Skateboard rails, also called deck rails or ribs, are key in skateboarding. They add to the customization and help your deck last longer. These pieces are made from plastic, metal, or wood. They clip to your deck’s bottom. Rails protect your board from damage when you’re hitting impacts or doing slides. They let you go all out without harming your skateboard’s build.
Skateboard rails work to keep your board in good shape and keep its graphics safe. They make slides smoother. This feature has gotten a lot of praise recently. Even pro skaters like Jamie Foy recommend using them. Adding rails cuts down on wear and tear. It also lets you tweak your board’s look and feel to match your skating style. With rails, you find the right mix of protection and looks for better skateboarding.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard rails, or deck ribs, protect your board from damage during slides and impacts.
- Enhances the life of your skateboard and helps in preserving underside graphics.
- Popularly used accessory among skaters for skateboard customization.
- Essential for smoother slides and improving skateboarding performance.
- Can be made of various materials such as plastic, metal, or wood.
Understanding Skateboard Rails: An Overview
Since the late ’70s, skateboard rails have been key in skateboarding. They were first made to protect the board and help with tricks. Now, they are made from strong plastics or metals for better sliding and to last longer.
In this skateboard rails overview, we see how rails have changed for today’s skateboarders. They come in different lengths and styles, fitting various skateboarding types. This makes them a must-have for skateboarders at any level.
Rails protect the edges of a skateboard from damage during grinds and slides. This keeps the board from breaking and lets it last longer. It helps maintain the board’s performance too.
Rails also make the board slide better. They help you slide smoother, faster, and farther. They even make normally tough surfaces easier to slide on. This saves money on skateboard wax, which costs about $5.
Adding rails improves safety and how well you perform. They give you a better grip for tricks, making it easier to hold onto your board. Plus, putting them on is easy, needing just a simple screwdriver or drill.
To sum up, this skateboard rails overview shows how important rails are. They protect your board, make slides better, and improve your skateboarding. Skateboard rails are a great way to upgrade your board.
The Functionality of Rails in Skateboarding
Rails boost *skateboard performance enhancement* by making grinds and slides smoother. They guard your board against damage like chips and cracks. Up to 30% of skate decks face these issues over time. Rails are key for better skateboarding and saving your board from harm.
Rails also make your skateboard slide better, for moves like boardslides and lipslides. They can bump up slide speed by 25% on rails versus bare decks. Sliding becomes easier, and you use less wax, saving money if you skate a lot.
Besides better slides, rails help with grip for grab tricks, boosting grip security by 40%. This is great for skaters wanting to get better at their tricks. And adding rails is easy, taking less than 10 minutes with a drill. That’s why many skaters like upgrading with rails.
Skateboard rails are also cost-effective, priced between $10 and $30. They save you up to $100 by making your board last longer and cutting down maintenance costs. Made from tough plastic, with a durability rating higher than normal decks, rails keep your skateboard in good shape for longer.
How Rails Affect Your Skateboarding Style
Rails add protection and a personal touch to your skateboard. You can choose from different materials like colorful plastics or sleek metals. This choice helps make your board unique and improves your ride. Whether you like eco-friendly options or bright colors, there’s a rail for everyone. For street skating, the right rail offers stability for tricks like ollies or grinding on stairs.
Skateboard rails greatly affect how your board handles. For tough tricks, heavier rails are best because they’re strong and stable. But if you skate every day, lighter rails could be better. They give you more control and are easier to use. To see how different materials change your skateboarding style, check out this comprehensive resource on skateboard rails.
Choosing the right rail isn’t just about looks. It also boosts your board’s performance, making tricks smoother. Tricks like the 50-50 and boardslide need you to stand and move a certain way. Wax on the rails helps you slide smoother and control your board better. Talking to other skaters about waxing can also keep everyone safer.
As skateboarding gets more popular, style and performance become more important. Knowing how rails affect your skateboard lets you customize it for your style and skills. With the right setup and lots of practice, you can get better at skateboarding.
Choosing the Right Rails for Your Skateboard
Choosing the right rails for your skateboard is key. It helps you customize your ride to fit your style and needs. The right rails do more than look good; they improve your board’s performance.
Rails are made from different materials. Plastic rails are common because they are light and durable. Powell Peralta uses a tough type of plastic that resists abrasion. This helps your rails last longer, even when doing tricks. Metal rails are stronger and better for harder skating.
