Do You Need Risers On A Skateboard? (Quick Answer!)

Are you wondering if risers are necessary on your skateboard? Lately, the talk of the town has been which type of skateboarding equipment should be used to enhance one’s riding experience.

But what many don’t realize is that among all of these various pieces of gear, risers play a huge role and can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time on wheels.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why adding risers on your skateboard could be beneficial for any kind of rider from seasoned skaters to beginners alike.

Get ready as we dive into discovering whether or not you actually need some extra height in order to enjoy skating.

Quick Info: Yes, you need risers on a skateboard to help prevent wheel bite and provide extra clearance for bigger wheels. Risers also reduce the vibrations felt in your feet while riding.

What are skateboard risers?

Skateboard risers are a vital component in the world of skateboarding that is often overlooked.

Designed to fit between the skateboard deck and the trucks, they serve a couple of important purposes.

Firstly, they help to absorb shock and vibrations, which can help to prevent stress fractures and cracks in the deck.

Secondly, they can increase the space between the board and the wheels, which can allow for larger wheels to be used without the risk of wheel bite.

It may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right skateboard risers can make a significant difference in your overall skateboarding experience.

Do I need skateboard risers?

if your skateboard’s trucks are too close to the deck, they might cause wheel bite, which can be dangerous and even cause accidents.

Risers can also improve the board’s maneuverability, making it easier to perform tricks and turns. The thickness of risers varies from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch, depending on personal preference and riding style.

Risers can absorb shock and vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride. While risers may not be necessary for all skateboarders, they can significantly improve the ride and longevity of the board for those who require additional clearance or shock absorption.

So, in short, if you’re experiencing wheel bite or looking to improve the overall ride of your skateboard, risers are a wise investment.

Choosing the right skateboard risers for me:

Go through a few tips to help you choose the right skateboard risers that will help you feel the most comfortable and enhance your skateboarding experience.

Height Matters:

The height of your risers depends on your personal preference, but usually, most skateboard risers are around a quarter of an inch to one inch thick.

For beginners, it’s good to start with a size that isn’t too high, so you can get adjusted to riding with them.

A good start would be to go with a 1/8-inch riser or lower so that you can get used to the feel, then work your way up from there.

Material:

Skateboard risers are made from several types of materials, such as rubber, plastic, and cork.

The material used affects a few things, including durability and the level of shock absorption.

Lower-end risers are typically made of soft plastic or rubber, which makes for a good damping experience.

Higher end risers are made of cork, providing maximum strength and shock absorption. The choice of material is mostly up to personal preference.

Compatibility:

Before purchasing skateboard risers, you’ll want to check if they’re compatible with your current hardware.

The holes in the risers must match up with the holes in your deck, because if they don’t, you’ll have to drill new holes, which is a lot more work than necessary.

It’s always best to check the risers before making the purchase to ensure compatibility.

Noise:

The last thing you want is your skateboard sounding like a squeaky bedframe.

Over time, some skateboard risers can produce a sound that can be irritating to the ears.

If you want to minimize noise and keep things quiet, it’s best to go with rubber or cork risers.

Brand and Price:

Like most other skateboard components, risers come at different price points, with varying brands that manufacture them.

If you’re an experienced skater or looking for something specific, it’s best to do some research and splurge for a higher-priced riser to ensure better durability, quality, and performance.

However, if you’re still new to skateboarding, sticking with a mid-range pair of risers might be the best option. Also, check for warranties that come with the risers.

How do I install skateboard risers?

If you want to install skateboard risers, there are a few steps you need to take. Here’s how:

• Push the screws through the deck of your board.
• Position the riser/shock pad with the extra holes positioned outwards.
• If your shock pads are 1/8” or higher, use a 1” bolt pack. The higher your shock pads, the longer your bolts should be.
• To increase your turn capability, install the wedge risers so that the thick part is closer to the center of the board. You can also flip the direction of your risers if needed.
• If you’re not sure if you need a riser pad between your skateboard and trucks, consider using one as it can help with stability and turning ability.
• When assembling a skateboard, align the risers over the hole on top of the board for correct placement.

Conclusion

Do You Need Risers On A Skateboard? The answer to this question depends on the size of your wheels and the type of skating you are doing.

Skateboard decks that use wheels smaller than 55mm do not require risers. However, even 1/8″ risers can help keep your hardware in place and provide stability when doing certain tricks or riding on rougher surfaces.

Shock pads are also helpful for dampening vibrations when skating on uneven ground. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you need riser pads or not based on your individual needs.