Jessup Griptape-D.Wainwright Gray Empire

Jessup Griptape – D. Wainwright Grey Empire

Elevate your setup with the Jessup Griptape D. Wainwright Grey Empire, a premium grip designed for skaters who demand both performance and style. Featuring a striking Grey Empire graphic by D. Wainwright, this griptape adds a clean, understated aesthetic to your deck while delivering the trusted quality Jessup is known for.

Engineered with a silicon carbide grit, it provides a strong, consistent grip that keeps your feet locked in whether you’re hitting technical street lines or charging transitions. The durable adhesive backing ensures a bubble-free application and long-lasting hold, so you can focus on skating without distractions.

Perfect for all skill levels, this griptape balances control and board feel, giving you the confidence to push your progression further. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or building a fresh deck, the Grey Empire edition brings together function and design in one solid package.

Key Features:

• Signature D. Wainwright Grey Empire artwork
• High-quality silicon carbide grit for superior traction
• Bubble-free, easy application
• Strong adhesive for long-lasting durability
• Ideal for street, park, and all-around skating

Ride with precision. Stand out with subtle style.

Who are Jessup.

The History and Impact of Jessup in Skateboarding

Origins: Before Skateboarding (1956–1970s)

Jessup’s story begins long before it became a staple in skate shops. The company was founded in 1956 as Jessup Manufacturing in McHenry, Illinois, originally producing coated materials and industrial adhesives rather than skate products.

At the time, skateboarding itself was still evolving, and early boards didn’t even use griptape—riders relied on bare wood or rudimentary surfaces for traction.

Jessup’s expertise in adhesive-backed materials would later prove crucial. By the mid-1970s, as skateboarding surged in popularity, the company pivoted toward the emerging market and introduced one of the most important innovations in skate hardware: silicon carbide griptape.

This marked a turning point—not just for Jessup, but for skateboarding itself.

The Rise of Modern Griptape (1975–1990s)

In 1975, Jessup officially entered the skate industry with what became known as “Jessup The Original®” griptape.

At a time when skateboarding was rapidly progressing—especially in street and vert disciplines—reliable grip became essential. Jessup’s silicon carbide formula provided:

• Consistent traction
• Durable wear over time
• A balanced “feel” that didn’t destroy shoes too quickly

This balance made Jessup stand out. While some later competitors focused on ultra-aggressive grip, Jessup carved out a reputation for control and board feel, which appealed to technical street skaters.

By the 1980s and 90s, as skateboarding shifted toward street skating and technical tricks, griptape became a core part of performance. Jessup was no longer just a manufacturer—it was part of the foundation of modern skateboarding.

Industry Leadership and Authenticity (1990s–2010s)

One of Jessup’s defining traits is that it remained deeply rooted in manufacturing. Unlike many brands that outsource production, Jessup is known as one of the few companies that both manufactures and sells its own griptape, maintaining control over quality and consistency.

This commitment helped solidify its reputation across generations of skaters.

The brand also became embedded in skate culture through sponsorships and team riders. Influential professionals like PJ Ladd, Mark Suciu, and Eric Koston have all ridden Jessup, reinforcing its credibility at the highest level of the sport.

Jessup’s presence wasn’t flashy—it was dependable. In a culture that values authenticity, that mattered.

Innovation Without Losing Identity (2010s–Present)

Rather than constantly reinventing itself, Jessup focused on refining its formula and expanding options. Products like ULTRAGRIP introduced a more aggressive texture for skaters who wanted extra traction, while still maintaining the original line for those who preferred classic feel.

At the same time, griptape evolved into a creative medium. What was once purely functional became a canvas for graphics, branding, and self-expression—something Jessup embraced through printed designs and collaborations.

Despite changes in skateboarding—from VHS-era street skating to digital global culture—Jessup has remained consistent: performance-first, skater-approved, and rooted in manufacturing expertise.

Cultural Impact on Skateboarding

Jessup’s influence goes beyond just making griptape. Its impact can be seen in three key ways:

• Standardizing Performance
  Jessup helped define what good griptape should feel like—creating a benchmark that other brands followed.
• Supporting Progression
  From early vert skating to modern technical street skating, reliable grip enabled skaters to push tricks further and with more precision.
• Quiet Legacy in Skate Culture
  Jessup isn’t the loudest brand—but it’s one of the most trusted. For decades, it has been a constant in a culture that constantly changes.

Conclusion

From industrial beginnings in 1956 to becoming a cornerstone of skateboard hardware, Jessup’s journey mirrors the evolution of skateboarding itself.

It didn’t just follow the scene—it helped shape how skaters connect with their boards.

And in a culture built on feel, control, and style, that’s a legacy that sticks.