Ever wonder what makes a skateboard turn? It’s all about those unsung heroes: the trucks! These metal pieces might seem simple, but picking the right ones can be a real puzzle. Skateboarding is amazing, but when you’re trying to figure out which truck size fits your board or what kind of turning you want, it can get confusing. You want trucks that feel good under your feet, that help you land tricks, and that last a long time. Getting it wrong means wobbly rides or even broken gear.
This guide is here to make that choice easy. We’ll break down everything you need to know about skate trucks, from their different parts to how they affect your ride. You’ll learn how to match trucks to your board and your skating style. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the perfect trucks to level up your skating. Let’s dive in and get your board rolling smoother than ever!
Our Top 5 Skate Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Skate Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire Burners Wheels
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to build your dream skateboard? This package delivers top-notch components from legendary brands, skipping any filler. It’s the easiest way to assemble a pro-level setup. You get everything you need for a complete board, minus the deck and grip tape.
What We Like:
- Independent Mid Trucks: These trucks have a lower profile. This makes flip tricks and grinding easier. They are made from strong, lightweight aluminum.
- Spitfire Burner Wheels: These wheels use a special urethane. They offer great performance without costing too much. The 99A hardness is good for most street skating.
- Bones Reds Bearings: Bones Reds are the best bearings out there. They are built to last and roll smoothly.
- Included Hardware: You get 1-inch Phillips head hardware and 1/8-inch riser pads. These are from Independent too.
- Premium Brands: All parts are from trusted, industry-leading brands.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Deck or Grip Tape: You still need to buy these separately.
- Specific Wheel Hardness: The 99A hardness might not be ideal for every surface.
This kit is a fantastic way to get a high-quality skateboard. It’s a smart choice for skaters who want the best parts without the hassle.
2. Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″))
Rating: 9.1/10
The Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)) are a solid choice for skaters looking for reliable performance. These trucks are built tough and are designed to handle all sorts of skateboarding. The silver finish looks sharp on any board. They’re a classic for a reason, offering that smooth ride skaters expect from Independent.
What We Like:
- Super strong and built to last.
- They offer a really smooth turning feel.
- The classic silver look is stylish.
- Great for both street and park skating.
- They make learning new tricks easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- They can be a bit heavier than some other trucks.
- The price might be a little high for some beginners.
If you want dependable trucks that will last, these Independent Stage 11s are a fantastic option. They deliver a great skateboarding experience for riders of all levels.
3. [CCS] Skateboard Trucks
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | Professional Grade | Steel | Sizes 109mm, 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, & 169mm | Raw Silver, Black | Set of 2 | 1" Mounting Hardware Included (Raw, 139mm (Fits 8.0"-8.25" Decks))](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mUnLQDemL._SL500_.jpg "Top 5 Skate Trucks: Your Ultimate Buying Guide 10")
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to upgrade your ride with the [CCS] Skateboard Trucks! These professional-grade trucks are made from strong steel. They come in different sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your skateboard deck. You can even choose between a sleek Raw Silver or classic Black finish. Plus, they include all the hardware you need to get them mounted and rolling.
What We Like:
- Comes with a set of two trucks and 1″ mounting hardware, so you have everything to get started.
- Built with strong steel for the hangers and baseplates, making them tough and reliable.
- They feature no-slip axles and kingpins, which helps keep everything secure.
- CCS has been around since 1985, and they tested these trucks with experienced skaters to make sure they perform well.
- The premium high rebound bushings help you turn smoothly and with more control.
- Designed with a classic shape, these trucks work great for street skating, skatepark tricks, or just cruising around.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color options are limited to Raw Silver and Black.
- While tested, the “professional grade” claim might be best suited for intermediate to advanced skaters rather than absolute beginners who might prefer a more forgiving setup.
These CCS trucks offer a great balance of durability and performance for a variety of skating styles. They are a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their skateboarding experience.
4. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to upgrade your ride or start a new skateboarding adventure? The TLHB Skateboard Truck, Skateboard Wheels 52mm Combo Starter Kit in crisp white is designed to get you rolling with confidence. This all-in-one package includes everything a skater needs to get a board up and running, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned pros and beginners taking their first ollie.
What We Like:
- Exquisite Workmanship: The trucks are built tough with aluminum alloy casting and die-casting. They also have a hardening treatment and baked-on paint, so they can handle a lot of pressure and weight.
- Great for All Skaters: The wheels have a 95a hardness and a 60% rebound rate. This means they grip well without being too slippery, and beginners won’t have to worry about them cracking.
- Smooth Rolling: The included ABEC-9 bearings are top-notch. They spin for a super long time without load, giving you a really smooth ride.
- Perfect Fit: This kit is made for skateboard decks that are 7.5 to 8 inches wide. It’s a perfect match for many popular board sizes.
- Complete Set: You get the trucks, 52mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, 1-inch screws, 2mm riser pads, and spacers. It’s a full package to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Options: Currently, the kit is only available in white, which might not suit everyone’s style.
- Deck Compatibility: While it fits 7.5-8″ decks, skaters with wider or narrower boards will need to look elsewhere.
