White Tape vs Black Tape (2024)

White Tape vs Black Tape (1)

This argument is a tale as old as time.Is white or black tapebetter on your hockey stick, which has more benefits or helps give you the dirtiest dangles? Trust me, this conversation occurs often enough at Howies HQ to drive us all insane. So, is there a benefit that outperforms the other between the colors? Let’s have them faceoff and see which color takes the title.


Let's first start with white tape. It’s timeless, the OG, preferred by many and loved by most, but is it better? White tape brings puck visibility during possession, the puck marks on the TJ are something to be proud of, and a TJ that is pure white makes you reminisce to when you started taping your twig for the first time all by yourself. However, there is an argument for the other side, some believe that having white tape means the goalie is able to see the puck better and gives them an advantage when it comes to blocking your shot.

White Tape vs Black Tape (2)

Next is black tape. It blends into the color of the blade, it’s sharp, it’s full on beast mode and it's a high contender for the best color to tape your twig. Players who choose black tape often mention that they like how the puck marks don’t show and it has a cleaner look to them as well as believing that it makes it harder for the goalie to see when they are shooting the puck, but is that necessarily true?

White Tape vs Black Tape (3)


When it comes to playing defense against someone on the ice, there are several considerations taken with the color their tape. For a goalie specifically, they want to have a good visual on the puck at all times and that can be altered with the color of tape the player is using. Many believe that using black tape is what hides the puck from the goalie, but many goalies actuallymentioned that white makes it harder to see when they are shooting the puck because the tape blends into the color of the ice.For your teammates, you want them to be able to have visibility when you have the puck and your pass direction for clean movement between players. Most believe that white tape helps the most here for knowing who has possession, but they also run into the issue of their tape blending into the color of the ice. While these are issues that most high level players don’t really experience, it is always something toconsider.

For the creation process for the tape, each roll, whether White or Black, are stitched the same, contain 68 strands per inch for maximum durability, and have stamped adhesive for water resistance. Meaning that every roll of tape we produce is created with quality, durability and performance in mind!

So what color wins? Is there really a better option between the two, or is it all personal choice? We know that’s an answer no one really wants to hear, but depending on who you ask, the top choice is going to be different every time. One thing we can all agree on is that as long as you are using Howies, you are doing it right.

White Tape vs Black Tape (4)

As a seasoned hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport and its equipment, let's delve into the age-old debate of whether white or black tape is better for hockey sticks. The discussion revolves around aspects such as puck visibility, aesthetics, player preferences, and the impact on both offensive and defensive play.

White tape, often considered the original and preferred choice, holds sentimental value for many players. Its timeless appeal is complemented by the visibility it offers during possession. Puck marks on the tape create a sense of pride, and the pure white tape can evoke memories of the first time a player taped their stick. However, a counterargument surfaces concerning the goalie's perspective. Some assert that white tape makes the puck more visible to the goalie, potentially giving them an advantage in blocking shots.

On the other hand, black tape is praised for its seamless integration with the color of the blade. Players who opt for black tape appreciate the clean look it provides, with puck marks being less conspicuous. There's a belief that black tape makes it harder for goalies to track the puck during shots. Yet, the question remains: is this belief substantiated by evidence?

When evaluating the defensive aspect of the game, the color of a player's tape becomes crucial. Goalies aim for constant visual contact with the puck, and the choice of tape color can influence this. While the prevailing notion suggests that black tape hides the puck better, some goalies argue that white tape, blending into the ice, can be equally challenging to track.

Considerations extend beyond individual play to team dynamics. Teammates rely on visual cues to anticipate possession changes and pass direction. White tape is often credited with facilitating this by providing better visibility during play. Nevertheless, the concern arises that the tape might blend into the ice, creating challenges even for high-level players.

In the manufacturing realm, both white and black tapes share a common thread – each roll is meticulously crafted with 68 strands per inch for maximum durability, featuring stamped adhesive for water resistance. This emphasis on quality ensures that every roll of tape produced maintains high standards in durability and performance.

So, which color emerges victorious in this ongoing debate? The answer, unfortunately, isn't straightforward. Preferences vary among players, and the choice between white and black tape is ultimately a matter of personal preference. One constant, however, is the acknowledgment that as long as you're using Howies, you're making the right choice, given their commitment to quality, durability, and performance in tape production.

White Tape vs Black Tape (2024)
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