If you skateboard, you have probably contemplated whether or not the use of rails is worthwhile at some point. Is there truly no way around it? What kind of benefits do they provide to your skating? Is it worth it to skateboard on rails? Are skateboard rails worth it?
There is no straightforward solution when it refers to the best skateboard rails. They are a lot of fun sometimes, but they also have some negative aspects.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using skateboard rails, giving you the information you need to make an educated choice regarding whether or not you should purchase any for yourself.
What Are Skateboard Rails?
Skateboard rails are typically composed of metal and are utilized to perform tricks while riding a skateboard. They come in various sizes and forms and can stand independently or be affixed to a wall or another surface.
What do Skateboard Rails Do For A Skateboarder?
Slides, Grinds, and manuals are just some of the skateboarding manoeuvres that may be performed with the assistance of the lightest skateboard rails.
The skateboarder will ollie onto the rail to execute a grind, then slide along the rail while maintaining their weight distribution. Slides are very similar to grinds, with the primary difference being that the skateboarder does not maintain constant contact with the rail while performing the slide.
To accomplish a manual on a skateboard, the rider must maintain their balance on the top truck of the board while traveling down the length of the rail.
Are Skateboard Rails Worth It?
Are skateboard rails worth it? To a large extent, this is determined by the goals you have for your time spent skateboarding. If you are the type of skater who loves grinding and performing tricks on rails, and so the addition of a few rails to your neighbourhood skatepark might be a wonderful thing to have to happen.
On the other hand, if you are keener on street skating and Vert skating than rails, then you will not get much use out of them. To a large extent, everything boils down to a matter of taste.
When it relates to skating, the possibilities are virtually unlimited; thus, you should determine what aspects of the sports appeal to you the most and build from there. Skating may be done in any way you like, so pick the technique that suits you best and have some fun with it.
Should I Put Rails On My Skateboard?
It depends on the type of skating you wish to participate in. Grinds and slides are two techniques that are made more accessible by using skateboard rails for the deck, but rails can also come in the way of you performing other tricks.
Skateboarding sans rails is an excellent way to get your feet wet if you are just getting started in the sport. You will better understand the board and how it reacts to your actions if you practice in this manner.
If you have a more excellent knowledge of how to operate the board, you will be able to determine whether or not rails would have been helpful to you at that point. In the end, the decision on whether or not to install rails on the skateboard is entirely up to you.
Can The Size Of The Skateboard Affect Your Experience?
The size of the skateboard deck rails is an important consideration. One generalization to remember is that narrower boards tend to be more manoeuvrable, while larger boards tend to be more stable.
If you want to delve into the details, looking at the rail width of the board is a fine place to start, but if you wish to be even more specific, you should focus on the wheelbase. When we talk about the distance that separates the inner mounting holes of trucks, we are referring to that as the wheelbase.
When analyzing the rails of a skateboard deck, the wheelbase is a helpful measurement tool for determining the stability of the entire deck.
The pros of using skateboard rails
Skate parks, as well as street skating, frequently make use of rails designed for skateboarding. Skateboarders of all skill levels love the mental and physical challenge of riding the rails, which can be an excellent way to advance your abilities.
There are various kinds of rails, each of which has a variety of advantages that are unique to itself. As an illustration, manuals and several other skateboarding tricks that demand balance and coordination are frequently practiced on box rails.
You may increase your speed by skating on curved rails, but performing grinds on flat rails is the best way to improve your technique. In addition, rail can be utilized to create a more dynamic skating experience for the skater. Utilizing rails in your skating can help you go to the next level, regardless of whether you are just starting or are a seasoned veteran.
The Cons Of Using Skateboard Rails
Skateboard rails decks have several problems, even though they can create a silky smooth surface and are easy to slide. To begin, the rails of a skateboard can be dangerously slippery, especially when wet.
If you fall due to this, you could get a catastrophic injury. In addition, over time, rails can cause damage to the wheels of your skateboard.
The grinding action can eventually wear down its wheels, increasing their susceptibility to flat and other issues. Last but not least, skateboard rail can be pretty pricey. If you want to skate on a surface that will not break the bank, you should choose one of the more classic options.
