8 Yard vs 10 Yard Cricket Ball Tape: Which Roll Length Should You Buy?

Walk into any sports shop and ask for ball tape, and the first question you'll hear is "8 yard or 10 yard?". Both are popular, and both do the same job. The difference is how much tape is on the roll, and that changes how many balls you can wrap before you need a new one.

What the length means

The length is how much tape is on a single roll. A 10 yard roll has more tape than an 8 yard roll, so it lasts longer. Our Osaka cricket ball tape comes in packs of 10 rolls in both lengths, and you choose the length in the product options.

Which length suits you?

There's no "better" length; it's about how much taping you do. If you're not sure, think about how many balls you tape on a typical match day.

How many balls per roll?

That depends on how many layers you use. A team that tapes thick, heavy balls gets through tape much faster than one that uses a single tight layer. The fairest way to plan is to tape one ball your usual way and see how much of the roll it takes.

Why buy a pack of 10 rolls?

• You won't run out halfway through taping match balls.
• Everyone in the team can use the same tape, so balls play alike.
• Spare rolls stay fresh if you store them in a cool, dry place.

Storing tape

Heat is the enemy of electrical tape. Rolls left in a hot car or in the sun go soft and sticky and won't wrap as neatly. Keep them in a closed bag in the shade, and they'll be ready when you need them.

Put it together

For a match day, pair your tape with tape balls in air-tight packs of 3, or a dozen loose balls. Our guide on how to tape a tennis ball shows the method step by step.