I use them to protect my tank, what holds the tank together is the resin. If your resin cracks your tank is usually no good. I always say if you can afford to replace it the don't worry about it. I don't want to replace my tank so I protect it with a tank cover.
Yup! Like Sean said, every member of the team needs to be able to play every position. If your front player gets out your mid should fill his spot and you might have to fill the mid spot. Never know what you might be playing.
But I prefer hockey tape to athletic tape. It's all preference
As Pete said, you crack the resin on your tank, you may as well toss it, since it is more expensive than a new tank to fix it. I use tank covers to protect my tanks, and it makes a good surface to hold the tank against my shoulder while I am playing.
I would not reccomend tape, since that is not padded, will tear, and will not protect your tank. I work with composites, believe me, they will crack if treated wrong.
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Shoot first, shoot last, shoot some more, and after everyone is in the dead box....hang the flag!