Ever wondered what makes a skateboard truly *flow*? It’s not just the wheels or the deck; the unsung heroes of your ride are the trucks. They’re the steering wheels of your skateboard, and choosing the wrong ones can turn your dream session into a frustrating wobble-fest.
Picking the perfect trucks can feel like a guessing game. Too narrow and your turns feel stiff; too wide and your board feels unstable. It’s easy to get lost in all the different sizes, brands, and materials. But don’t worry, this guide is here to clear the confusion and help you find the trucks that will make your skateboarding experience amazing.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand exactly what to look for, how to measure them correctly, and which trucks will best suit your skating style. Get ready to upgrade your ride and unlock smoother turns and more control!
Top Trucks For Skateboard Recommendations
- INDEPENDENT STD 144mm SILVER TRUCKS SET
- SET OF 2 TRUCKS + MOUNTING HARDWARE: Two trucks are needed for a skateboard, so we conveniently sell our trucks in sets of two. We also include a set of 1" Phillips hardware for mounting the trucks to the deck.
- QUALITY STEEL BUILD: CCS skateboard trucks are built using quality steel hangers and baseplates, and also feature no-slip axles and kingpins. Sturdiness is key when it comes to trucks, and that was at the forefront of our mind's when designing these.
- TESTED BY THE EXPERTS: CCS is a skateshop that has a storied legacy dating back to 1985. At our headquarters in Portland, Oregon, we've had our skate team and shop staff put these trucks to the test, and they've held up their quality for even our most experienced skaters.
- EASY TURNING & CONTROL: We use premium high rebound bushings to allow for smoother, sharper, and more controlled turning.
- GREAT FOR ALL TYPES OF SKATING: We specifically designed our trucks to have a classic geometry, making them a versatile truck that performs well in the streets, at the skatepark, or cruising around town.
- Skateboard Trucks and wheels Set for 7.75-8" decks. This starter set includes 2 skateboard trucks 139mm standard, 4 skateboard wheels 52mm, High precision ABEC-9 Skateboard bearings, Practical T-tool, 2 riser pads 2mm, and standard skateboard hardware. Build a entry-level skateboard with this set
- Durable Standard Skateboard Trucks. Made of Aluminum, durable trucks for cruising or tricks. 5inch hanger, 7.6 inch axle, with 90A hard bushing and 6 base plate holes, fits well in standard double kick concave decks
- High Precision ABEC-9 Bearings. These skateboard bearings keep rolling smooth and fast. Good alternative to expensive bearings
- All-purpose Skateboard Wheels 52mm. 95A high rebound wheels, suitable for skills or cruising around the street
- Universal Skateboard Tool. The T tool can be used to adjust kingpin, wheels, base plate bolts and trucks. A must have tool for skaters
- Skate boarding's most iconic brand and leading manufacturer of skateboard deck trucks since 1978 with a Team of over 300 pros
- Durable, high performance truck for all types of skateboarding
- 55 mm tall height baseplate to hanger
- 【Exquisite workmanship】This skateboard hardware adopts aluminum alloy casting and die-casting process, medium carbon steel hardening treatment, and metal baking paint, which enables the scooter to withstand greater weight and pressure.
- 【Suitable for Skateboarders】This scooter and wheelset has a hardness of 95a and a rebound rate of 60%, which is very suitable for skateboard pros and beginners. The hardness is too high and it is easy to slip, so don't worry about the wheel cracking.
- 【Superior Performance】This skateboard trucks adopts 608 standard ABEC-9 skateboard bearing, the excellent bearing can rotate continuously for 30 seconds without load, giving you an unprecedented smooth feeling.
- 【Applicable Models】This skateboard trucks fits 7.5-8" skateboard decks, and the skateboard set fits all 7.5 to 8" skateboard decks.
- 【Skateboard Parts Set】 Set includes Scooter 5.0, Skateboard Wheel 52mm, Skateboard Bearing ABEC-9, Skateboard Screw 1", Skateboard Lifting Pad 2mm, Skateboard Spacer.
- 【Exquisite workmanship】This skateboard hardware adopts aluminum alloy casting and die-casting process, medium carbon steel hardening treatment, and metal baking paint, which enables the scooter to withstand greater weight and pressure.
- 【Suitable for Skateboarders】This scooter and wheelset has a hardness of 95a and a rebound rate of 60%, which is very suitable for skateboard pros and beginners. The hardness is too high and it is easy to slip, so don't worry about the wheel cracking.
- 【Superior Performance】This skateboard trucks adopts 608 standard ABEC-9 skateboard bearing, the excellent bearing can rotate continuously for 30 seconds without load, giving you an unprecedented smooth feeling.
- 【Applicable Models】This skateboard trucks fits 7.5-8" skateboard decks, and the skateboard set fits all 7.5 to 8" skateboard decks.
- 【Skateboard Parts Set】 Set includes Scooter 5.0, Skateboard Wheel 52mm, Skateboard Bearing ABEC-9, Skateboard Screw 1", Skateboard Lifting Pad 2mm, Skateboard Spacer.
