A skateboard is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for tricks, cruising, or commuting. One of the most important aspects of skating is having good pop and staying connected to your board.
Risers known as shock pads are small pieces of material that are inserted between the skateboard deck and trucks. Their primary purpose is to provide cushioning and reduce the impact of tricks on the skater’s feet.
This allows you to get better pop and prevents your trucks from rubbing against the deck, which can ruin your board’s shape. Choose the right risers for your skating style and you’ll be able to progress faster and keep your board in great condition.
What do Risers do on a Skateboard?
Risers/shock pads are small pieces of material that are inserted between the skateboard deck and trucks. They serve two primary purposes: to provide cushioning and reduce the impact of tricks on the skater’s feet and to affect wheel clearance and ride height.
Cushioning is important because it absorbs some of the impacts when you land tricks which prevents your feet from feeling every little bump and jarring movement. This can help you progress faster and keep your board in great condition. The right risers will also improve your pop – the explosive force with which you leave the ground when performing a trick.
The second purpose of skateboard risers is to adjust wheel clearance and ride height. Depending on how high or low you want your board to ride you can add or remove risers. This is also convenient if you swap out trucks and need to adjust the new ones to the right height. Risers come in a variety of thicknesses so you can always find the perfect fit for your needs.
If you’re new to skating or if you want to progress quickly it’s important to choose the proper risers for your skating style. The wrong risers can make tricks more difficult and cause your trucks to rub against the deck, which can ruin your board’s shape.
How to Use Risers on a Skateboard?
If you’re new to skating it’s important to choose the proper risers for your skating style is important. The wrong risers can make tricks more difficult and cause your trucks to rub against the deck which can ruin your board’s shape.
The best way to find the right risers is to experiment and see what works best for you. Start by trying different thicknesses and sizes to see how they affect your skating. You can also ask experienced skaters for advice on which risers they prefer. Once you’ve found a type of riser that you like you can experiment with different placement options.
Most importantly have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things! Skating is all about learning new tricks and finding your style.
Different Types of Risers Available on the Market Today:
- Standard Risers: These are the most common type of risers and come in a variety of thicknesses. They’re made from durable materials like polyurethane and provide good cushioning and shock absorption.
- Pivot Risers: Pivot risers are designed to improve the turning performance of your skateboard. They have a concave shape that allows for more movement and flexibility when you’re skating.
- Drop-Through Risers: Drop-through risers are made for skateboards with a drop-through truck mounting system. They’re typically lower to the ground than other types of risers and provide good stability and turning ability.
- Mini Risers: Mini risers are small lightweight risers that are often used on mini decks and cruisers. They provide good cushioning while keeping the overall height of your board low.
- Speed Risers: Speed risers are thinner than standard risers and are designed to help you go faster. They’re made from lightweight materials like aluminum which can help reduce weight and friction.
- Drop-Down Risers: Drop-down risers are taller than standard risers and are designed to lower your center of gravity. This makes them ideal for skating downhill or performing tricks that require a lot of air time.
No matter what type of skateboarding you’re into a riser can help you progress and improve your skills. With so many options available it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your needs. So get out there and start skating!
Installation Tips for Risers on a Skateboard:
- Start by choosing the right type of riser for your skating style. If you’re not sure ask an experienced skater or skate shop employee for advice.
- Once you’ve chosen the right type of riser it’s time to install them. Begin by loosening the bolts on your trucks.
- Next, place the risers between the deck and the trucks. Make sure that they’re positioned evenly before tightening the bolts back down.
- Once the risers are installed test them out by skating around in a safe area. Take some time to get used to the new ride height and feel of your skateboard before taking it out in traffic.
- With a little practice, you’ll be skating like a pro in no time!
FAQs – What Do Risers Do On A Skateboard?
Do Pro skaters use riser pads?
Most pro skaters use risers to avoid wheel bite which is when the wheels of your skateboard touch the deck while you’re turning. This can cause the deck to break or your trucks to rub against the deck which can ruin your board’s shape.
So if you’re serious about skating be sure to pick up a set of risers. With so many different types and sizes available it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Do risers help you ollie higher?
Risers can help you ollie higher by providing more clearance between the deck and the wheels. This allows you to get your trucks up over obstacles more efficiently which can help you clear them with ease.
It’s important to note that not all risers are created equal. Some are designed for speed while others are designed for stability. So be sure to choose the right type of riser for your skating style. With a little trial and error, you’ll be ollieing like a pro in no time!
Are soft wheels good for tricks?
Soft wheels are often used for street skating because they provide a good grip and allow for easy sliding. They’re also softer which can help absorb the impact of landings and make them more comfortable to ride on.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of tricks, however, you might want to consider harder wheels. This is because they’re less likely to flat spot (or wear down in one spot) when you land hard on them. Harder wheels will also last longer and help you go faster.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what type of wheel is best for your skating style.
Conclusion
Risers are placed on the skateboard to change or adjust the height of the board. This is done by increasing or decreasing the distance between the trucks and the deck.
When risers are added it changes how your feet feel when you stand on the board as well as where your weight is distributed. Risers can also help with wheel bite which happens when the wheels rub against the deck while turning. Risers also make the board more stable, which is important when doing tricks.
Many different types and sizes of risers can be used for various purposes. Some riders choose to use no risers at all while others add them for every set-up. It’s up to you to experiment and find what works best for you!
