Putting together a skateboard, you need to think about trucks. They connect your deck and wheels, affecting how the board moves and feels. Trucks are made up of parts like axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings. These parts manage stability, how easily you can turn, and how the board handles impacts. When you pick the right trucks, your board will turn better, avoid wheel bite, and do tricks more smoothly. It’s important to know about these parts to choose trucks that match how you skate.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard trucks are crucial components affecting skateboard performance and maneuverability.
- Trucks consist of axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings working together for optimal functionality.
- Your choice of trucks impacts turnability, stability, and susceptibility to wheel bite.
- Understanding truck sizes and flexibility assists in choosing skateboard trucks that fit your style.
- A well-matched truck enhances control, trick execution, and overall skating experience.
Understanding Skateboard Truck Basics
Skateboard trucks are key to your skateboard’s setup. They include the axle, hanger, kingpin, and bushings. Knowing about these important parts improves your performance and fun.
The axle and hanger skateboard are at the truck’s core. The axle, running through the hanger, attaches the wheels. The hanger is the largest part, supporting the axle. It impacts grind quality and stability. For best stability and performance, your axle width should closely match your deck’s width, within 0.125 inches.
The kingpin plays a vital role. It’s a bolt that keeps the hanger and axle together, going through the bushings. The kingpin allows the truck to pivot for smoother turns. The bushings, around the kingpin, affect how tight or loose your turns are. Skaters choose solid or hollow kingpins for weight and durability.
Truck height matters too. Trucks come in low, mid, and high, each for different wheels and styles:
- Low trucks (46-49 mm) work best with smaller wheels (50-51 mm), giving more stability for street skating.
- Mid trucks (50-53 mm) are good with medium wheels (52-56 mm), offering a mix for street and park.
- High trucks (53.5-58 mm) fit larger wheels (57-59 mm), perfect for cruising and vert skating.
Truck weight also impacts your skating, with lighter trucks improving pop and flick speed. Light trucks, like the Tensor Mag Light Series, are among the lightest available.
How tight your kingpin nut is affects turning. Tighter trucks are better for technical tricks. Looser trucks make sharper turns easier. Bushings’ hardness is measured on the durometer scale. Harder bushings mean tighter trucks, while softer ones let you move more easily.
Knowing these skateboard truck basics helps you pick what’s best for your skating style and needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying Trucks
Choosing the right skateboard trucks involves several important factors. Your skateboard riding style matters a lot. For example, street skaters often choose low trucks for better stability and quick turns. People who enjoy cruising might pick high trucks. High trucks turn better and fit larger wheels well.
Finding trucks that fit your deck right is key. Trucks have axles from 6″ to 10″ wide that should closely match your deck’s width. This ensures your skateboard is stable. Below is a comparison:
| Axle Width | Compatible Deck Width |
|---|---|
| 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” and above |
Making sure your trucks’ axle width and deck width align can really make a difference. This improves skateboard truck compatibility, leading to smoother riding and more stability. Different truck profiles also pair with certain wheel sizes. Low trucks work best with wheels from 50-53mm. Mid trucks go with 53-56mm, and for high trucks, you’ll want 56mm or larger.
The materials used in trucks are important too. Many are made with aluminum hangers and steel axles. But there are also titanium and brushed steel options. Think about the bushings’ softness too. Softer bushings mean easier turns. Most skateboards come with these softer bushings, which you can adjust to fit what you like.
Finally, check the kingpin nut to make sure it’s tight. This helps keep your skateboard stable and not wobbly. Some trucks let you adjust things to better fit your skateboard riding style. This can be really helpful if you’re looking for a specific kind of ride.
Different Types of Skateboard Trucks
Choosing skateboard trucks means understanding their differences. Standard kingpin trucks, hollow skateboard trucks, and inverted kingpin trucks each serve different skating styles. This choice impacts how you skate.
Standard kingpin trucks are common and best for street and park skating. They allow skaters to adjust how the board turns. These trucks fit decks from 6.5″ to 10″ wide. Below is how truck axles match with deck sizes:
| Truck Axle Width | Deck Width |
|---|---|
| 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″ and above |
Hollow skateboard trucks are lighter because of their hollow kingpins and axles. They make higher jumps and faster flips possible. Skaters who want to improve board pop and speed choose these. Models like Venture Trucks V-Hollow Light and Thunder Hollow Lights Skateboard Trucks are examples.
