Elevation

• Both flat and angled riser pads come in different thicknesses to suit the boarder's needs. The thicker the pad, the less likely the board will sustain pressure cracks and the less shock your feet will take. However, thick risers leave a board higher off the ground, making it harder to maneuver. If your board has large wheels, your best bet would be thick, angled risers to prevent wheel bite. For all other wheel types, flat risers will work just as well.
  
  

Turning Radius

• Angled risers give boards a tighter turning radius than flat shock pads because of their wedged shape that lifts the edges of the board, doing more to prevent wheel bite during a turn with weight shift. Wheel bite is when the board hits the wheel due to too much weight around a curve. Flat risers have a wider turning radius, but they are easier to balance on throughout.
  
  

Shock Absorption

• Flat risers are usually thought of as better shock absorbers because the jolt is spread evenly throughout the plastic piece, meaning the effect of any bounce is dissipated. This is also true for angled risers, but since the motion on angled pads will hit the board differently, you may notice a bit more jarring and uptick if you are not used to them. With both pads, the thicker the riser, the better the shock absorption. A rubber material will work better for this than a plastic one, as well.
  
  

Skill Level

• Flat risers are better for beginners. They don't throw the center of gravity off on the board, and steady footwork is not as important when your board is completely flat. The turning radius is greater and the speed around turns lesser, but beginners won't want tight turns at high speeds lest they fall off. Angled risers give the boarder more options and speed, but they make the board harder to maneuver and easier to topple.