Ever wonder what makes a skateboard turn, grind, and pop just right? It’s not just the wheels or the deck; it’s those unsung heroes, the skateboard trucks! These metal marvels are the backbone of your ride, connecting your feet to the pavement and dictating how your board feels and performs.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect trucks can feel like trying to land a kickflip on your first try – a little overwhelming, right? The sheer variety of sizes, brands, and features can leave you scratching your head. You want trucks that match your skating style, whether you’re cruising the streets, hitting the skatepark, or trying out new tricks. Getting it wrong means a board that feels wobbly, unresponsive, or just plain wrong, which can slow down your progress and make skating less fun.
That’s where we come in. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes trucks tick, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to choose the pair that will help you shred like never before. We’ll break down the jargon and make it easy to find your perfect match. Get ready to dive into the world of skateboard trucks and elevate your ride!
Top Skateboard Trucks Recommendations
- INDEPENDENT STD 144mm SILVER TRUCKS SET
- 【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.
- 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
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | Professional Grade | Steel | Sizes 109mm, 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, & 169mm | Raw Silver, Black | Set of 2 | 1' Mounting Hardware Included (Raw, 139mm (Fits 8.0'-8.25' Decks))](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mUnLQDemL._SL160_._SL160_.jpg)
- 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
- 【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.
- Skateboard Trucks and wheels Set for 7.75-8.25" 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. 99A 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
- 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
Skateboard Trucks: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
Skateboard trucks are the metal parts that attach your wheels to your deck. They steer your board and let you do tricks. Choosing the right trucks makes a big difference in how your skateboard rides and feels. This guide will help you find the perfect pair.
1. Key Features to Look For
Wheelbase (Axle Width)
Trucks come in different widths. The axle width should match your skateboard deck width. A good rule is to have the truck axles be about the same width as your deck. This helps with stability and control. If your trucks are too wide, your board might feel wobbly. Too narrow, and it can be harder to turn.
Height
Trucks have different heights: low, mid, and high. Low trucks are closer to the ground. They make your board more stable and easier to flip for tricks. High trucks give you more clearance. This means you can use bigger wheels without them rubbing on your deck. Mid trucks are a good all-around choice for most skaters.
Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside the trucks. They control how your trucks turn. Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings make your board more stable, especially at higher speeds. Most trucks come with standard bushings, but you can swap them out to customize your ride.
Kingpin
The kingpin is the bolt that goes through the center of the truck. It holds the bushings and the hanger together. Some kingpins are hollow to make the trucks lighter. This can be good for doing tricks.
2. Important Materials
Aluminum Alloy
Most skateboard trucks are made from aluminum alloy. This metal is strong and lightweight. It’s a good balance for skating. Different types of aluminum alloy can make trucks stronger or lighter.
Chromoly Steel
Some parts of the truck, like the axle and kingpin, might use chromoly steel. This is a very strong and durable metal. It helps the trucks last longer and withstand heavy use.
Magnesium and Titanium
High-end trucks might use magnesium or titanium. These materials make trucks much lighter. They are great for serious skaters who want the lightest possible setup for advanced tricks.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Manufacturing Process
How the trucks are made matters. Trucks forged from a single piece of metal are usually stronger and more durable. Cast trucks are less expensive but can be more prone to breaking. Look for trucks that mention forging or gravity casting for better quality.
Weight
Lighter trucks are generally better for tricks. They make it easier to flip and maneuver your board. However, extremely light trucks might sacrifice some durability. A good truck balances weight and strength.
Durability and Strength
Good trucks can handle impacts from landings and rough terrain. They won’t bend or break easily. Brands that have a good reputation for making strong trucks are a good sign of quality.
Brand Reputation
Established skateboard truck brands often have a history of quality. They invest in research and development to make better products. Reading reviews and asking experienced skaters for recommendations can help you find reliable brands.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Street Skating
For street skating, you want trucks that are stable for cruising but also responsive for tricks. Mid-height trucks with decent bushings are a popular choice. Lighter trucks help with flip tricks.
Park Skating (Ramps and Bowls)
Park skaters often prefer slightly higher trucks. This gives them more clearance for larger wheels and prevents wheel bite when carving. Trucks that are very stable and durable are important for the high impacts in skateparks.
Cruising and Transportation
If you use your skateboard for getting around, you might want softer bushings. This makes turning very easy and smooth. Trucks that offer a comfortable ride are key. You might not need the lightest trucks.
Choosing the right skateboard trucks is an important step in building your perfect skateboard. Consider what you want to do with your board and pick trucks that fit your style and needs.
Skateboard Trucks: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying skateboard trucks?
A: The most important thing is to match the truck’s axle width to your skateboard deck’s width. This ensures stability and control.
Q: How do I know what size trucks to buy?
A: Measure your deck width. Then, choose trucks with an axle width that is close to that measurement. Most truck sizes are listed by the deck width they are designed for.
Q: What is wheel bite?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheels touch the bottom of your deck during a turn. This can stop your board suddenly. Taller trucks or smaller wheels can help prevent it.
Q: Should I get soft or hard bushings?
A: Soft bushings make turning easier and smoother, good for beginners or cruising. Hard bushings offer more stability at high speeds and for aggressive skating.
Q: Do I need to buy trucks for each wheel?
A: No, you buy trucks in pairs. One pair of trucks attaches to the front and back of your skateboard deck.
Q: What does “low,” “mid,” and “high” mean for truck height?
A: This refers to how far the truck sits off the ground. Low trucks are closest to the ground, mid trucks are in the middle, and high trucks are furthest away.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?
A: Yes, bushings are replaceable. You can buy different hardnesses and sizes to customize how your trucks turn.
Q: Are expensive trucks always better?
A: Not always. While high-end trucks often use better materials and manufacturing, many affordable trucks are still very good quality and will last a long time.
Q: What is the difference between forged and cast trucks?
A: Forged trucks are made by shaping metal under extreme pressure, making them very strong and durable. Cast trucks are made by pouring melted metal into a mold, which is usually less expensive but can be weaker.
Q: How often should I replace my skateboard trucks?
A: Trucks can last for a very long time if they are not severely damaged. You might need to replace them if they become bent, cracked, or if the kingpin is damaged.