Skateboard Trucks Buying Guide: Everything You Should Know [2024]

To buy the perfect skateboard trucks, consider the width, height, material, and weight capacity that matches your riding style. Skateboard trucks, the metal t-shaped component that attaches the wheels to the deck, determine how well you can turn, grind, and maintain control of your board.

While selecting skateboard trucks, keep your personal preferences, skill level, and budget in mind. Skateboarding is more than just a means of transportation. It is a form of art, sport, and self-expression that requires specific equipment for optimal performance. One of the most critical parts of a skateboard is the trucks; they connect the wheels to the deck and heavily influence how the board responds to your movements. Skateboard trucks come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, and finding the right pair for your skateboard is essential for achieving the perfect ride. In this buying guide, we will discuss everything you should know about selecting the best skateboard trucks that match your riding style and skill level.

Skateboard Trucks Buying Guide: Everything You Should Know

Credit: www.skateboardershq.com

Understanding Skateboard Trucks

Skateboarding is a fun and thrilling sport that requires the right equipment, including skateboard trucks. Understanding the different components, sizes, and shapes of skateboard trucks is essential when making an informed purchasing decision. In this buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about skateboard trucks, from their components to their various shapes and sizes.

Components Of Skateboard Trucks:

Baseplate: the baseplate is the flat piece of metal that attaches the truck to the skateboard deck.
Kingpin: the kingpin is the large bolt that runs through the hanger and the bushings, holding the truck together.
Hanger: the hanger is the t-shaped part of the truck that connects to the wheels.
Bushings: the bushings are the rubber or urethane cushions that sit between the hanger and the baseplate, providing a smooth and responsive ride.
Pivot cup: the pivot cup is a small plastic piece that sits between the baseplate and the hanger, allowing the hanger to pivot smoothly.

Truck Sizes:

Choosing the right size truck for your skateboard is crucial for optimal performance. The size of the truck you choose depends on several factors, including the width of your skateboard deck, the length of the axle, and the overall width of the truck.

Deck width: to choose the right truck, match the truck width to the width of the deck. A general rule is that the truck should be within a quarter inch of the deck width.
Axle length: the axle length should match the width of the deck to ensure stability and control.
Overall width: the overall width of the truck should match the width of the deck to provide the best possible ride.

Truck Shapes:

Skateboard trucks come in two primary shapes: traditional and high. Each shape has its advantages and disadvantages.

Traditional trucks: traditional trucks are the most common type of skateboard truck. They have a lower profile and are ideal for street skating and technical tricks. However, they may not perform as well on ramps or other types of terrain.
High trucks: high trucks have a higher profile, making them better suited for cruising, carving, and riding on ramps and other terrain. However, they may not be as stable as traditional trucks for technical tricks.

Choosing Skateboard Trucks

Skateboard Trucks Buying Guide Everything You Should Know

Skateboarding is a popular sport and a fun way of getting around. One crucial component of a skateboard is the truck. Skateboard trucks are the essential component that connects the deck to the wheels and allows the board to turn.

Choosing the right skateboard trucks is essential to have a comfortable and safe ride. In this skateboard trucks buying guide, we’ll discuss everything you should know about purchasing skateboard trucks.

Riding Style

Your riding style is one of the significant factors when choosing skateboard trucks. Different types of terrain, tricks you perform, and personal preferences require various types of skateboard trucks.

street skating: street skaters need sturdy trucks that can withstand rails, stairs, and ledges. Look for trucks with durable materials and a thinner profile for quicker turns.
vert skating: vert skaters need trucks with better stability and turn control, preferably wider, and with higher trucks that can accommodate bigger wheels.
cruising/transportation: for cruising or transportation, you need a more relaxed and stable ride. Look for trucks with softer bushings and larger-sized wheels.

Truck Brands

The skateboard truck market offers many options for every type of rider, from novice to pro.

independent: known for durability and strength, independent trucks are popular with street skaters.
thunder: thunder trucks have a unique turn and are perfect for technical street skating.
venture: venture trucks are a good option for beginners as they provide excellent control.
krux: krux trucks are lightweight and perfect for skaters who want to practice tricks.
tensor: tensor trucks are known for their lightweight and offer smooth grinds.

Price Range

The price range for skateboard trucks depends on various factors such as materials, durability, and performance.

low-end trucks ($20-$40): low-end skateboard trucks are perfect for beginners or casual riders who want to save money. They are less durable and are likely to bend or break over time.
mid-range trucks ($50-$60): mid-range trucks are ideal for intermediate skaters who want a balance of affordability and performance.
high-end trucks ($70 and above): high-end skateboard trucks provide superior performance, durability, and strength. Recommended for pro skaters who can afford to invest in their gear.

Choosing skateboard trucks that suit your riding style and budget will ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe skating experience. Research and invest in quality skateboard trucks so you can get the most out of your skateboard.

How to choose your skateboard trucks | skatedeluxe Buyer's Guide

Upgrading Skateboard Trucks

Skateboarding is a dynamic and exciting sport that requires high-quality gear for optimum performance. Skateboard trucks are essential components of any skateboard, and upgrading them can improve your ride. Here, we discuss two essential upgrades that can take your skateboarding experience to the next level – bushings and pivot cups.

