Skateboard Deck Rails – All you Need to Know About

While skateboard deck rails might seem like a piece of plastic with limited, single-use potential at first glance, there is far more than meets the eye.

With only a little digging, you soon discover that most rail options on the market lack quality and selection – but thankfully, not all hope is lost.

Related: Are Skateboard Rails Worth It

“In this blog, we will dive deep into understanding what makes some skateboarding decks stand out from the rest through their superior construction materials, as well as uncovering who should consider investing in them and where to buy these unique models for years worth of shredding enjoyment ahead”

What Are Skateboard Deck Rails

Skateboarding rails may seem basic and insignificant at first glance, but digging deeper reveals that these plastic strips are far from one-dimensional.

These days they’re called Grab Rails, made of durable wood or plastic – with some brands offering higher quality than others.

Moreover, when placed correctly on your deck, rest assured you’ll be able to hit up all the most incredible tricks. But which brands should we choose? Let’s explore this further…

Benefits of the Skateboard Deck Rails

Installing rails on skateboards can be tricky, as anyone who’s experienced the frustrations of cheaply made and constantly slipping pieces will agree. Using an electric screwdriver might seem more efficient, but it doesn’t guarantee success.

Instead, you’ll find yourself stuck with a spinning screw that won’t attach appropriately unless taken off and redone correctly. Thankfully there’s still hope for those sloppy installs; shift them slightly before reattaching to get back in action.

Types of Deck Rails

Deck rails are often overlooked and underestimated, but they can make all the difference in skateboarding.

Although most of them consist of inexpensive injection-mold plastic that may come from one general source, there is still a range in size and quality,  so take your time picking out yours. 

Between USD 10 (for 4 wood screws) or up to USD 20 (5 wood screws), you’ll have plenty of options for colors and rail lengths depending on what fits the wheelbase best. 

As if this wasn’t enough choice already: Shallow rails like those offered by Shake Junt, Enjoi & Santa Cruz provide slimmer profiles which reduces friction ever so slightly from traditional-sized Candy Sticks sold at Welcome Skateboards.

Deck Rails certainly make sure to catch up,  pick them with care. 

Plastic Rails

In the early days of skateboarding, tweaks to a board’s setup were as essential as riding itself. All sorts of crazy inventions and plastic tools hit the market to improve skaters’ abilities. 

Some worked; others didn’t – or looked ridiculous trying. 

Fast-forwarding through time, today we take a look into two bits of hardware that are still used by many riders despite being nothing more than gimmicks.

Though not necessary for cruising around town on your deck, these pieces do offer specific functions—although whether they work is up for interpretation.

If you’re an experienced skateboarder, you have a couple of plastic rails bolted to your board. But why? They serve two distinct purposes: they can help with sliding and grabbing the board during aerial manoeuvres. 

Different plastics will give different results depending on what surface or obstacle is being skated – steel coping, curbs, etc.

So for those who dare take to the streets shredding ramps and grinding ledges, there may be some room in your bag of tricks for these helpful little helpers.

Recommended Skateboard Deck Rails

If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting skateboard deck rail, look no further than UHMW rails. Popular brands like Welcome, Pig, H-Street and Powell Peralta offer them. 

Many skaters recommend the Candy Bars by Welcome, produced to exact original specifications.

So although they may be hard to come across due to their popularity (they last around 5 or 6 decks.), you can rest assured that your money spent means something when investing in quality over quantity.

In contrast, stick with lower-cost injection moulded plastic if all variable factors aside from price are of equal concern; with so much variety on offer at reasonable prices.

There’s no need to settle for lesser quality material costing upwards of twenty dollars steer clear of anything less reputable on shelves as it could have been cheaply made without any thought towards longevity or performance soon after purchase too.

 Following are the few skateboard decks which need to be looked at

Should You Put Rails on Your Skateboard?

For those looking to experience something new on the skatepark, rails are a great way to add some extra flair and style.

Not only can you slide further for more significant moves, but rock-to-fakies or flip tricks will take your riding in an entirely different direction than before. 

With plenty of extraordinary factors attached, this addition will surely leave people’s jaws dropped as they watch from afar. Rails may be slightly intimidating at first while getting used to them. 

However, yet with practice come newfound possibilities that don’t just make it easier to grind ledges; airs become more accessible too. So if pushing yourself has always been part of the plan, don’t miss out: get railing today. 

Rails can make or break the custom skater’s experience – whether you’re looking for an upgraded ride, more stability, or a throwback to 80s style.

