Printed griptape, clear/transparent or just the classic plain black, the point is a skateboard can't do its job without it. The deck may not be glued to your feet, like some outsiders think when they see an ollie, but the grip sure helps... a lot. On a cruiser or longboard there may be spots without it, but a skateboard deck has to be grippy on its whole top surface. Can't decide on the graphic? Just get a plain one and make it your perfect canvas to paint and customize it.