EPDM Rubber Grip is a durable, lightweight staff grip with a slightly padded feel and reliable traction in sweat, humidity, dust, and other less-than-perfect training conditions. It is a popular option for contact staffs and dragon staffs where durability and consistent grip matter more than having the absolute tackiest surface possible.
At 1 inch (25 mm) wide and 0.08 inch (2 mm) thick, EPDM wraps around the staff in an edge-to-edge spiral to create a comfortable gripping surface. It also weighs only approximately 0.36 oz per foot (34 g per meter), making it the lightest of our primary staff grip options.
Reliable Grip in Sweat, Humidity & Dust
One of EPDM’s biggest advantages is how well it performs when conditions get messy. It maintains useful traction in sweaty, humid, and dusty environments where some tackier grip materials can become slippery or quickly accumulate dirt.
EPDM also requires relatively little maintenance. While any staff grip will eventually collect dirt and oils, EPDM generally does not require the frequent cleaning some tackier materials need to maintain their performance.
A Grip That Gets Better with Use
Fresh EPDM has a break-in period and may not feel as grippy as it eventually will. With regular use, the surface develops and many spinners find that it becomes both more comfortable and grippier over time.
This makes EPDM a good option for a staff that sees regular practice rather than a grip you should necessarily judge five minutes after installing it.
How Does EPDM Compare?
EPDM sits somewhere between maximum grip and maximum durability. Compared with Silicone Grip Tubing, EPDM generally maintains traction better when moisture is present. Compared with F-Grip, it typically offers greater longevity but slightly less overall grip.
EPDM is also lighter than silicone, F-Grip, and Goat Grip, making it particularly useful for spinners who want to avoid adding unnecessary weight to their staff.
Not sure which material makes sense for your setup? Our Staff Grip Guide compares the different options in more detail.
How Much EPDM Grip Do I Need?
Approximately 10 to 12 ft (3.05 to 3.66 m) of EPDM is recommended for fully gripping most contact staffs and dragon staffs. Longer staffs, particularly those built for taller humans, may require additional material depending on how much of the pole you want covered and how much overlap you use while wrapping.
How to Install EPDM Grip
EPDM does not have an adhesive backing, so we recommend installing it over double-sided tape to prevent the grip from shifting or unraveling during use.
- Prepare the Staff: Remove the existing grip and clean away any remaining adhesive, tape, or residue from the staff.
- Apply Double-Sided Tape: Cover the section of the staff you intend to grip with double-sided tape to help anchor the EPDM.
- Wrap the EPDM: Wrap the grip around the staff in a consistent spiral pattern. Each pass should sit directly against the previous pass without overlapping and without leaving gaps between the edges.
- Finish the Ends: Secure the ends with Silicone Tape or another suitable finishing tape to help prevent the grip from lifting or unraveling.
Once installed, EPDM provides a durable, comfortable staff surface without much fuss. Give it some time to break in before passing judgment. This one gets better after you’ve roughed it up a little.









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