Start an thrilling journey to find the best skateboard trucks. These trucks boost your skating with top-notch quality and design. Whether you love street skating, downhill riding, or cruising, picking the right trucks matters a lot. You should consider brands like Independent, Thunder, and Ace. They offer unique features and engineering to suit different styles and levels.
The ACE AF1 trucks stand out for their strong build, attracting many skaters. Meanwhile, Independent Stage 11 trucks are loved for their trustworthiness and great performance. Reading user reviews and learning from others’ experiences help you choose wisely. To know more about picking skateboard trucks, here’s a full guide.
Key Takeaways
- Top skateboard truck brands like Independent, Thunder, and Ace set industry standards.
- Choosing the right trucks depends on riding style, skill level, and specific needs.
- Innovative designs like ACE AF1 offer increased durability.
- Independent Stage 11 trucks are known for reliability and versatile performance.
- User reviews and experiences are valuable for gauging truck performance and durability.
The Importance of Quality Skateboard Trucks
Getting good skateboard trucks is key to better skating. High-quality trucks do more than look cool; they improve how your skateboard performs. This performance boost comes from the trucks’ parts like axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings.
The axle width affects how stable your board feels. It should match the deck width, give or take 1/4 inch. The right wheel size depends on the truck’s height: 50-53mm for low, 53-56mm for mid, and over 56mm for high trucks. Now, most skateboard trucks have a baseplate size of 42mm by 55mm. This is to help skaters do tricks better.
Top truck brands include Slappy, Ace, Venture, and Independent. Slappy’s ST1 Inverted Light Polished Gold Trucks cost $49.99 and offer great style and function. Independent trucks, celebrated for their toughness, have heights of 53.5mm for forged and 55mm for standard models. This lets skaters grind longer with less wear.
Choosing quality trucks from trusted brands like Ace and Independent means a smoother, more dependable skate. Ace Trucks are among the lightest available, while Thunder Trucks excel in control and reflex. Venture trucks, known for their extended wheelbase, support beginners with extra stability.
The strength and design features of these trucks can really help your skating grow. Whether you’re experienced or new to skateboarding, knowing why skateboard truck quality matters aids in choosing the best for exciting, safe rides.
Top Brands in Skateboard Trucks
Choosing the right skateboard trucks is key. For both newbies and pros, knowing the top best skateboard truck companies boosts your ride. Let’s dive into some leading top skateboard truck brands and their specialties.
Independent Trucks stand out for their tough build and stability. The Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks last long thanks to 356 T6 Aluminum. They’re perfect for skaters who need tough, reliable equipment.
Thunder Trucks win with their responsive control. Essential for tricks, their quality and light design justify the price for dedicated skaters.
Venture Trucks hit the mark for street skaters with their light build. Loved by skaters like Paul Rodriguez, their good price makes them popular.
Ace Trucks shine with their lightness and great turning capability. The AF1’s unique making process makes them 70% tougher. Yet, some question their lasting power.
Krux Trucks promise high quality, made in the same place as Independent. Pros like Nora Vasconcellos back them. Their Krux K5 model is known for better stability and toughness.
Tensor Trucks are for those who love new tech. With replaceable sliders and special materials, they’re supported by big names like Rodney Mullen.
Royal Trucks are a hit in street skating, thanks to Eric Koston’s backing. They’re affordable and do well, especially for new or budget-aware skaters.
Theeve Trucks are unique for their titanium axles. With support from Moose and Tony Hawk, they’re great for those into advanced skateboard truck designs.
| Brand | Unique Features | Endorsed By |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Durability, Stability, 356 T6 Aluminum | – |
| Thunder | Responsive Control, Lightweight Design | – |
| Venture | Lightweight, Affordable | Paul Rodriguez, Yuto Horigome |
| Ace | Lightweight, Superior Maneuverability | Former Independent Riders |
| Krux | Quality, Stability | Nora Vasconcellos, Louie Barletta |
| Tensor | Replaceable Sliders, Innovative Materials | Rodney Mullen |
| Royal | Affordable, Solid Performance | Eric Koston |
| Theeve | Titanium Axles | Tony Hawk |
Picking from the *top skateboard truck brands* depends on what you need. Think about what matters most to you – be it toughness, easy turning, or the latest tech. This way, you’ll find the *quality skateboard trucks* that match your skate style.
