OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Hey guys
Just wondering what your opinions are for edge tape on paddles?
There are loads of different types out there and I'm working with someone to make a new custom one so need some info.
The last thread I found about tapes was from 2013, so an updated thread of opinions would be much appreciated!
If you could also include what sort of price you're wanting to pay for them? If there is a current problem with your favourite tape then please mention this as we can work to improve this flaw with current designs.
Thanks!

I use these:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3306261 ... b201603_53

5m roll for about $1.50 lol.

Apart from the cost, what is good about this product that you buy? Do you get it just for price or is the quality actually good?

Honestly, this is one of those cheap consummables that doesn't add much to the game. Lightweight. If I hit the edge of the table there is less chance of chipping the blade (or table). That's about it.

If you come up with some fancy designs or bright colors, I'll pay a few dollars more, sure.

Yeah the only edge tape i believe in is some sort of foam edge tape and they're a dime a dozen. Take your pick on whatever is best for you.

Regular edge tape is basically sticky paper and that doesn't protect against anything.

Pro tip: If your edge tape is pealing on the edges a bit? Dab it with some of your glue (i use rubber cement) and that helps hold the stick down.

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Stiga Clipper Classic
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BH - Dawei 388D-a 1.5

I personally only use edge tape to prevent my rubbers coming off when hitting the table during a push or just catching anything with my rubber really. The one time I didn't put any tape on my blade while testing some rubbers I caught the table while picking up a ball and the rubber came about halfway off.... I don't like the look of foam tape and I don't think it will prevent your blade from getting damaged much better than regular tape.

Just buy the cheapest one you can find. I’m currently using Butterfly which cost me something like 3€ for 10m. It will last quite some time even though I switch rubbers more often that I should.

Yeah, should work quite well, but it would look UGLY..

I use gaffer's tape. Just tear a strip about 9mm wide from the roll. Of course, it's a lot less padding than the above. Something like this should work, too, if you REALLY have a problem hitting the table with your bat:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32847017433.html



The "D" type should protect best, but the "E" type would look better.

Iskandar

I like the cloth type tapes, often made by TESA, most of the major brands have these. They're flexible and form a strong bond, yet are easily removable. Many others don't stick well.
I've looked for ways of having my own design on them, but have not found a cost effective option.

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Haggis, learn some paper cutting:

I like the extra wide edge tape (12mm). It covers the blade and most of the sponge. It seems to help keep parts of the sponge and rubber from coming off when the blade hits the table. Also makes it look a bit nicer IMO

lasta, your idea looks very cutting edge, perhaps even too edgy.

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If you start playing at a high level, you will usually stop using these tapes. Too often equipment is removed, hardly anyone plays in the 2nd league and uses a protective tape. Something changes there too often

The concern about rubbing the edge of the racket against the table and causing the rubber to peel off is real. I used narrow graphics tape (about 6mm wide, just covered the wood) until this happened to me. Now I use a wider strip (maybe 10mm wide) of gaffer's or cloth tape. Maybe high level players in Europe just loop at each other from five feet back, but us lower level players often engage in pushing duels over the table.. Just get a roll of cloth tape, duct tape or binder's tape, tear a strip more or less 10mm wide off the side. Keep pulling, it tears off.

Iskandar