my vote for bar tape is whatever i can get the cheapest that is black. and when it starts to rip, put a few wraps of electrical tape over top. i've also put cloth wrap on top of cork wrap and that felt pretty good on the hands and was plenty durable.

EDIT: i always thought that bar tape is one of those disposable things you have to buy and didn't think too much about like socks and underwear, or lightbulbs.