Best Skateboard Trucks for Beginners
Choosing the right skateboard trucks for beginners is key. Good trucks give you stability and make it easier to learn. They help you feel confident and improve your skills.
The Venture Polished 5.8 is a top pick for new skaters. It’s known for its balance and smooth ride. Another great choice is the Krux K5 trucks. They’re forgiving for newbies learning board control.
Picking the right axle width is crucial for stability. It should match your skateboard deck’s width closely. A small difference, less than 1/4″, usually works fine. Decks that are 7.875” to 8.125” fit with 139s, 147s, or 5.25s trucks. For decks 8.25” to 8.5”, go for 149s or 5.5s trucks.
Here’s a quick reference table of recommended skateboard trucks for beginners, along with their prices:
| Truck Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Venture Polished 5.8 | $44.95 |
| Krux K5 Trucks | $37.95 |
| Mini Logo MiniLogo 8.38″ | $32.95 |
| Tensor Alloys (raw 4.25) | $28.95 |
| Thunder Hollow Lights (polished hollow lights ii 147) | $59.95 |
The best trucks for beginners balance cost, reliability, and function. Think about how these trucks will work with your deck and wheels. This balance is vital for unlocking your potential right from the start.
Best Skateboard Trucks for Intermediate Skaters
If you’re past the beginner level and ready for sharper turns, check out the Independent Stage 11 trucks. They’re made with 356 T6 Aluminum, making your rides smoother by improving grindability and kingpin clearance. Plus, their Supercush bushings with cylinder bottoms make turning super precise.
Looking to step up your game? Thunder Polished 147 skateboard trucks could be what you need. They fit decks sized 8.38″ to 8.62″, perfect for skaters honing their skills. With years of innovation behind them, they provide the stability and quick response intermediate skaters require.
The right trucks can change your skateboarding game. Ace AF1 trucks are 70% stronger than standard ones, making them great for grinding. On the other hand, Gullwing Trucks Sidewinder II features a unique double kingpin setup for extremely tight turns, boosting your performance and control.
Matching your trucks with the correct deck size is key. For guidance on combining skateboard components, check out this article. CCS Skateboard Trucks come in sizes from 109mm to 149mm, matching decks from 7.5″ to 7.75″. Picking the right size will definitely improve your skating whether you’re in the streets or at the park.
Below is a comparison table to help you understand the key features of popular intermediate skateboard trucks:
| Brand | Hanger Size | Axle Size | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Stage 11 | 356 T6 Aluminum | – | Unmatched grindability, kingpin clearance, Supercush bushings |
| Thunder Polished 147 | – | 8.38″-8.62″ | Compatibility with specific deck sizes |
| Gullwing Sidewinder II | 185mm | 10″ | Double kingpin setup for tight turns |
| Ace AF1 | – | – | 70% increase in structural integrity |
Choosing high-quality intermediate skateboard trucks can greatly improve your skills. Whether you want trucks that last longer or help you turn better, these options will give you the reliability and performance you’re looking for.
Best Skateboard Trucks for Advanced Skaters
For seasoned skaters, the Independent 149 Stage 11 Hollow Silver and Thunder Polished Lights II 149 come highly recommended. These trucks are perfect for advanced moves and tricks.
Independent trucks are known for their strength. They’re great for grinds because they’re heavy-duty. Their forged models have a height of 53.5mm. But, their standard and hollow versions are a bit taller at 55mm.
These trucks turn well, making them ideal for skating on mini ramps and in pools. Pros like Eric Koston and Andrew Reynolds prefer them for this reason.
