Ever wonder what makes your skateboard turn, grind, and feel just right? It’s not just the wheels or the deck; a huge part of the magic happens with your skateboard trucks. They’re the unsung heroes of your ride, connecting your feet to the pavement and dictating how your board maneuvers. But choosing the perfect pair can feel like a maze. Too wide, and your board feels sluggish. Too narrow, and it’s wobbly. It’s enough to make any skater scratch their head!
Understanding skateboard trucks is key to unlocking your best skate. We’ll break down what makes them tick, from their different sizes and heights to how they affect your ollies and board slides. By the end of this post, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently pick trucks that match your skating style and board setup, helping you land tricks smoother and cruise with more control. Get ready to level up your ride!
Our Top 5 Skateboard Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)) | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire Burners Wheels | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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TLHB Skateboard Truck | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mUnLQDemL._SL500_.jpg) |
[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Jizmo Skateboard Trucks | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Skateboard Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″))
Rating: 9.1/10
These Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks are a solid choice for skaters looking for reliable performance. The 144mm size, which fits boards around 8.25 inches wide, offers a balanced feel for a variety of skateboarding styles. They come in a classic silver finish and are built to last, making them a favorite among many riders.
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What We Like:
- Super strong and won’t break easily.
- They turn really well, making tricks and cruising smooth.
- Independent trucks are known for their quality and last a long time.
- The silver color looks cool on any skateboard.
- They are a good price for how well they work.
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What Could Be Improved:
- They can be a little heavy compared to some other trucks.
- For brand new skaters, they might feel a bit stiff at first until you get used to them.
If you want dependable trucks that can handle your skateboarding adventures, these Independent Stage 11s are a fantastic upgrade. They offer a great balance of strength and responsiveness for most skaters.
2. Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire Burners Wheels
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to shred with this premium skateboard component package! It includes top-rated brand name parts to build a killer skateboard. You won’t find any cheap house brands here – just the best for a professional setup. This kit makes it easy and awesome to complete your dream skateboard.
What We Like:
- High-Quality Components: You get Independent Mid Trucks, Spitfire Burners wheels, and Bones Reds bearings. These are all industry-leading brands known for their performance.
- Great for Street Skating: The Independent Mid trucks have a lower profile. This helps with flip tricks and grinding ledges.
- Smooth Ride: Spitfire Burners wheels use a new urethane. They offer a great ride without costing too much.
- Durable and Fast: Bones Reds bearings are the best. They are built tough and will keep you rolling fast.
- Everything Included (Almost!): This package has the trucks, wheels, bearings, 1″ hardware, and 1/8″ riser pads. You just need a deck and griptape.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Deck and Griptape: You still need to buy a skateboard deck and griptape separately to complete your board.
- Specific Wheel Size: The 54mm wheels are a good all-around size, but some skaters might prefer a different size depending on their style.
This kit gives you the essential, high-performance parts to build a professional-level skateboard. It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to upgrade or build their own ride.
3. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to hit the streets or the skatepark? The TLHB Skateboard Truck and Wheel Combo Starter Kit in crisp white is your ticket to smoother rides and more exciting tricks. This all-in-one package gives you everything you need to upgrade your current board or build a new one, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shredding for years.
What We Like:
- Built tough with aluminum alloy and hardened steel, this kit can handle plenty of weight and pressure.
- The 95a hardness wheels with a 60% rebound are great for both beginners and experienced skaters, offering a good balance without being too slippery or prone to cracking.
- Experience super-fast and smooth rolling thanks to the ABEC-9 bearings that spin for a long time.
- This kit perfectly fits 7.5-inch to 8-inch skateboard decks, making it a versatile choice.
- You get a complete set: trucks, 52mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, hardware, riser pads, and spacers, offering excellent value.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the white finish looks sharp, it might show dirt and scuffs more easily than darker colors.
- The specific brand of riser pads might not be as robust as some higher-end options for very aggressive skating.
This TLHB starter kit provides a fantastic combination of durability and performance for skaters of all levels. Grab this set and get ready to roll!
4. [CCS] Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to shred with the [CCS] Skateboard Trucks! These professional-grade trucks are built tough with quality steel, making them perfect for all your skateboarding adventures. Whether you’re hitting the streets, the skatepark, or just cruising, these trucks offer smooth turns and reliable control. They come in a variety of sizes and sleek finishes to match your style and your board.
What We Like:
- They come as a set of two, so you get everything you need to get rolling, plus 1″ mounting hardware is included.
- These trucks are made from strong steel, so they can handle all the tricks and bumps you throw at them. They also have axles and kingpins that won’t slip.
- CCS has been in the skate game since 1985, and they put these trucks to the test with their own skate team and shop staff. Experts approve!
- The trucks use special bushings that make turning easier and more controlled. You’ll feel more confident on your board.
- They have a classic design that works well for street skating, park skating, and just cruising around town. They are super versatile.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Raw Silver finish is cool, some skaters might wish for more color options beyond just Raw Silver and Black.
