Reach for a high-strength rigid tape like Leukotape when a technique needs maximum hold on the skin for a set time, such as patellar or shoulder taping. Reach for standard white athletic tape, such as 1.5" d3 AST or ASTX, for pre-practice ankle and wrist taping across a whole roster, where cost per roll counts.
High-strength rigid
Leukotape P is a rayon-backed, high-tensile tape with a very strong zinc oxide adhesive. It’s usually sold in 1.5" rolls and marketed for patellofemoral and shoulder techniques.1,2 It’s the pick when the adhesive has to grip hard enough to hold skin and tissue in place for a set time.
Everyday athletic tape
Standard athletic tape is a rayon cotton blend designed to tear by hand, wrap quickly and be replaced every session. d3 AST has a medium-weight zinc oxide adhesive; ASTX gives a firmer hold. Both are latex free.
Head to head
| High-strength rigid (Leukotape P) | d3 ASTX | d3 AST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backing | High-tensile rayon | Rayon cotton | Rayon cotton |
| Adhesive | Zinc oxide, very strong | Zinc oxide | Medium-weight zinc oxide |
| Natural rubber latex | Reseller listings say it contains natural latex; check the label | Not made with natural rubber latex | Not made with natural rubber latex |
| Typical use | Patellar and shoulder techniques, set by a clinician | Ankles, wrists, high-load taping | Pre-practice ankles and wrists, whole roster |
Where high-strength rigid tape fits
High-strength rigid tape grew up alongside the patellar taping technique that Australian physiotherapist Jenny McConnell described in 1986, which uses a strong tape to hold the kneecap in a set position.3 Evidence on patellar taping itself is limited: a Cochrane review found too little high-quality research to draw firm conclusions.4 Some medical suppliers list Leukotape P as prescription only, and several reseller listings say it contains natural latex, so check the label for athletes with a latex allergy.2,1
Where standard athletic tape fits
For pre-practice and game-day ankle and wrist taping, athletic trainers need tape that tears cleanly by hand, wraps fast and costs little per roll, because it’s used once and cut off. All rigid tape loosens during activity: in a squash study, zinc oxide tape was the most restrictive but lost much of its hold within an hour, and in another study white cloth tape had loosened after 30 minutes.5,6 That’s why it’s reapplied every session. The NATA position statement on ankle sprains recommends that athletes with a previous sprain wear tape or a brace for practices and games.7
Ankle: ASTX strapping
Everyday ankle taping: hand-torn, quick to apply, cut off afterward.
How athletic trainers use each
Match the tape to the job
| Daily ankles and wrists | d3 AST, or ASTX for a firmer hold, 1.5". Taping the whole roster before practice |
|---|---|
| Heavier joints, high load | ASTX or Rigid Strapping Tape, 2". Bigger joints and heavier athletes |
| Specialist techniques | High-strength rigid tape over a base layer, 1.5". Patellar or shoulder techniques set by the supervising clinician |
| Latex allergy on the roster | Tapes not made with natural rubber latex, Any. Check every product label |
For athletes with a latex allergy, use tapes that aren’t made with natural rubber latex, and check every product label.8
d3 athletic tapes
- AST Strapping Tape: Ankles and wrists for the whole roster.
- ASTX Strapping Tape: A firmer hold for high-load taping.
- Foam Underwrap: Under tape, every session.
Questions athletic trainers ask
Is Leukotape the same as athletic tape?
Both are rigid zinc oxide tapes, but Leukotape P has a stronger adhesive and a high-tensile rayon backing for specialist techniques. Standard athletic tape is for everyday ankle and wrist taping.
What’s a lower-cost alternative to Leukotape for ankle taping?
For routine ankle and wrist taping, a standard rigid athletic tape such as d3 AST or ASTX, bought by the case.
Is d3 tape latex free?
d3 AST, ASTX and K6.0 are not made with natural rubber latex.
Taping techniques should be chosen and applied by a certified athletic trainer, physical therapist or other qualified clinician.9 This guide is general information, not a treatment plan.
Sources
- Dunbar Medical. BSN Leukotape P product listing. Link
- Vitality Medical. BSN Leukotape P sports tape listing. Link
- McConnell J (1986). The management of chondromalacia patellae: a long term solution. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. Link
- Callaghan MJ, Selfe J (2012). Patellar taping for patellofemoral pain syndrome in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Link
- Myburgh KH, Vaughan CL, Isaacs SK (1984). The effects of ankle guards and taping on joint motion before, during, and after a squash match. American Journal of Sports Medicine. Link
- Purcell SB et al. (2009). Differences in ankle range of motion before and after exercise in 2 tape conditions. American Journal of Sports Medicine. Link
- Kaminski TW et al. (2013). National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. Link
- US Food and Drug Administration (2014). Recommendations for labeling medical products to inform users that the product or product container is not made with natural rubber latex. Link
- Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. About the BOC. Link