Choosing the right skateboard risers can reduce wheelbite, improve shock absorption, and extend deck life — but the best choice depends on your board, trucks, and riding style. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing across setups, and expert and consumer feedback.
Considerations & Testing Methodology
What we tested:
- Real-world fit and compatibility across multiple deck bolt patterns and truck brands (standard 6-hole patterns and popular truck footprints).
- Performance tests for wheelbite prevention, shock absorption, and vibration damping during street, park, and cruiser runs.
- Durability checks: repeated landings, bolt torque cycling, and exposure to heat/moisture.
- User feedback and pro opinions from forums and brand documentation to confirm long-term reliability.
Key factors that influenced rankings:
- Material & build quality (rubber vs hard plastic vs PU) — affects cushioning and longevity.
- Thickness and shape (1/8", 1/4", 1/2", angled wedges) — determines lift, clearance and whether they change truck geometry.
- Fit & bolt pattern compatibility — universal 6-hole fit vs truck-specific wedges.
- Value — price versus performance and included quantity.
We blended lab-style measurements (thickness, hole spacing) with field testing on beginner, intermediate, and advanced setups to reach balanced recommendations.
Rubber Shock Riser
Affordable rubber shock risers (available in 3mm/6mm and angled options) that reduce vibration, help prevent wheelbite, and add modest lift. A great budget option for casual riders and cruisers who want smoother rides without changing truck feel too much.
H Block Rubber Shock Risers — Best Budget Pick
The H Block risers are simple, versatile, and inexpensive. Available in thin 3mm and thicker 6mm or angled variants, these rubber pads absorb small impacts and reduce vibration better than hard plastic. They’re a smart, low-cost way to avoid stress cracks at bolt holes and get a slightly smoother ride. Fit is virtually universal for standard 6-hole decks; we tested them on cruiser and street setups and found they prevent minor wheelbite while preserving much of the truck’s original turn feel. For budget builds or commuters, these are an easy, effective upgrade.
Independent 1/4 Risers
Professional-grade 1/4" riser set from a trusted skate brand. Hard, durable material prevents wheelbite, reduces vibration, and stands up to repeated stress — ideal for street skaters and anyone who wants reliable, long-lasting risers.
Independent Genuine Parts 1/4" Riser Set — Premium Choice
Independent is an industry staple and their 1/4" riser set delivers on durability and consistency. Made from hard, dense material, these risers give reliable lift without compressing under load, so your pop and truck geometry remain predictable. In our stress and impact tests they resisted deformation and held bolt torque well, even after hundreds of hard landings. They’re slightly firmer than rubber pads, which makes them better at preventing wheelbite and deck stress cracks but less effective for vibration damping. Best for skaters who want pro-grade components that prioritize strength and longevity.
1/8 Riser Pads
Classic 1/8" riser pads that increase ride height, help avoid wheelbite, and protect the deck from truck stress. Lightweight and affordable — they add pop and lifespan to most modern skateboard setups without notable changes to handling.
Dime Bag 1/8" Riser Pads — Best Value for Money
Dime Bag’s 1/8" risers strike a strong balance between performance and cost. They add just enough height to prevent wheelbite and slightly increase pop without drastically altering truck responsiveness. The material and finish make them durable for street and park use; in tests they absorbed shock moderately well and reduced pressure transfer at the mounting points, lowering the risk of stress cracks. For riders who want effective protection and a small lift at a low price, these risers are a dependable choice.
7° Wedge Risers
Angled 7° wedge risers made to pair with Paris trucks; they give extra turn and subtle geometry changes while adding lift. Ideal for riders who want to tune truck angle and responsiveness rather than just raising ride height.
Paris 7° Wedge Riser Pads — Editors Choice
Paris’ 7° wedges are specialized: they don’t just lift your board, they change truck geometry to increase turn responsiveness. Constructed from a dense, non-squishy material, these wedges pair seamlessly with Paris trucks (and fit many other truck footprints) to sharpen carving while still offering clearance for larger wheels. In carving and longboard tests they improved turn initiation without introducing instability. If you ride freeride or want more responsive trucks without sacrificing clearance, these wedges are an excellent, tunable option.
Quick Comparison — How the Top Risers Stack Up
| Model | Type / Thickness | Material | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H Block Rubber Shock Risers | 3mm / 6mm / Angled options | Rubber / Shock pad | Budget commuters, smoother ride | $5.95 |
| Independent 1/4" Riser Set | 1/4" (6mm) | Hard dense plastic | Pro skaters, durability-focused setups | $8.84 |
| Dime Bag 1/8" Riser Pads | 1/8" (3mm) | Hard gasket-like pad | All-around value, prevents wheelbite | $6.50 |
| Paris 7° Wedge Risers | 7° angled wedge | Hard dense material | Free-riders, carving tuners, Paris trucks | $6.00 |
Best overall: Independent 1/4" risers are our top pick for lasting performance across aggressive street and park use.
Best for specific needs:
- Want to save money? H Block rubber pads give solid impact damping and universal fit.
- Want the best value? Dime Bag balances price and protection.
- Want to tune turning and geometry? Paris 7° wedges change how your trucks behave while still providing clearance.
Final Recommendation & Use-Case Guidance
After hands-on testing, measurements, and gathering rider feedback, our guidance is simple:
- Choose Independent 1/4" risers if you want the most durable, consistent lift and plan to push your board hard. Their hard construction resists deformation and protects deck integrity.
- Choose H Block rubber pads if you’re budget-conscious, commute, or want better vibration damping without changing handling dramatically.
- Choose Dime Bag 1/8" pads for an affordable, low-profile lift that prevents wheelbite while preserving pop and truck feel.
- Choose Paris 7° wedges if you want to actively tune truck angle for carving and responsiveness.
These recommendations are based on rigorous field testing across deck types, durability checks, and synthesis of pro and consumer feedback. Pick the riser that matches your riding style — durability and compatibility first, then tune thickness and material to your comfort and performance needs.