Truck Materials

Skateboard trucks are made from different materials for various reasons. The most common materials used in skateboard trucks are aluminum, titanium, and composite materials.

Aluminum: this is the most prevalent material used in skateboard trucks. Aluminum trucks offer excellent durability, stability, and grindability. They are also lightweight, making them suitable for performing tricks and ramp skating.
Titanium: titanium trucks are prevalent among professional skateboarders. They are incredibly durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. However, they are expensive compared to aluminum trucks.
Composite materials: composite materials are an alternative to aluminum and titanium. They are durable, light, and flexible, enabling a smoother ride, especially when cruising on rough terrain. However, they are more expensive than aluminum trucks.

Bushings Upgrade

Bushings are an essential component of skateboard trucks that affect your riding style. Upgrading your bushings can impact the way your skateboard turns, pops, and is generally maneuverable. Three key factors to consider when upgrading your bushings are durometer, height, and shape.

Durometer: this refers to the hardness of your bushings. Softer bushings (lower durometer) enable you to turn more easily, while harder bushings (higher durometer) provide better stability. The right durometer depends on your riding style and weight.
Height: the height of your bushings determines how much your skateboard leans. Taller bushings provide more lean, while shorter bushings provide less.
Shape: the shape of your bushings varies and affects your riding style. Cone-shaped bushings offer more turnability, while barrel-shaped bushings provide more stability.

Pivot Cup Upgrade

Pivot cups are vital parts of skateboard trucks that help you turn more quickly. Upgrading your pivot cups can improve your turning ability, making your ride much smoother and more enjoyable.

Importance: pivot cups are essential because they keep your kingpins in place and help reduce the wear and tear of your trucks. They also enable smoother turning.
Material: pivot cups are primarily made from urethane or hard plastic. Urethane pivot cups are more flexible, making your skateboard turn more smoothly. Hard plastic pivot cups are rigid, which aids stability.
Upgrading: upgrading your pivot cups involves removing the old pivot cup and replacing it with a new one. The process is easy and should take a few minutes.

Upgrading your skateboard trucks is essential if you want to improve your ride. Bushings and pivot cups upgrades are simple and affordable ways to take your skateboarding experience to the next level. Remember to select the right materials, durometer, height, and shape for your bushings, and consider the importance of pivot cups in improving your turning ability.

Installing And Maintaining Skateboard Trucks

Skateboarding is not only a fun and thrilling activity, but it also encompasses various aspects, including selecting the best skateboard and accessories to suit your needs. Skateboard trucks are among the most crucial parts of a skateboard. They determine how well your board turns and grinds while also affecting stability and speed.

In this article, we explore the essential factors to consider when buying skateboard trucks and provide insight into how to install and maintain them effectively.

Installing Trucks:

Installing skateboard trucks is a relatively simple process that involves a few necessary tools, including a skateboard tool, a screwdriver, and grip tape. Proper alignment is also crucial to ensure that your skateboard functions correctly.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install your skateboard trucks:

Place your skateboard deck upside down on a flat surface.
Insert the screws through the truck’s holes, making sure to place them in the correct position.
Insert the truck bolts into each screw hole.
Tighten the bolts using a skate tool or a screwdriver, making sure the trucks are screwed firmly onto the board.
Ensure that the skateboard trucks are correctly aligned with each other, perpendicular to the board, and that the distance between each truck is equal.

Maintaining Trucks:

Regular maintenance of your skateboard trucks ensures that they perform well and last longer. Proper maintenance includes regular cleaning, lubrication, and tightening bolts.

Here are some tips on how to maintain your skateboard trucks:

Clean your trucks with warm soapy water regularly, removing any dirt and grime that might be affecting their performance.
Lubricate the truck’s pivot cups and kingpin regularly with lubricant to minimize metal-on-metal contact, which reduces wear and tear.
Tighten the truck bolts after every few sessions or if you notice any looseness while riding.

Troubleshooting:

Skateboard trucks can experience some common problems. Loose or squeaky trucks, for instance, can affect the skateboard’s performance and even make it unsafe to ride.

If your truck’s bolts are loose, tighten them using a skate tool or screwdriver. Make sure they are not so tight that they restrict the movement of the trucks.
If the trucks squeak while you’re riding, use a lubricant to lubricate the pivot cups and kingpins.

Maintaining and installing skateboard trucks is a critical step in ensuring that your skateboard performs well and remains safe. Follow the above tips to keep your skateboard trucks in top condition.

Conclusion

To sum up, buying the perfect skateboard trucks is as important as buying the skateboard itself. Your riding style and preferences should guide you towards choosing the right set of trucks. We recommend that you go for high-quality, sturdy, and durable trucks that will last longer and provide you with an excellent riding experience.

There are many factors to consider, from truck size, bushing, and hardware to the type of riding you do and the brand of truck. Don’t forget to check reviews and ratings of different skateboards online to get an idea of what works best for different riders.

We hope this guide helped you understand all the essential factors to keep in mind when purchasing skateboard trucks and that you now feel more confident to make the right choice. Happy skating!