If you are a skateboarder, then you must be aware of the importance of riser pads. Riser pads not only protect your skateboard decks from damage but also provide a better ride experience. Choosing the best riser pads for your skateboard can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 13 best riser pads skateboards, along with a comprehensive buying guide, to help you make the right decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the best riser pads available in the market today.
Get ready for our reviews on the best riser pads skateboards, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
Last update on 2024-09-10 at 20:13 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Riser Pads Skateboards
Riser Pads Skateboards: A Quick Overview
Riser pads are a small yet crucial component of skateboard hardware that can make a big difference in your skating experience. Essentially, a riser pad is a small piece of plastic or rubber that sits between the truck and deck of a skateboard to raise the height of the skateboard trucks. They come in different thicknesses, ranging from ⅛ inch to ½ inch, and offer a variety of benefits to skateboarders of all levels.
For one, riser pads can prevent wheel bite by creating more clearance between the wheels and deck. They can also absorb shock and vibrations, which can make riding over rough terrain or landing tricks easier on your feet and legs. Additionally, riser pads can change the feel and performance of your board by altering the angle and turning radius of the trucks. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, a good pair of riser pads can enhance your ride and make your time on your board more comfortable.
Reasons for Buying Riser Pads Skateboards
Riser pads are an often overlooked component in skateboarding, but they can make a big difference in how your board performs. Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider adding riser pads to your setup.
To prevent wheel bite
Riser pads are added to the skateboard to prevent wheel bite, which occurs when the skateboard wheels rub against the bottom of the deck, causing the skateboard to abruptly stop and the rider to fall. This often happens when larger wheels are mounted to a deck without enough clearance, causing the wheels to hit the deck when turning sharply or carving. Wheel bite can be painful, dangerous, and even cause damage to the skateboard.
By adding riser pads to the skateboard, there is increased separation between the deck and the wheels, preventing the wheels from touching the deck and reducing the chances of wheel bite. Additionally, riser pads can improve the overall ride quality by adding a bit of cushioning and absorbing shock from rough surfaces. Skaters who ride larger wheels or prefer tighter trucks may find riser pads essential to their setup to prevent wheel bite and ensure a smooth ride.
To increase the distance between trucks and deck
Skateboard riser pads are the small pieces of rubber or plastic that are placed between the truck baseplates and the skateboard deck. They serve several purposes, including increasing the distance between the trucks and the deck. One of the primary reasons why skaters may need to use riser pads is to prevent wheel bite.
Wheel bite happens when the wheels of a skateboard make contact with the deck, causing the board to stop suddenly. This can be dangerous and can cause the rider to fall off the board. By using riser pads, skaters can increase the clearance between the truck and the deck, reducing the chance of wheel bite. Additionally, riser pads can help to reduce vibrations and impact when skating on rough surfaces, making for a smoother ride. Overall, the use of riser pads can increase the performance, safety, and comfort of a skateboard.
To absorb vibrations and shock
When you ride your skateboard, the wheels are in direct contact with the deck. This can result in vibrations and shocks that can travel up your legs and cause discomfort. Riser pads are designed to absorb these shocks and vibrations so that you can enjoy a smoother ride.
Riser pads are made from materials like rubber or plastic and are placed between the trucks and the deck. They act as a cushion and help to distribute the weight of your body evenly across the board. This not only reduces vibrations and shocks but also helps to prevent stress cracks from forming on the deck. So, if you want a more comfortable ride on your skateboard, investing in a good set of riser pads is definitely worth considering.
To improve overall stability of the skateboard
Adding Riser Pads to Skateboards is an excellent way to improve the stability of your skateboard. These pads act as shock absorbers and help to distribute pressure across the deck. This results in less vibration and a smoother ride, making it easier to maintain balance and control.
Also, Riser Pads can help to reduce the risk of wheel bite – when the wheels come in contact with the deck. Wheels often come in contact with the skateboard deck when making sharp turns or carving, which can cause the rider to fall. Riser Pads function to raise the skateboard, providing extra space between the wheels and deck. This increases the clearance for turning and ensures that the wheels do not touch the deck or get stuck. Therefore, the Riser Pads are a valuable investment to improve overall stability, and to ensure safety while riding the skateboard.
What Things to Consider when Buying Riser Pads Skateboards?
Before making a purchase, there are important factors to take into account when selecting the best riser pads for skateboarding.
Material
We should consider the material before buying riser pads for skateboards because the quality and durability of the material used will impact the performance and longevity of the pads. Different materials such as rubber, foam, and plastic have different properties that affect factors such as shock absorption, weight, and flexibility. For example, rubber riser pads are known for their ability to absorb shock and provide a comfortable ride, while plastic pads are more lightweight and durable.
Furthermore, the texture and grip of the material can also impact the safety and stability of the skateboard. Choosing a material that provides a secure grip and prevents slippage can prevent accidents and injuries while riding. Ultimately, the material of riser pads is an important factor to consider in ensuring a smooth and safe skating experience.
Thickness
Thickness is an important factor that needs to be considered before buying riser pads for skateboards. Riser pads are essential for skateboarders as they absorb shock and provide a smooth ride. But the thickness of the pads plays a crucial role in determining the height of the skateboard deck from the ground. Choosing the right thickness of riser pads can help provide better grip, stability, and maneuverability for your skateboard.
Thicker riser pads are suitable for uneven surfaces, rails, and stairs as they offer more shock absorption and clearance space for the wheels. Thinner riser pads are ideal for riders who prefer a lower board height and more responsiveness while doing tricks. Therefore, it is essential to consider the thickness of riser pads according to your riding style and preferences to enhance the performance of your skateboard.
