The Best Drum Stick Tape And Grips (2026)
Tape and grips can make your drumsticks easier to hold, especially when your hands get sweaty. A comfortable wrap can also help you avoid gripping harder than you need to.
Tape and grips can help with stick control, but comfort and technique still matter. If you struggle with discomfort while playing, take a look at our guide to drumming injuries.
My top recommended drumstick tape is the ProMark SRBLA Black Stick Rapp. This is a very popular choice that offers comfort and durability, resulting in a high-quality product.
My second recommended drumstick tape is the Vater VSTBK Stick & Finger Tape. An affordable and decent-quality drumstick tape for those on a budget.
Contents
The Best Drum Stick Tape And Grips (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. ProMark SRBLA Black Stick Rapp
The ProMark SRBLA Black Stick Rapp is one of the most known and most loved wrapper tapes in the drumming world and for a good reason. This tape provides you with great comfort and grip while playing and is also very durable. You won’t need to change them every other night, you can put them on and be confident they will hold up for quite some time.
The ProMark Rapp comes in a pack with a wrap for 4 sticks, but you can reuse them several times. The adhesive side that glues to the sticks is rather durable and can survive a few stick changes. Alongside the wrapping tape itself, which you simply wrap around your sticks, you will get a thinner black striped tape used to wrap the ends of your wrapping, as another measure for keeping everything in place.
You can get this tape not just in standard black color, but also in several different colors and patterns. You should beware though that the patterned tapes are slightly different in a way that you can feel the pattern on your hand when playing. All in all, this is a great high-quality product that you will cherish and buy always once you get your hands on it.
2. Vater VSTBK Stick & Finger Tape
The Vater VSTBK Stick & Finger Tape is made for putting on both your fingers and drumsticks. Thus, it can be used in any situation where you can get blisters on your hands, like playing bass guitar. Additionally, it sports a very affordable price tag.
This is a thin, self-cohesive gauze-like tape. It sticks to itself rather than using a conventional adhesive backing. If it starts to slip on your sticks, secure the ends with finishing tape.
The thin mesh adds grip without as much bulk as a thicker wrap. You can also use it on your fingers to add a layer between your skin and the sticks.
3. Vic Firth Drummer's Stick Tape
As a prominent drumstick maker, it’s no wonder Vic Firth has drumstick tape products. Just like their drumsticks, this tape is really good. Vic Firth Drummer’s Stick Tape is a product similar to the one mentioned before and it does a pretty good job at adding grip without much extra thickness.
This tape comes in just one color and the packaging includes the wrapping tape itself and finishing tape to keep it all in one place. This gripping tape is ultra-thin, so if you have an issue with other tapes being too thick, it will resolve your problems. It has velvet-like finishing, which is a nice touch but still provides you with enough grip.
This is a high-quality, elegant product, made from drumstick makers for drummers, to help prevent sticks from flying all over the place all the time.
4. Promark White Stick Tape
The Promark White Stick Tape is similar to the SRBLA Rapp tape previously mentioned on this list. This particular tape is mainly made for marching band drummers, as the white color brings out visibility and bling in your playing.
This is a classic adhesive tape that is useful for wrapping marching sticks for better visibility. You can also apply it to the handle for extra grip, rather than wrapping the whole stick.
The tape offers a good grip while playing, has a very alluring and budget-friendly price tag, and hails from a well-known manufacturer such as ProMark.
5. Vater VGTB Grip Tape - Black
The Vater VGTB Grip Tape is a reusable, linen-based wrap. It is absorbent and dries quickly, making it a practical choice for drummers who want a soft grip on their sticks.
Each pack contains four grips, enough for two pairs of sticks, plus finishing tape to secure the ends. This version comes in black.
The grips can be moved from one pair of sticks to another. The soft material adds comfort, but wrapping your sticks will also change their thickness and feel.
What are other alternatives to Drum Stick Tape and Grips?
Some people use duct tape or electric tape or some other type of resilient tape to wrap it around their sticks. However, these are not ideal for drumsticks. Also, many drummers use tennis racquet tape, which is the most similar to the products reviewed here, as it is made to provide grip on sweaty hands and sudden strong moves.
Purpose-made stick wraps give you a choice of thickness and texture. The best option is the one that feels comfortable without getting in the way of your playing.
Conclusion
There are a lot of options on the market as to what tape you can get for your drumsticks and there are several different types you can get – some will give you more grip but will wear out faster and other will give you somewhat less grip and strength to your sticks but will last longer. All in all, there is something for everyone out there.
My top pick is the ProMark SRBLA Black Stick Rapp, a high-quality and very popular choice that offers comfort and durability.
My budget pick is the Vater VSTBK Stick & Finger Tape, an affordable and decent-quality drumstick tape for those running on a budget.
