Choosing the right skateboard trucks is very important for enjoying skateboarding. They are the T-shaped metal parts that link your wheels and deck. This guide covers the best skateboard trucks, including detailed skateboard truck reviews and skateboard truck quality insights.
Good quality skateboard trucks improve stability, precision in turning, and last longer. Take, for example, Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks. They are highly praised for their grinding ability and kingpin clearance. Made from 356 T6 Aluminum, they also have Supercush bushings for better turns.
ACE Trucks are also well-regarded, featuring models like the Ace 66 AF1 Truck 9″ and the Ace 33 AF1 Truck 8″. These are known for their high quality and flexibility. This makes them a top pick among skilled skateboarders.
This guide will explain everything about skateboard trucks. It will help you understand their key parts and the different types available. Whether you prefer the lightness of hollow trucks, the unique feel of inverted kingpin trucks, or durable materials like aluminum, this guide covers it.
Keep reading as we talk more about the importance of choosing the right skateboard trucks. We will look at various options, and offer detailed reviews and recommendations. This will help you improve your skating.
Why Selection of Skateboard Trucks Matters
Choosing the right skateboard trucks is crucial for a great skating experience. They affect how well your skateboard turns and grinds. This determines your board’s performance. It’s vital to pick trucks that match your riding style by looking at skateboard truck specifications.
Skateboard trucks vary in design, impacting your ride. Standard kingpin trucks work for many styles like street skating and skateparks. Hollow trucks, with lighter kingpins and axles, make your skateboard lighter. This means you can do higher jumps and quicker tricks.
Inverted kingpin trucks are perfect for downhill skating because they’re taller and wider. High-quality trucks such as Independent Silver Stage 11, at $51.95, and Ace deez AF-1 Hollow LTD, at $73.95, show the range available. These options focus on both durability and performance.
The materials and build of skateboard trucks affect their longevity. Whether it’s Tensor Mag Light trucks for $69.95 or Venture Yuto Pro Edition trucks at $47.95, knowing the specs is crucial. Even a small difference in width can change your skateboard’s alignment. This can greatly impact how stable and responsive your board is.
| Brand | Model | Price | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | Silver Stage 11 | $51.95 | Standard, durable |
| Ace | Deedz AF-1 Hollow LTD | $73.95 | Lightweight, high-speed |
| Tensor | Mag Light (Black) | $69.95 | Lightweight, high pops |
| Venture | Yuto Pro Edition (Liquid Chrome) | $47.95 | Stylish, reliable |
In summary, considering skateboard truck specifications and skateboard truck durability leads to better choices. This improves your board’s stability and responsiveness. Whether you choose standard, hollow, or inverted trucks, each type upgrades your skateboarding experience in unique ways.
Understanding the Anatomy of Skateboard Trucks
To really enjoy your skateboard’s performance, it’s key to know about skateboard truck anatomy. The trucks have important parts. These parts help with turning, staying stable, and how smooth the ride is.
Baseplate
The baseplate is what connects the truck to the deck. It includes the kingpin and pivot cup. These are crucial for the truck to turn well. A strong baseplate means a smooth ride and a sturdy connection.
Hanger
The hanger is easy to see when you look at the sides of the skateboard. It holds the axle and the pivot. This part is super important for the truck’s overall strength. How well the hanger is made affects how it handles bumps and carries the rider.
Axle
The axle runs through the hanger and can vary in width from 5 to 10 inches. It’s where the wheels attach. Choosing the right axle width is crucial to match the deck. A good match ensures the skateboard performs well and stays balanced.
Pivot and Pivot Cup
The pivot and pivot cup work together so the skateboard can turn. They’re in the baseplate. Their teamwork is important for making turns smooth. It’s a key part of how the skateboard moves.
Kingpin and Bushings
The kingpin holds the hanger to the baseplate and works with the bushings for pivoting. Some kingpins are hollow to make the skateboard lighter. Bushings, rated by durometer, affect the truck’s feel. Adjusting the kingpin and bushings helps find the right mix of steady and nimble.
Different Types of Skateboard Trucks
Knowing about skateboard truck types is key to picking the best setup for your skateboarding. You have standard kingpin trucks, hollow trucks, and inverted kingpin trucks, each with its own benefits. They suit various styles and preferences.
Standard Kingpin Trucks
Standard kingpin trucks are very common in skateboarding. They are great for street skating, skateparks, and bowls. Because they are so adaptable and dependable, many skaters choose them for their great performance.
Hollow Trucks
Hollow trucks have parts like kingpins and axles that are hollow, making them lighter. This helps you do higher ollies and faster flips, perfect for street skating. For example, Thunder Hollow Lights cost $59.95, giving you awesome performance without breaking the bank.
Inverted Kingpin Trucks
Inverted kingpin trucks have a special design that’s great for going fast downhill and making deep turns. They give stability and better turning for cruising and carving. Independent’s Silver Stage 11, at $51.95, is a solid choice for those looking for speed.