Size
Riser pads are important components of a skateboard as they act as cushioning devices placed between the skateboard deck and the trucks. Choosing the right size of riser pads is crucial as it can affect the overall performance and control of the skateboard.
If the riser pads are too thick, it can increase the height of the skateboard which can make it harder to balance and perform tricks. On the other hand, if the riser pads are too thin, it can result in wheel bite or the wheels rubbing against the deck which can cause accidents and damage to the skateboard. Therefore, it is important to consider the size of the riser pads before buying them to ensure that they are appropriate for the skateboard and the rider’s skill level.
Shape
When it comes to buying riser pads for skateboards, it’s important to consider the shape of the pad. Different shapes can have different effects on the board’s ride and performance. For example, if you want a more stable and solid ride, you may want to look for a flat riser pad. On the other hand, if you want more responsiveness and flexibility, a cone-shaped pad may be a better fit. Ultimately, your choice in riser pad shape should be informed by your personal preferences and the kind of skateboarding you plan on doing.
Additionally, shape can also affect how the board fits with your trucks. Some riser pads are designed with specific types of trucks in mind, so it’s important to make sure the shape of the pad matches the shape of your trucks. If they don’t fit together properly, it can lead to issues with stability and control while riding. Therefore, it’s important to consider the shape of both your trucks and the riser pads you’re buying to ensure they work together effectively.
Durability
Durability should be considered before buying riser pads for skateboards because they provide crucial support and stability for the rider while performing tricks and maneuvers. If the riser pads are not durable, they can easily wear down or break, which can dramatically increase the risk of injury for the rider. Additionally, long-lasting riser pads can save money in the long run since they won’t need to be replaced as frequently as low-quality ones. When purchasing riser pads, it’s important to choose ones made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
In summary, durability is an important factor to consider when buying riser pads for skateboards because it ensures the safety and stability of the rider and can save money in the long run. Investing in durable riser pads can provide peace of mind and allow the rider to focus on perfecting their skills rather than worrying about the quality of their equipment.
Compatibility
Riser pads are an essential part of any skateboard setup that not only help keep your board in good condition but also enhance your riding experience. However, before purchasing any riser pads, it is crucial to consider compatibility with your particular skateboard model. Skateboards come in different sizes, shapes, and configurations, and each configuration requires different riser pad dimensions. Therefore, if you fail to choose the right fit, you may end up with a wobbly, unstable, and uncomfortable riding experience that can be hazardous.
In addition, choosing incompatible riser pads can also affect your board’s performance, including its turning ability, stability, and overall shock absorption, leading to a frustrating experience. Without proper compatibility, you may also cause unwanted stress and pressure on specific sections of your skateboard deck, leading to deformities and cracks that could make your board unridable. Therefore, before making any purchase, it is crucial to research, read reviews, and seek expert advice to ensure that the riser pads are compatible with your skateboard to have a smooth and comfortable ride.
FAQ
What exactly are riser pads for skateboards and why should I use them?
Riser pads are small cushioned pads that are placed between the skateboard deck and the trucks. They are made of materials such as rubber, plastic, or foam, and are usually around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The primary purpose of riser pads is to elevate the skateboard deck, which prevents the wheels from making contact with the board when turning or carving.
There are a few reasons why skateboarders might choose to use riser pads. Firstly, they can help to reduce the risk of wheel bite. Wheel bite occurs when the wheels make contact with the skateboard deck during a turn, which can cause the rider to lose balance and fall. By elevating the deck with riser pads, there is more room for the wheels to turn without hitting the deck. Additionally, riser pads can also provide a smoother ride by absorbing some of the shock and vibrations from rough surfaces. Finally, some skateboarders simply prefer the feel of higher trucks and a more elevated deck, which can be achieved with the use of riser pads.
How thick should a riser pad be to reduce wheel bite on my skateboard?
The thickness of a riser pad depends on the size of the wheels and the height of the trucks. Generally, a thicker riser pad can reduce wheel bite, especially for larger wheels. A 1/8 inch riser pad is considered standard for most skateboard setups, but if you have larger wheels (over 55mm) or taller trucks, you may need to use a thicker riser pad. In such cases, a 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch riser pad can be used to prevent wheel bite and improve the overall performance of your skateboard. However, the thickness of a riser pad can also affect the stability and responsiveness of your skateboard, so it’s important to choose the appropriate thickness based on your riding style and preferences.
Can riser pads affect the responsiveness of my skateboard?
Yes, a gravel mountain bike can be used for technical mountain biking trails to an extent. Gravel bikes are designed for endurance riding and have a rugged frame with wider tires for increased stability and grip on uneven terrain. However, they do not have the same suspension as full-suspension mountain bikes, which can make them less suitable for extremely technical trails with jumps, drops and rocky sections.
Gravel bikes can handle moderately technical terrain that is not too steep or rocky, such as fire roads, singletrack trails, and forest paths. As long as riders understand the limitations of their bike and choose trails accordingly, they can enjoy a great ride on their gravel bike while tackling some challenging terrain along the way. Ultimately, it’s important for riders to match their bike to the terrain they’ll be riding, and to choose a mountain bike with the appropriate features and capabilities for the type of riding they want to do.
Are riser pads necessary for all types of skateboards, like longboards and cruisers?
Final Words
After thoroughly analyzing and testing various riser pads for skateboards, our team has come up with the top 13 best ones. The importance of a good quality riser pad cannot be emphasized enough, as it provides crucial shock absorption and helps to prevent wheel bite. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, investing in the best riser pads can greatly enhance your riding experience. Choose from our list of best riser pads for skateboards and enjoy a smoother and safer ride.