Installation Tips And A Complete Guide For Skateboard Rails
We will walk you through installing skateboard deck rails in just three simple steps. Continue reading or skip forward to any of the following steps:
- Screw Rails to Deck
- Align Rails Vertically
- Align Rails Horizontally
Gather materials
You will need a few different tools and materials before you can get started. We will walk you through installing deck railings in your backyard when you finally have everything.
- Drill or screwdriver of some kind
- A pair of skateboard deck rails (if you have them)
- Nails (Included With Your Rails)
Align Rails Vertically
To get started, line up the rails on your skateboard deck, so they are evenly spaced between your wheels. When you make a rapid turn on your skateboard, the wheels could scrape against them if positioned too far front or backward.
To ensure that the rail will be centred, you can either measure the distance between your wheels or, if you are in a hurry, you can eyeball it.
Align Rails Horizontally
Next, you need to position your skateboarding rails onto your deck so that they are at the highest point possible without being too close to the middle of the board.
If you do it this way, you will be sliding along the rails instead of sliding over the deck when you perform a boardslide. This point is usually approximately one and a half inches away from the edge of your deck.
If you have a more expansive deck, the railings will need to be installed closer to the deck’s centre than on a narrower deck.
Screw Rails To The Deck
Finally, you will want to use the included screws to fasten the skateboarding rails to your deck. Some railing systems include adhesive strips to help keep the rail in place. First, before screws are inserted, these aid in maintaining the rails’ stability to your board and improve their overall retention.
Start with one of the nails on the rails’ end and insert the first screw with a screwdriver or drill. You must go slowly and exert considerable downward pressure when using a drill.
One will need to use much more force to get the screw into the deck when using a screwdriver.
To ensure that the rail does not catch on anything as you skate, the screws should be inserted more profoundly than the rail’s face. As you twist the initial and second screws, keep a hold on the opposite end of the rail to prevent it from spinning.
Tighten each screw as you move down the rail. You are ready to start ripping some lipslides after all the nails are firmly in place. Remember to tighten your rails again after each skate session.
Skateboard Nose And Tail Guards
Similar to how deck rails are installed, nose or tail guards are small plastic strips that clip onto your deck’s front or back.
They give additional protection from harm when someone slips out and send your board flying into a curb. They offer a slick surface that makes nose & tail slides glide like butter, much like rails do.
Tips:
Assuming that you have previously procured your skateboard rails, the following are some pointers regarding their assembly. First, you will need to determine the width of the skateboard deck you are using and then add three inches to that number.
The length of the rail will be equal to this measurement. This length should be cut into two sections of rail. Sandpaper should then be used to create a rough texture on the rails’ upper surface and the deck’s lower surface.
Because of this, the rails will easily stick to the deck. Now, on the upper surface of one of the rails, spread enough skateboard rails adhesive so that it is evenly distributed. Utilizing a putty knife, spread it out evenly.
Put some pressure on the railing once you have attached it to the middle of your deck. The adhesive needs to dry for a full day before it can be used.
FAQs
How much do skateboard rails cost?
The cost of skateboard rails varies depending on the type of rail, its size, and the material it is made from. Generally speaking, a basic set of rails can range anywhere from $20 to over $100. Higher-end models may be more expensive due to their higher quality materials and construction.
What types of skateboard rails are available?
There are many different types of skateboard rails available on the market today. Some common varieties include flat bars, kinked bars, grind boxes, quarter pipes, Hubba’s, fun boxes, and ledges. Each type has its own benefits and uses that should be considered when choosing the right rail for your needs.
Do I need to install skateboard rails?
It is usually not necessary to install skateboard rails in order to use them. However, there are some cases where it may be beneficial to install the rails in order to ensure proper positioning and secure attachment. If you plan to use your rails regularly or for tricks, installation is recommended.
What should I look for when buying skateboard rails?
When shopping for skateboard rails, you should consider the type of riding you plan on doing as well as the materials used in construction and size of rail. Make sure that whatever model you choose is suitable for your skill level and intended purpose.
Conclusion
So, should you spend your money on skateboard rails? The correct response is that it is possible. Skateboard rails are fundamentally the same as any other obstacle that may be present in the environment in which you choose to skate.
They allow you to perform tricks that you would not otherwise be able to, which brings an additional dimension of excitement to your skating, and they offer you the opportunity to do these things.