- The included hardware is 1″, which is great for most decks, but if you have a thicker deck, you might need to buy longer hardware separately.
These CCS trucks are a solid choice for skaters looking for durability and performance. They offer a great balance of quality and value, making them a reliable upgrade for your skateboard.
5. Jizmo Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to build your first skateboard or upgrade your current ride? The Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Wheels, Bearings, Hardware, and Tool Combo Starter Set in Black is a fantastic option for beginners. This set has everything you need to get rolling, whether you’re just starting out or want to refresh your setup.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete starter set, making it easy to build a skateboard.
- The trucks are made of aluminum and feel strong for cruising and learning tricks.
- The ABEC-9 bearings are smooth and fast, which is great for the price.
- The 52mm wheels are good for both street skating and just cruising around.
- The included T-tool is super handy for making adjustments to your board.
- It fits standard decks from 7.75 to 8 inches wide.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for beginners, more experienced skaters might want higher-end components.
- The riser pads are thin (2mm), so if you’re using larger wheels or want more clearance, you might need thicker ones.
This Jizmo combo set provides a solid foundation for any new skateboarder. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a functional and fun setup on the road.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide
Skateboard trucks are the metal T-shaped parts that connect your wheels to your deck. They are super important! They let you steer, grind, and do tricks. Picking the right trucks makes a big difference in how your skateboard feels and performs. This guide will help you find the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for trucks, keep these important things in mind:
- Width: This is how wide the truck is from axle end to axle end. It should match your skateboard deck’s width. If the trucks are too wide or too narrow, your board won’t turn well and might even get stuck on things.
- Height: Trucks come in low, mid, and high heights. This affects how close your deck is to the ground. Low trucks make it easier to do flip tricks. High trucks give you more clearance for bigger wheels and prevent wheel bite (when your wheels rub on the deck during turns).
- Bushings: These are the rubbery rings inside the truck. They control how easily your trucks turn. Softer bushings let you turn more easily, which is great for cruising. Harder bushings give you more stability, which is good for speed and landing tricks.
- Axle: This is the metal rod that the wheels attach to. It should be strong.
Important Materials
Most skateboard trucks are made from metal.
- Aluminum: This is a common and strong metal. It’s good for most skaters.
- Titanium: Some trucks use titanium. It’s lighter than aluminum but also more expensive. This is for skaters who want the lightest possible setup.
- Steel: The kingpin (the bolt in the middle) is usually made of steel. This makes it very strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality trucks will last longer and perform better.
- Manufacturing Process: How the trucks are made matters. Trucks made with precision usually feel better and are more durable.
- Weight: Lighter trucks can make it easier to do flip tricks. However, very light trucks might not be as strong.
- Durability: Strong trucks can handle lots of use and abuse. They won’t bend or break easily. Cheap trucks might break after a few hard landings.
- Smooth Turning: High-quality trucks allow for smooth and responsive turning. This makes skating more enjoyable.
- Grind Feel: Good trucks have a smooth surface for grinding on ledges and rails. This helps you slide easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
The type of trucks you choose depends on how you skate.
- Street Skating: Skaters who do a lot of tricks on stairs, ledges, and rails often prefer mid-height trucks with harder bushings. This gives them stability for landings and easier grinding.
- Park Skating: For skate parks with bowls and ramps, mid to high trucks are popular. They offer stability and clearance for bigger wheels.
- Cruising: If you just want to roll around town, softer bushings and slightly wider trucks are great. They make for a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Beginners: Beginners might want to start with mid-sized trucks. They are a good all-around choice. They offer a balance of stability and maneuverability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying trucks?
A: The most important thing is the width of the trucks. They should match the width of your skateboard deck.
Q: How do I know what width truck to buy?
A: Measure your deck. The trucks should be about the same width as your deck. Some brands have charts to help you choose.
Q: What is wheel bite?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheels touch your skateboard deck when you turn. This can stop you suddenly. Higher trucks or smaller wheels help prevent it.
Q: Do bushings affect how my board turns?
A: Yes, bushings greatly affect turning. Softer bushings make turning easier. Harder bushings make turning stiffer.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?
A: Yes, you can buy different hardnesses of bushings and swap them out. This is a great way to customize your ride.
Q: Are titanium trucks better than aluminum trucks?
A: Titanium trucks are lighter, which is good for tricks. But aluminum trucks are usually strong enough for most skaters and cost less.
Q: How often should I replace my trucks?
A: Trucks can last a long time. You usually need to replace them when they bend, break, or the kingpin wears out.
Q: What does “truck height” mean?
A: Truck height refers to how far the axle is from the bottom of the deck. Low, mid, and high are the common heights.
Q: Should I buy trucks with built-in hardware?
A: Some trucks come with hardware (bolts and nuts). This is convenient, but make sure the hardware is good quality too.
Q: Where can I get help choosing trucks?
A: You can ask experienced skaters for advice. Local skate shops are also a great resource. They can help you find the perfect trucks for your needs.
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.