Imagine gliding down a smooth hill, the wind rushing past your ears. What makes that ride so perfect? It’s not just the board; it’s the trucks! These often-overlooked parts are the heart of your longboard, connecting your wheels to your deck and dictating how you steer and carve. But walk into any skate shop, or browse online, and you’re met with a dizzying array of truck types, sizes, and brands. It’s enough to make anyone feel lost.
Choosing the wrong trucks can lead to a wobbly, unresponsive ride, or a board that just doesn’t feel right under your feet. You might wonder if you’re even riding the right kind of truck for what you want to do. Are you trying to cruise comfortably? Carve sharp turns? Or maybe even bomb down hills?
This post is here to clear the fog. We’ll break down exactly what makes longboard trucks tick, from their different parts to how they affect your ride. By the end, you’ll understand what to look for and feel confident picking the perfect trucks for your style and your board. Let’s get your ride rolling smoothly!
Our Top 5 Longboard Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks
Rating: 9.5/10
The Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks are a game-changer for longboarders. These trucks are built with strong, lightweight aluminum, making your board feel super responsive. They offer a smooth ride that feels way more expensive than they are. If you love cruising, carving, or freeriding, these trucks will make your board feel alive under your feet.
What We Like:
- Super strong and precise forged aluminum construction.
- They feel almost as good as trucks costing five times more.
- Built-in speed rings and a machined ball pivot make them ready to go.
- The 8mm axle makes them 20% lighter than older Atlas trucks.
- Cone bushings give you a carvy, surfy feeling.
- The 48-degree baseplate and ball pivot create an amazing, fluid lean.
- They offer a stable and reactive ride.
- Atlas designs every part for the best performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited availability might make them hard to find.
- Some riders might prefer a different bushing setup for very specific riding styles.
These Atlas trucks are a fantastic upgrade for any longboard. They deliver incredible performance and a fun, responsive ride without breaking the bank.
2. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2
Rating: 8.5/10
Ready to upgrade your longboard? The Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks in Matte Black are here to take your ride to the next level. These trucks are designed for riders who love to carve and want a smooth, responsive experience.
What We Like:
- Carving Perfection: These trucks let you carve in and out of turns with incredible smoothness. You’ll feel connected to the road.
- Strong and Durable: Made from strong virgin aluminum, these trucks are built to last. They use a special heat treatment and tough steel axles. The kingpins are pressed in for extra strength.
- Ultimate Response: They come with 90a urethane bushings made in the USA. This gives you the best response and rebound for your ride.
- Universal Mounting: The 6-hole baseplate fits both new-school and old-school mounting styles. This means they work with most longboards.
- Guaranteed for Life: Paris stands behind their trucks with a lifetime guarantee. They are made with great manufacturing processes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 50° angle is great for carving, riders looking for extreme stability at very high speeds might want to explore other angles.
- The matte black finish is stylish, but like any black finish, it might show scuffs over time with heavy use.
If you’re looking for trucks that offer amazing carving and are built to last, the Paris V2s are a fantastic choice. They provide a smooth, responsive ride and come with a lifetime guarantee.
3. ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard/surf Skateboard Black Skateboard Double Kingpin Trucks 7″ Hanger 9.72″ Axle (Set of 2) Free Hardware (9.3″ Hanger 12″ Axle)
Rating: 8.8/10
The ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard/surf Skateboard Black Skateboard Double Kingpin Trucks offer a robust upgrade for riders looking to enhance their board’s performance. These trucks are crafted from high-quality aluminum alloy, promising both strength and a smooth ride. They come as a set of two, ensuring you can outfit your entire skateboard. Plus, they include free hardware, making installation a breeze. The Sidewinder II boasts a 7″ hanger and a 9.72″ axle, designed for stability and responsiveness, whether you’re cruising, carving, or hitting the skatepark. This set is ideal for transforming your existing setup or building a new one from the ground up.
What We Like:
- Made from high-quality aluminum alloy, these trucks are built to last and handle tough riding.
- The double kingpin design allows for a wider range of motion and deeper carving, perfect for surf-style skateboarding.
- They come with free hardware, saving you an extra trip to the store and simplifying the setup process.
- The 7″ hanger and 9.72″ axle provide a stable yet agile feel, suitable for various skateboarding styles.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific dimensions mentioned in the title (9.3″ Hanger 12″ Axle) differ from the main description (7″ Hanger 9.72″ Axle). This could cause confusion for buyers.
- While the aluminum alloy is high quality, some advanced riders might prefer even lighter materials for tricks.
Overall, the ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are a solid choice for skaters seeking improved maneuverability and durability. They offer a noticeable upgrade for your skateboard or longboard.
4. VJ skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package with 70mm Wheels 7inch 180mm Aluminum Trucks
Rating: 8.6/10
The VJ Skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package offers a complete set of parts for building or upgrading your longboard. It includes everything you need, from trucks and wheels to bearings and hardware, making it a convenient option for skaters of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your ride, this package aims to provide quality components in one easy purchase.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete set, so you get all the essential parts in one box.
- The trucks are Reverse Kingpin (RKP), which are great for downhill and freeride longboarding.
- The 70mm wheels are a good size for riding on different surfaces like roads and sidewalks.
- You can choose from a variety of cool colors for the wheels.
- The Abec 7 bearings are standard and should fit most skate wheels.
- It includes all the necessary hardware, like screws and spacers.
- This package is a good gift for both beginners and experienced riders.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t specify the exact weight of the trucks, which can be important for some riders.
- More information on the specific aluminum alloy used for the trucks could be helpful.