This TLHB starter kit offers excellent value and quality for its price point. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to build or refresh their skateboard.
5. Jizmo Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to build your own skateboard or upgrade your current ride? The Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Wheels, Bearings, and Tool Combo Starter Set in Black is a fantastic all-in-one package for entry-level skaters and those looking for a budget-friendly setup. This set has everything you need to get rolling, whether you’re cruising the streets or learning new tricks.
What We Like:
- This set includes durable aluminum skateboard trucks that are perfect for cruising and learning tricks.
- The 52mm, 95A high rebound wheels offer a smooth ride for street skating and general cruising.
- ABEC-9 skateboard bearings are included, providing a fast and smooth roll, a great value for the price.
- The handy T-tool is a universal skateboard tool that helps you adjust everything on your board, from trucks to wheels.
- It comes with riser pads and hardware, making it easy to build a complete skateboard for 7.75-8″ decks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for beginners, the included bushings might be a bit firm for some riders, and upgrading them later is an option.
- The wheels, while versatile, might not be ideal for very rough terrain or specialized park riding.
Overall, this Jizmo combo set is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to build or customize their skateboard. It provides all the essential parts you need to get rolling with confidence.
Choosing Your Perfect Skate Trucks: A Complete Guide
Skate trucks are the metal parts that connect your wheels to your skateboard deck. They help you turn, grind, and do tricks. Picking the right trucks is super important for how your skateboard feels and performs. This guide will help you find the best trucks for your style of skating.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at skate trucks, a few things really matter.
Truck Width
Truck width is measured from the outside of one kingpin nut to the outside of the other. It should match the width of your skateboard deck. A good rule is that the axles of your trucks should be about as wide as your deck. If your trucks are too wide, your board will be harder to flip. If they’re too narrow, your board might feel wobbly.
Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high.
- Low trucks are closer to the ground. They make flip tricks easier because the board doesn’t have to go as high.
- Mid trucks are a good all-around choice. They offer a balance of stability and turning.
- High trucks give you more clearance from the ground. This helps prevent “wheel bite,” which happens when your wheel touches the deck during a turn. High trucks are better for cruising and rougher surfaces.
Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside the trucks that help you turn. They come in different hardnesses. Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings make turning stiffer and more stable at high speeds. Most trucks come with medium-hard bushings, but you can swap them out later if you want.
Important Materials
Skate trucks are usually made from strong metals.
- Aluminum Alloy is the most common material. It’s lightweight and strong. Most trucks use a good quality aluminum alloy.
- Chromium Molybdenum Steel (Chromoly) is often used for the kingpin and axle because it’s super strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality trucks will last longer and feel better.
- Manufacturing Precision: Trucks made with good precision will turn smoothly and feel solid. Poorly made trucks might feel loose or squeaky.
- Durability: Stronger materials and good construction mean your trucks won’t bend or break easily, especially when you’re doing grinds or landing big jumps.
- Weight: Lighter trucks make your board easier to maneuver. However, very light trucks might not be as strong.
User Experience and Use Cases
The type of trucks you choose depends on how you skate.
- Street Skating: For street skating, many skaters prefer mid-height trucks that are about the same width as their deck. This helps with flip tricks and grinds on ledges and rails.
- Park Skating: Park skaters often like mid to high trucks. They offer good stability for ramps and bowls, and the extra height can help avoid wheel bite when carving.
- Cruising and Longboarding: If you’re just cruising or riding a longboard, you might want wider trucks and softer bushings. This makes for a smoother ride and easier turning.
Remember, your trucks are a key part of your setup. Take your time to choose the right ones, and you’ll have a much better skating experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size trucks to buy?
A: You should match your truck width to your deck width. A good rule is that the axle should be roughly the same width as your deck.
Q: What’s the difference between low, mid, and high trucks?
A: Low trucks are closer to the ground for easier flip tricks. Mid trucks are a good balance. High trucks give more clearance to avoid wheel bite.
Q: Can I change the bushings in my trucks?
A: Yes, you can! Bushings come in different hardnesses, and you can swap them out to change how your trucks turn.
Q: What are trucks made of?
A: Most trucks are made from strong aluminum alloy, with axles and kingpins often made from steel.
Q: Will wider trucks make my board more stable?
A: Wider trucks can offer more stability, especially when cruising. However, they can also make it harder to flip your board for tricks.
Q: What is “wheel bite”?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheel touches your skateboard deck during a turn. This can slow you down or stop your board unexpectedly.
Q: Do I need different trucks for street skating than for park skating?
A: Many skaters use mid-height trucks for street skating and mid to high trucks for park skating, but it also depends on your personal preference.
Q: How do I know if my trucks are good quality?
A: Good quality trucks turn smoothly, feel solid, and are made from durable materials. They won’t bend or break easily.
Q: Can I use longboard trucks on a skateboard?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Longboard trucks are usually wider and have different turning geometry, which isn’t ideal for regular skateboarding.
Q: How often should I replace my skate trucks?
A: Trucks can last a long time, but they might need replacing if they get bent, cracked, or if the turning feels very loose and worn out.
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.