Printed griptapes, clear / transparent or just the classic plain black, the point is a skateboard deck can't do its job well without a griptape. It might not be glued to your feet, like some outsiders think when they see you ollie, but the griptape for sure helps... a lot. On a cruiser skateboard or longboard there may be spots without grip, but a skateboard deck has to be grippy on all spots. You need the grip to help you keep the board on your feet. You need it to do those tweaked kickflips with pop. Can't decide? After all, you can get a plain black grip and make it your perfect canvas to paint and customize it.