Shock performance and stiffness of hard disk drive lifters are enhanced by extending one or more portions of a load beam in a dimension normal to the load beam plane. A load beam in a high shock suspension system comprises a planar body having transverse members extending between longitudinal rails. One embodiment comprises a lifter integral to the load beam, extending distally, and comprising a rib having a conic cross section and a lifting tab having upward curving edges. Another embodiment comprises rails having edges bending upward at 90 degrees, separated by a first width at a proximal end of the body, and tapering to a second width at a distal end of the body. A narrow lifter having upward curving edges is displaced between the rails, and extends distally from the body. Stiffeners extend from the rails and connect to an intermediate point on the lifter. Another embodiment comprises the body having a transition portion tapering in a distal direction to form a narrow lifter, and a 90-degree rail bordering the body, transition portion, and lifter. Other embodiments comprise: the body slanting upward at an slight angle and a lifter extending distally from the body; a lifter slanting upward then downward to a position parallel with a load beam plane; transverse members having curved edges; and protrusions located on a border between the body and an intermediate portion that tapers to a lifter.