Risers, also known as shock pads, are small pieces of plastic or rubber that are typically placed in between the skateboard deck and the trucks. Their purpose is to provide extra height for the truck, helping to improve stability and comfort when riding a skateboard.
There are several different types of risers available, each designed for a specific purpose. Some risers are designed to provide a smoother ride, while others are made of harder materials that help to improve the responsiveness and control of the skateboard.
what do risers do on a skateboard? Benefits of risers
USING SHOCK PADS FOR DAMPENING
One of the primary benefits of shock pads is their ability to absorb impact and vibrations, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. This is especially beneficial for beginners who are still getting used to skateboarding, as it can help to make the experience more enjoyable. Additionally, shock pads can help to protect the deck from damage caused by impacts with the ground or other objects.
PREVENT WHEEL BITE S
Another benefit of risers is that they can help to prevent wheel bites. Wheel bite occurs when the wheels of the skateboard come into contact with the deck, causing the board to stop abruptly. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can cause the rider to lose balance and fall off the board. By raising the trucks slightly off the deck, risers can help to prevent wheel bite and improve the safety of the ride.
IMPROVING STABILITY AND RESPONSIVENESS
Another benefit of risers is that they can help to improve the stability and responsiveness of the skateboard. This is due to the fact that they provide extra height for the trucks, which helps to distribute weight more evenly across the board. Additionally, risers can help to prevent the trucks from bottoming out, which can cause the skateboard to become less responsive.
INCREASING GROUND CLEARANCE
Risers can also help to increase ground clearance, which is beneficial for riders who want to avoid obstacles while skating. This is especially helpful for street skaters who may encounter things like potholes, cracks in the pavement, or other debris while skating. By increasing ground clearance, shock pads can help to keep skateboards on track and prevent damage to the trucks and board.
Overall, there are many benefits of using risers when riding a skateboard. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, shock pads can help to improve the stability, comfort, and responsiveness of your skateboard. With so many different types of risers available, there is sure to be a set that is perfect for your skating needs.
Different Types of Risers
There are several different types of shock pads available, each designed for a specific purpose. Some shock pads are made from softer materials to provide more comfort and cushioning, while others are made from harder materials that improve responsiveness and control. Some of the most common types of risers include:
● Soft risers: Made from soft foam or rubber materials, soft risers are ideal for beginner and casual skaters who want a smoother ride. They help to absorb impact while providing extra cushioning and comfort.
● Hard risers: Made from harder plastic or metal materials, hard risers can be used by more experienced or aggressive riders who want increased responsiveness and control. These types of risers are typically thinner than soft risers, which helps to improve ground clearance.
● Pivot cups: Pivot cups are small plastic or rubber cups that fit over the kingpin of the trucks. They help to improve the turning radius of the skateboard and provide extra cushioning for hard landings.
● Shock bolts: Also known as “shock pins”, shock bolts are small set screws that are placed between the deck and the trucks of the skateboard. Like pivot cups, they help to improve turning radius and provide extra cushioning for hard landings.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, there is a type of riser that is perfect for your needs. By choosing the right type of riser, you can improve the comfort, stability, and responsiveness of your skateboard.
Do risers help you ollie higher?
One of the most common questions that people ask about risers is whether or not they help you ollie higher. The answer to this question is a bit complicated, as it depends on a number of factors. In general, however, risers can help to improve the height of your ollies by providing extra clearance for the wheels. This is because risers help to increase ground clearance, which gives the wheels more room to spin. Additionally, risers can help to improve the stability of the skateboard, which can also lead to higher ollies.
Do risers affect skating?
In general, risers can have both a positive and a negative effect on your skating. On the one hand, they can help to improve the stability and responsiveness of your skateboard, which can make it easier to perform tricks like ollies and kickflips. However, some types of risers can also affect skating by reducing ground clearance. This can make it more difficult to avoid obstacles while skating, and can also lead to damage to the bottom of the board. Overall, the effect that risers have on skating depends on the type of riser you use and your personal skating style.
How do I choose the right size riser for my skateboard?
When choosing risers for your skateboard, it is important to consider both the height and the width of the risers. The height of the riser will affect the ground clearance of your skateboard, while the width will affect the stability.
In general, wider risers are more stable than narrower ones, but they can also make it more difficult to perform certain tricks. If you are a beginner skater, it is best to start with wider risers that provide increased ground clearance and stability.
However, as you gain more experience and become more comfortable on your skateboard, you can experiment with narrower risers in order to improve your performance. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right size riser for your skateboard is to experiment with different sizes and types until you find the right combination that works best for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, risers are a necessary part of any skateboard and can help to improve the comfort, stability, and responsiveness of your ride. However, it is important to choose the right type and size of riser for your needs in order to avoid affecting your skating.
FAQs
Do I need risers on my skateboard?
The short answer is no, you don’t need risers on your skateboard. However, some skaters prefer to use them for a variety of reasons. Risers can help to prevent wheel bites (when your wheels get caught on the deck of your board, causing you to stop abruptly or even fall), they can provide additional clearance if you’re using larger wheels, and they can give your setup a more customized look. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to use risers on your skateboard.
Do Pro skaters use riser pads?
It’s up to the skater whether or not they want to use risers on their board. Some pro skaters do use them, while others don’t. It really depends on each skater’s individual preference. Many factors can come into play when a skater is deciding whether or not to use risers, such as the type of skating they’re doing, the size of their wheels, and personal aesthetics.