Riser Pads are pieces of plastic that fit between the skateboard trucks and deck. Risers are mainly used in less expensive skateboard complete packages you see in Kmart and or Walmart. Back in the 1980's when I first started skating, they were used because most people rode with large wheels and the trucks at that time only came in one height size. Wow, have things changed.

• First of all, you can buy trucks in different heights.
• Secondly, practically all professional street skaters do not use riser pads. Why? Read below.
• Third, they serve no purpose. They make your trucks higher from the deck when you actually want your trucks closer to the deck.  It's called having a lower center of gravity and it makes flip tricks much much easier. That's one of the reasons wheels are small. Do you think Rodney Mullen rides riser pads? NO WAY.
• Another misconception is that riser pads provide shock absorption. Not True. You do not want shock absorption underneath your truck; that's a fact. The only way riser pads will give you shock absorption, is if your riser pads are soft. And, if that were the case, everytime you turn you would feel your truck move; bad news, not safe.

Bottom Line: Unless you ride a longboard or an 80's old school deck, stay away from riser pads. They do nothing for you except make flip tricks harder and your skateboard heavy. Take them off your skateboard and you will see it is much easier to flip your deck. If you see any street skatebaord complete with risers, play it safe and stay away. Chances are, it's a cheapy. We do not use risers on our street completes, "link" but they are and should be used on most longboards and old school decks.

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