Rail size is important too. They need to fit your skateboard deck just right. This keeps your balance and makes sure the board works like it should. Mount the rails about 1 to 1.5 inches from the edge for the best slide. It’s also smart to tighten them often to keep them working well.
The style of your rails can change how your board looks and rides. Wooden rails are getting popular again but you see more plastic and metal these days. Choosing rails with the right grip and style makes skating better. Powell Peralta Rib Bones and Santa Cruz Skateboard Rails are known for their grip and high performance.
| Brand | Price Range (USD) | Grip Level | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powell Peralta Rib Bones | $15 – $25 | 4.5/5 | 5 grip holes |
| Pig Skateboard Deck Rails | $12 – $15 | 4.0/5 | Standard grip |
| Santa Cruz Skateboard Rails | $8 – $12 | 4.5/5 | 10 metallic screws, 5 inches length |
For tips on skateboard customization, check out which longboard should I buy.
Choosing the right rails is about more than looks. Their quality and material affect how long they last and how smooth your tricks are. Think about these things to pick the best rails for your skateboarding.
Installation and Maintenance of Skateboard Rails
Installing skateboard rails right starts with lining them up along your board’s length. This makes sure they’re evenly spaced and stay put. Most skateboard decks have 8 holes for truck attachment. It’s best to use at least 8 nuts and bolts to keep the trucks tight.
You’ll need to screw the rails in place to keep them from moving while you ride. The right tightness is key to stop wheel wobble, showing the setup’s good. It’s also important to keep checking the screws and bolts. This helps avoid any loosening that could worsen how the skateboard performs.
Keeping your rails in good shape is crucial. Clean them often to stop dirt from affecting their work. If they get too worn, replace them quickly. Taking care of your skateboard rails not only makes rides smoother but also makes your board last longer.
It’s also key to check that everything on your skateboard is aligned and tight. This includes making sure your grip tape sticks well and your wheels spin right. Paying attention to these small details greatly improves your skateboard’s work and safety.
By following these tips on skateboard rails installation and care, you can skate with confidence. You’ll know your gear is well-maintained and ready for action.
Benefits of Using Rails on Your Skateboard
Skateboard rails protect your deck from scrapes and breaks. This is essential when doing complicated tricks that could harm your board. Rails make your skateboard last longer, saving you time and money on repairs or new purchases.
Rails also make sliding smoother and faster on surfaces. They help you slide without needing wax, saving money and boosting your performance. They also give extra grip for grab tricks, helping skateboarders who do these often.
Furthermore, rails improve your skateboard’s control and stability. They are durable, which means you won’t need to replace your board as often. This makes them great for both new and experienced riders. Installing rails is easy, usually just needing a Phillips head screwdriver or a power drill.
Rails can keep the graphics on your deck looking new. They also let you slide on rusty or rough ledges without harm, perfect for city skating. Plus, they help prevent your board from breaking during tricks, which is great for heavier skaters.
In conclusion, skateboard rails offer many advantages. They protect your board, improve sliding and grip, make it more durable, and keep the deck looking good. Adding rails to your skateboard can greatly improve your experience, whether you’re just starting or have been skateboarding for years.
Conclusion: Rails as an Essential Skateboard Accessory
Skateboard rails play a big role in skateboarding today. At first, they were just to protect your board. Now, they’re key for making your skateboard last longer and perform better. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been skating for years, knowing about rails can really up your game.
Rails are made from tough stuff like polyurethane and stainless steel. This keeps your board safe from damage. Brands such as Santa Cruz and Powell Peralta offer top-notch rails. They come in cool colors to make your skateboard stand out. Powell Peralta Rib Bones, in particular, are famous for top-tier protection, even if they cost a bit more.
Putting skateboard rails on the right way is important. You have to line them up just right and screw them in securely. Keeping your rails clean helps them last longer, avoiding rust and dirt. Using quality skateboard parts, like Pivot Cups and Element Rib Bones, helps your board stay in shape longer. This means more skating and less fixing.
Overall, adding rails to your skateboard setup is really beneficial. They help your deck last longer, make tricks easier, and add personal flair to your board. With so many great reasons, skateboard rails are clearly not just an extra—they’re a must-have for serious skateboarders.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!