Strapping Tape vs Kinesiology Tape: Which One’s Right for You?

As Australia’s trusted sports tape brand, Strapit has supported thousands of athletes, physios, and sports professionals with high-performance taping solutions — from elite-level strapping tapes to premium kinesiology tapes.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or preventing one before game day, understanding the difference between rigid strapping tape and kinesiology tape can help you choose the right support for your performance and recovery.

What Is Strapping Tape?

Strapping tape, also known as rigid or athletic tape, provides strong, non-elastic joint support. It’s designed to limit excessive movement, protect ligaments, and reduce strain during training or competition.

In sports like rugby, football, and netball, Strapit’s premium-grade rigid tapes are trusted by medical teams for maximum stability and reliable adhesion, even under sweat and heat.

Key Attributes of Strapping Tape

• High Tensile Strength: Strapit’s premium strapping tapes are crafted with tightly woven cotton fabric that can withstand significant tension without tearing.
  

• Minimal Elongation: Zero stretch ensures controlled joint movement and stable load containment.
  

• Strong Adhesion: Featuring medical-grade zinc oxide adhesive, Strapit tapes stay secure throughout matches and intense training sessions.
  

• Durability: Resistant to sweat, moisture, and friction — maintaining performance under pressure.
  
  

Rigid Backing: Designed with no elasticity for total joint immobilisation and reinforcement.

Featured Products: Strapit Strapping Tape Range

Buy Strapit Premium Rigid Strapping Tape

Available in: 12.5mm, 25mm, 38mm, and 50mm x 13.7m rolls

Engineered for professional use, Strapit Premium Rigid Strapping Tape is the gold standard in sports strapping. It delivers exceptional support and tensile strength while maintaining comfort and skin conformity.

Product Highlights:

• High-performance cotton weave for superior joint stability.
  

• Zinc oxide adhesive ensures lasting grip in both wet and dry conditions.
  

• Designed to resist creasing and conform naturally to body contours.
  

• Perfect for ankle, knee, and shoulder taping.
  

• Trusted by physiotherapists, trainers, and athletes across Australia.
  
  

Strapit Plus Sports Strapping Tape

Size & Quantity Available in: SINGLE ROLL - 2.5cm x 10M & 2.5cm x 10M (36 ROLLS)

When you need extra adhesion and superior hold under the toughest conditions, Strapit Plus Sports Strapping Tape delivers. Designed for athletes who train hard and play harder, this tape provides uncompromising support and reliability.

Product Highlights:

• Enhanced zinc oxide adhesive for stronger, longer-lasting grip.
  

• Easy-tear edges for faster, cleaner taping — no scissors required.
  

• High tensile rigid cotton backing ensures total stability and minimal stretch.
  

• Ideal for ankle, knee, shoulder, and wrist strapping in both match and training conditions.
  

• Preferred by sports trainers and physios who demand consistency and durability.

What Is Kinesiology Tape?

Unlike rigid strapping tape, kinesiology tape (often called K-Tape) is elastic and flexible, designed to move naturally with your body. Instead of restricting movement, it supports muscles and joints while helping to improve circulation and reduce pain or swelling.

At Strapit, our kinesiology range is developed using premium cotton and synthetic blends, offering the perfect balance of stretch, durability, and skin-friendliness.

Composition and Physical Properties

• Elasticity: Stretches up to 120–140% of its original length.
  

• Material: High-quality cotton or synthetic fibres for breathable comfort.
  

• Adhesive: Water-activated, latex-free, hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive that’s safe on skin.
  

• Movement: Allows full range of motion while maintaining gentle support.
  

• Duration: Can be worn for up to five to seven days, even while swimming or showering.
  

• Skin Lift Effect: Gently lifts the skin, improving lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation.
  
  

Key Benefits

• Supports muscles and joints without restricting mobility.
  

• Reduces swelling and aids recovery through improved circulation.
  

• Helps manage pain and enhance proprioception (body awareness).
  
  

Ideal for overuse injuries, post-workout recovery, and general performance enhancement.

Featured Product: Strapit Kinesiology Tape Range

Strapit Kinesiology Tape (50mm x 5m)

Available in: Multiple colours

Product Highlights:

• 95% cotton, 5% spandex blend with 80–100% stretch properties.
  

• Waterproof and sweat-resistant — ideal for swimmers and endurance athletes.
  

• Designed to support muscles and joints during movement, not restrict them.
  

• Latex-free adhesive that’s gentle on sensitive skin.
  

• Can be worn for several days with consistent performance.

Strapping Tape vs Kinesiology Tape Comparison

Which Tape Should You Choose?

If your priority is firm joint stability and injury prevention, the Strapit Premium Rigid Strapping Tape is your go-to. It’s built for power athletes, field sports, and contact environments where support and control are non-negotiable.

If you’re focused on recovery, muscle performance, or flexibility, the Strapit Kinesiology Tape offers dynamic support that moves as you do — perfect for runners, gym enthusiasts, and rehab applications.

Why Choose Strapit

At Strapit, we combine clinical insight with real athlete feedback to engineer taping solutions trusted by professionals nationwide. Every roll is Australian tested, athlete approved, and built to deliver performance when it matters most.

Whether you need rigid support or elastic recovery, Strapit has you covered — literally.

Explore the full range at strapit.com.au