WHAT THE TAPE?
EAB
The workhorse of South African sports medicine. Elastic Adhesive Bandage is a high-stretch, heavyweight fabric-backed strapping. Designed for firm support and high compression, it remains the primary choice for rugby, ankle stabilization, and heavy-duty joint protection.
Common Widths
5cmx4.5m 7.5cmx4.5m 10cmx4.5m
Tear Method
✂️ Scissors Required
LIGHT EAB
Maximum stretch, minimal weight. Light EAB is a softer, highly elastic version of standard EAB. Ideal for youth athletes, post-injury recovery, and sensitive skin, it provides gentle compression and support without restricting range of motion.
Common Widths
5cmx4.5m 7.5cmx4.5m 10cmx4.5m
Tear Method
TEARABLE
RIGID TAPE
Zero stretch, ultimate stability. Rigid tape (Zinc Oxide) is the prophylactic strapping essential for joint immobilization. It completely locks down movement to protect ligaments under intense force. Used globally for ankles, fingers, and joints requiring total restriction during high-impact sport.
Common Widths
2.5cmx10m 3.8.cmx10m 3.8.cmx10m 3.8.cmx10m
Tear Method
✂️ Scissors Required
COHESIVE BANDAGE
Sticks to itself, not to skin or hair. Cohesive bandage is the primary choice for light compression and securing dressings without adhesive irritation. It provides flexible joint support and remains popular in football for sock hold-up and in veterinary care.
Common Widths
5cmx4.5m 7.5cmx4.5m 10cmx4.5m
Tear Method
✂️ Scissors Required
ELECTRICAL TAPE
The sideline staple. Primarily used in South African football as a sock retainer, electrical tape (PVC vinyl) is lightweight and waterproof. It ensures shin guards and socks stay in place throughout the match without absorbing moisture or increasing weight.
Standard Width
18mm | 25mm PVC Vinyl
Tear Method
✂️ Scissors Required
K-TAPE
Support without restriction. Kinesiology Tape (K-Tape) is a lightweight, elastic therapeutic strapping designed to mimic the elasticity of human skin. It supports muscles and joints while allowing a full range of motion.
ROLL, CUT
OR STRETCH?
Same tape, different delivery. Here's how the format changes everything about how you use it.
ROLLS
The continuous 5-metre roll. Best for customized applications where you need to measure and cut exact lengths for complex muscle support.
PRE-CUT
Standardized strips ready to apply. No scissors needed. Perfect for solo athletes and rapid sideline applications when every second counts.
4-WAY STRETCH
Advanced fabric that expands in every direction. Provides dynamic compression for high-motion joints like shoulders and knees.
SIDE
BY SIDE
| Tape Type | Stretch | Rigid | Waterproof | On Skin | Self-Adhesive | Best Use | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EAB | ● High | ● Some | ● Limited | ✓ | ✗ | Compression, strapping | ⭐⭐ Intermediate |
| Light EAB | ● V.High | ● No | ● Limited | ✓ Gentle | ✗ | Recovery, youth sport | ⭐ Beginner |
| Rigid / Zinc Oxide | ● None | ● Full | ● Limited | ✓ Use underwrap | ✗ | Joint stabilisation | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced |
| Cohesive Bandage | ● Med | ● No | ● Some | ✓ No adhesive | ✓ | Dressings, light compress | ⭐ Beginner |
| Electrical Tape | ● Some | ● No | ● Yes | ✗ Over socks only | ✗ | Sock retainer, colour | ⭐ Beginner |
| Kinesiology Tape | ● Max | ● No | ● Yes | ✓ Skin-safe | ✗ | Therapeutic, recovery | ⭐⭐ Intermediate |
| Pre-Cut Strips | ● Varies | ● Varies | ● Varies | ✓ | ✗ | Quick self-application | ⭐ Beginner |
| 4-Way Stretch | ● Max | ● No | ● Yes | ✓ Skin-safe | ✗ | Dynamic performance | ⭐⭐ Intermediate |