The longboard griptape market has seen a new contender emerge: Cuei Griptape. For years, Lokton has been the dominant choice for downhill skaters, but Cuei’s arrival has sparked a serious debate about the best grip for various riding styles. Let’s delve into a detailed review of the Cuei 24 grit griptape and see how it stacks up against the competition.
Cuei 24 Grit Griptape: Features and Performance
Specs
- Grit: 24 grit
- Length: 40 inches
- Width: 11 inches
- Backing: Plastic
- Price: $27
Easy Application
One of the standout features of Cuei griptape is its ease of application. The plastic backing and high-quality adhesive make it incredibly flexible and forgiving. This allows the grip to conform to even the most complex concave shapes without issue. It easily bends around torque blocks and folds over the edges of the deck, making the application process a breeze. This flexibility, thanks to the plastic backing, combined with the strong glue, ensures that the griptape sticks firmly to most surfaces without any hassle.
Close-up of Cuei griptape being applied to a longboard deck
Sharpness and Feel
Cuei griptape offers a level of sharpness that sits comfortably between Mob and Vicious grip, though it’s not quite as aggressive as Lokton. This sharpness provides excellent foot lock-in, which is essential for both downhill and freeride styles. Despite its sharpness, it allows for comfortable foot shifting, even with brake soles. This balance is crucial for freeride, enabling smoother transitions between heel and toe slides and optimizing your foot positioning. While the sharpness is noticeable, it’s not so extreme that it hinders foot movement, a testament to its well-balanced design.
Close up showing the texture of the Cuei griptape
Ideal for Freeride and Downhill
This grip is perfect for skaters who spend a good amount of time freeriding, especially those using freeride wheels, but also occasionally switch to grippier downhill wheels. It offers enough hold to keep you secure during slides and drifts, while still allowing the necessary flexibility for foot movement. However, for those who exclusively ride with very grippy wheels, such as Hawgs Cheetahs or Venom Magnums, Seismic Lokton might be a preferred option due to its superior stickiness. However, it is worth noting that prolonged use of Lokton may make other grips seem less grippy.
Durability
Another advantage of Cuei griptape is its durability. While the sharpness may diminish slightly over time, the overall grip remains consistent without developing bald spots, unlike some less durable options like Vicious or Mob grip. This ensures that you get the most out of your griptape, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Price and Value
At $27, Cuei griptape is very affordable, especially considering its durability and performance. The generous size of the sheet (40 inches by 11 inches) allows you to cut it to fit multiple decks, further increasing its value.
Image of Cuei griptape price at Muirskate
Cuei Grip vs. Seismic Lokton: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s compare Cuei to the benchmark, Seismic Lokton (specifically the 36 grit version):
| Feature | Cuei | Seismic Lokton (36 grit) |
|---|---|---|
| Grit | 24 | 36 (and 60) |
| Length | 40 inches | 40 inches (and various options) |
| Width | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Backing | Plastic | Paper |
| Price | $27 | $30 (and various options) |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ease of Application | Very easy, bends easily | Can be difficult with complex concaves |
| Grip | Sharp, but allows foot movement | Grippier, locks feet in |
| Glue | Sticks immediately | Requires pressure to activate |
| Best Use | Freeride and downhill | Grippy wheel downhill |
| Shoe Wear | Less wear on shoes | Can wear down shoes faster |
While Lokton provides a very grippy feel, making it ideal for pure downhill with grippy wheels, Cuei offers a balance that’s perfect for those who want grip but still need the freedom to shift their feet. Cuei is also easier to apply than Lokton, especially when dealing with complex concave boards. The glue on Cuei sticks instantly and doesn’t require added pressure.
Image of Lokton griptape close up
The Hybrid Approach: Using Both
An interesting approach is combining both Lokton and Cuei. Some skaters have found success using Lokton for the front foot, providing maximum grip and control for driving into the board, while Cuei is used for the back foot to allow for easier foot movement during slides and tucks, reducing wear on your shoes as well. This hybrid setup allows for the best of both worlds.
Image of a longboard with Lokton griptape on the front and Cuei griptape on the back
Conclusion: Who Should Choose Cuei?
Why You Should Choose Cuei
- Affordability: Cuei is a budget-friendly option that delivers high-quality performance.
- Easy Application: The flexible backing and strong adhesive make application simple and straightforward.
- Durability: Cuei is long-lasting and doesn’t develop bald spots easily.
- Versatility: Ideal for a mix of freeride and downhill, providing grip without feeling too restrictive.
When to Choose Another Grip
- Maximum Grip: If you are exclusively riding downhill with very grippy wheels and need maximum foot lock-in, Lokton might be a better option.
- Flip tricks & Ollies: This grip will shred your shoes very quickly if you are frequently doing flip tricks and ollies.
Final Thoughts
Cuei griptape is an excellent option for longboarders looking for a durable, affordable, and versatile grip. It provides a great balance between grip and foot movement, making it ideal for both freeride and downhill riding styles. While it may not be the grippiest option available, it provides more than enough grip for most riders. If you want something that will keep you locked in while allowing you to shift your feet, Cuei is definitely a grip worth considering.
