Ever wonder what makes a skateboard turn and grind so smoothly? It’s all about the trucks! These are the metal pieces that connect your wheels to your deck. But picking the right ones can feel like a puzzle. So many sizes, brands, and styles – it’s easy to get lost.
Choosing the wrong trucks can make skating feel wobbly, slow, or even dangerous. Maybe your board feels too stiff, or perhaps it turns too easily. These little things can really get in the way of having fun and landing your tricks. We know how frustrating it can be to stare at a wall of trucks and not know where to start.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you understand all there is to know about skateboard trucks. We’ll break down what makes them tick, guide you through the different types, and help you find the perfect pair for your skating style. Get ready to upgrade your ride and conquer those streets and parks!
Top Trucks For Skating Recommendations
- INDEPENDENT STD 144mm SILVER TRUCKS SET
- Super-lightweight
- Super-lightweight
- This package contains everything you need to make your deck a complete. Includes a set of Independent Mid Trucks, 52mm TGM Logo Wheels, Amp Abec 5 Bearings, 1" Hardware, and 1/8" Riser pads.
- Just add a deck and griptape and you are ready to ride!
- All new Independent Mid trucks are superior in the streets. They feature a lower profile 52mm tall hanger for optimal contact point angle on your nose and tail for all-around street skating. The innovative new Shaft Nut in the baseplate creates a rigid and durable solution to lateral movement found in most inverted kingpin designs and increases adjustability.
- Indy 129s measure 7.6" wide.
- Independent Trucks Andrew Reynolds pro Mid featuring polished silver hanger and baseplate, Reynolds 2 color pad print, and black hardware and cushions.
- New Independent Mid trucks feature a lower profile hanger for optimal contact point angle on your nose and tail for flip tricks, ledges, and all-around street skating. The newly designed and first ever Independent inverted kingpin can be used with either a 5.5mm Allen key or standard 9/16" hex wrench.
- The innovative new Shaft Nut in the baseplate creates a rigid and durable solution to lateral movement found in most inverted kingpin designs and increases adjustability.
- The new MiD is 52mm tall and built on Independent's legendary geometry with full size cushions for maximum turning action. A356 T6 Aluminum Hanger & Baseplate The best lightweight aluminum alloy heat treated to T6 condition for strength, durability, and grind feel. Hollow Chromoly Steel Axle. Highest quality hollow Chromoly steel for durability and weight saving.
- 159s measure 8.75" from axle tip-to-tip. Recommended deck size 8.5" - 9.0". Includes 2 Trucks.
- TECHNOLOGY MEETS TRADITION: Our Traditional Kingpin Street Trucks are designed for the ultimate skateboarding experience. We took the bulletproof construction of our RKP trucks and built them into a TKP. The Atlas Skate Truck is built for strength with CNC machined pivots & built-in speed rings for a superior ride.
- GET THE BEST RIDE: You need the best longboard trucks for the best ride. We designed every individual component of our trucks to meet the most exacting tolerances. The end product is a fluid, stable, reactive ride unlike any other longboard truck.
- ATLAS STRONG: Our trucks don't hold up the world, but they're strong enough to. Atlas Truck Company makes trucks, hardware, bushings, apparel & accessories for longboard skateboards to keep you sliding, drifting, grinding, freeriding or downhilling.
- QUALITY BOARDS & ACCESSORIES: Atlas Truck designs & delivers top-quality skate gear for all your longboarding needs. From trucks & skate tools to hardware & spares to slide gloves & hoodies, Atlas has what you need to keep you on your longboard.
- TRICKED OUT LONGBOARDS: Compare Atlas Truck's complete line of skate gear & longboard accessories to brands like IMPORX, Linkin Sport, Sector 9, Loaded Boards, Triple 8, YOGOGO, Bern, Rayne, Landyachtz, esKape, Pro-Tec, Losenka, Acoser.
- Should your trucks cost more than your deck? Havoc offers skaters of all skill levels a great deal.
- Havoc Trucks are made from an aluminum alloy which makes for a strong and a light truck. Using the same aluminum alloy as some of the higher-priced brands, Havoc will work just a good at a fraction of the price!
- Havoc Trucks are a great fit for most deck sizes and fit the common sizes of wheels. Using their signature mold, these trucks are designed with the skater in mind!
- 52mm 99A are the perfect wheels for both street and park skating
- Includes everything you need to build your deck! 1 Sheet of Griptape, 2 Havoc Trucks, 4 52mm Black Wheels, 8 Economy Bearings, and 1" Phillips Hardware
- Includes everything you need to mount these skateboard trucks to a skateboard deck. Includes 2 Independent Trucks, Includes a set of 2, 1/8" polyurethane riser pads, and 1" Mounting Hardware from Dime Bag Hardware.
- Durable, high performance truck for all types of skateboarding. 356 T6 Aluminum hanger and baseplate, solid Chromoly steel axle, grade 8 kingpin, Indy cushions with cylinder bottom. Featuring superior turn and stability, better grind clearance, improved no hang-up yoke for grind tricks, and less wheel bite.
- Indy 144s measure 8.25" wide.
