Ever wonder what makes a skateboard turn smoothly or feel stable? It’s all about the trucks! These metal pieces are the unsung heroes of your ride, connecting your wheels to the deck. But picking the right ones can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, sizes, and styles – it’s easy to get confused and end up with trucks that don’t feel quite right.
Choosing the wrong trucks can make skating frustrating. They might be too wide, making it hard to turn, or too narrow, leading to wobbly rides. This can slow down your progress and even make you feel less confident on your board. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the world of skateboard trucks.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a good truck, how to choose the perfect size for your board, and what features to look for. We’ll break down the basics so you can make a smart choice and get back to enjoying your skate sessions. Let’s dive into the awesome world of skateboard trucks!
Our Top 5 Trucks For Skateboard Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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TLHB Skateboard Truck | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)) | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Jizmo Skateboard Trucks | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mUnLQDemL._SL500_.jpg) |
[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Trucks For Skateboard Detailed Reviews
1. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to hit the streets or the skate park? The TLHB Skateboard Truck, Wheels, and Hardware Combo Starter Kit in crisp white offers a complete package for skaters of all levels. This kit equips you with everything you need to get rolling, from durable trucks to smooth-spinning bearings.
What We Like:
- The skateboard trucks are built tough with aluminum alloy casting and a strong steel treatment. They can handle a lot of weight and pressure, meaning they’ll last.
- The 52mm wheels have a 95a hardness and a 60% rebound rate. This makes them great for both experienced skaters and beginners. They offer a good grip without being too slippery, and you don’t have to worry about them cracking easily.
- You get super smooth rides thanks to the ABEC-9 skateboard bearings. These bearings are standard and can spin for a long time, giving you an awesome, fluid feel.
- This kit fits most standard skateboard decks between 7.5 and 8 inches wide. It’s a perfect match for many popular decks.
- It’s a complete set! You get the trucks, 52mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, 1″ screws, 2mm riser pads, and spacers. Everything you need to build or upgrade your board.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the white color looks clean, it might show dirt and scuffs more easily over time compared to darker colors.
- The “medium carbon steel hardening treatment” is a bit technical and might not mean much to a beginner looking for simple, easy-to-understand terms.
This TLHB starter kit provides a solid foundation for any skateboarder. It’s a great way to get your board set up with quality parts that are built to perform.
2. Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″))
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to roll with the Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks! This set of two trucks is designed for skaters who want reliable performance. The 144mm size, which fits boards around 8.25 inches wide, offers a great balance for many skating styles. These are the classic silver trucks that have been a favorite for years. They are built tough and ready for your next session.
What We Like:
- Super strong and built to last.
- They turn smoothly, making tricks easier.
- They handle rough spots well without wobbling.
- Classic look that never goes out of style.
- A great value for the quality you get.
What Could Be Improved:
- They might feel a little stiff at first for some skaters.
- They are a bit heavier than some newer truck models.
These Independent trucks are a solid choice for any skateboarder. They offer durability and smooth control, making them a reliable upgrade for your board.
3. Jizmo Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to build your own skateboard or upgrade your current ride? This Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Wheels, Bearings, Hardware, and Tool Combo Starter Set in sleek black is a fantastic starting point. It’s designed to fit most standard 7.75-inch to 8-inch decks, making it super versatile for beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly refresh.
What We Like:
- This set gives you everything you need to get rolling: two durable aluminum trucks, four 52mm wheels, high-speed ABEC-9 bearings, a handy T-tool for adjustments, riser pads, and all the hardware.
- The trucks are built tough for cruising and learning tricks.
- The ABEC-9 bearings are surprisingly smooth and fast for their price.
- The 52mm wheels are great for street skating and just cruising around.
- The included T-tool is essential for any skater to keep their board in top shape.
- It’s a cost-effective way to get a complete setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, more advanced skaters might want to upgrade the bearings or wheels down the line for specific performance needs.
- The riser pads are a bit thin at 2mm, so if you’re using larger wheels or want more clearance, you might need thicker ones.
This Jizmo combo set is a smart choice for anyone wanting to get into skateboarding without breaking the bank. It provides a solid foundation for building a functional and fun skateboard.
4. [CCS] Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to roll with the [CCS] Skateboard Trucks! These aren’t just any trucks; they’re professional-grade and built tough from quality steel. Whether you’re hitting the streets, the skatepark, or just cruising, these trucks are designed to keep up with you. They come in a bunch of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your board. Plus, they even include the hardware you need to get them mounted up and ready to go!
What We Like:
- You get two trucks in a set, which is exactly what you need for a skateboard.
- Mounting hardware is included, so you don’t have to buy it separately.
- They’re made with strong steel hangers and baseplates for durability.
- The axles and kingpins are designed to stay put.
- CCS has been around since 1985, and their team tested these trucks.
- They make turning smoother, sharper, and more controlled thanks to the good bushings.
- These trucks work well for all kinds of skating, from street tricks to park riding to just cruising.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Raw Silver” finish might show scratches more easily than a darker color over time.
- While they are versatile, very specialized skaters might prefer trucks with slightly different geometry for extreme disciplines.
These CCS skateboard trucks are a solid choice for skaters of all levels. They offer a great balance of performance and durability, making them ready for whatever you throw at them.
5. AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to upgrade your ride or build your dream skateboard? The AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set in classic black is a fantastic all-in-one solution. This complete kit provides all the essential parts you need to get rolling, from sturdy trucks and smooth-rolling wheels to high-quality bearings and all the hardware. It’s designed to be a hassle-free way to refresh your skateboard or start a new build.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package: This set includes everything you need – trucks, wheels, bearings, riser pads, spacers, and hardware.
