Best Hockey Stick Tape Color: Black vs White
Does hockey tape color matter? We break down black vs white tape for blade and handle—grip, visibility, and what the pros use.
Quick Summary: Black and white hockey stick tape offer the same grip and durability. White can make the puck easier to see; black can hide the puck from goalies and stay looking cleaner. Choice is personal. Use proper stick wax for grip regardless of color—and make sure you're using real hockey tape, not sports tape (see hockey tape vs sports tape).
Does Tape Color Affect Performance?
Performance-wise, black and white hockey tape are the same. They use the same cloth backing and adhesive—only the dye differs. Grip comes from the texture and from stick wax, not from color. So the "best" color is about visibility, habit, and look, not raw performance. For taping technique, see our equipment checklist and stick section.
White Hockey Tape: Pros and Cons
Pros: Many players find the puck easier to see against a white blade when stickhandling or receiving passes. White also makes it obvious when tape is worn or torn so you know when to re-tape. It’s the classic look and is still very common at all levels.
Cons: White shows dirt, snow, and scuff marks quickly and can look dirty. Some goalies say the white blade makes the puck slightly easier to track. None of that changes how the tape performs—only how it looks and how you see the puck.
Black Hockey Tape: Pros and Cons
Pros: Black tape can make the puck a bit harder for goalies to pick up against the blade, especially on quick releases. It hides dirt and wear better, so the blade often looks cleaner longer. A lot of NHL and pro players use black for that slight visual edge and preference.
Cons: Some players feel the puck is slightly harder to see against a black blade. It’s a small difference and many get used to it quickly. Again, grip and durability are the same as white.
Blade vs Handle: Does It Matter?
You can use the same color for both or mix. Common setups:
- • White blade, black knob – Classic; white for puck visibility, black for handle look.
- • Black blade, white knob – Puck hide on blade; white knob for visibility or team look.
- • All black or all white – Simple and consistent.
Handle color doesn’t affect grip or performance; it’s preference and visibility. Use quality cloth hockey tape for blade and knob—and replace when it’s worn. For more on gear care, read our hockey gear maintenance guide.
What Do Pros Use?
You’ll see both colors in the NHL and elsewhere. Many scorers and stickhandlers use black on the blade; many others use white. Goalies often use white on their stick blade. There’s no rule—it’s personal and sometimes team or brand tradition. Try both and stick with what feels right for your eyes and your game.
Stock Up on Stick Tape
Crossbar hockey stick tape is available in black and white. Pair with stick wax for maximum grip and control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is black or white hockey tape better?
Neither is objectively better—it's preference. White tape makes the puck easier to see for some players and shows wear clearly. Black tape can hide the puck slightly from goalies and looks cleaner as it dirties. Grip and durability are the same; choose based on visibility and habit.
Why do NHL players use black tape?
Many use black tape to hide the puck against the blade when stickhandling or shooting, making it slightly harder for goalies to track the puck. Others use it for look or tradition. Plenty of NHL players use white tape too—it's largely personal and team culture.
Does hockey tape color affect grip?
No. Black and white hockey tape use the same cloth and adhesive. Grip comes from the tape texture and stick wax, not color. Choose color for visibility and preference, not performance.
Should I use different tape colors for blade vs handle?
You can. Common combos: white blade + black knob, black blade + white knob, or same color for both. Blade color affects puck visibility; handle color is mostly look and habit. Use quality cloth tape for both—color is independent of performance.
Final Thoughts: The best hockey stick tape color is the one you prefer. Use real hockey tape (not athletic or duct tape), add stick wax for grip, and re-tape when it’s worn. Black vs white is a visual choice—your hands and your eyes get the final say.