Best Trucks for Flip Tricks – Top Picks for Skaters

Flip tricks need the right skateboard trucks. The best ones offer quality, stability, and tech features. This guide covers top-rated flip trick trucks loved by skaters. We’ll look at brands known for performance and innovative designs. Our list aims to help you do flip tricks more safely and with precision.

Key Takeaways

• Choose trucks within 0.25 inches of your skateboard deck width for optimal stability.
• Low trucks are ideal for wheel sizes 50mm to 53mm, while high trucks suit wheels 53mm and above.
• Aluminum, titanium, and steel trucks offer varying levels of weight and durability.
• Independent trucks are highly regarded for their versatility and durability.
• Truck sizes must correspond closely with deck widths to prevent performance issues.
• Riser pads can increase wheel clearance and reduce stress cracks on your deck.
• The cost of high-performance skateboard trucks ranges from $28.95 to $89.95.

Understanding Flip Tricks and Their Requirements

Flip tricks are a big part of skateboarding. They mix exact moves with perfect balance. They started in the 1970s and have grown a lot since then. To do tricks like kickflips, which Rodney Mullen made in 1982, you need the right truck features.

For tricks like kickflips, where the board spins 360 degrees, you need good trucks. To understand these tricks, it helps to know why certain truck designs work better. For harder tricks, like double or triple kickflips that Daewon Song does, you need trucks that move well and are reliable.

The heelflip, also created by Mullen, has the board flip away with the heel part. The varial kickflip mixes a kickflip with a backside-pop shuvit. This shows how important good truck performance is.

Then there’s the 360 flip, or tre flip, which mixes a 360-degree backside-pop shuvit with a kickflip. Skaters like Josh Kalis and Stefan Janoski are great at these complex tricks. This points out how key specialized trucks are.

Advanced tricks, like a hardflip shown by Daewon Song, and double hardflips by Sean Malto in 2017, highlight the need for balanced and responsive skate gear. These tricks require skill and the best skate gear.

Different setups can boost how you perform. Tricks like the ghetto bird or a nollie hardflip late backside 180 by Kareem Campbell need a stable yet agile setup. The laser flip by Mullen, and the bigflip, show how important well-balanced trucks are.

Looking deeper into skateboarding, the right gear greatly helps a skater do complex flip tricks. Beginners often start with a kickflip. But for advanced tricks like the tre flip, they need special trucks for the best performance. To master tricks like the kickflip 50-50 grind, skaters must grasp the technical needs of each trick and choose trucks that add stability and responsiveness.

Success in advanced skateboarding relies on good trucks and lots of practice. Along with skill, the right setup helps make flips and rotations smoother and more controlled. Making sure your skateboard trucks fit the needs of flip tricks can seriously improve how you do on the board.

Find more insights on choosing the right trucks for your skateboard to master these demanding tricks efficiently.

Essential Features to Look for in Truck

Picking the right skateboard trucks is key to nailing your performance, especially flip tricks. A major point to check is the axle width. It should match your skateboard deck width. For example, a 7.75″ truck axle fits decks that are between 7.5” and 8″, making for great balance and stability.

The truck profile is also vital as it impacts size and height. Low trucks pair well with smaller wheels (50-53mm), aiding in control for technical tricks. Mid trucks suit 53-56mm wheels well, offering a mix of trick ability and comfort for cruising. High trucks, fitting larger wheels (56mm+), ensure a smooth ride on uneven grounds.

Truck material is crucial too. Hollow kingpins and axles are preferred for their light weight. This helps in achieving higher pops and quicker flicks. Brands like Venture Trucks V-Hollow Light and Ace AF-1 Hollow Skateboard Trucks have adopted this design for better performance in flip tricks without losing strength.

The baseplate pattern is important for fitting different skateboards. The common 42mm x 55mm pattern fits most modern decks, while older styles were larger (42mm x 65mm). Every axle nut requires a 3/8 inch wrench socket, and kingpin nuts a 9/16 inch wrench socket, which is a standard size.

For versatility, standard kingpin trucks are most adaptable to various skateboarding styles. In contrast, inverted kingpin trucks, which are taller and narrower, allow for more custom setups depending on how you ride.

Always remember these key features when shopping for skateboard trucks. By focusing on truck size, height, axle width, materials, and design, you’ll find the perfect setup for your skating style and goals.

Top Brands for Flip Trick Trucks

Picking the right truck for flip tricks is key. It means choosing from the best skateboard truck brands. Brands like Independent Trucks and Thunder Trucks stand out because of their quality and great performance.

Independent Trucks are known for being tough and well-made, with heights of 53.5mm and 55mm. They offer lots of space for grinding, making them a favorite for skaters. Many skaters choose Independent Trucks for their lasting build, making them top choices for the best skateboard hardware.

Thunder Trucks stand out for being light and giving excellent control. They work well for different types of skating, from skate parks to street skating. While they turn less than Independent Trucks, they are highly responsive. This is essential for doing flip tricks well.

Venture Trucks are great for those looking for balance. Their longer wheelbase is perfect for various skate styles. Plus, Venture trucks break in quickly, taking about 30 minutes.

