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
- Santa Cruz (HSR Rails are garbage)
- OJ
- Shake Junt
- Creature
- Enjoi
- Madness
- Snot
- Heritage
- Rad Railz
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.