- New Stage 11 standard height trucks are unquestionably the best combination of features and geometry Independent has ever produced
- By improving the modern performance features and iconic look of our Stage 10 design with newly reworked geometry based on Independent Stages 5-7 Independent has created the new standard to which all other trucks will be judged
- We sell trucks individually not in pairs
- 【Exquisite workmanship】This skateboard truck adopts aluminum alloy casting and die-casting process, medium carbon steel hardening treatment, which enables the skateboard to withstand greater weight and pressure.
- 【Superior Performance】This skateboard trucks adopts 608 standard ABEC-9 skateboard bearing, the excellent bearing can rotate continuously for 30 seconds without load, giving you an unprecedented smooth feeling.
- 【Suitable for Skateboarders】This skateboard trucks and wheels set has a hardness of 95a and a rebound rate of 60%, which is very suitable for skateboard pros and beginners. The hardness is too high and it is easy to slip, so don't worry about the wheel cracking.
- 【Applicable Models】This skateboard trucks and wheels set fits 7.5-8" skateboard decks.
- 【Skateboard Truck Set】 Set includes Skateboard trucks 5.0, Skateboard Wheel 52mm, Skateboard tool, Skateboard Bearing ABEC-9, Skateboard Screw 1", Skateboard Lifting Pad 2mm, Skateboard Spacer.
Finding the Perfect Trucks for Your Skateboard
Choosing the right skateboard trucks makes a big difference in how your board rides. Trucks are the metal parts that attach your wheels to the deck. They help you steer and do tricks. Let’s learn what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for trucks, keep these important things in mind.
Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high. Low trucks are closer to the ground. They are good for flip tricks because they feel more stable. High trucks give you more space between your deck and the ground. This helps when you grind on ledges or rails. Mid trucks are a good balance for most skaters.
Width
The width of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. Measure your deck. The truck’s axle (the bar the wheels go on) should be about the same width as your deck. If the trucks are too wide, your board will feel wobbly. If they are too narrow, it will be hard to turn.
Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside the trucks. They control how easily your trucks turn. Softer bushings make turning easier. Harder bushings make turning harder but feel more stable. Most trucks come with medium bushings, which work for many skaters. You can always buy different bushings to change how your trucks feel.
Important Materials
Skateboard trucks are usually made from strong metal.
Aluminum Alloy
Most trucks use an aluminum alloy. This metal is strong and light. It helps the trucks handle the stress of skating. Some trucks use a stronger type of aluminum called magnesium alloy. This makes them even lighter and tougher.
Steel Axle
The axle is the part where the wheels attach. It is usually made of steel. Steel is very strong and can handle a lot of force. This keeps your wheels from falling off.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make trucks better, and some can make them worse.
Weight
Lighter trucks can make your board easier to flip for tricks. However, very light trucks might not be as strong. Strong trucks are important for durability. A good balance of weight and strength is best.
Durability
Good trucks last a long time. They resist bending or breaking. Trucks that are made with better materials and construction will be more durable. Cheap trucks might bend or break easily, especially if you do a lot of tricks or ride on rough surfaces.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making high-quality skateboard trucks. These brands often use good materials and have a history of making reliable products. Reading reviews and asking other skaters can help you find trusted brands.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your skateboard matters when picking trucks.
Street Skating
If you skate on streets, sidewalks, and do a lot of flip tricks, you might want lower trucks. They keep your board closer to the ground, making tricks easier to control. Wider decks often pair well with wider trucks for stability.
Park Skating
For skate parks, you might do a mix of tricks and riding on ramps. Mid-height trucks offer a good balance for both. They give you enough clearance for grinds but are still stable for tricks.
Cruising and Longboarding
If you use your skateboard to get around or for longer rides, you might want higher trucks. Higher trucks let you lean more to turn. They also give you more room to avoid wheel bite (when the wheel touches the deck during a turn).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in skateboard trucks?
A: The main key features are height (low, mid, high), width (matching your deck), and bushings (controlling turning).
Q: What are the most important materials used for skateboard trucks?
A: The most important materials are aluminum alloy for the main body and steel for the axle.
Q: What factors can improve the quality of skateboard trucks?
A: Lighter weight, better durability, and a good brand reputation improve truck quality.
Q: What factors can reduce the quality of skateboard trucks?
A: Trucks that are too heavy, bend easily, or are made by unknown brands can reduce quality.
Q: How do trucks affect my user experience when skateboarding?
A: Trucks affect how easily you can steer, how stable your board is, and how well you can do tricks.
Q: What are some common use cases for different types of skateboard trucks?
A: Street skaters often use low trucks for flip tricks, park skaters use mid-height trucks for a balance, and cruisers might use high trucks for easier turning.
Q: Should I get low, mid, or high trucks?
A: It depends on what you do. Low trucks are good for flip tricks, high trucks are good for grinds, and mid trucks are a good all-around choice.
Q: How do I know what width of trucks to buy?
A: The width of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. Measure your deck and pick trucks that are about the same width.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?
A: Yes, you can buy different bushings to make your trucks turn easier or feel more stable.
Q: Are more expensive trucks always better?
A: Not always, but trucks made by reputable brands with good materials are often more durable and perform better.