Skateboarding is a thrilling sport, but it comes with its fair share of wear and tear on your board. This is why skateboard deck rails were invented.
Simply put, skateboard deck rails protect the side of your board where it’s most susceptible to damage from tricks and grinds. Additionally, they add a touch of style and personalization to your board.
Brief history of skateboard deck rails
The origin of skateboard deck rails can be traced back to the 1970s when skateboarders started attaching plastic or metal strips to the sides of their boards for protection. These early versions were simple and function-focused, providing little in terms of aesthetics.
Over time, as skateboarding grew in popularity, so did the demand for better quality rails. Skateboard companies began producing more stylish options with various designs and colors to cater to riders’ tastes.
Importance of protecting your skateboard deck
A skateboard deck is the heart and soul of any rider’s setup. From ollies to flip tricks, every move you make puts pressure on your board. Without proper protection, even a well-maintained board can see damage quickly.
That’s where skateboard deck rails come in handy – they’re like armor for your board! Rails keep scratches away from the graphic design on top while lessening wear on the side walls that support weight distribution during pops and landings.
Protecting these areas results in added longevity, meaning you won’t have to replace it as often— saving money in the long run! Plus, decks with well-kept graphics are more visually appealing than those scratched up over time due to rail-less riding!
What are Skateboard Deck Rails?
Skateboard deck rails are small strips of material that attach to the underside of a skateboard deck. Their main purpose is to protect the deck from damage caused by grinding and sliding along rough surfaces.
Not only do they protect your board, but they also help you achieve more control and grip during tricks. Most skateboard deck rails are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, and metal.
Some skaters prefer plastic rails because they offer a smooth surface for grinding while others prefer metal because it offers more durability. Rubber rails have also become popular because they offer a good balance between durability and smoothness.
Definition and Purpose
Skateboard deck rails come in different shapes and sizes depending on the brand and type of rail you choose. Generally speaking, skateboard deck rails run parallel to the edge of your board on both sides. They are typically around 14 inches long and can either cover the entire length of your board or just a portion of it.
The purpose of skateboard deck rails is to prevent damage to your board’s edges caused by grinding against curbs or other rough surfaces. Without them, your board’s edges would quickly wear down causing cracks or chips in the wood which can lead to costly repairs or even replacing the entire board altogether.
Materials Used in Making Skateboard Deck Rails
As mentioned earlier, there are several materials used in making skateboard deck rails such as plastic, rubber, and metal. Plastic is one of the most popular materials used due to its affordability, light weight, and flexibility which makes it ideal for grinding.
Rubber is another material commonly used in making skateboard deck rails because it offers good durability while still providing excellent grip during tricks. Rubber is also fairly inexpensive compared to some other materials such as metal.
Some skateboarders prefer metal as their rail material since it is the most durable, but it’s not as popular due to its high cost and tendency to create sparks during certain tricks. Skateboard deck rails are essential for protecting your board from damage while riding and performing tricks.
They come in various materials that have different benefits and costs associated with them. Choosing the right skateboard deck rail for you depends on personal preference and the type of skating you plan to do.
Benefits of Using Skateboard Deck Rails
Skateboarding is a sport that involves a lot of wear and tear on your skateboard deck. Over time, the bottom of your deck can become scratched and worn from grinding on rails, curbs, and other surfaces. This not only looks unsightly but can also weaken the board itself.
To protect your skateboard deck from this kind of damage, you should consider using skateboard deck rails. Skateboard deck rails are designed to absorb the impact of grinding and sliding along surfaces while protecting the board itself.
They are made from durable materials such as plastic or metal that can withstand the force and friction caused by tricks and slides. By using skateboard deck rails, you’ll extend the life of your board and save money on repairs or replacements in the long run.
In addition to enhancing protection for your skateboard deck, using rails can also improve your grip and control during tricks. The added texture provided by most types of skateboard deck rails gives you a more solid platform to land on when performing tricks like grinds or slides.
This increased stability can help you feel more confident while skating and may even allow you to attempt more advanced maneuvers that were previously out of reach without them. Plus, with so many different colors, patterns, and designs available for skateboard deck rails these days, personalizing your board has never been easier!
Types of Skateboard Deck Rails
If you’re looking to buy skateboard deck rails, it’s important to know the different types available in the market. Essentially, there are two types of skateboard deck rails – full-length rails and shorty rails.
Full-length rails run along the entire length of your board, providing maximum protection against wear and tear. Shorty rails, on the other hand, are shorter and cover only a portion of your board.
Full-Length Rails vs Shorty Rails
Full-length rails offer maximum protection but may add extra weight to your board. They’re more suited for skateboarders who grind on rough surfaces or those who want to protect their boards from damage over long periods of time. Shorty rails are lighter and provide less coverage but allow for more flexibility in maneuvering the board during tricks.
