Ever feel like your longboard is just… missing something? Like it’s not quite gripping the road the way you want it to, or maybe it feels a little wobbly when you’re cruising downhill? You’re not alone! Choosing the right trucks for your longboard can feel like a puzzle with way too many pieces.
It’s a common frustration for longboarders, both new and experienced. You want to carve smooth turns, feel stable at speed, and have a board that responds perfectly to your every move. But with so many brands, sizes, and styles of trucks out there, how do you know which ones will actually make your ride awesome? It can be tough to figure out what’s best for your riding style and your board.
This guide is here to clear the confusion. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about longboard trucks. By the end, you’ll understand what makes a good truck, what to look for, and how to pick the perfect set to transform your longboarding experience. Let’s dive in and find the trucks that will make your board sing!
Our Top 5 Trucks For Longboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Trucks For Longboard Detailed Reviews
1. Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to upgrade your longboard with the Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks. These trucks are designed to be the new best thing for reverse kingpin longboard trucks. They are made from strong, forged aluminum. This makes them tougher and more precise than other trucks in their class. You get an amazing ride that feels like trucks costing five times as much!
What We Like:
- Super strong and precise forged aluminum construction.
- Machined ball pivot, tapered kingpin, and built-in speed rings offer a smooth ride.
- The 8mm axle makes them 20% lighter than older Atlas trucks.
- Cone bushings on both sides provide a carvy, surf-like feel.
- The 48-degree baseplate and ball pivot create a fluid lean.
- They deliver a smooth, stable, and responsive ride.
- Atlas builds their trucks with solid technology for great lean and control.
- Great value compared to brands like Paris, Caliber, Bear, Gullwing, and Randal.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “ultralight” claim might be slightly exaggerated for some riders.
- Availability might be limited at times.
These Atlas trucks are a game-changer for any longboarder. They offer premium performance without the premium price tag.
2. 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: 8.7/10
The ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are built for riders who want to take their skateboarding to the next level. These black trucks, sold as a set of two, are designed for longboards, skateboards, and surfskates. They feature a double kingpin design, which is great for carving and tight turns. The set includes free hardware, so you’re ready to mount them right away. They are made from high-quality aluminum alloy, making them strong and ready for action.
What We Like:
- The double kingpin setup offers excellent maneuverability for carving and surf-like turns.
- Made from high-quality aluminum alloy, these trucks are built to last and handle tough rides.
- They come with free hardware, saving you time and an extra purchase.
- The 7″ hanger and 9.72″ axle size is a good balance for stability and responsiveness.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description includes two different hanger and axle measurements (7″ Hanger 9.72″ Axle and 9.3″ Hanger 12″ Axle), which can be confusing for buyers.
- While aluminum alloy is strong, some riders might prefer even lighter materials for competitive use.
Overall, the ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are a solid choice for skaters looking for enhanced turning and a durable build. They provide a fun and responsive ride for various skateboarding styles.
3. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2
Rating: 8.5/10
If you’re looking to upgrade your longboard for amazing carving, the Paris V2 180mm 50° trucks in matte black are a fantastic choice. This set of two trucks is designed to give you a super smooth ride, making every turn a joy.
What We Like:
- Carving Perfection: These trucks make carving feel incredibly smooth. You can easily lean into turns and feel connected to the road.
- Strong and Durable: They are built tough with strong aluminum and steel parts. This means they can handle a lot of riding and last a long time.
- Great Response: The included bushings give you excellent response. Your board will feel lively and rebound nicely after turns.
- Fits Most Boards: The universal mounting works with most longboards, whether they have older or newer hole patterns.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Paris stands behind their trucks with a lifetime guarantee, showing how confident they are in their quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 180mm size might feel a bit wide for very short or narrow longboards, potentially making it harder to initiate sharp turns for some riders.
- While the stock bushings are great, advanced riders might want to swap them out for even more specialized tuning.
These Paris V2 trucks are a solid investment for any longboarder who loves to carve. They deliver a superior riding experience and are built to endure.
4. VJ skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package with 70mm Wheels 7inch 180mm Aluminum Trucks
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to hit the pavement with a fresh setup? The VJ skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package offers a complete set of parts to get your longboard rolling. This package includes everything you need: trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. It’s designed to be a convenient way to build or upgrade your longboard, whether you’re just starting out or looking for reliable replacement parts.
What We Like:
- Complete Package: You get all the essential parts in one box – trucks, wheels, bearings, and screws. This makes building a longboard super easy.
- Quality Trucks: The 7-inch aluminum trucks with 90a bushings are perfect for downhill and freeride longboarding. They offer good stability and control.
- Smooth Ride Wheels: The 70mm, 78a durometer wheels are great for riding on different surfaces like roads and sidewalks. They provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Standard Bearings: The Abec 7 bearings are a common size that fits most skate wheels. They help your wheels spin fast and smooth.
- Variety of Colors: The wheels come in many cool colors, so you can pick one that matches your style.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bushings Could Be Harder: While the 90a bushings are good for downhill, some riders might prefer harder bushings for more advanced tricks or heavier riders.
- Wheel Choice Limitation: While there are color options, the size and durometer of the wheels are fixed. Some riders might want different wheel sizes or hardness for specific riding styles.
