Skaters often argue about low versus high skateboard trucks. This choice deeply affects how you skate and your style. For street skaters doing technical tricks, or those who love smooth rides on ramps, truck height matters a lot.
Your wheel size, truck height, and what you like in skating help decide. It’s key to think about these factors.
Key Takeaways
- Low skateboard trucks provide stability and quick response, ideal for technical tricks.
- High skateboard trucks offer greater clearance and smoother turns.
- Low trucks typically work best with wheels sized between 48mm to 53mm.
- High trucks accommodate larger wheels from 53mm to 58mm without issues.
- Each truck brand, like Venture and Independent, has its own height specifications.
- High and low trucks come in various materials, affecting weight and performance.
- Proper truck height enhances overall skateboarding experience, whether for street or cruising.
Understanding Low Trucks
Low skateboard trucks are usually under 50mm tall. They give your skateboard a lower center of gravity. This makes the board more stable, especially for complex tricks. It also makes flipping tricks easier. They are best for skaters doing technical skateboarding in skateparks or on the street.
Benefits of low trucks include better precision and agility. Skaters pick low skateboard trucks for street skating and grinds. But, watch out for wheel bite. This is when the wheel hits the deck during sharp turns or tricks, which can make you stop all of a sudden.
The best wheel size for low trucks is between 48mm and 53mm. This size helps avoid wheel bite. Unlike high trucks, which work with bigger wheels, low trucks keep you close to the ground. This is perfect for precise tricks and tech skating.
Many brands make low skateboard trucks. Examples include Venture’s 5.0 Low at 48mm, and Tensor’s 5.0 Low and 5.25 Low, both at 46mm. Thunder offers trucks from 47mm to 50mm. These various sizes mean you can find the perfect fit for stable and precise riding. Skaters focused on precision tricks often prefer these trucks.
On average, low trucks are around 49mm tall. For instance, Independent’s 129 Low is 48mm. These trucks are a top choice for those looking to improve their technical skateboarding. In summary, choosing low trucks can make your skateboard more steady. This is key for doing technical tricks and maneuvers.
Exploring High Trucks
Choosing high trucks for skateboarding has many benefits. They range from 53mm to 56mm, giving high skateboard trucks more space between the deck and ground. This space lets you turn smoother and use bigger wheels. It’s perfect for cruising, skating on transitions, and rough surfaces.
High trucks offer more stability, which is great for beginners and tall riders. This stability and the less chance of wheel bite help newcomers. They also allow for wider turns. This is key for doing smooth moves in transition skating.
When picking high trucks, think about how they fit with your deck width. Here is an easy guide to help you choose correctly:
| Deck Width | Truck Size |
|---|---|
| 7.5″ | 5.0 / 129 |
| 7.75″ | 5.0 / 5.25 / 139 |
| 8.0″ | 5.25 / 139 |
| 8.25″ | 5.5 / 144 |
| 8.5″ | 149 / 159 |
| 8.75″ and up | 159 / 169 / 215 |
High trucks make your skateboard fit for all kinds of places. Their design helps with smoother turns and gives better stability. That’s why many skaters choose high trucks.
Comparing Performance: Low vs. High Trucks
Comparing skateboard truck performance means looking at how low and high trucks match up to different styles. This low vs high skateboard trucks comparison shows how each type affects your choice of skate trucks.
Low Trucks: Low trucks stand between 46-49 mm high. They give you a lower center of gravity. This means more stability and control for tricks. They fit wheel sizes from 50-53mm. This makes them great for new skaters focusing on tricks and street skating. They help with skateboard truck performance in city settings.
High Trucks: High trucks, however, are taller, ranging from 53.5-60 mm. They work with bigger wheels, 56mm or more. High trucks make turning easier and help avoid wheel bites. This makes them good for skating on ramps and cruising around. They’re chosen by those who need clearance for larger wheels.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Truck Type | Height (mm) | Wheel Size (mm) | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Trucks | 46-49 | 50-53 | Street Skating, Technical Tricks |
| High Trucks | 53.5-60 | 56+ | Ramps, Cruising |
Both low and high trucks have their own benefits. The choice depends on how you like to skate. Your decision on stability for tricks or turning ability for ramps matters a lot. This low vs high skateboard trucks comparison should help you think about what’s important for your skate truck selection.
