How to Choose the Best Tape

Different tapes are used for different reasons. And there’s nothing worse than using the right tape for the wrong application. Your reputation is on the line. With so many different tapes to choose from, it’s easy to get confused. Luckily, we’ve got just the remedy to help you pick the right tape every time.

This is our guide for choosing best tape for the best situation...

Before you apply tape you need to decide on your fundamental reason for taping. Ask, “am i trying to; immobilise, protect, facilitate or compress the area?".⁠ As a golden rule, we would recommend:

• Immobilise = Zinc Oxide Tape⁠
• Protect/Secure = EAB & Tear EAB⁠
• Facilitate = K Tape
• Compress = Cohesive Bandage⁠

But, this is far from the whole story. Once you know your outcome goal, you can pick the best tape to use based on the amount of support needed in the joint, and stretch of the tape. Let’s break it down…

If you’re looking to protect/secure another application or equipment then you’ll want to pick a tape with low support and high stretch properties. You’ll need that additional stretch to allow for muscle expansion beneath the tape, and the flexibility to hold equipment in place.

EAB Tapes provide a moderate to high level of stretch, making them perfect for when you need to maintain some freedom of movement. They can also be easily manipulated around joints without creasing for comfortable applications, making them ideal to wrap around and protect Zinc Oxide applications.

You may also decide to use a Fixation Tape if you’re securing anything to the skin that doesn’t already have an adhesive backing since it can be cut to shape. It’s also wider, lighter and more breathable than Zinc Oxide Tape.

If you’re looking to facilitate movement, or provide proprioceptive feedback to an area then you’ll want to choose a tape with a high stretch property.

Kinesiology Tape is the best option when dealing with muscle groups. It has a very high level of stretch, meaning it won’t restrict movement, and it’s extra strong glue means it will last longer on the skin that any other type of tape.

You need to choose a tape that has a high stretch profile and will allow for muscle expansion beneath the tape, but is also strong enough not to rip as you’ll want to apply the tape with a good amount of tension. The best option will depend on a variety of factors. The most important is making sure that the tape is fit for purpose.

If you need to compress something during activity, then you’ll need an adhesive tape such as Tear EAB. However, if you’re simply compressing an injury during rest, then Cohesive Bandage may be the best option as it’s the cheapest and re-usable. So, build your knowledge, get kudos from your players and learn how to choose the most effective tape every time.