When looking for the best skateboard trucks for street skating or other styles, checking out different skateboard truck types is crucial. Here’s a short comparison:
| Truck Type | Ideal For | Features | Examples | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Kingpin | Street, Park, Bowl | Versatile, Customizable | Independent Stage 11 | $51.95 |
| Hollow | Street, Tricks | Lightweight, Enhanced Performance | Thunder Hollow Lights | $59.95 |
| Inverted Kingpin | Downhill, Cruising | Stable, Deep Carving | Lurpiv Hollow Polished | $79.95 |
Finding the right truck type changes your skating a lot. Be sure to think about what fits your style and goals the best.
The Best Skateboard Trucks: Reviews and Recommendations
Finding the right skateboard trucks can be tough with so many choices out there. We’ve reviewed top skateboard truck brands for you. This includes Independent trucks, Thunder trucks, Venture trucks, and ACE trucks.
Independent Trucks
Independent trucks are known for great turning and grinding. They are also very strong. The Independent 149 Stage 11 Silver Skateboard Truck fits boards from 8.2 to 8.5 inches. It costs $26.95.
The Independent 144 Stage 11 Forged Hollow Silver Skateboard Truck is lighter, weighing 348.3g. It’s good for boards 8.0 to 8.5 inches wide and costs $33.95.
Thunder Trucks
Thunder trucks offer solid stability. They turn a bit wider than Independent trucks. Take the Thunder Polished Lights II 149 Skateboard Truck. It’s suited for board widths from 8.38 to 8.62 inches and costs $24.95.
The Thunder Polished HI 147 Skateboard Truck fits boards from 7.9 to 8.2 inches. It has a price tag of $21.95.
Venture Trucks
Venture trucks are lighter and offer the widest turns. The Venture Polished 5.8 Skateboard Truck weighs 379.8g and fits boards from 8.25 to 8.75 inches. It’s priced at $18.95.
The Venture Trucks Yuto Pro Edition mixes lightness with strong performance.
ACE Trucks
ACE Trucks are known for their great quality and craftsmanship. For example, the ACE AF1 44 Skateboard Truck works for boards between 8.125″ and 8.3″. It weighs 394g and costs $29.95.
ACE focuses on versatility and a top-notch build in their products.
| Brand | Model | Weight (g) | Board Width (inches) | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | 149 Stage 11 Silver | 394 | 8.2-8.5 | 26.95 |
| Independent | 144 Stage 11 Forged Hollow Silver | 348.3 | 8.0-8.5 | 33.95 |
| Thunder | Polished Lights II 149 | — | 8.38-8.62 | 24.95 |
| Thunder | Polished HI 147 | — | 7.9-8.2 | 21.95 |
| Venture | Polished 5.8 | 379.8 | 8.25-8.75 | 18.95 |
| ACE | AF1 44 | 394 | 8.125-8.3 | 29.95 |
Key Factors When Choosing Skateboard Trucks
Choosing the right skateboard trucks is all about understanding how your board works with key parts. These elements help you decide wisely:
Deck Width Compatibility
Your skateboard trucks should match your deck’s width. This balance is key for control and response while riding. Brands like Independent, Thunder, and Venture offer many sizes.
Make sure your trucks match your deck’s width to keep your ride stable:
| Deck Width | Truck Width |
|---|---|
| 7.5″ – 8.0″ | 127mm – 139mm |
| 8.0″ – 8.5″ | 139mm – 149mm |
| 8.5″ – 9.0″ | 149mm – 159mm |
Truck Height Considerations
Truck height affects how your skateboard rides and feels. It changes how high your deck is from the ground. You can choose from low, mid, or high trucks:
- Low trucks (46-49mm): Great for beginners, giving more stability for street skating.
- Mid trucks (49.5-53.5mm): Good for most skaters, they balance stability and movement.
- High trucks (53.5-60mm): Best for cruising and carving, they let you use bigger wheels without issues.
To adjust truck height, consider riser pads. They help control wheel clearance and avoid wheel bites on turns.
Bushing Hardness
Bushings significantly impact how well your skateboard turns. The bushing durometer measures bushing hardness, affecting turning ability:
Hard bushings are stable at high speeds but turning takes more effort. Soft bushings make turning easier, perfect for tricks and sharp moves.
| Bushing Durometer Rating | Performance |
|---|---|
| 78A – 87A | Very soft, great for cruising and carving. |
| 88A – 95A | Soft, good for street skating and lighter skaters. |
| 96A – 99A | Medium, versatile for tricks and all-round skating. |
| 100A+ | Hard, offers stability at high speeds but less turnability. |
Customize your skateboard truck by picking the right bushing durometer for your style and preferences.
Popular Skateboard Truck Brands and Their Unique Features
Choosing the right skateboard truck brands can make your skating better. Each brand has unique features that fit different styles and preferences.
Venture Trucks are loved by street skaters for their durability and urban performance. Pro skaters like Paul Rodriguez and Brandon Westgate recommend them. They are known for their reliability and sleek design.
