Imagine gliding down a sun-drenched street, the wind in your hair, and your longboard moving smoothly beneath your feet. That feeling is what cruising is all about. But choosing the right longboard trucks can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which ones will give you that perfect, effortless ride.
Many cruisers get frustrated because their trucks are either too wobbly, making them feel unsafe, or too stiff, making turns a chore. Picking the wrong trucks can really take the fun out of your ride. You want trucks that feel stable when you’re going fast but also let you carve and turn easily when you’re exploring new paths.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about longboard trucks for cruising. You’ll learn what makes certain trucks great for carving, how to find ones that feel just right for your style, and what to look for to avoid common problems. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out the perfect trucks to make your cruising adventures even better.
Our Top 5 Longboard Trucks For Cruising Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Trucks For Cruising Detailed Reviews
1. Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard Skateboard Complete Canadian Maple Wood Cruiser w/Drop-Through Trucks for Commuting
Rating: 8.9/10
The Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard Skateboard is a classic-style cruiser designed for all kinds of riding. Whether you’re commuting to class, cruising around town, carving smooth turns, or even bombing down hills, this longboard is built to handle it. It offers a stable and responsive ride, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced riders looking for a fun and versatile board.
What We Like:
- Retro-Surf Style: The classic design looks cool and feels like a surfboard on wheels.
- Great Grip: The fully covered deck gives you extra grip, so your feet stay put.
- Smooth Ride: The special trucks and bearings make for a super smooth and controlled ride.
- Built Tough: Made from strong Canadian Maple wood, this board can handle a lot of use.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for many types of riding, from casual cruising to more adventurous downhill runs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Deck Graphics: While the deck is grippy, the design might be a bit plain for some riders.
- Wheel Hardness: The 78A wheels are great for grip, but might feel a little soft for very fast downhill racing where harder wheels are often preferred.
Overall, the Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard is a solid and fun board that offers a lot of value for its price. You can trust it to be a reliable companion for all your skateboarding adventures.
2. Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
The Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks are a game-changer for longboarders. These trucks are designed to be super strong and precise, making your ride feel amazing. They offer a smooth and controlled experience that feels like you’re riding much more expensive trucks.
What We Like:
- Super strong and precise thanks to forged A356 aluminum.
- Feels like expensive trucks but costs way less.
- Built-in speed rings and a machined ball pivot make them ready to go.
- 20% lighter than older Atlas trucks because of the 8mm axle design.
- Cone bushings and a 48-degree baseplate give a super carvy, surfy feel.
- They provide a fluid, stable, and responsive ride.
- Atlas builds them carefully for the best performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability might be limited sometimes.
These Atlas trucks deliver an incredible ride that balances lightness with serious strength. They truly set a new standard for what you can expect from longboard trucks.
3. Fireball Paris V2 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks Bundle – Set of 2 Longboard Trucks with Tinder 60mm Longboard Wheels & Bearings for Cruising & Carving (Blue
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to roll with the Fireball Paris V2 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks Bundle! This awesome set comes with everything you need for a super smooth ride. It includes two Paris V2 longboard trucks, Fireball Tinder wheels, and Fireball Dragon BUILT bearings. This bundle is made for cruising around town and carving down hills.
What We Like:
- The Paris V2 trucks are super strong and built to last. They use good quality aluminum and strong steel axles.
- The 50-degree angle on the trucks gives you great control and a fun, responsive ride.
- Fireball Tinder wheels are made in the USA and roll really nicely.
- Dragon BUILT Bearings are designed to keep out dirt and last a long time.
- This set has everything you need for one complete longboard.
- The trucks fit most longboards with their universal mounting holes.
- The blue color looks really cool!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 60mm wheel size might be a little small for some riders who want a super fast ride.
- While durable, some advanced riders might prefer even more specialized trucks for extreme downhill.
This Fireball Paris V2 bundle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their longboard or build a new one for cruising and carving. You get quality parts that work well together for a great experience on the pavement.
4. Generic Caliber II Style Trucks for Electric Skateboard
Rating: 9.3/10
These Generic Caliber II Style Trucks are a solid choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade their electric skateboard, longboard, or any board used for freeride, downhill, cruising, or dancing. They come in a sleek black finish and have a 44-degree baseplate angle, which is a popular choice for a good balance of stability and turning ability. These trucks aim to give you a smooth ride for all kinds of skateboarding.
What We Like:
- Versatile: They work well for many different types of skateboarding, from fast downhill to relaxed cruising.
- Standard Size: The Caliber II style is a common size, so they should fit on most decks.
- Affordable: They offer a good way to get quality trucks without spending a lot of money.
- Good Turning: The 44-degree angle helps you carve smoothly and turn with ease.
What Could Be Improved:
- Brand Recognition: Since they are “generic,” they might not have the same reputation or long-term testing as well-known brands.
- Material Details: Specific details about the metal used aren’t provided, which could be important for very heavy riders or extreme conditions.
- No Included Hardware: You’ll likely need to buy mounting hardware separately.
These trucks offer a great value for their price. They are a good starting point for building your dream board or refreshing an older setup.
5. Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser
Rating: 9.2/10
The Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard Skateboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a smooth and stylish ride. It’s built with a mix of strong Canadian maple and flexible bamboo, making it tough enough for all your adventures. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned rider, this board is ready to take you places.