- Strong and durable trucks: The 7.5-inch trucks are made from magnesium aluminum alloy and have a hardened medium carbon steel axle. They can handle a lot of weight and pressure.
- Great wheels for learning: The 52mm, 100a hardness wheels are perfect for beginners. They offer good grip and are less likely to slip, and the PU infusion means they won’t crack easily.
- Super smooth bearings: The ABEC-9 bearings are top-notch. They allow your wheels to spin for a long time without any load, giving you a super smooth ride.
- Fits most decks: This set is designed to fit skateboard decks that are between 7.5 and 8 inches wide.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited color options: The set only comes in black, which might not suit everyone’s style.
- Riser pad thickness: The 2mm riser pads are quite thin, so you might need thicker ones if you plan on using larger wheels or want more clearance.
This AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set offers great value and quality for its price. It’s an excellent choice for beginner skaters or anyone looking for a reliable and easy way to get their skateboard ready to shred.
Your Guide to Awesome Skateboard Trucks
So, you’re ready to build or upgrade your skateboard? That’s exciting! The trucks are super important. They’re what connect your wheels to your deck, and they let you turn and grind. Choosing the right trucks makes a huge difference in how your board feels and rides. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at skateboard trucks, keep these things in mind:
- Truck Width: This is a big one. The truck’s width should match your deck’s width. If your trucks are too wide, your board will feel wobbly. If they’re too narrow, you’ll have trouble turning. A good rule of thumb is that the axle (the bar the wheels go on) should be about the same width as your deck.
- Hanger Size: The hanger is the part that holds the wheels. It affects how high your board sits off the ground. Lower trucks make it easier to push and do tricks close to the ground. Higher trucks give you more clearance for bigger wheels and smoother riding over rough spots.
- Bushings: These are the rubbery rings inside the truck. They control how easily your board turns. Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings make turning stiffer, which is good for speed and stability.
- Kingpin Angle: This is the bolt that holds the bushings and hanger together. The angle of the kingpin affects how your board leans when you turn. Most trucks have a standard kingpin angle.
Important Materials
Skateboard trucks are usually made from strong stuff.
- Aluminum Alloy: Most trucks use a strong aluminum alloy. This makes them light but also tough enough to handle tricks and landings.
- Steel: The kingpin and axles are almost always made of steel. This is because they need to be super strong to hold everything together.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make trucks better, and some things make them worse.
What Makes Trucks Great
- Brand Reputation: Well-known skateboard companies usually make good quality trucks. They have experience and test their products a lot.
- Construction: Trucks that are made with good welding and strong materials will last longer and perform better.
- Smooth Pivot Cups: The pivot cup is where the hanger turns. If it’s smooth, your turns will be smooth too.
What Can Make Trucks Less Good
- Cheap Materials: Trucks made with weaker metals can bend or break easily.
- Poor Welding: Bad welds can be weak spots that fail under pressure.
- Stiff Bushings (if you want to turn easily): If you’re new to skateboarding or prefer quick turns, very stiff bushings might be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who are you and what do you want to do with your skateboard? This matters a lot.
- Beginners: If you’re just starting, you probably want trucks that are easy to turn. Medium-width trucks and softer bushings are a good choice. They help you learn balance and turning without too much effort.
- Street Skaters: People who skate in parks and on streets often choose medium-width trucks. They need trucks that are strong enough for grinds and pops.
- Cruisers/Longboarders: If you use your board to get around town or for long rides, you might want wider trucks. This gives you more stability. Softer bushings are also popular for a smoother ride.
- Ramp/Vert Skaters: For skaters who do big jumps and ride ramps, stability is key. They might use slightly wider trucks and harder bushings to keep them steady at high speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Trucks
Q: How do I know what size trucks to get?
A: The best way is to match your truck width to your deck width. If your deck is 8 inches wide, you’ll want trucks with an axle that’s about 8 inches wide.
Q: What are bushings?
A: Bushings are the rubbery rings inside your trucks. They control how easily your board turns. Softer ones make turning easier.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?
A: Yes! You can buy different hardnesses of bushings to change how your board turns. This is a great way to customize your ride.
Q: What does “high” vs. “low” trucks mean?
A: This refers to how high the deck sits off the ground. Low trucks are closer to the ground, making it easier to push. High trucks give you more space for bigger wheels.
Q: Are all skateboard trucks the same?
A: No, they come in different widths, heights, and with different bushing setups. These differences change how the board rides.
Q: What is a kingpin?
A: The kingpin is the large bolt that goes through the hanger and holds the bushings and pivot cup in place. It’s essential for steering.
Q: How important is the brand of trucks?
A: Brand can be important because popular brands often have better quality control and use stronger materials. However, good trucks can be found from many different brands.
Q: Will my trucks affect my ability to do tricks?
A: Yes, they definitely will. Truck width affects stability for grinds, and truck height can affect how easy it is to pop your board.
Q: How often should I replace my skateboard trucks?
A: Trucks can last a very long time if you take care of them. You’ll know it’s time to replace them if they’re bent, cracked, or the pivot cup is worn out.
Q: Can I use longboard trucks on a skateboard?
A: Generally, no. Longboard trucks are much wider and designed for stability on longer boards, not for the quick turns and tricks you do on a skateboard.
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.