Skateboard Risers

Understanding Skateboard Risers

Skateboard risers, often referred to as riser pads or skateboard truck risers, are solid plastic accessories that help prevent wheel bite and provide extra clearance while you ride. These riser pads fit between your trucks and the deck, raising your skateboard's height above the ground. Wheel bite can be risky and cause damage to your skateboard, so obtaining risers is an easy and cost-effective way to steer clear of this issue.

Skate risers are frequently mistaken for skateboard shock pads. While risers are crafted from plastic to elevate the deck's height and prevent wheel bites, shock pads are typically manufactured from rubber or dense foam to cushion impacts and minimize vibration during skating.

Determining the Right Size of Skateboard Risers

The appropriate riser size depends on your wheels' dimensions and the height of the trucks. For instance, with a setup that includes larger wheels and features low or mid trucks, thicker risers are likely necessary. However, if your wheels measure less than 54 mm, you probably won’t require risers. The three customary sizes available are 1/8” (3.175 mm), 1/4” (6.35 mm), and 1/2” (12.7 mm), based on the amount of clearance desired.

Bear in mind that adding risers means you will need hardware that is sufficiently long for your setup. Review our Buying Guide for Skateboard Bolts and Riser Pads to ensure you select the correct size.

Additionally, consider the shape of the pads you prefer: rectangular or angled. The traditional design is rectangular and commonly used on skateboards, while angled or wedged risers change the truck angles, influencing the riding style more significantly. Angled risers are more popular among cruisers and longboards.

If you're in need of new nuts and bolts for your updated setup, explore our selection of Skateboard Hardware.