Different Rail Shapes and Sizes
deck rails come in different shapes and sizes. The most common shape is rectangular or square-shaped with rounded edges.
However, some companies have started producing curved or angled rail shapes as well. When it comes to size, most skateboard deck rail lengths range from 7 inches to 14 inches.
Popular Brands in the Market
There are several popular brands that manufacture high-quality skateboard deck rails such as Independent Trucks, Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz Skateboards and many more. When purchasing skateboard deck rails, be sure to check out reviews online or ask fellow skaters for their recommendations before making a purchase decision.
Overall, choosing the right type of skateboard deck rail depends on your personal preferences and skateboarding style. Whether you opt for full-length or shorty rails with rectangular or curved shapes – make sure you choose a durable product that provides ample protection to enhance your skateboarding experience!
How to Install Skateboard Deck Rails
Installing skateboard deck rails is a quick and easy process that can be done at home. There are two types of rails: full-length and shorty rails.
Full-length rails extend the entire length of the skateboard from nose to tail, while shorty rails only cover a small portion of the board. The installation process for both types of rails is similar, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
Step-by-step guide on installing full-length rails
1. Start by cleaning your skateboard deck thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. 2. Measure the length of your skateboard deck to determine how much rail material you will need for each side.
3. Cut the rail material to size using a ruler or measuring tape and scissors. 4. Peel off the backing paper from one end of the rail and align it with the edge of your skateboard deck.
5. Use a hard object like a credit card or roller tool to press down on the rail firmly, making sure there are no air bubbles trapped underneath. 6. Continue peeling off sections of backing paper and pressing down on the rail until you have covered the entire length of your skateboard deck on both sides.
Tips for installing shorty rails
Shorty rails are easier to install than full-length ones since they only cover a small portion of the board. Here are some tips for installing them: 1. Choose where you want your shorty rails to go – near either end or in between bolts – and mark their location with a pencil.
2. Clean that area thoroughly beforehand so that there is no dirt or debris present when you apply them. 3. Peel off one end of a shorty rail’s backing paper, align it with where you want it placed, and press it down firmly onto your board’s surface with your fingers first.
4. After you’ve gotten it placed in the correct spot, use a flat object like the side of a pen to press harder on the rail’s surface to ensure it has properly adhered to your skateboard deck. 5. Repeat this process for each rail, ensuring that they are all aligned and centered correctly.
By following these simple steps, you can easily install skateboard deck rails without any trouble. Once installed, they will provide extra grip, reduce wear and tear on your board, and add a personal touch to your skateboard’s design.
Maintenance Tips for Skateboard Deck Rails
Cleaning Your Rails
Keeping your deck rails clean is crucial to their longevity. Dirt and grime buildup can quickly eat away at the material and weaken the adhesive that holds them onto your board.
To keep them clean, give them a good wipe down after every use with a damp cloth or towel. If they are really dirty, you can use a mild soap solution to break up any stubborn dirt.
Regular Inspection
Just like any other part of your skateboard setup, it’s important to regularly inspect your deck rails for signs of wear and tear. Check for any cracks or splits in the material that could make them less effective at protecting your board. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace them right away before they cause more harm than good.
Proper Storage
When you’re not using your skateboard, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its longevity. When it comes to deck rails, this means keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. You can store your board inside or in a cool, dry place like a garage or closet.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Rails for Longevity
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While mild soap solutions are okay for cleaning your skateboard deck rails, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners which can damage the material over time.
Replace When Necessary
If you notice significant wear on your deck rails after months of usage, don’t hesitate to replace them. The longer you wait, the more prone they become towards completely wearing out which could harm both yourself as well as potentially damaging other parts of your skateboard setup.
By following these simple maintenance tips for skateboard deck rails, you’ll be able to keep them in top condition and get the most out of your investment. Not only will you be protecting your skateboard deck from wear and tear, but you’ll also be improving your grip and control during tricks, while simultaneously adding a personal touch to your ride!
Conclusion
deck rails are an essential accessory for any skateboarder who wants to keep their board in top condition and improve their performance. By protecting the deck from wear and tear, rails can help extend the life of your board and save you money in the long run. Additionally, they offer enhanced grip and control that can make it easier to land tricks and elevate your riding.
There are many benefits to using skateboard deck rails, including personalization and style options that allow you to express yourself through your gear. With different rail shapes, sizes, and colors available on the market today, you can customize your board to fit your unique style preferences.
Overall, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, investing in a set of skateboard deck rails is a smart choice. Not only will they protect your board from scratches and dings, but they’ll also help improve your riding experience.
So why wait? Get out there and start exploring all the options available for skateboard deck rails today!
