Skateboard deck rails might seem like simple plastic strips, but they play a crucial role in skateboarding, offering enhanced slide capabilities and deck protection. While many perceive them as just basic add-ons, a closer look reveals variations in quality, materials, and functionality. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about skateboard deck rails, helping you choose the right ones for your setup.
What Are Skateboard Deck Rails?
Skateboard with deck rails attached to the bottom, showcasing their position and function
Skateboard deck rails are essentially injection-molded plastic strips that attach to the bottom edges of a skateboard deck. Typically around 14.5 inches long, 0.5 inches wide, and 0.5 inches tall, they serve primarily to improve sliding performance and protect your deck’s graphics. In the past, when skateboard decks lacked concave, sliding was difficult due to high friction. Rails significantly reduced this friction, making slides more achievable. Initially, skaters used rails to grab onto the board during aerial maneuvers in vert ramps and bowls. The advent of plastic rails allowed for more efficient board slides and now also serves as a great way to preserve your board’s graphics.
The Pros and Cons of Deck Rails
Close-up showing the space between two skateboard deck rails, illustrating their typical placement on the deck
While deck rails offer several benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks. One common complaint is the need for frequent tightening, especially with lower-quality rails. This issue can be frustrating and may require constant adjustments. Another problem arises during installation. Using an electric screwdriver might lead to over-tightening, causing screws to spin without securing the rails properly. It’s advisable to use a regular screwdriver to avoid this. However, there’s a clever fix suggested by a fellow skater: apply a small drop of blue Lock Tight to the bolt threads. This will keep the screws from loosening without being too difficult to remove later on. The red Lock Tight, on the other hand, is not recommended because it requires heat to break the seal and can make rail removal difficult.
On the plus side, the advantage of rails is that they significantly improve the distance and ease of sliding. Some trucks respond better to rails than others, and experimenting is the best way to find what works for you. Deck rails also provide a classic aesthetic, giving your board an old-school vibe that many skaters appreciate.
Types Of Deck Rails
A variety of different skateboard deck rails, showcasing the subtle differences in shape, size and color
Most skateboard deck rails are made of cheap, injection-molded plastic, and it’s not uncommon for various brands to source their rails from the same factories. This means there isn’t a large difference in the basic materials used. The primary differences lie in size and overall quality. Some rails are slightly wider or longer than others, so it’s essential to pick a set that aligns with your skateboard’s wheelbase. A slimmer rail should theoretically cause less friction, though the practical difference is likely negligible. The price typically ranges from $10 to $20, with a variety of color options available. Some brands, like Santa Cruz, offer slimmer rails, or include five wood screws instead of four. There are also asymmetrical options like the Candy Sticks from Welcome. The performance benefits of these variations are debatable.
Recommended Skateboard Deck Rails
The best deck rails are made from UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), which offers superior durability and performance. Brands like Welcome, Pig, H-Street, and Powell Peralta are known for producing UHMW rails. The Candy Bars Rails from Welcome, produced by PS Stix, are particularly noteworthy, as they are a faithful reproduction of the original design. These are durable, typically lasting through five to six decks. However, due to high demand, they can be difficult to find. Many other brands sell rails made from cheap injection-molded plastic which do not have the same durability or slide.
Here’s a list of brands that are known for using lower quality plastic for their rails:
- Santa Cruz (HSR Rails are not recommended)
- OJ
- Shake Junt
- Creature
- Enjoi
- Madness
- Snot
- Heritage
- Rad Railz
- etc.
Let’s explore the best brands for high-quality UHMW rails.
1. Welcome Candy Bars Rails
Welcome Candy Bars deck rails, highlighted for their unique shape and material
Welcome Candy Bars Rails are known for their high-quality construction. These rails are sold individually, come with pre-applied double-sided foam tape, which enhances their grip and reduces rattling. Their asymmetrical design makes them easier to grab than traditional rails, and their height is designed so you can position them further apart, even on decks with a steep concave. This allows for better contact during slides. These rails are made from high-molecular-density extruded plastic making them much more durable than their injection-molded counterparts. The Welcome Candy Bars Rails are essentially a version of the original Schmitt Stix rails, and are highly sought after.
2. H-Street Custom Deck Rails
H-Street offers custom deck rails which are made of high quality plastic. These rails are less common and require contacting H-street directly to order. Like the Welcome Candy Bars, they are made of high-quality plastic, adhere well to the deck, and reduce the need for constant tightening. Unlike the Welcome rails, H-Street rails are symmetrical. They are handmade in San Diego and replicate the H-Street rails from the 1980s. The UHMW material makes them highly abrasion-resistant and better than the standard rails found in most skate shops.