- The durability of the Abec 7 bearings could be further detailed.
This combo package from VJ Skateshop provides a solid foundation for any longboard project. It’s a straightforward way to get the parts you need for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
5. Arsenal Black Longboard Trucks 165MM
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to shred with the Arsenal Black Longboard Trucks! These trucks are built tough for longboarders who love to slide and freeride. They’re made from strong, heat-treated cast alloy, meaning they can handle some serious action on the road. The 165mm size and 50-degree baseplate offer a great balance for stable cruising and carving.
What We Like:
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: You get unlimited coverage as the original owner. If they break, Arsenal will replace them!
- HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION: The hardened alloy steel axles are super strong and durable. They’re heat-treated for the best performance.
- PRECISION PRESSED: The kingpin is designed to stay put, so you have reliable control and smooth turns.
- MAXIMIZE CONTACT: The flippable hanger helps create tight bushing seats. This makes your board more stable and gives you better turning.
- ADVANCED ENGINEERING: These cast trucks perform like precision-machined ones. They offer confident slides and responsive steering.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention specific bushing hardness, which might be important for some riders.
- While they are cast, some riders might prefer fully precision-machined trucks for extreme downhill.
These Arsenal trucks are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for strong, reliable longboard trucks that can handle freeriding and sliding. Their robust construction and excellent warranty make them a worry-free upgrade for your longboard.
Choosing the Right Longboard Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide
Longboard trucks are the L-shaped metal parts that attach your wheels to your deck. They steer your board and affect how it rides. Picking the right trucks makes a big difference in your longboarding fun. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
1. Truck Width
Truck width is super important. It should match your deck’s width. A good rule is that the axle (the bar where the wheels go) should be about as wide as your deck. If the trucks are too narrow, your board might feel wobbly. If they are too wide, it can be harder to turn.
2. Hanger Size
The hanger is the part that holds the wheels. Smaller hangers usually make the board turn more easily. Bigger hangers offer more stability, which is great for going fast downhill. Think about what you want to do on your board.
3. Bushing Type and Hardness
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside the truck. They control how easily your trucks turn. Softer bushings let you turn more with less effort. Harder bushings make it harder to turn but give you more stability. Most trucks come with medium bushings, which are good for beginners.
4. Kingpin Type
There are two main types: traditional kingpins and reverse kingpins. Traditional kingpins are found on most skateboards and some longboards. They offer a stable ride. Reverse kingpins are more common on longboards. They allow for deeper, more responsive turns, which is awesome for carving and cruising.
Important Materials
Trucks are usually made from strong metals.
- Aluminum Alloy: This is the most common material. It’s light and strong. It’s a good balance for most riders.
- Steel: Some parts, like the kingpin and axle, might use steel. Steel is very strong and durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Trucks Great
- Strong Construction: Well-made trucks feel solid. They don’t bend or break easily.
- Smooth Bearings: The bearings inside the wheels spin smoothly. This helps you roll faster and longer. Good trucks have smooth-spinning wheels.
- Precise Engineering: Trucks that are made with care turn predictably. You can trust them to do what you want.
What Can Make Trucks Less Good
- Cheap Materials: Trucks made with weak metals can bend or crack. This is dangerous.
- Loose Parts: If parts are not put together well, your trucks might feel wobbly or make noise.
- Poor Design: A bad design can make turning feel awkward or unstable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cruising and Commuting
For just riding around town or going to school, you want trucks that turn easily. Reverse kingpin trucks with softer bushings are great for this. They let you weave around obstacles and enjoy a smooth ride.
Carving and Dancing
If you like to do fancy footwork on your board or make smooth, flowing turns, you need trucks that respond well. Again, reverse kingpins are popular. You might want slightly looser bushings for more lean.
Downhill and Freeride
Going fast downhill or sliding your board requires stability. Trucks with harder bushings and a more stable kingpin setup work best. Wider trucks can also help with stability at high speeds.
Beginner Tips
If you’re new to longboarding, start with a versatile setup. Medium-hardness bushings and traditional or reverse kingpin trucks are good choices. You can always adjust your bushings later as you learn what you like.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important part of a longboard truck?
A: The most important part is how it helps you steer and how stable it feels. This comes from the hanger size, bushing type, and kingpin setup.
Q: How do I know what truck width to get?
A: Measure your deck’s width. The truck’s axle should be about the same width as your deck.
Q: Are reverse kingpin trucks better than traditional kingpin trucks?
A: It depends on what you want to do. Reverse kingpins are better for turning and carving. Traditional kingpins offer more stability.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?
A: Yes! You can easily buy different bushings to change how your trucks turn. This is a great way to customize your ride.
Q: How often should I check my trucks?
A: You should check them before each ride. Make sure all the nuts are tight and that nothing looks broken or loose.
Q: What does “truck tightening” mean?
A: Truck tightening means adjusting the large nut on the kingpin. Tightening it makes the trucks harder to turn. Loosening it makes them easier to turn.
Q: Do I need different trucks for different types of longboarding?
A: Yes, it’s best to have trucks suited for your riding style. Cruising trucks are different from downhill trucks.
Q: What are the best brands for longboard trucks?
A: Popular brands include Independent, Thunder, Paris, Caliber, and Bear. They all offer good quality trucks.
Q: How much do longboard trucks usually cost?
A: A good set of longboard trucks typically costs between $50 and $100. Cheaper ones might be under $50, and high-end ones can be more.
Q: Can I put skateboard trucks on a longboard?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. Longboard trucks are usually wider and designed for a different riding style than skateboard trucks.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.