Krux Trucks are known for smooth turns and a special hole design. They are backed by pros like Nora Vasconcellos and Caswell Berry. These trucks are chosen for their superior ride quality.
| Brand | Features | Endorsements |
|---|---|---|
| Venture Trucks | Durability, street skating | Paul Rodriguez, Brandon Westgate |
| Krux Trucks | Smooth turns, hole design | Nora Vasconcellos, Caswell Berry |
| Ace Trucks | Turning capabilities, lightweight | Steve “Shrewgy” Ruge |
| Royal Trucks | Reliable performance, varied styles | Eric Koston, Mike Carroll |
| Tensor Trucks | Innovative, replaceable sliders | Rodney Mullen, Daewon Song |
| Theeve Trucks | Titanium axles, durability | Tony Hawk, Moose |
Ace Trucks stand out for their great turning and light design. They are perfect for transition skaters and trick lovers. Steve “Shrewgy” Ruge helped make Ace Trucks popular by distributing them locally.
Tensor Trucks and Theeve Trucks offer innovative features. Tensor has unique sliders and uses special materials, with Rodney Mullen and Daewon Song as fans. Theeve Trucks boast titanium axles, earning praise from Tony Hawk and Moose.
Royal Trucks, by Crailtap, have earned their place with support from stars like Eric Koston and Mike Carroll. They offer reliable performances and various styles to suit any skater.
These skateboard truck brands offer different qualities for skaters. By understanding these features and endorsements, skaters can choose the best trucks for their needs.
Maintaining Your Skateboard Trucks for Longevity
Keeping your skateboard trucks in top shape is key. You need to check them often and clean them right. Also, don’t wait to replace parts that are worn out.
Regular Inspection
Checking your trucks often can spot problems early. Look for loose or damaged parts like kingpins, bushings, or pivot cups. Securing all parts makes for better control and tricks.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning your skateboard trucks the right way is a must. Dirt and debris add up and wear things down. Follow these steps to keep them clean:
- Take off the wheels to clean them by themselves.
- Use a damp cloth to clean the trucks and remove dirt.
- Make sure everything is dry before putting it back together to avoid rust.
Cleaning your trucks regularly will help them last much longer.
Replacing Worn-Out Parts
Good truck maintenance means swapping out old parts in time. Bad bushings or broken kingpins change how your board feels under your feet.
| Part | Replacement Frequency |
|---|---|
| Bushings | Every 6 months or as needed |
| Kingpins | Annually or when damaged |
| Pivot Cups | Every 12 months or when worn |
Check out best longboard trucks for more on choosing and caring for skateboard trucks.
Customizing Your Skateboard Trucks for Optimal Performance
Skateboard truck customization boosts your skateboarding. It adjusts for better control and stability. This makes your skateboarding feel just right for you.
Choosing the Right Bushings
Choosing the right bushings is key. They sit between the baseplate and axle, affecting turns and stability. Soft bushings improve turns for cruising.
Hard bushings are best for tricks because they’re stable. Knowing this helps you pick the best bushings for your skateboarding style.
Adjusting the Kingpin
Adjusting the kingpin is crucial for skateboard performance. It controls truck tension. Tightening it makes the ride stiffer.
Loosening the kingpin makes turning easier. This adjustment is vital for a good skateboarding experience. It makes sure your skateboard does what you want.
For the best skateboard experience, customize your trucks properly. Focus on bushing hardness and kingpin adjustment. Playing with these settings helps you find the perfect setup.
Materials Used in Skateboard Trucks and Their Impact
Understanding the materials used in skateboard trucks can help you make a better choice. It depends on what you want from your ride and how long you want your trucks to last. Skateboard trucks are mostly made from aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. Each material has its own benefits.
Aluminum trucks are the most common choice. They strike a perfect balance between being light and durable. They are a top pick for many because they perform well without costing too much.
If you want something even lighter, look at magnesium trucks. They can be 25% lighter than aluminum, making tricks easier. But, they might wear out faster, which is something to think about if you skate a lot.
Titanium trucks are at the top end when it comes to durability and resistance to rust. They are more costly but don’t need to be replaced often. For skaters who want the best and don’t mind the price, titanium is the way to go.
Here’s a comparison of these materials:
| Material | Weight | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Medium | High | Moderate |
| Magnesium | Light | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Titanium | Very Light | Very High | High |
Choosing skateboard truck materials depends on your priorities. Maybe you want titanium’s durability, magnesium’s lightness, or aluminum’s reliability. Each material has advantages to match different skater’s needs.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Skating Experience with the Right Trucks
Choosing good skateboard trucks can really improve your skating. The right trucks make you stable and help you do tricks easier. Whether you like flipping tricks on the street or high flying on a vert ramp, the correct trucks matter.
To understand skateboard trucks, know their parts. The baseplate, hanger, axle, pivot, and kingpin are crucial. The material matters too, like aluminum for balance or steel for tough rides. It’s good to read reviews but testing different trucks works best.
Keeping your trucks in shape is key for their life and your skateboarding. Check them often, clean them, and change old parts. Playing with bushing hardness and kingpin adjustments makes your ride feel more like your own.
Finally, picking parts that fit how you skate is vital. For tips on choosing and caring for skateboard trucks, check out this detailed guide. Matching your gear to what you like makes skating much better.
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!