 Each board is unique, and each rider will have different needs for achieving their perfect setup. But adding rails gives that classic vibe of vintage boards with copers, nose guards, and a skid tail included. 

How to Attach Skateboard Rails?

Outfitting your skateboard with rails is an easy endeavour. Get a screwdriver and add the metal pieces to the edge of your deck, about one inch away from its borders (unless you want more friction.). 

Be mindful that if the concave shape on which it sits is too steep, move those mounting points closer towards its center.

A thin low-set rail near the edges can cause slightly slippery results. Ultimately how far apart or close together should be determined by whatever feels most comfortable for optimal riding satisfaction.

Do Skateboard Rails Fit all Decks?

Skateboarders who want to fit all 7-ply maple decks will find that deck rails are just the ticket. But they may need extra work with hardwood models like Santa Cruz VX and Powell Peralta Flight. 

An electric screwdriver is perfect for those challenging boards, but be gentle. A little slip could ruin everything. 

If you’d rather avoid drilling altogether, there’s always double-sided mounting tape such as Gorilla Heavy Duty though board sliding is likely of this setup.

Final Verdict

Skateboard deck rails are taking over the skateboarding scene. After spending a few years in near-obscurity, they’ve come roaring back to offer skaters affordable and innovative solutions. 

Board slides get longer, grabs become more accessible, and graphics stay pristine – all thanks to these handy additions that don’t require precise placement gripping onto your board’s edges.

It’s time for you to join the bandwagon and grab some rail action.

FAQs

What Size Rails Do I Need For My Skateboard Deck?
The size of the rails you need depends on the width and shape of your skateboard deck. Generally, more comprehensive and extended decks benefit from more oversized/wider rails, while smaller decks usually require narrower rails.
Space Of The Skateboard Mounting Holes Matters In Boarding?
Please pay attention to how much space there is between your board’s mounting holes and its edge, as this can affect how close or far away from the edge your rail needs to be mounted.

Additionally, if you are using riser pads under your trucks, remember that thicker risers may require deeper cutouts for the rail to fit snugly against your board.

If in doubt, it’s always best to consult an experienced skateboarder who can advise you on the size of rail that best suits your setup.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Rails On My Skateboard?
Rails provide a great way to practice your tricks and help improve your balance, coordination and stability. They help you stay low to the ground while practising ollies and other jumps, which can be difficult with regular flat decks.

Rails also add a unique style to your board, making it stand out from the crowd.

Furthermore, they protect the edges of your deck from wear and tear caused by grinding or sliding, which helps extend its life considerably. Finally, many rails come in bright colours, which can be used as a fun way to customize your skateboard’s look.

All these factors combined make adding rails an excellent choice for any skater looking to take their skills to the next level.

What Material Is Railed Typically Made Of?
Rails are typically made from either plastic or metal, with plastic being the most common due to its lighter weight and affordability. Metal rails are heavier but stronger, making them ideal for skateboarders who like to do lots of grinding, as they can withstand the wear and tear of sliding better than plastic.
How Good Are The Aluminum Metal Rails?
Aluminum is one popular metal used for rails, but many other choices are available. Ultimately, your chosen material will depend on your preferences and riding style. Be sure to research before purchasing to pick the right rail for your board. Happy shredding.
Are Deck Rails Worth It?
The answer to this question is a definite yes. Deck rails are essential to any deck and provide several significant benefits. Not only do they add a nice aesthetic touch, but they also provide additional safety by providing barriers between the deck surface and whatever lies beyond it.
Do Skaters Still Use Rails?
Yes, many skaters still use rails for tricks and stunts. Skateboard rails are usually metal, but plastic and other materials may also be used. Rails provide a smoother surface to ride on and offer additional stability during certain maneuvers.

Many skateparks also feature dedicated areas with rails specifically designed for skating.

What Diameter Should My Skate Rail Be?
The ideal diameter for a skate rail depends on the type of tricks you plan to perform.

Generally, rails with smaller diameters (1/4 inch or less) are best for grinds and slides, while larger diameters (3-4 inches or more) are better suited for flips and other rotational tricks.

Do I Need Skateboard Rails?
Ultimately, this is a personal decision. If you are a beginner skater, invest in some rails so you can practice your tricks and stunts safely.

However, if you are an experienced skater with plenty of skill and technique, you can get away with not having any rails. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whichever option you choose, it’s crucial always to skate safely and have fun.

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