Light Elastic Adhesive Bandage vs Elastic Adhesive Bandage: What’s the Difference?

If you spend any time around sports taping, you may hear both Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB) and Light Elastic Adhesive Bandage referred to simply as “EAB” or “EAB Tape.”

Light Elastic Adhesive Bandage
A roll of elastic adhesive bandage.
Elastic Adhesive Bandage

That can be confusing, because while the two tapes have very similar names, they behave quite differently in real real-world use.

Both are used in sport for support, compression of injuries and general purpose strapping. Both are common in rugby, football, gym training and general sports first aid. But the feel, handling, and ways of using the two different tapes can vary a lot.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the differences.

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New: TOTE-A-MED Canvas EpiPen Carrying Pouch

Four TOTE-A-MED EpiPen carriers shown in a range of colours.

We recently added a new product to our range: the TOTE-A-MED canvas EpiPen carrying pouch – a durable, everyday carrier designed for adrenaline auto-injectors including EpiPen, Jext, and Emerade.

The pouch is sized to hold two AAIs, along with a treatment card and ID in the front document pocket. Rear belt loops allow the pouch to be worn vertically or horizontally, while the included carabiner clip makes it easy to attach to schoolbags, rucksacks, sports bags, or luggage.

Many other EpiPen and AAI pouches are more lightweight in construction. For instance some neoprene carriers, while useful for insulation, can wear through fairly quickly with constant daily use. The TOTE-A-MED pouch uses a tougher, recycled canvas outer designed to cope better with regular handling and transport, particularly where injectors are carried every day in school bags, work gear, or travel bags.

Currently available in Yellow, Black, Blue, and Green. Check it out here: TOTE-A-MED Canvas EpiPen Pouch

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The Mid-Season First Aid Kit Audit

A 5-minute check before your next session

Your sports first aid kit may have started out fit for purpose but, as it’s used over the course of a season, it can drift quietly out of shape.

A few dressings here. A pair of gloves there. Tape borrowed, cold packs used, things moved around and not put back properly… If you’re not on top of it, you soon find yourself with a first aid kit that isn’t quite what you thought it was.

Fortunately, a quick audit now and again during the season is easy to do and gives you confidence that your kit will perform when you need it.

What follows isn’t a checklist of first aid items. It’s just a simple 5-minute audit process you can apply to any sports first aid kit, large or small.

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Stretchy vs Rigid Sports Tape: When Should You Use Each?

Ever taped a thumb, ankle, or knee before training and thought “this sports tape feels completely wrong”?

Maybe the tape was so stiff you could barely move the joint. Or maybe the tape felt like it was doing nothing at all.

In many cases, the problem isn’t how you applied the tape – it’s simply that you used the wrong type of sports tape. Because there are two very different types of sports tape, and they’re designed to do different jobs.

Once you understand the difference, choosing the right tape becomes much easier.

A roll of stretchy, light elastic adhesive bandage alongside a roll of rigid zinc oxide tape.
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What tape should I get for my rugby team?

For most rugby teams, the answer is simple:

  • Light EAB (elastic adhesive bandage)
  • Zinc oxide tape

Keep a good stock of both and most of your training and matchday taping needs are covered by default.

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