Choosing the right skateboard trucks is key for the best performance and stability. Trucks have parts like axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings. These parts affect your skateboard’s handling and feel in various situations. The right mix improves stability, stops wheel bite, and helps with tricks and tight turns.
When looking for skate trucks, consider the size and profile in relation to your deck. It’s important that the axle width matches your deck for the best stability. A matching axle width and deck width will make your ride feel better.
The height of the trucks also matters, depending on your wheel size. Low trucks work well for wheels between 50-53mm. Mid trucks are good for 53-56mm wheels, and high trucks fit wheels 56mm and up. The bushing softness and design of the trucks affect how easily you can maneuver.
To get personalized tips on choosing skateboard parts, look at resources like the Warehouse Skateboards Buying Guide. This guide talks about different sizes, brands, and truck types. It shows how your choice should depend on personal liking and how you skate.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard trucks are made of axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings.
- Axle width should match your deck width for the best stability.
- Low trucks are great for small wheels (50-53mm), mid trucks for medium wheels (53-56mm), and high trucks for bigger wheels (56mm+).
- Adjustable trucks make it easier to steer, affected by the softness of bushings.
- Your choice in skateboard hardware should reflect your own style and preferences.
Understanding Skate Truck Basics
To really get the mechanics of skateboarding, you gotta know the key parts of skateboard trucks. These include the axle, hanger, kingpin, and bushings. Each one is crucial for the skateboard’s handling and performance.
The axle runs through the hanger and connects to the wheels. Together, the axle and hanger keep the board stable. For a board 8 inches wide, an axle width between 7.875 and 8.125 inches is ideal.
Bushings sit around the kingpin and make turning smooth. Knowing the role of the kingpin and bushings helps in adjusting your skateboard. By changing the kingpin nut, you can control the truck’s tightness, affecting how it moves and feels. Bushings come in different hardness levels, which changes your ride.
The height and weight of trucks can vary. Low trucks, between 46-49 mm, offer great stability, perfect for beginners. Mid trucks, ranging from 49.5-53.5 mm, work well for different skating styles. High trucks, between 53.5-60 mm, allow for bigger wheels, making them ideal for cruising.
Choosing trucks can depend on the kind of kingpin they have. Hollow trucks are lighter, improving your skate tricks. However, inverted kingpin trucks provide better handling for downhill rides and carving due to their size.
To help you understand better, check out this detailed guide:
| Truck Type | Height (mm) | Recommended Wheel Size (mm) | Axle Width (inches) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Trucks | 46-49 | 50-51 | 7.625-7.75 | $28.95 – $89.95 |
| Mid Trucks | 49.5-53.5 | 52-56 | 8-8.5 | $31.95 – $59.95 |
| High Trucks | 53.5-60 | 53.5-58 | 8.5 and above | $51.95 – $89.95 |
Why Skate Truck Selection Matters
Picking the right skate trucks is crucial for improving your skating. It affects how well you do tricks, how easily you turn, and how smooth your ride feels.
The ideal skate truck performance matches your skateboard deck. For example:
| Truck Axle Width | Deck Width Range |
|---|---|
| 6″-7.25″ | 6.5″ – 7.25″ |
| 7.5″ | 7.25″ – 7.5″ |
| 7.75″ | 7.5″ – 8″ |
| 8.0″ | 8″ – 8.5″ |
| 8.5″ | 8.5″ – 9″ |
| 9.0″ | 9″ – 10″ |
| 10.0″ | 10″ |
When talking about truck selection impact, think about where you’ll skate. Like on parks, streets, or ramps. Pick trucks that meet your needs. Low trucks work best for 50-53mm wheels, while high trucks fit 56mm and up.
A great skateboarding experience comes from choosing the right trucks. New options like lighter hollow trucks for better jumps, and versatile standard kingpin trucks, can change how you ride. They impact your agility, style, and how long your setup lasts.
The main aim of skate truck selection is to sync your trucks with your deck size and skating style. This makes sure your skating experience is both smooth and adjustable!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Skate Trucks
When picking choosing skate trucks, several things matter to get the right setup. You must choose the correct size. A 6”-7.25” truck axle fits decks from 6.5” to 7.25”, and an 8.0” axle works for 8” to 8.5” decks. Matching truck size to deck size is crucial. Mismatched sizes can cause wheel bite and unstable rides.
The profile of your trucks is key too. Check out this guide. There are low, mid, high profiles, each matching different wheel sizes. Low trucks are best with 50-53mm wheels, mid fit 53-56mm wheels, and high need 56mm+ wheels. High trucks are great for better cruising.
Materials matter when choosing skate trucks. Most are made of aluminum and steel. But, titanium options can boost performance. Hollow kingpins and axles are also popular for their light weight yet strong build.
