Printed griptape, clear / transparent or just the classic plain black, the point is a skateboard can't do its job well without it. The deck may not be glued to your feet, like some outsiders think when they see you 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.