Cost Considerations for Low and High Trucks
Skateboarding costs can vary, especially when it comes to the cost of skateboard trucks. The price range changes with the brand, material quality, and truck type. Knowing the price comparison between low and high trucks helps with budgeting for skateboarding.
Cheaper material means more affordable trucks. But, if performance matters to you, expect to pay more. High-quality trucks range between $50 to $100, while simpler models might only cost $20 to $40.
Take a look at this table for a clearer picture of what you might spend:
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Low Trucks | $20 – $40 |
| High-Performance Low Trucks | $50 – $100 |
| Basic High Trucks | $20 – $40 |
| High-Performance High Trucks | $50 – $100 |
Skateboard trucks can lose value over time, similar to cars. However, they don’t wear out as quickly. High-end trucks, made from materials like titanium, last longer and perform better, despite their higher initial price.
When planning your budget, think about how often you skate and your style. Casual skaters can go for cheaper trucks. Serious skaters might find value in spending more on quality.
Finding a balance between what you can spend and what you need is key. Whether you prefer low trucks for stability, or high ones for mobility, making a wise price comparison is crucial for your decision.
Customization Options for Your Truck
Customizing skateboard trucks opens up many choices. You can make your skateboard match your own style and needs. Changing bushings is an easy start. It makes your ride feel different, based on how hard or soft they are.
Don’t forget about the washers for your personalized skateboarding equipment. Better washers make your trucks more stable and protect your bushings. Also, adjusting the kingpin adjusts how well you can steer and keep stable.
Customizing goes beyond function to include looks. Custom paint or stickers show off your style. Brands like Independent Trucks and Thunder Trucks have lots of choices for making your board stand out.
Think about truck heights and brands too. Low trucks from Tensor are good for technical moves because they keep you close to the ground. On the other hand, high trucks from Independent Skateboard Stage 11 Trucks work well for different wheels and terrains because they give you more clearance.
Try out these customization options to get the best setup. Whether you want better performance or to show off your style, personalized skateboarding equipment makes your board uniquely yours.
Considerations for Everyday Use
Choosing the right trucks is key for everyday skateboarding. It ensures durability and performance. The environment and how often you skate affect your choice of trucks.
Low trucks help in doing technical tricks and offer better control on flat surfaces. Because they’re close to the deck, they might cause wheel bite. They’re great for street skaters who want to improve their tricks and stability. Thunder Trucks, for example, are 49mm and 51mm high and suit many skateboarders.
High trucks, from 52mm to 56mm, avoid obstacles better and handle rough places well. They are perfect for skating on uneven surfaces and help beginners avoid wheel bite and control the board. Independent Skateboard Stage 11 Trucks are 55mm tall, durable, and work well for different skating styles.
Keeping your trucks in good shape with regular maintenance is crucial. Clean them and replace parts as needed to keep them performing well. Durable trucks are a must because they get used a lot.
| Truck Type | Height | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder Trucks | 49mm | Under $70 |
| Independent Skateboard Stage 11 Trucks | 55mm | Under $50 |
| Tensor Trucks | 46mm | Varies |
So, think about truck height, maintenance, and where you’ll skate. With these practical skate tips, your trucks will last longer. They’ll be ready for anything, from casual rides to tough skating.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing the right skateboard trucks means thinking about what you like, how you skate, and where you skate. There are low, medium, and high trucks, each with their own pros and cons. They affect how your skateboard feels and what you can do with it.
Low trucks make your board stable and quick to turn, perfect for technical tricks and grinds. They’re best with wheels that are 48mm to 53mm big. Meanwhile, high trucks fit bigger wheels, from 53mm to 58mm. They’re great for smooth turns and rides on ramps. But, they might not be as stable when you go fast.
It’s key to figure out what works for you. Try out different truck heights and setups. This way, you can customize your skateboard to match your skating style. Whether you’re into ledge grinds or hill bombing, testing will help. Also, talking to seasoned skaters or pros can give you helpful tips and insights. They can help you choose wisely.
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!