Each top brand brings something special, from Thunder Trucks’ lightness to Venture Trucks’ balance. Your choice depends on what you need for your skating style. But any of these brands will help you with flip tricks and more. Explore skateboard truck brands more and upgrade your performance with the right equipment.

Comparing Sizes: Which Is Right for You?

Finding the right skateboard truck sizes seems hard, but it’s key for the best skateboarding. Matching your truck to your deck width makes sure your board is stable and easy to control. We will look at how to pick the right truck size by comparing different sizes and which ones fit which deck widths.

Skateboard trucks are measured in inches. Here, 1 inch is the same as 2.54 cm. The recommended axle width for a truck should match the deck width closely. You can go off by about +/- 0.125 inches. So, if your deck is 8 inches wide, you should get an axle that’s between 7.875 and 8.125 inches.

Low trucks, which are 46-49 mm high, are great for beginners. They help with stability, which is good for tricks like Ollies and Kickflips. With wheels that are 51-52 mm, you won’t have to worry about wheel bite. Mid trucks, measuring 50-53 mm, are perfect for both tricks and skate park use. They work well with wheels up to 56 mm. On the other hand, high trucks are 53.5-58 mm tall and best for cruising. They can fit wheels up to 62-63 mm.

Choosing the right truck size means looking at height classifications and what wheels they fit with. Each brand might have their own measurements for low, mid, and high trucks. So, knowing the exact sizes helps find what’s best for your skateboarding needs.

To wrap it up, knowing about skateboard truck sizes lets you make smart choices. It can really improve your skateboarding, whether you’re just starting out or trying to get better.

Pros and Cons of Different Truck Designs

Knowing about different skateboard truck designs helps choose the right one for you. Each type, like standard, hollow, or inverted kingpin trucks, has its own good and bad points. Here’s a comparison to help you pick.

When picking skateboard truck designs, think about your skating needs. Hollow trucks are great for tricks because they’re light. Meanwhile, inverted kingpin trucks make sharp turns and are best for longboards. Choose what fits your style for a great skate experience.

Best Models for Beginners

When starting in skateboarding for beginners, picking the right skateboard trucks is key. They should help you learn easily while keeping you stable. It’s important to choose trucks that match your skateboard deck size. Like so:

• Decks sized 7.5”-7.75” go well with 129s, 145s, or 5.0s.
• Decks that are 7.875”-8.125” work best with 139s, 147s, or 5.25s.
• And for 8.25”-8.5” decks, pick 149s or 5.5s.

Knowing about truck height helps to ensure your wheels fit right:

• Low trucks are good with 50-52mm wheels.
• Mid trucks fit 53-56mm wheels best.
• High trucks need wheels bigger than 56mm.

Different brands meet the varied needs of beginners. Independent Trucks offer long-lasting use and a classic look. They’re a great pick. Thunder Trucks are known for making your board lighter. This means better control and easier tricks for learners.

If you’re budget-conscious but still want quality, Mini-Logo Trucks are great. They are made for newcomers to skateboarding.

Tensor Trucks are good for sliding and grinding with their special tech. But they might wear out faster. Both Independent and Thunder brands offer durable and lightweight options. This is great for beginners practicing their skills.

Picking the right beginner trucks makes skateboarding more fun. It helps your motivation to learn. So, spend some time to find the best match for your deck size and style!

Advanced Trucks for Experienced Skaters

Experienced skaters need professional skateboard trucks for better control and performance. These trucks have special features that help with tricks and stability.

Caliber trucks stand out for their versatility and high performance in different skateboarding styles. The 50-degree trucks improve turning for dancing, cruising, carving, and downhill skating. For downhill and freeriding, the 44-degree trucks offer great stability.

They have precision axles and bushings for quick responses. For example, Caliber trucks use 89a bushings mainly for downhill. This ensures skaters get better control at high speeds.

These trucks have a special design that reduces sideways movement. This lowers the chance of speed wobbles, keeping skaters safe downhill. They can also be customized with Randal baseplates, letting skaters personalize their setups.

Choosing the right truck size for your board is key. The Caliber V2 159mm/9inch truck works best with narrower boards. This shows why the right size matters in skateboarding.

Advanced trucks use top materials and design for experienced skaters. They help skaters do more by offering features aimed at improvement.

Maintenance Tips for Your Trucks

Keeping your *skateboard maintenance* in check is key for a better ride and reliability. Checking and maintaining your skateboard trucks regularly helps them last longer. This reduces the chance of issues while you’re skating. Make it routine to check and tighten all hardware. This stops bolts from getting loose due to skate vibrations. Securing your truck mounting hardware cuts down on wobbliness by as much as 50%.

Bushings and pivot cups wear down the fastest. Replacing old bushings makes your board respond 40% better. This leads to improved trick performance and safer rides. Bushings come in different types: hard ones for stability, medium for a balanced ride, and soft for quick turns. Pick bushings that suit how you like to skate.

Clean your trucks regularly to prevent rust and dirt from building up. This can make them last 20% longer. Don’t use rust cleaners as they can attract more dirt. Choose skateboard-specific lubricants instead. Always use the right tools to avoid damaging bolts. This ensures your adjustments are precise. Following these steps for *skate hardware upkeep* will make your skate maintenance way better. It keeps you skating without worries.

John Peterson

I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!