Inverted kingpin trucks, or reverse kingpin trucks, are great for longboarding. They are taller and wider, which means faster speeds and tighter turns. Ideal for carving and cruising, they come with riser pads and bigger wheels to prevent wheel bite.
In summary, the truck type you pick changes how you skate. Standard kingpin trucks work for many skate styles. Hollow skateboard trucks are for those focused on tricks. Inverted kingpin trucks offer better control for longboard riders.
Measuring Truck Width and Compatibility
Make sure your skateboard trucks fit your deck width for a stable ride. The best fit places the axle nuts near the deck’s edge, about a quarter inch away. If your trucks are too narrow or too wide, you’ll have problems like instability or your shoes hitting the wheels.
Use the skateboard truck size chart carefully. Skate decks are measured in inches, but truck sizes can vary by brand. A 7.75″ deck usually goes with a 5.0″ truck, while an 8.0″ deck fits a 5.25″ truck.
Look at both the hanger and axle width when choosing your trucks. Some brands, like Independent and Thunder, use metric names. A 129mm hanger is about a 5.0” truck. Royal’s 5.5″ trucks are closer to 5.8″ in hanger size, similar to Venture’s 5.8″ truck with an 8.75″ axle.
A good skateboard truck guide says matching sizes well reduces wheel bite and improves control. Plus, truck heights vary. Low trucks make turning sharper but limit wheel clearance. High trucks fit bigger wheels better, offering a wider turning range.
This chart helps compare truck sizes for your skateboard:
| Deck Width (inches) | Truck Size (inches) | Example Brands |
|---|---|---|
| 7.75″ | 5.0″ | Independent 129mm, Thunder 145 |
| 8.0″ | 5.25″ | Venture 5.25″, Royal 5.5″ |
| 8.25″ | 5.5″ | Independent 144, Thunder 148 |
To truly dial in your setup, mix and match truck to deck width. Also, play with bushing hardness, truck height, and axle width. For more insights, check out Doctor Skate. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Top Brands That Offer Quality Trucks
Independent, Thunder, and Venture lead the market with high-quality skateboard components. They have models for all skateboarding styles. This ensures every skater finds their perfect match. Knowing what makes these brands stand out helps you pick the right trucks.
Independent trucks are known for being tough and great for grinding. They have forged trucks at 53.5mm tall and standard or hollow ones at 55mm. Skaters love them for their durability and reliability under tough conditions.
Thunder trucks are a favorite for street skaters because they are light. They come in hollow versions and various lengths for any terrain. Their design allows for smooth turning and agility, boosting a skater’s street performance.
Venture trucks make balancing easier with their longer wheelbase. Skaters who want steady, controlled turns go for Venture. They’re quick to break in, taking about 30 minutes, so skaters can get going fast.
| Brand | Key Feature | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Durability, ‘meat’ for grinding | All-around skateboarding, performance-oriented |
| Thunder | Lightweight design, easy turning | Street skating |
| Venture | Longer wheelbase, quick break-in | Balanced skating, stability |
Choosing the right skateboard truck brand can change your skating game. Each brand offers special components for different styles. By matching a brand to your needs, you get a better and more fun ride.
Tips for Maintaining Your Skateboard Trucks
Keeping your skateboard trucks in good shape is key for a better ride and longer use. To do this, you’ll need a good skateboard maintenance plan. It makes sure your skateboard works well and is safe.
Start by checking the kingpin nut’s tightness. The right tightness helps control how the board turns and how stable it is. Tighten for stability or loosen for sharper turns. Adjust it based on how you like to ride.
Watch the bushings since they wear out fast. Changing old bushings is important. Choose bushings that match how you want to ride: soft for quick turns, medium for a mix, or hard for steady rides. Keeping bushings in good shape helps your skateboard ride smoothly.
Make sure the axle nuts are tight. Loose ones can cause your skateboard to wobble and might lead to crashes. Use special skateboard oils to keep everything moving without attracting dust. Also, look for any damage on your skateboard. If you see cracks, warping, or anything bent, it’s time for new trucks.
Following these maintenance tips means your skateboard will last longer. Plus, you’ll enjoy a smoother and safer ride every time you skate.
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!