Tapes look simple, but a sports physiotherapist, a hospital ward and a school first-aid room all need different products. Rigid strapping, elastic adhesive bandage, underwrap, kinesiology tape and surgical paper tape are made for different jobs, and buying the wrong type or roll size wastes money. This guide explains the main types in our tapes and plasters range, how to read roll sizes and how to plan quantities.
Taping technique is a clinical skill. Strapping and kinesiology taping should be applied by trained practitioners following their training and the manufacturer’s instructions; this guide covers purchasing only.
1. Rigid strapping tape
Rigid tape is a non-stretch tape, usually with a zinc-oxide adhesive, used by trained practitioners to restrict movement of a joint. The range includes, for example, the Zinc Oxide Plaster Tape 25mm x 5m and the d3 Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm x 15m Retail. Points to compare:
- Width: narrower tapes suit fingers and smaller joints; wider tapes cover ankles and larger areas. Most teams and practices keep at least two widths.
- Tearability: good rigid tape tears cleanly by hand, which matters on the sideline.
- Adhesive strength: a stronger adhesive holds better in heat and sweat but can be harder on skin when removed.
2. Elastic adhesive bandage (EAB) and underwrap
EAB stretches and is used where some movement is needed or for compressive strapping as directed by a practitioner. Examples include the HT EAB Tape 7.5cm x 4.5m and the HT Light Rip EAB 50mm x 6.9m Black Bulk Pack. Heavy EAB is thicker and is usually cut with scissors; light rip EAB is thinner and tears by hand, which is quicker for team taping.
Underwrap, for example the HT Underwrap Tape 50mm x 10m, is a thin foam layer applied before strapping to reduce direct adhesive contact with skin and hair. It is a high-use item for sports teams, so budget for plenty of it.
Cohesive bandages, which stick to themselves rather than to skin, are often used alongside tape. You will find them in our bandages range.
3. Kinesiology and dynamic tape
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy tape used by many physiotherapists and sports practitioners. The range includes, for example, the 3NS Kinesio Tape Beige 5cm x 5m and the HT Kinesiology Tape 5cm x 35m Pink. Dynamic tape is a different, more elastic product, for example the Dynamic Tape 7.5cm x 5m Beige on Beige Tattoo. Practitioners choose between them according to their own training; we make no claims about clinical effectiveness.
The key buying decision is roll length. Short 5m rolls suit individual users, home programmes and kit bags. Long bulk rolls (such as 35m) are typically more economical for clinics and teams that tape many patients a day, but need a dispenser or scissors and dry storage once opened.
4. Surgical tapes and blister plasters
Surgical paper tape, for example the 3M Micropore Surgical Tape 12mm x 9.1m, is used to secure dressings and light devices rather than for strapping joints. Wards and clinics usually stock several widths. For the dressings themselves, see our wound care buying guide.
Blister plasters, for example the Assorted Hydrocolloid Blister Plasters, are useful in sports bags, hiking kits and school first-aid boxes. Assorted packs cover different blister sites in one purchase.
5. Reading roll sizes and comparing value
Tape is described as width x length, for example 38mm x 13.7m. Width is the most important figure for the job; length determines how many applications a roll gives. To compare value between products, divide the price by the length in metres rather than comparing price per roll, because rolls of the same width may differ in length. Check whether a listing is a single roll, a retail pack or a bulk box.
| Tape type | Typical buyer | Usual pack choice |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid strapping | Sports teams, physiotherapists | Bulk boxes in two widths |
| EAB and underwrap | Sports teams, physiotherapists | Bulk packs |
| Kinesiology tape | Clinics, individual users | Long rolls for clinics, 5m rolls for individuals |
| Surgical paper tape | Wards, clinics, home care | Boxes of rolls in several widths |
6. Skin sensitivity, residue and storage
- Skin sensitivity: adhesives can irritate some skin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including any advice on patch testing, and keep a gentler option such as underwrap or paper tape available. If latex content matters for your users, ask us to confirm it for the specific product.
- Adhesive residue: stronger adhesives leave more residue; practitioners often keep an adhesive remover in the kit.
- Storage: heat softens adhesive and can make rolls stick or lose performance. Store tape in a cool, dry place, keep it out of hot cars and rotate stock so older rolls are used first.
7. Planning quantities for a team or season
For a sports team, estimate rolls per match and per training session from last season’s usage, multiply by the number of fixtures, and add a margin for tournaments. Retail packs suit individual athletes; bulk packs from the tapes and plasters category suit clubs, schools and practices. Ordering a season’s supply at once also helps keep the same brand and widths throughout.
How to order from Medlive
Browse the tapes and plasters range or the wider Wound Care department. South African customers see verified ZAR prices including VAT where available and can add items to the cart. Customers in other African countries see Price on request (USD) and can request a quotation; freight and import paperwork are confirmed on the quotation. For club, school, practice or season orders, use our bulk orders service. Payment is by EFT once the final total has been confirmed in writing.