What We Like:
- Built tough with Canadian maple and bamboo for a strong, flexible deck.
- Super smooth rides thanks to ABEC-7 bearings and big 70mm wheels.
- No worries about wheel bite with the smart wheel wells.
- Ready to go right out of the box – perfect for beginners!
- Classic surfboard shape and reverse kingpin trucks let you carve like a pro.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 44-inch length might feel a bit long for very tight spaces.
- While durable, extreme downhill riding might require a more specialized board.
This longboard offers a great balance of style, performance, and ease of use. It’s a dependable companion for your daily commutes and fun carving sessions.
Choosing the Best Longboard Trucks for Cruising
Cruising on a longboard is all about smooth rides and enjoying the journey. The trucks are a super important part of your longboard because they connect your wheels to your deck and help you turn. Picking the right trucks makes a big difference in how your board feels and performs. This guide will help you find the perfect cruising trucks.
Key Features to Look For
1. Truck Width
Truck width is a big deal! It should match your deck’s width. You want the wheels to stick out just a little bit from the edge of your deck. This helps you avoid wheel bite, which is when your wheels rub against the deck when you turn too sharply. This can stop your board unexpectedly.
- A good rule of thumb is to pick trucks that are about the same width as your deck.
- For wider decks (9.5 inches or more), you’ll need wider trucks.
- For narrower decks, shorter trucks work best.
2. Bushing Hardness
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside your trucks. They control how easily your trucks turn. Softer bushings let you turn more easily and make for a more carvy ride. Harder bushings make your board more stable at higher speeds.
- For cruising, softer bushings (around 80A-90A durometer) are usually best.
- They give you a nice, responsive feel for weaving through sidewalks.
- If you ride fast or want more stability, you might want slightly harder bushings.
3. Rake
Rake refers to the angle of the kingpin and axle. Trucks with more rake turn more easily. Trucks with less rake are more stable.
- For cruising, a bit of rake is good for easy turning.
- Most standard longboard trucks have a decent amount of rake for this purpose.
4. Kingpin Type
There are two main types of kingpins: traditional kingpins (TKP) and reverse kingpins (RKP). For cruising, RKP trucks are generally preferred.
- RKP trucks offer a more stable and predictable turn, which is great for cruising.
- They also tend to have a larger turning radius, allowing for smoother carving.
Important Materials
The material your trucks are made from affects their strength, weight, and how long they last.
- Aluminum Alloy: This is the most common material for longboard trucks. It’s strong, relatively light, and affordable. Most good cruising trucks use a high-quality aluminum alloy.
- Steel: The kingpin and axles are usually made of steel. This makes them very durable and strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Things That Make Trucks Better:
- Precision Machining: Trucks that are made with more care and precision will feel better and last longer.
- Good Bushings: High-quality bushings, often made from urethane, make a big difference in how your board turns and feels.
- Strong Construction: Trucks that are built to be solid and not bend or break easily are better.
Things That Make Trucks Worse:
- Cheap Materials: Trucks made with low-quality metals can bend or break easily.
- Poor Bushings: Bushings that are too soft or too hard for your needs will make the ride feel bad.
- Loose Components: If parts of the truck are not put together well, it can lead to a wobbly or unstable ride.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best trucks for cruising make your ride feel smooth and fun. They let you lean into turns easily and carve gentle curves. You won’t feel every little bump in the road as much. These trucks are perfect for:
- Riding around your neighborhood.
- Going to school or work.
- Exploring new paths.
- Just enjoying a relaxed skate.
You want trucks that are stable enough so you don’t get scared going a little faster, but also turny enough to dodge obstacles and make fun turns. They should feel predictable and reliable under your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features of cruising longboard trucks?
A: Key features include the right truck width for your deck, softer bushings for easy turning, and often reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks for stability and smooth carving.
Q: How important is truck width for cruising?
A: Truck width is very important. It should match your deck width to prevent wheel bite and ensure a stable ride.
Q: What kind of bushings are best for cruising?
A: Softer bushings (around 80A-90A durometer) are usually best for cruising because they allow for easier and more carvy turns.
Q: Should I get RKP or TKP trucks for cruising?
A: Reverse Kingpin (RKP) trucks are generally better for cruising because they offer more stability and a smoother, more predictable turning experience.
Q: What materials are longboard trucks usually made of?
A: Most longboard trucks are made from strong aluminum alloy, with axles and kingpins typically made of durable steel.
Q: How does rake affect my cruising experience?
A: Rake refers to the angle of the kingpin and axle. Trucks with more rake turn more easily, which is good for cruising. Trucks with less rake are more stable.
Q: Can I use the same trucks for cruising and downhill skating?
A: While some trucks can do both, trucks designed for cruising prioritize turnability and comfort, while downhill trucks focus more on high-speed stability.
Q: How do I know if my trucks are good quality?
A: Good quality trucks are made with precision, use strong materials, and have well-made bushings that offer the right amount of responsiveness.
Q: Will my trucks affect how smooth my ride is?
A: Yes, your trucks greatly affect your ride’s smoothness. Good trucks absorb vibrations and allow for easy turning, making your ride much more enjoyable.
Q: Where can I find good longboard trucks for cruising?
A: You can find good cruising longboard trucks at specialized skate shops, online skate retailers, and sometimes at sporting goods stores that carry a good selection of longboard gear.
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.