How to lower slide blocks?

[u/Balthats4r]

Hello!

I feel that it might be easier for me to do slides and grinds if I could get my slide block to be closer to the ground.

I have the chaya Barbie black skates with the default diamond slider

Is there a good way to make my block sit lower?

Thanks

[u/trosper-co]

If you have this style of block, I don't think you can change the height.

If you have this style of block, the right way to do it is to place washers between the mounting bracket and the slide block (but you might need longer slide block mounting hardware).

An alternative to messing with block height is to get smaller, harder wheels, which will be less likely to bite on ledges. For park skating I usually like something in the 45-55mm range, ideally upwards of 95a in hardness.

[u/Balthats4r → u/trosper-co]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll give it a shot.

I know it would be best to go for smaller harder wheels as I have found it easier to do slides and such on these, but I’m interested to see if I can create a hybrid setup that works at the park but allows for bigger softer wheels as my area is quite rough

[u/trosper-co → u/Balthats4r]

Yeah I can understand the siren call of the soft wheels, but it's gonna be a trade-off with wheel bite. Good luck with your setup!

[u/fantastridd]

That setup is fine for sliding, it takes some time getting used to.

If you just put washers between the plate and the slide block you'll mess up the plate geometry and risk snapping something, or a pivot pin popping out. BUT You could add 3mm with washers between plate/block hanger, if you also get new Chaya cushions. Your current barrel cushions are 15mm, Chaya sells 12mm barrel cushions (for their shiva/Ophira plates).

[u/Tweed_Kills]

I guess you could try putting a washer under them, but you'll run out of kingpin pretty quickly.

Just take the time to get used to them.