard, and stretch it around the corners of the paddle. Ensure the tape forms to the edge guard without any wrinkles.
It is important to note that electrical tape may not be the most durable option for paddle protection. While it is a cheap and easily accessible option, it may not last long and will need to be replaced constantly.
Some alternative tape options include hockey tape, which is more pliable, and gaffer's tape, which is also recommended for covering lead tape. Pro-lite edge tape is another option, although it is more expensive and designed for thicker paddles.
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Tape alternatives
While electrical tape is a common choice for protecting pickleball paddles, there are several other types of tape that can be used as alternatives.
One option is hockey tape, which is similar to gaffer tape but more pliable and tougher. It is also lighter and cheaper than electrical tape.
Another alternative is lead tape, which is a self-adhesive tape that can be added to the edges of the paddle to increase weight and change the weight distribution. This can result in more power and swing speed, a change in balance, and added stability.
If you are looking for a safer alternative to lead tape, tungsten weight tape is a non-toxic option that can be used to add weight to your paddle and customise its balance.
Additionally, edge guard tape can be used to protect the edge of your paddle from scrapes and damage while adding minimal weight. This type of tape also allows you to customise the look of your paddle, as it comes in various widths and colours.
Finally, grips and overgrips are another option to consider. These are typically made of thinner material and are used to add tackiness, moisture absorption, and comfort to your grip without significantly changing the shape or size of your paddle. They come in a wide range of styles and colours, allowing you to further customise the feel, style, and look of your paddle.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal size of electrical tape for a pickleball paddle depends on the thickness of your paddle's core. Common widths of electrical tape include 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, and 30mm. Choose a narrower width for thinner paddles and a wider width for thicker paddles.
Electrical tape is used as an edge guard to protect the paddle from damage, extend its lifespan, and keep it looking new. It is also used to cover lead tape on the paddle.
The durability of electrical tape on a pickleball paddle can vary depending on usage and the quality of the tape. Some tapes are designed to last for 18 months or more, while others may need more frequent replacement.
Electrical tape for pickleball paddles is available at various retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, and specialty sports stores like Pickleball Central. These retailers offer a range of tape widths, colours, and brands to choose from.
