Ever felt your gi slip just when you need a strong grip? Or maybe your fingers ache after a tough rolling session? If you train Jiu Jitsu, you know how important small things can be. One of those little things that makes a big difference is the tape you use. It’s not just about looking cool; it’s about keeping your fingers safe, your gi in place, and your mind focused on the technique, not on your aching joints.
Choosing the right tape can feel like a puzzle. Should you go with fabric tape, athletic tape, or something else entirely? Each one seems to have its own pros and cons, and figuring out which one works best for *your* needs can be confusing. You want tape that sticks well, doesn’t rip your skin, and is easy to remove after class. Without the right tape, you might find yourself dealing with blisters, sprains, or just general discomfort that takes you out of your game.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of tape available for Jiu Jitsu. We’ll break down what makes each one unique, what to look for when you’re shopping, and even some tips on how to use it effectively. Get ready to discover the tape that will help you train smarter, roll harder, and keep your focus where it belongs – on mastering the art of Jiu Jitsu.
Our Top 5 Tape For Jiu Jitsu Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tape For Jiu Jitsu Detailed Reviews
1. Bighorn Athletics Jiu Jitsu Finger Tape
Rating: 9.0/10
Protect your fingers and enhance your performance with Bighorn Athletics Jiu Jitsu Finger Tape. This tape is designed for athletes who need reliable support during intense training and competition. It’s perfect for martial arts, rock climbing, volleyball, football, basketball, and more. Keep your hands and toes safe and ready for action.
What We Like:
- This tape is great for many sports like martial arts, rock climbing, and team sports.
- It’s very easy to put on and tear off. You don’t need scissors.
- Each roll is long, giving you plenty of tape for many uses.
- You get 8 rolls in a pack, so you have a lot of tape for a good price.
- The tape sticks well but comes off cleanly without leaving sticky stuff behind. It’s also gentle on your skin.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tape is great for fingers, it might not be ideal for larger areas of the body.
- The black color is classic, but a wider variety of colors might appeal to more athletes.
This Bighorn Athletics Finger Tape offers strong support and easy application for any athlete. It’s a smart choice for preventing injuries and staying in the game.
2. Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Tape – Strong Athletic Finger Tape
Rating: 9.0/10
Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Tape is a must-have for anyone who trains hard. This strong athletic tape protects your fingers and toes during intense workouts. It works great for Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Judo, wrestling, and even rock climbing. You get three rolls of white tape, each 1/2 inch wide and 30 feet long.
What We Like:
- It keeps your fingers safe. Gold BJJ tape helps prevent injuries and supports your fingers while you train. It’s also great for your toes!
- The adhesive is super strong. It stays put during tough training sessions. Plus, it doesn’t leave sticky stuff behind when you take it off.
- It’s made by Jiu Jitsu athletes for Jiu Jitsu athletes. They actually use their own tape every day. Over 100,000 BJJ athletes trust it.
- The 1/2 inch width is just right. It’s not too wide or too narrow. This makes it perfect for covering tricky spots on your fingers, toes, and wrists.
- It’s perfect for belt stripes. This tape holds really well. It’s a popular choice for adding stripes to belts during promotions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tape is strong, some users might want a slightly more breathable option for very long training sessions.
- The white color is classic, but a wider variety of colors could be appealing for some athletes who like to personalize their gear.
This Gold BJJ tape offers excellent protection and a reliable hold. It’s a solid choice for any athlete looking to safeguard their hands and feet.
3. REBEL X BJJ Tape – Athletic Finger Sports Tape for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Rating: 8.6/10
The REBEL X BJJ Tape is a must-have for any martial artist. This athletic finger sports tape is designed to keep your fingers safe during intense training and competitions. It offers strong protection and stays put, no matter how tough the workout gets.
What We Like:
- It offers great protection for your fingers, helping to prevent sprains and cuts.
- The tape has a super strong hold that won’t budge, even when you’re sweating a lot.
- It’s made from soft cotton, so it feels comfortable and lets your skin breathe.
- You can tear it by hand, making it super easy to use without scissors.
- It’s perfect for fingers, wrists, toes, and even wrapping equipment.
- It helps with pain and can speed up healing for injuries.
- It comes in a pack of two, so you’ll have plenty to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for fingers, some users might want a wider tape option for larger areas.
- The white color, while classic, can show dirt more easily during long training sessions.
This tape is a reliable choice for anyone looking to protect their hands and speed up recovery. It’s a smart investment for serious athletes.
4. Bighorn Athletics Jiu Jitsu Finger Tape
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of ripped fingers or painful toes? Bighorn Athletics Jiu Jitsu Finger Tape offers a solution for athletes and anyone needing extra support. This white, 0.3-inch wide tape comes in a value pack of 8 rolls, each 45 feet long, giving you plenty of tape for all your needs. It’s designed to stay put during intense activity but remove cleanly, leaving no sticky mess behind. Plus, it’s infused with zinc oxide for a bit of skin comfort.
What We Like:
- Versatile for many sports like rock climbing, volleyball, basketball, and even playing music.
- Easy to tear by hand, so you don’t need scissors.
- Each roll is long, meaning you get a lot of tape for your money.
- Comes in a pack of 8 rolls, so you’ll have enough for a long time.
- Sticks well during workouts but peels off without leaving sticky residue.
- Contains zinc oxide to be gentler on your skin.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white color might show dirt easily after heavy use.
- While it’s good for fingers and toes, it might not be wide enough for larger joints or injuries.
This Bighorn Athletics finger tape is a solid choice for reliable, residue-free support across a wide range of activities. It offers great value and convenience for anyone looking to protect their hands and toes.