3. Pig Rails
Pig skateboard deck rails, emphasizing their sturdy design and rounded edges
Pig is a brand recognized for its high-quality skateboard accessories, including their deck rails. Pig rails are known for being durable and less prone to cracking, even when they come into contact with ledges. Pig offers a variety of colors at a reasonable price. These rails are wider and thinner than Rib Bones, and slightly harder, making them less flexible. While they can be bent, they require more force than the softer Rib Bones. The soft rounded edges feel like they should last a long time.
4. Powell Peralta Rib Bones
Powell Peralta Rib Bones, showcasing their slender profile and sharper edges
Powell Peralta was one of the first companies to take inspiration from the original Schmitt Stix rails. Powell Peralta has been producing Rib Bones for over 30 years, and they are also made of UHMW. Rib Bones are very soft and highly flexible, with a sharper edge compared to other rails. While their performance is close to that of Candy Bars, they are noticeably slimmer but taller than Pig Rails. This means slightly less clearance but more material to work through.
The Origin Of Skateboard Deck Rails
Deck rails have been around since the late 1970s. Initially they fell out of favor when concave decks became the norm. The first rails were made from wood and referred to as “Grab Rails” because they were used for gripping, not sliding. They reappeared around 2016 as vintage decks and accessories started to come back into style.
According to Schmitt, the idea of creating rails that could slide came from a skater named ‘Ollie’ (although it is unconfirmed whether this was Alan Gelfand). Wooden rails would grip the edge of coping which would make sliding impossible, so using plastic was the solution.
Schmitt Stix
Paul “The Professor” Schmitt (owner of PS Stix woodshop) laminated rails with fiberglass and formica with a wooden core to create a durable rail. However, the production costs were too high. Schmitt then experimented with UHMW plastic which is also known for being very durable and not burning or developing sharp edges due to friction.
Schmitt initially used scraps of UHMW plastic and manually cut the strips and drilled holes before combining it with silicon. This soft, but durable plastic became known as Silly Sticks. The company he worked with offered UMHW scraps. Schmitt then made a deal with a plastic company to supply ready made rails.
While Schmitt did not come up with the name Schmitt Stix himself, it was derived from Fish Sticks (wooden rails made by pro skater Steve Fisher). When Schmitt began to sell his plastic rails, skaters began calling them Schmitt Sticks. Schmitt Stix remain unchanged since the 1980s, however, the originals are hard to find. Due to their popularity, other companies started copying the design. Schmitt has no problem with it as he believes if nobody copies you, your product isn’t a success.
Should You Put Rails on Your Skateboard?
Deck rails are beneficial when you have trouble sliding your skateboard. They will change how coping tricks feel at first since you’ll be slightly closer to the edge. It will take some time to adjust to this difference. Rock-to-fakies will also feel different. If you do many flip tricks, the board might feel different as well. It really depends on your skating style. The aesthetic appeal of rails can also be an added benefit.
If you enjoy the look of rails and want to improve your slides, they are a great choice. They’re also useful for skaters who struggle with grabbing their board in aerial tricks. While rails can make some tricks easier, they can also make others more difficult. The only way to know is by trying them out. For those building a custom old-school skateboard, rails are essential to achieve that vintage aesthetic. To complete this classic look, consider adding a skid tail, copers, and a nose guard.
How to Attach Skateboard Rails
The proper way to attach skateboard deck rails using a manual screwdriver, avoiding over-tightening
Attaching rails is straightforward. Place the rails vertically along the bottom edges of your skateboard deck and use a screwdriver to secure them. The ideal placement is about 1 inch from the edge of the board. However, this distance can change depending on the concave and the height of the rails. For decks with a steep concave, you might want to move the rails slightly closer to the center. If your rails are thin and mounted near the edge, the middle of the deck might make contact during slides, leading to increased friction. Ultimately, you should experiment to find the placement that is most comfortable for you.
Do Skateboard Rails Fit all Decks?
Skateboard deck rails in their packaging, highlighting the product's typical presentation
Skateboard deck rails are designed to fit all 7-ply maple decks, but they should not exceed the wheelbase of your board. For those with Santa Cruz VX or Powell Peralta Flight decks, screwing in the wood screws can be a bit more difficult due to the increased hardness of these decks. However, they will work with these decks. An electric screwdriver can be used, but be cautious to prevent damaging the board. If you prefer not to drill into your deck, consider using double-sided mounting tape like Gorilla Heavy Duty. This method is suitable for grabbing but may not hold up during board slides.
Conclusion
Skateboard deck rails have made a resurgence, with more and more skaters recognizing their usefulness and benefits. They are affordable, help you slide longer, make grabbing easier, and protect your deck’s graphics. While there are no strict rules for placement, keeping them too close to the center of the deck is not usually recommended.
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