Table Tennis Edge Tape and Stripe Guards: What to Buy and How to Fit Them (India)
Edge tape protects your blade from chips and cracks. Here is how stripe guards differ from rolls, how to fit them and what they cost in India.
Table tennis edge tape and stripe guards: protect your blade
Every table tennis player knocks the edge of their bat on the table sooner or later. Edge tape, also called side tape, covers the rim of the blade and rubber so the wood does not chip and the sponge does not peel. It is one of the cheapest upgrades in the sport. This guide explains the two main formats, how to fit tape neatly and what to buy on InstaSport. For the bigger picture on bats, see our table tennis bat guide.
Rolls vs pre-cut stripe guards
You will see two formats. A roll is a long length of tape you cut yourself. The Donic Edge Tape (₹749) is a 12mm wide, 5 metre roll that the listing says covers around 10 blades, and the Andro Edge Tape (₹799) comes in the same size. A stripe guard is a single pre-cut strip for one bat. The Nittaku Edge Tape Stripe Guard (₹249) is listed as 50cm long, individually packaged for one paddle, with a peel-off back.
| Product | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Yinhe Side Tape | Side tape | ₹99 |
| Nittaku Stripe Guard | Single-bat strip | ₹224 |
| Nittaku Edge Tape Stripe Guard | 50cm single-bat strip | ₹249 |
| Donic Edge Tape 12mm x 5m | Roll, about 10 blades | ₹749 |
| Andro Edge Tape 12mm x 5m | Roll, about 10 blades | ₹799 |
Which should you buy?
- One bat, minimal fuss: a single pre-cut stripe guard is the easiest and avoids wasting tape.
- A club, academy or a family with several bats: a 5 metre roll is better value per bat.
- Budget first: the Yinhe side tape at ₹99 is the cheapest way to start protecting your edges.
How to fit edge tape neatly
- Clean the edge of the blade and rubber with a soft cloth so the adhesive sticks.
- Start at the handle side and peel a little backing away.
- Place the tape so about half its width sits on the rubber side and half on the blade edge, leaving a little spare to fold over.
- Press it down slowly around the curve, easing out creases as you go.
- Trim the end, then fold the spare tape over the edge and press firmly.
Check tournament or league rules if you play competitively, since equipment rules can vary on colours and thickness. Tape also does not replace good storage; our bat care guide and the Donic bat cover (₹499) keep the rest of the bat in shape.
When to re-tape
Replace the tape when it lifts, frays or leaves a bare patch. If you are changing rubbers anyway, fit new tape at the same time; our guide on replacing rubber at home shows the full process.
Shop the gear
- Donic Edge Tape 12mm x 5m — ₹749
- Andro Edge Tape 12mm x 5m — ₹799
- Nittaku Edge Tape Stripe Guard — ₹249
- Yinhe Side Tape — ₹99
- Donic Bat Cover — ₹499
Related reading
- How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat: A Beginner's Buying Guide (India)
- Table Tennis Bat Care and Cleaning: A Buying Guide for India
- How to Replace Table Tennis Rubber at Home: Glue, Tools and Method (India Guide)
Frequently asked questions
What does edge tape do on a table tennis bat?
It covers the rim of the blade and rubber, protecting the wood from chips and the sponge from peeling when the bat hits the table.
How much edge tape do I need per bat?
A roll of 12mm tape at 5 metres is listed as covering around 10 blades, so roughly half a metre per bat.
How much does edge tape cost in India?
On InstaSport, prices range from ₹99 for Yinhe side tape to ₹749 for a Donic 5m roll, at the time of writing.
