Many factors should be considered when choosing the right ramp for your application, including the skater’s skill level and the type of equipment you will use, such as BMX, scooter, or rollerblades, etc. We will go through these factors here.
LENGTH
We offer various length options, each affecting your speed. The shorter the ramp, the less time you have before hitting the coping. If you’re purchasing a ramp for your children, especially beginners, it’s best to go for the longest option to give them more time to build confidence and control.
For seasoned skaters who prefer to go from trick to trick without focusing much on pumping, and who have limited space available, the shortest option may be the best choice. Additionally, it’s important to consider the skating surface—hard ramp surfaces are much faster than marine plywood, which can impact your ride experience.
WIDTH
This one’s pretty straightforward—the wider, the better. However, space constraints can sometimes be a factor. Our advice is to go for at least an 8-foot width to give yourself enough room to turn and grind, especially if you’re still learning. This will provide more flexibility and comfort as you improve your skills.
RAMP SURFACE
The ramp surface is crucial as it directly impacts its durability. All our ramps are made from exterior-grade materials (unless stated otherwise), but we all know that Australian conditions can be extremely harsh. If you’re using a marine plywood ramp outdoors, it should be painted and covered with a tarp when not in use. Additionally, applying silicone between the plywood seams and around both sides of the coping is a smart precaution.
No matter what anyone tells you, only a hard ramp surface halfpipe will withstand the weather without a tarp. If you opt for a hard ramp surface, you’re not just paying for the sheets— we take extra care to ensure your ramp is built to last. This includes adding extra bearers for overlap, using 9mm painted and/or H3 underlay, stainless steel screws, fully sealing any exposed edges, and finishing with silicone for expansion gaps.
RAMP USAGE TYPE
The type of skating you plan to use on the ramp plays a significant role in determining the best ramp construction for your needs. If the ramp will be used by larger adults on scooters, we recommend choosing the Triple Layer option. This is because scooters, especially when ridden by adults, tend to concentrate force on specific points during aerial tricks, which requires additional durability to handle the stress.
For small children using scooters, however, the standard ramp construction will generally suffice, as their lighter weight and lower intensity of use don’t put as much strain on the ramp. Keep in mind that other micro-mobility vehicles, such as BMX bikes and rollerblades, may also require different ramp specifications based on their unique usage characteristics. It’s important to match the ramp’s construction with both the type of vehicle and the level of use it will endure to ensure safety and longevity.
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