Thunder trucks are lighter and turn quickly, which is great for skaters who like to be agile. But, their lower models might cause wheel bite with larger wheels. So, higher models are suggested for these skaters.
They are the top choice for skaters with boards over 8 inches wide. Nick Jensen and Jamie Thomas, both pro skaters, love them for their stability.
Advanced skaters benefit from high-quality trucks like these. They help you do more complex tricks and hit rails better. Choosing the right advanced skateboard trucks can make all the difference in your skating.
Specialized Skateboard Trucks
Choosing the right skateboard trucks is key to a great skateboarding experience. They are made for different styles and terrains. This gives skaters many choices to improve their skills.
The Independent 151 Stage 4 Polished trucks are great for skaters who love precise grinds. They weigh 410 grams and are best for boards that are 8.625″ wide. With an original price of $24.95, they offer good quality without costing too much.
The Ace AF1 44 Skateboard Truck is another top choice. It’s 70% stronger than older models and suits boards from 8.125″ to 8.3″. It weighs 394 grams and costs $29.95. It’s ideal for street and ramp skating. Plus, its hydro-dipped finish makes your skateboard stand out.
For those who want something lighter, the Independent 149 Stage 11 Hollow Silver trucks are perfect. They weigh just 369 grams. These trucks fit boards between 8.25″ and 8.75″. At $29.95, they mix strength with flexibility.
The Thunder Polished Lights II HI 149 trucks are great for unique moves. They’re made for boards from 8.38″ to 8.62″. Priced at $24.95, they help skaters do technical tricks because of their height and build.
Right skateboard trucks can make your skating better, whether you’re on ramps or streets. Look at their weight, material, and board width. Picking well will make your rides smoother and more fun.
How to Maintain Your Skateboard Trucks
Keeping your skateboard trucks in good shape is vital. It helps your skateboard last longer and perform better. Make sure to clean them, lube them up, and check them often. This stops them from breaking down when you least expect it.
One key step is to switch out the bushings when they get old, as they wear down quickly. Adjusting the kingpin nut correctly can also make your board more agile or stable, enhancing how it rides.
For adjustments and replacing bushings, using a skate tool is very handy. When working on kingpin nuts, tighten them little by little. This helps you find the right balance. A looser adjustment means more agility, and tighter means more stability.
Clean your trucks often to keep them going strong. Stay away from wet places to avoid rust on the trucks and bearings. Also, look out for any cracks or bends on your trucks. Fix them as needed. Make sure the hardware on the baseplate stays tight to avoid any wobbly moments while skating.
| Brand | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Slappy Truck Company | ST1 Inverted Light Polished / Gold | $49.99 |
| Ace Trucks MFG. | AF1 80 Hollow Polished | $53.99 |
| Venture Trucks | V-Hollow Light Collegiate High Polished | $54.99 |
| Venture Trucks | Star Team Edition High Polished | $43.99 |
How you store and move your skateboard also matters. Keep it in a place that’s not too hot or cold to avoid damage. Using a skateboard bag protects other items from getting scratched by your trucks. Remember, taking care of your skateboard trucks means better rides and safer skating, cutting down on accidents.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Skateboard Truck
Finding the right skateboard trucks is key to a great skate experience. This matters whether you’re just starting out or if you’re an expert looking for the best trucks. The ideal trucks match your deck width, height, and bushing hardness. This mix lets you customize your ride for better control and fun.
Choosing the right skateboard trucks means understanding what you need for your skating style. Street skaters usually pick low trucks for their fast response and stability. On the other hand, high trucks are better for transition skating. They allow for wider turns and fit bigger wheels. The material of the truck, like aluminum alloys, affects how long they last and how they perform.
It’s important to get the width of the trucks right. They should be close to the width of your deck for the best ride. Taking care of your trucks is also crucial. You should replace parts like bushings and pivot cups every few months. For more info on choosing between high and low trucks, check out this guide. With the right focus, you can find the perfect trucks for your skateboard. This will make your skating smoother and more enjoyable.
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!