Have you ever noticed the difference between the tape used by hockey players and the tape used by other athletes? Hockey tape and athletic tape may look the same, but they are actually quite different from each other.
In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of each, their unique uses, the differences between them, and the factors you should consider when making the choice.
We’ll also look at the safety considerations to keep in mind when using either type of tape.
Keep reading to learn more about the difference between hockey tape and athletic tape!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Hockey tape is designed specifically for use on hockey sticks, providing a strong adhesive that allows the stick to be wrapped tightly and securely.
Athletic tape is designed for use on the body to provide support and stability to muscles and joints, and is usually more stretchy than hockey tape.
Hockey tape is usually made of cloth, while athletic tape is usually made of a more elastic material like cotton or synthetic fibers.
Hockey tape also comes in a variety of colors, while athletic tape is usually a standard white or beige color.
Advantages of Hockey Tape
Hockey tape is specially designed to provide a stronger adhesion to the stick compared to other types of athletic tape.
The adhesive is designed to hold up to extreme temperatures and moisture, making it the perfect choice for hockey games.
Additionally, hockey tape is usually thicker and more durable than athletic tape, providing a better grip and more shock absorption.
The thickness of hockey tape also makes it more resistant to wear and tear, allowing it to last longer and provide better protection.
Lastly, the textured surface of hockey tape can provide extra grip which is helpful for players who need to maintain control of their stick.
Advantages of Athletic Tape
Athletic tape has many advantages over hockey tape, making it the preferred choice for athletes who are looking for support and protection during physical activities.
The main advantage of athletic tape is that it is designed specifically for use on the body, providing a more secure hold and better support than hockey tape.
Athletic tape is also often used to cover blisters, provide compression, and support joints, muscles, and tendons.
This makes it an ideal choice for athletes who are looking for a reliable and secure hold that will last through the duration of their physical activity.
Athletic tape is also more flexible than hockey tape, making it easier to apply and remove.
Additionally, athletic tape is available in a variety of colors and patterns, giving athletes the flexibility to express themselves and stand out from the crowd.
Uses of Hockey Tape
Hockey tape is a type of adhesive tape that is specifically designed for use on hockey sticks.
It is usually made from a strong cloth or plastic material that is coated with a strong adhesive.
Hockey tape can be used for a variety of purposes, including protecting the shaft of the stick, increasing grip, and providing a layer of cushioning for the stick.
It can also be used to repair minor cracks and chips in the stick, and reinforce the edges of the blade.
Hockey tape also provides a stronger adhesion than athletic tape, making it ideal for use on hockey sticks.
Additionally, it can be used to customize the look of a hockey stick, as it can be applied in a variety of colors and patterns.
Uses of Athletic Tape
Athletic tape is a type of tape designed to provide support and protection to athletes during physical activities.
It is often used to support muscles, tendons, and joints, providing stability and preventing injuries, as well as to cover blisters and provide compression.
Athletic tape is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of sports and activities, such as football, basketball, baseball, running, cycling, yoga, and more.
It is available in a variety of widths and lengths, making it easy to customize for any body type or activity.
Athletic tape can also be used to provide support to the wrists, ankles, and other parts of the body that may be prone to injury.
It is also often used to provide support and protection to the hands and feet, as well as the elbows and knees.
Athletic tape is generally made from a cotton, polyester, or nylon blend, and is designed to be breathable and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear during physical activities.
Difference Between Hockey Tape and Athletic Tape
Hockey tape and athletic tape both serve the purpose of providing protection and support to athletes during physical activities, but they have distinct differences that set them apart.
Hockey tape is specifically designed for use on hockey sticks, providing a stronger adhesion than athletic tape.
Athletic tape, on the other hand, is designed to be used on the body and is often used to support muscles, tendons and joints.
It is also often used to cover blisters and provide compression.
Hockey tape is generally thicker than athletic tape, and it is typically made from a plastic material that provides a durable and waterproof layer of protection.
This makes it ideal for use on hockey sticks, since it won’t be damaged by the moisture and dirt of the ice rink.
Athletic tape is usually made from a cloth or fabric material, which is more flexible and allows for a greater range of motion, making it better suited for use on the body.
The adhesive used in hockey tape is also stronger than that used in athletic tape, since it needs to be able to withstand the wear and tear of playing a contact sport like hockey.
The adhesive used in athletic tape is typically not as strong, and it is designed to be more gentle on the skin when applied.
In terms of performance, hockey tape is better suited for use on sticks, since it provides better grip and control.
Athletic tape, on the other hand, is better for use on the body since it is more flexible and provides a greater range of motion.
Overall, hockey tape and athletic tape both serve the same purpose of providing protection and support to athletes during physical activities.
The difference between the two lies in their design and construction; hockey tape is stronger and thicker, and it is better suited for use on hockey sticks, while athletic tape is more flexible and is better suited for use on the body.
Factors to Consider When Making the Choice
When it comes to choosing between hockey tape and athletic tape, there are several factors to consider.
First, the intended use of the tape should be taken into account.
Hockey tape is designed specifically for use on hockey sticks, whereas athletic tape is designed to be used on the body.
Hockey tape provides a stronger adhesion than athletic tape, making it better suited for use on hockey sticks.
Athletic tape, however, is more flexible and provides better support for muscles, tendons, and joints.
It is also often used to cover blisters and provide compression.
In addition, the material of the tape should be considered.
Hockey tape is usually made from a combination of cotton and polyester, which makes it strong and durable.
Athletic tape, on the other hand, is usually made from a combination of cotton, rubber, and synthetic fabrics.
This combination is designed to provide a more comfortable fit and greater flexibility.
The thickness of the tape should also be taken into consideration.
Hockey tape is usually thicker than athletic tape, making it better suited for use on hockey sticks.
Athletic tape, however, is thinner and more flexible, making it better suited for use on the body.
Finally, the cost of the tape should be taken into account.
Hockey tape is usually more expensive than athletic tape.
This is because it is designed specifically for use on hockey sticks and provides a stronger adhesion.
Athletic tape is usually cheaper, as it is designed to be used on the body and provides less adhesion.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to safety considerations, its important to understand the differences between hockey tape and athletic tape.
Hockey tape is designed to be used on hockey sticks, and thus is designed to be stronger and more durable than athletic tape.
This means that it is better suited for use on hockey sticks, as it will hold up better against the wear and tear of the game.
Athletic tape is designed to be used on the body and is often used to support muscles, tendons, and joints.
Athletic tape also provides compression to help reduce swelling and pain, as well as providing protection against blisters and abrasions.
While hockey tape and athletic tape both provide support and protection, its important to use the right type of tape for the right purpose.
Using hockey tape on the body can cause skin irritation and may not provide the same level of support as athletic tape.
Similarly, using athletic tape on a hockey stick can be dangerous, as it can cause the stick to break or come apart when put under stress.
Its important to understand the differences between hockey tape and athletic tape, and choose the right type of tape for the job.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between hockey tape and athletic tape, it is important to consider the advantages and uses of each type of tape.
Hockey tape is designed specifically for use on hockey sticks and provides a stronger adhesion, while athletic tape is designed to be used on the body and is often used to support muscles, tendons and joints.
Safety should always be a top priority when using either type of tape, and it is important to use them as directed.
With this knowledge in hand, you can make an informed decision about which tape is best for you and your sport.