Don’t forget about cost and brand reputation. Brands like Ace Trucks MFG. AF1 80 Hollow or Venture Trucks Star Team Edition offer good durability and performance. They’re priced around $50. Regularly check bushings and kingpins to keep your trucks in top shape.
Analyzing the Features of Skate Trucks
Looking into skate truck features is key for a better skating experience. You should match the axle width with your skateboard deck width within 0.25 inches for the best stability and performance. Low trucks work best for 50-53mm wheels, medium trucks for 52-54mm wheels, and high trucks for wheels 53mm and above.
The durability and performance of your trucks depend on their materials and how they’re made. Forged trucks offer a stronger and lighter baseplate than cast trucks. Titanium trucks are strong and light, which is why they’re chosen by performance-focused skaters, even though they cost more.
Understanding skate trucks’ parts, like axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings, is crucial. Axles widths are measured in millimeters or inches. Here are the common sizes:
| Deck Width | Axle Width |
|---|---|
| 6″ to 7.5″ | 6.0″ – 7.25″ |
| 7.25” to 7.75″ | 7.5″ |
| 7.5” to 8″ | 7.75″ |
| 7.75” to 8.25″ | 8″ |
| 8.25” to 8.75″ | 8.5″ |
| 8.75” to 9.25″ | 9″ |
| 9.75″ and above | 10″ |
Adjustable trucks let you change your skateboard for different skating styles. Choosing between solid or hollow kingpins affects the board’s weight and durability. Hollow kingpins make the skateboard lighter but still strong, which helps with easier turns.
Finding the right bushing hardness is also key. Soft bushings are great for easy turns and beginners, while hard bushings are better for fast skating. Inverted kingpin trucks add stability and a better turning radius for speeding.
To keep your skate trucks in top shape, regular maintenance is needed. Components can loosen, affecting how well your board performs. New designs and quality materials boost the durability and performance of trucks, fitting various skateboarding types and deck sizes.
In the end, carefully analyzing skate truck features and choosing adjustable trucks for your needs will greatly improve your skateboarding.
Popular Skate Truck Brands to Explore
Exploring top skate truck brands helps you choose the right skate trucks. Independent, Thunder, and Venture are well-known names. They offer a variety of quality skate trucks for different skate styles.
Independent trucks are famous in the skating world. They’re known for being tough and reliable. The Independent Silver Stage 11 costs $51.95, and the Hollow Stage 11 is $56.95. They’re great for street skating and bowls because they’re strong. They fit both old and new school skateboards.
Thunder trucks are perfect for skaters who want a light but strong truck. The Thunder Hollow Lights are $59.95, and the Thunder Lights are $49.95. They give skaters the speed they need for harder tricks. The Thunder Polished series starts at $42.95. It works well on many surfaces.
Venture trucks are all about flexibility and style. The Venture Koston Pro is $47.95, and the Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks are $41.95. They address all skating styles, from street tricks to cruising.
Let’s see how these top skate truck brands compare in features and price:
| Brand | Model | Price | Weight | Deck Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | Silver Stage 11 | $51.95 | Mid | 8″ to 9″ |
| Independent | Hollow Stage 11 | $56.95 | Light | 8″ to 9″ |
| Thunder | Hollow Lights | $59.95 | Ultra Light | 8.25″ to 9.25″ |
| Thunder | Lights | $49.95 | Light | 8″ to 9″ |
| Venture | Koston Pro V8 | $47.95 | Mid | 8″ to 8.75″ |
| Venture | Polished | $41.95 | Mid | 8″ to 8.75″ |
By trying these famous brands, you can find the best truck for your deck, style, and needs. This guide on skateboard truck recommendations helps you pick the best for your skating goals.
Tips for Testing and Finalizing Your Choice
Testing skate trucks is key to getting the right fit for your skate style and performance. Start by trying out different truck sizes and shapes. This means playing around with the axle width that matches your deck width. For instance, an 8-inch deck works well with axles from 7.875 to 8.125 inches. This balance is important for good stability while skating.
Then, look at the bushings. The stiffness of your bushings changes how your board rides. Softer bushings, like 75a-80a, make for a smooth ride and good grip. But harder bushings, 95a or more, are better for tougher street skating. A quick test is to push down on a wheel and see if the truck snaps back. If it doesn’t, you may need new bushings. Changing bushings often can make your board more responsive and stable.
It’s also smart to test trucks on different kinds of surfaces. Skate on smooth roads, rough paths, and ramps to see how each setup does. This gives you insight into how trucks work in various situations. Trying different wheels can help you figure out the best grip and speed for you. For detailed advice on picking the right trucks, check out this guide by Independent Trucks.
In the end, choosing trucks is all about what feels right for you. Take your time and test well. Make sure every change fits how you like to skate, whether on the street, in a park, or just cruising around. By carefully testing, you’ll find the perfect trucks for your skateboarding needs.
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!