How To Pick Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks are an essential part of your setup that determines how your skateboard turns and grinds. Choosing the right trucks can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. However, with a few basic ideas, finding the best skateboard trucks for you is easy. In this guide, we will break down the key elements of skateboard trucks and help you understand how they work. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right trucks based on your riding style, skill level, and preferences.
Here is what we’ll cover:
Skateboard Truck Size Chart
If you're a beginner and buying trucks for the first time, we recommend prioritizing the axle width of the trucks to match the width of your skateboard deck as closely as possible. This ensures that your skateboard rides smoothly and maximizes stability while riding. While it is ideal for them to align perfectly, a slight difference of less than 1/4" is generally acceptable. However, it's worth noting that some companies may have variations in how they list truck width, which can make it challenging to determine the right size. So, dive into the chart to find the right size skateboard trucks for you.
Parts Of a Skateboard Trucks
Baseplate: This is the part of the truck that mounts to the deck. It houses the kingpin and pivot cup, which are both crucial to turning.
Hanger: The hanger is the T-shaped part of the truck that holds the axle and the pivot. It's the part that you'll see sticking out from the sides of your skateboard.
Axle: The axle is what passes through the hanger and extends on each end to hold the wheels and bearings. The width of the axle is an important consideration when choosing trucks.
Pivot: The pivot is a part of the hanger that extends into the pivot cup on the baseplate and provides the axis for turning. It's what allows you to make those sharp turns and carve your way around the skatepark.
Pivot Cup: The pivot cup is what holds and cushions the pivot in the baseplate. It's an important part of the turning mechanism and can be easily replaced if it wears out
Kingpin: The kingpin is mounted on the baseplate and extends through the bushings and hanger to hold all the pieces together. It's what allows the trucks to pivot and turn.
Bushings: The bushings are replaceable urethane cushions that mount on the kingpin on both sides of the hanger to provide stability. They come in different durometers and can be swapped out to customize the feel of your trucks.
Kingpin Nut: The kingpin nut holds the trucks together and provides compression on the bushings for easy adjustability. It's important to make sure this is tightened properly to avoid any wobbling or instability.
Types of Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard Trucks (Standard Kingpin)
The most versatile skateboard truck type is the standard kingpin trucks, which can be used for various skateboarding styles. These trucks are adjustable and can be tightened or loosened to customize your board's turning abilities. Standard kingpin trucks are the best option for street skating, bowls, and skateparks.
Hollow Trucks
Many skateboard trucks are available with hollow kingpins and/or axles to reduce weight. This feature makes your board pop higher and flick faster. Lighter trucks can offer benefits to any type of skateboarding, but the choice of selecting them or not comes down to personal preference.
Longboard Trucks (Reverse Kingpin)
Reverse kingpin trucks are the best option for carving, cruising, or skating downhill at high speeds. These trucks are usually taller and wider than standard kingpin skateboard trucks but are highly customizable for many riding styles. For further information, check out our Choosing Longboard Trucks page.
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