This combo package from VJ skateshop is a solid choice for anyone wanting to get into longboarding or refresh their current setup. It offers good quality parts for a convenient price.
5. Arsenal Silver Longboard Trucks 180MM
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to shred with the Arsenal Silver Longboard Trucks! These aren’t just any trucks; they’re built tough for serious longboarders who love to carve and slide. Made from strong, heat-treated alloy, they can handle whatever you throw at them. The clever design gives you awesome control and smooth turns, making every ride a blast. Plus, they come with a lifetime warranty, so you can ride with confidence knowing Arsenal has your back.
What We Like:
- Lifetime Warranty: Arsenal stands by their product with a lifetime warranty. You can trust these trucks to last.
- Super Strong: The hardened alloy steel axles are built for heavy use. They won’t break easily.
- Smooth Control: The engineered kingpin design helps you steer smoothly. You get reliable control on every turn.
- Great for Slides: The flippable hanger and special kingpin shape help you get deep into turns. This makes sliding easier and more controlled.
- Like Machined Quality: Even though they’re cast, these trucks perform like expensive machined ones. They give you confident slides and responsive steering.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight: While durable, they might be a bit heavier than some ultra-lightweight options.
- Availability: Sometimes, popular items can be hard to find.
These Arsenal trucks are a fantastic choice for anyone serious about freeriding and sliding. They offer incredible durability and performance that will keep you rolling for years to come.
Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Longboard: A Complete Guide
Picking the perfect longboard trucks makes a big difference in how your board rides. Trucks are the metal parts that attach your wheels to the deck. They help you steer, turn, and keep your wheels rolling smoothly. This guide will help you find the best trucks for your longboard adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for trucks, keep these important things in mind:
- Height: Trucks come in different heights: low, medium, and high.
- Low trucks keep your board closer to the ground. This makes it easier to push and feel stable. They are great for cruising and sliding.
- Medium trucks offer a good balance. They work well for many types of longboarding.
- High trucks lift your board higher. This gives you more space for bigger wheels. It also allows for deeper carving.
- Width: The width of your trucks should match your deck. Measure your deck from edge to edge. Your truck’s axle (the bar in the middle) should be close to the width of your deck. This helps your board turn smoothly and prevents wheel bite (when your wheels rub against the deck).
- Bushings: These are the rubbery parts inside the trucks. They control how easily your trucks turn. Bushings come in different hardness levels. Softer bushings make turning easier, while harder bushings make it harder to turn but more stable at high speeds.
- Kingpin Angle: This is the angle of the bolt that holds the bushings together. A steeper kingpin angle makes your board turn more sharply. A shallower angle makes it more stable.
Important Materials
Trucks are usually made from strong metals.
- Aluminum Alloy: This is the most common material. It’s strong and light. It’s also affordable.
- Steel: Some parts, like the kingpin and axles, might be made of steel. Steel is very strong and durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good trucks feel solid and turn smoothly.
- Precision Machining: Trucks made with good precision will have smooth turning. The parts will fit together well.
- Durable Bushings: High-quality bushings last longer. They also give you a better feel when you turn.
- Good Bearings: While not part of the truck itself, good bearings on your wheels help your trucks perform better.
- Cheap Materials: Trucks made with weak metals can bend or break. This is dangerous.
- Poorly Made Parts: If the bushings are cheap or the kingpin is weak, your trucks won’t turn well. They might feel wobbly.
User Experience and Use Cases
The type of longboarding you do matters.
- Cruising and Commuting: For everyday riding and getting around town, you want trucks that are stable and easy to push. Low to medium height trucks with softer bushings are good choices.
- Carving and Dancing: If you like to make big turns and do tricks on your board, you might want medium to high trucks. These let you lean more. They also allow for bigger wheels.
- Downhill and Sliding: For high speeds and sliding, stability is key. Harder bushings and a stable kingpin angle are important. Wider trucks can also add stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Longboard Trucks
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: You should look for the right height, width, bushings, and kingpin angle that fit your riding style and board.
Q: What are the most common materials used for trucks?
A: Aluminum alloy is used for most of the truck. Steel is often used for the kingpin and axles.
Q: How does truck height affect my ride?
A: Low trucks keep you closer to the ground for stability. High trucks let you use bigger wheels and turn more easily.
Q: What is the best width for my trucks?
A: The axle width of your trucks should be close to the width of your deck. This helps with smooth turning.
Q: What do bushings do?
A: Bushings are rubbery parts that help your trucks turn. Their hardness affects how easily you can turn.
Q: How do I choose the right bushing hardness?
A: Softer bushings are for easier turning, good for beginners or carving. Harder bushings are for more stability at high speeds.
Q: What can reduce the quality of my trucks?
A: Using weak materials or having poorly made parts can reduce the quality and make your trucks unsafe.
Q: Are wider trucks better for stability?
A: Yes, generally wider trucks offer more stability, especially for downhill riding and sliding.
Q: What is “wheel bite”?
A: Wheel bite is when your wheels rub against the deck during turns. The right truck width and height help prevent this.
Q: Do I need to maintain my trucks?
A: Yes, you should check your kingpin and bushings regularly. Keep them clean. Tighten them if they feel loose.
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.