5. Bighorn Athletics Jiu Jitsu Finger Tape
Rating: 8.9/10
The Bighorn Athletics Jiu Jitsu Finger Tape is a versatile tool for athletes and active individuals. It offers great support for your fingers and toes in many sports. You can use it for jiu jitsu, rock climbing, or even playing basketball. This tape helps protect your joints and can even improve your grip during tough workouts.
What We Like:
- This tape works for many different sports. You can use it for wrestling, golf, basketball, volleyball, and more. It even helps musicians with their instruments.
- It’s super easy to tear by hand. You don’t need scissors, so you can get it on quickly when you need it most.
- Each roll is really long. You get 45 feet of tape on each roll, so it will last a long time.
- This pack comes with 8 rolls. That’s a lot of tape for your money, giving you 360 feet in total.
- It’s great for daily training. It helps keep your joints supported.
What Could Be Improved:
- For extra sweaty situations or when you need an even stronger grip, Bighorn Athletics suggests looking at their Pro Series or Competition tape options. This means this particular tape might not be the strongest for extreme conditions.
Overall, this Bighorn Athletics finger tape is a solid choice for many athletes. It provides good support and value for your money.
Choosing the Best Tape for Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey
When you step onto the mats for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you want to focus on your technique, not on painful injuries. That’s where good tape comes in. It helps support your joints and can prevent sprains and strains. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best tape for your training.
Key Features to Look For
- Strong Adhesion: The tape needs to stick well without peeling off during a tough roll. You don’t want to be constantly readjusting.
- Flexibility: Good tape moves with your body. It shouldn’t feel stiff or restrict your range of motion too much.
- Breathability: Your skin needs to breathe. Tape that lets air through helps prevent irritation and keeps you comfortable.
- Water Resistance: Jiu-Jitsu can get sweaty! Tape that can handle moisture will stay put longer.
- Easy to Tear: You’ll often need to tear tape quickly. Look for options that rip cleanly without needing scissors.
Important Materials
Most Jiu-Jitsu tape uses a few common materials. Understanding them helps you choose:
- Cotton: This is a very common material. It’s soft and breathable, making it comfortable for your skin.
- Latex: Some tapes contain latex. This gives them extra stretch and strength. However, if you have a latex allergy, you’ll need to avoid these.
- Zinc Oxide: This is often used as an adhesive. It helps the tape stick securely to your skin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all tape is created equal. Here’s what makes a difference:
What Makes Tape Better:
- High-Quality Adhesive: A good adhesive sticks firmly but can also be removed without too much pain or leaving a sticky residue.
- Durable Weave: A tighter, more consistent weave in the fabric makes the tape stronger and less likely to tear unexpectedly.
- Hypoallergenic Options: For sensitive skin, tapes made with hypoallergenic materials are a lifesaver.
What Can Make Tape Worse:
- Weak Adhesive: Tape that loses its stickiness quickly is frustrating and offers little protection.
- Poor Breathability: If the tape traps moisture and heat, it can lead to rashes and discomfort.
- Stiff Material: Tape that feels too rigid will limit your movement and can even be uncomfortable.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your tape matters. Most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners use tape to protect common injury spots.
- Finger Taping: This is the most popular use. Taping your fingers prevents them from getting bent backward during submissions like armbars or kimuras. It also helps support weakened joints.
- Wrist Support: Wrestlers and Jiu-Jitsu players often tape their wrists to prevent sprains, especially when defending against certain grips or takedowns.
- Thumb Protection: Similar to fingers, thumbs can get injured. Taping them offers extra security.
- Ankle and Knee Support (Less Common): While not as common as finger taping, some people might use wider athletic tape for temporary support on ankles or knees if they have a slight tweak. However, for serious injuries, always consult a doctor.
The experience of using good tape is one of confidence. You can spar harder, knowing your joints have an extra layer of protection. Bad tape, on the other hand, can be a distraction. It might peel off mid-roll, leaving you exposed to injury or just feeling annoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of Jiu-Jitsu tape?
A: The main purpose of Jiu-Jitsu tape is to support your joints, especially your fingers, to prevent injuries like sprains and strains during training.
Q: How do I know if a tape has good adhesion?
A: Good adhesion means the tape sticks firmly to your skin throughout your entire training session and doesn’t peel off easily, even with sweat.
Q: Can I use any sports tape for Jiu-Jitsu?
A: While many sports tapes work, dedicated Jiu-Jitsu tape is often designed for the specific needs of the sport, like strong adhesion for fingers and flexibility.
Q: Is it okay to tape my skin if I have allergies?
A: If you have skin allergies, especially to latex, you must choose hypoallergenic tape that is specifically made for sensitive skin. Always check the material list.
Q: How often should I re-tape my fingers?
A: Most people re-tape their fingers before every training session to ensure maximum protection. The tape is usually applied once and stays on for the duration of the roll.
Q: Does Jiu-Jitsu tape help with existing injuries?
A: Tape can offer some support for minor sprains or weaknesses, but it’s not a substitute for proper medical treatment. Consult a doctor for any significant injuries.
Q: How do I remove Jiu-Jitsu tape without hurting my skin?
A: To remove tape gently, peel it back slowly in the direction of hair growth. Some people find using a little bit of baby oil or warm water can help loosen the adhesive.
Q: What’s the difference between athletic tape and Jiu-Jitsu tape?
A: Athletic tape is a general term. Jiu-Jitsu tape is a type of athletic tape specifically chosen for its strength, flexibility, and stickiness on fingers and joints commonly used in grappling.
Q: Can I reuse Jiu-Jitsu tape?
A: No, Jiu-Jitsu tape is designed for single use. Reusing it will make it less sticky and less effective for protection.
Q: How much tape do I need to use on my fingers?
A: The amount varies, but typically, you’ll wrap tape around each knuckle and between fingers to create a supportive splint. There are many online tutorials showing specific taping techniques.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.