- Independent Trucks Andrew Reynolds pro Mid featuring polished silver hanger and baseplate, Reynolds 2 color pad print, and black hardware and cushions.
- New Independent Mid trucks feature a lower profile hanger for optimal contact point angle on your nose and tail for flip tricks, ledges, and all-around street skating. The newly designed and first ever Independent inverted kingpin can be used with either a 5.5mm Allen key or standard 9/16" hex wrench.
- The innovative new Shaft Nut in the baseplate creates a rigid and durable solution to lateral movement found in most inverted kingpin designs and increases adjustability.
- The new MiD is 52mm tall and built on Independent's legendary geometry with full size cushions for maximum turning action. A356 T6 Aluminum Hanger & Baseplate The best lightweight aluminum alloy heat treated to T6 condition for strength, durability, and grind feel. Hollow Chromoly Steel Axle. Highest quality hollow Chromoly steel for durability and weight saving.
- 144s measure 8.25" from axle tip-to-tip. Recommended deck size 8.0" - 8.5". Includes 2 Trucks.
Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Skateboard: A Complete Guide
Skateboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your ride. They connect your wheels to your deck, and choosing the right ones makes a huge difference in how your skateboard feels and performs. This guide will help you find the perfect trucks for your skating adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for skateboard trucks, pay attention to these important features:
- Width: This is super important. Truck width should match your deck width. If the trucks are too narrow, your wheels might hit the deck when you turn. If they’re too wide, your board can feel wobbly. A good rule of thumb is to match the truck’s axle width to your deck’s width. Some brands list their truck sizes in millimeters, while others use inches.
- Height: Trucks come in low, mid, and high sizes. Low trucks keep your board closer to the ground. This makes it easier for beginners to learn and helps with flip tricks. Mid trucks are a good all-around choice. High trucks give you more clearance for bigger wheels and can help prevent wheel bite.
- Bushings: These are the rubbery rings inside the truck. They control how easily your board turns. Softer bushings make turning easier, which is great for cruising or beginners. Harder bushings make turning stiffer, which is better for landing tricks and riding fast.
- Axle: This is the metal bar that the wheels attach to. Look for strong axles that won’t bend easily.
Important Materials
Most skateboard trucks are made from strong metals.
- Aluminum Alloy: This is the most common material. It’s lightweight and strong. Many trucks use a good aluminum alloy to keep them durable.
- Steel: The kingpin, which holds the truck together, is usually made of steel. This makes it very strong and resistant to bending.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make truck quality better or worse.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known skateboard brands often make higher-quality trucks. They have experience and use good materials.
- Weight: Lighter trucks can make your board easier to pop and flip. However, very lightweight trucks might not be as durable.
- Construction: Trucks that are well-made with smooth welds and no rough edges tend to last longer. Poorly made trucks can break or wear out faster.
- Durability: Good trucks can withstand impacts from jumps and tricks without bending or breaking.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to skate matters a lot.
- Street Skating: For street skating, you want trucks that are durable and good for tricks. Mid-height trucks with medium to hard bushings are popular. They offer a good balance of stability and turnability.
- Park Skating: If you skate at skateparks, you might prefer trucks that are responsive and allow for quick turns. Mid or high trucks can work well here, depending on your wheel size.
- Cruising: For cruising around town, comfort and smooth turning are key. Softer bushings and slightly wider trucks can give you a more stable and enjoyable ride.
- Beginners: Beginners usually benefit from trucks that are easy to turn. Low to mid-height trucks with softer bushings can make learning much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Trucks
Q: How do I know what truck width to get?
A: Match the truck’s axle width to your skateboard deck’s width. If your deck is 8 inches wide, look for trucks with an 8-inch axle.
Q: What’s the difference between low, mid, and high trucks?
A: Low trucks are short and keep your board close to the ground for easier tricks. Mid trucks are a good all-around size. High trucks are tall and give you more space for bigger wheels.
Q: What are bushings, and why do they matter?
A: Bushings are rubbery parts inside the truck that control how your board turns. Softer bushings make turning easier, while harder bushings make it stiffer.
Q: Can I use any trucks on any skateboard deck?
A: Not exactly. You need to make sure the truck width matches your deck width. Also, very tall trucks might not work well on decks designed for low trucks.
Q: How often should I replace my skateboard trucks?
A: You should replace your trucks when they become bent, cracked, or worn out. This can happen after a lot of hard skating.
Q: Do heavier trucks make my board harder to skate?
A: Yes, heavier trucks can make your board feel a bit harder to pop and flip. Lighter trucks are usually preferred by experienced skaters.
Q: What does “wheel bite” mean?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheels touch your skateboard deck when you turn too sharply. This can stop your board suddenly. Higher trucks or smaller wheels can help prevent this.
Q: Are expensive trucks always better?
A: Not always. While expensive trucks are often made with better materials and craftsmanship, you can find good quality trucks at different price points.
Q: Should I get the same brand of trucks as my deck?
A: No, you don’t have to. You can mix and match brands as long as the truck width and height are suitable for your deck and skating style.
Q: How do I take care of my skateboard trucks?
A: Keep your trucks clean and dry. You can tighten or loosen the kingpin nut to adjust how easily your board turns. Avoid riding through puddles if possible.