SKATEBOARD COMPONENTS

Skateboard Components: Optional, But Nice To Have!
There are many optional components available for your skateboard. Some optional components -like grip tape- almost a necessity, while others are used for protecting the skateboard from damage (slip tape, nose guard). Some optional components help the skater to better perform tricks (rails/ribs) and some optional components (lights, spark plates) are used simply for visual-effect - they just look cool!


Two examples of skateboard add-ons that make a board look super cool are motion activated puck-lights that attach to the underside of the board and skateboard spark plates. Both of these items can be purchased inexpensively - usually for under $10.00 a piece.

Risers / Wedges
Risers increase the space between the truck and the deck. This allows the truck to turn further without causing wheel bite (when the wheel touches the deck and stops rotating). Wedges can be used to change the turning characteristics of a truck.

Rails / Ribs
Narrow strips of plastic or metal that are attached under the deck lengthwise along the edges. They are used for additional grip for grabs, and to enhance sliding while protecting the deck's graphics at the same time. Although rarely used anymore, they are useful.

Grip Tape
Grip tape is a sheet of tape like on the bottom but on the top is a super sand paper like substance that helps the skater stay on the board while doing tricks. Grip tape is usually black, however it is also available in clear and other colours.

Slip Tape
Slip tape is a clear piece of self adhesive plastic that sticks to the underside of a deck. It helps protect the board's graphics and allows the board to slide easier.

Lapper
A lapper is a plastic cover that is fastened to the rear truck and serves to protect the kingpin when grinding. It also prevents hang-ups by providing a smoother transition for the truck when it hits an obstacle or a metal pipe or bar used to grind.

Nose Guard
A plastic bumper used to protect the front of a skateboard. Used in old school boards.

Tail Guard
A tail guard is a plastic skid plate used to prevent wearing of the tail; they can also be used as a means to stop the board on old school boards.

Angled Risers
Angled riser, or a milk dud are risers that alter the turning geometry of the truck they are bolted to. A thin side out results in more turn per board lean, thick side out results in less.

Copers
Plastic half tubing that protected the axles of the trucks. In the 1980s, stolen shopping cart handles were cut by some to fit as a makeshift coper.

Source: Wikipedia (with some editing by the owner of Getta Board blog)