The Best Skateboard Trucks
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Skateboarding, a thrilling sport and art form, relies on the synergy of various components, but few are as vital as the skateboard trucks. These small yet significant metal pieces serve as the bridge connecting your deck and wheels, defining your board’s turning capability and stability. Choosing the best skateboard trucks is crucial for your riding experience, and it can be a personalized journey influenced by your riding style, terrain, and preference. The world of skateboard trucks, exploring their anatomy, factors to consider when selecting them, and some of the top options on the market.
The Anatomy of Skateboard Trucks
Understanding the components of skateboard trucks is the first step in identifying the best ones for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of their anatomy:
Hanger: The largest and most visible part of the truck, the hanger is the metal T-shaped piece that holds the axle and attaches to the deck. It plays a crucial role in steering and stability.
Axle: The axle runs through the hanger and supports the wheels. Its length affects the width of your skateboard and, consequently, your balance and control.
Kingpin: The kingpin is a large bolt that secures the various truck components together. It’s adjustable and determines the truck’s tightness or looseness, affecting your turning ability.
Bushings: Bushings are rubbery cushions around the kingpin that provide a springy resistance, helping with turning and absorbing shocks. They come in various shapes and durometers (hardness levels).
Baseplate: The baseplate is the part of the truck that mounts to the deck. It also influences the truck’s geometry, impacting stability and turning radius.
Kingpin Nut: The kingpin nut secures the kingpin’s tension and allows you to adjust the truck’s tightness.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Skateboard Trucks
Selecting the best skateboard trucks involves evaluating several factors to align them with your style and needs:
Truck Width
The width of your skateboard trucks should closely match the width of your deck. Generally, your axle width (measured from tip to tip of the hanger) should be as close as possible to the deck’s width. This ensures a well-balanced ride and avoids wheel bite (when the wheels touch the deck during sharp turns).
Truck Height
Truck height, also known as the truck profile, determines how high your skateboard sits off the ground. Lower trucks provide more stability and control, while higher trucks are better for carving and avoiding wheel bite. Choose a height that complements your riding style.
Bushings
Bushings come in various shapes and durometers, impacting how your trucks respond to your weight and movements. Softer bushings allow for easier turning, while harder ones offer more stability. Experiment to find the perfect balance for your style.
Kingpin Position
The kingpin can be either inside (standard kingpin) or outside (reverse kingpin) the hanger. Reverse kingpin trucks are typically used for longboards and provide better turning. Standard kingpin trucks are the norm for street skateboarding, offering stability and durability.
Turning Ability
The tightness of your trucks greatly affects how easily you can turn. Looser trucks allow for sharp turns and are excellent for carving and cruising. Tighter trucks provide more stability and control but can make turning more challenging.
Top Skateboard Trucks on the Market
Now that you have a grasp of what to look for in skateboard trucks, let’s explore some of the top options available:
Highlights: Low profile, solid construction, great for technical tricks.
Ideal for: Street and park skating.
Selecting the best skateboard trucks is a pivotal decision for every skateboarder. The right trucks can enhance your stability, turning ability, and overall performance. Take your time to explore your options, consider your riding style and preferences, and experiment with different setups to find the perfect match for your deck. Whether you’re a street skateboarder, park enthusiast, or longboarder, the right set of trucks will be your trusty companion in the world of skateboarding, ensuring that every ride is an unforgettable experience.
Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2) (5.8(8.5″) Hi) – Highly Recommended Product
Independent Stage 11 Skateboard trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)) – Popular Reviewers Product
Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2) – Easy to Use
Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2) (5.8(8.5") Hi)
Skateboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your deck, and Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2) have been steadily making their mark in the skateboarding world. Known for their quality construction and innovative design, Venture Trucks provide both form and function that cater to skateboarders of various styles and preferences. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the world of Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks to understand what makes them a popular choice among skaters.
The Anatomy of Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks
Before we explore the specific features that set Venture Polished Trucks apart, it’s important to understand the key components that make up skateboard trucks:
Hanger: The hanger is the T-shaped portion of the truck that holds the axle and connects to the deck. It significantly influences stability and turning capability.
Axle: The axle runs through the hanger and supports the wheels. The length of the axle determines the width of your skateboard and affects your balance and control.
Kingpin: The kingpin is a large bolt that secures the various truck components together. It’s adjustable and plays a vital role in determining the truck’s tightness or looseness, which, in turn, impacts your turning ability.
Bushings: Bushings are rubbery cushions around the kingpin that provide resistance and enable turning. They come in various shapes and hardness levels.
Baseplate: The baseplate mounts to the deck and influences the truck’s geometry, which, in turn, affects stability and turning radius.
Precision Engineering
Venture is known for its precision engineering, ensuring that their trucks are crafted with attention to detail and quality. This precision contributes to the overall durability and performance of the trucks. When you’re out there grinding rails, popping ollies, or cruising down the street, you want trucks that can handle the pressure, and Venture Polished Trucks deliver in this regard.
Low Profile Design
One of the standout features of Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks is their low profile design. Low trucks have a reduced height, which means that your skateboard sits closer to the ground. This design offers several advantages:
Enhanced Stability: Low trucks provide greater stability and control, making them ideal for riders who prefer a steady and predictable ride.
Reduced Wheel Bite: The lower ride height minimizes the risk of wheel bite, which can occur when your wheels come into contact with the deck during sharp turns or tricks. This feature is appreciated by many skaters, especially when attempting technical maneuvers.
Durable Construction
Durability is a paramount consideration when it comes to skateboard trucks, and Venture Polished Trucks don’t disappoint. These trucks are designed to withstand the rigors of street and park skating, ensuring that they can endure the impacts of landing tricks and coping with rough terrain.
The polished finish not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes to the overall durability of the trucks. The polished surface resists corrosion and minimizes the risk of rusting, ensuring that your trucks maintain their functionality and aesthetics for an extended period.
Great for Technical Tricks
Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks are well-suited for riders who are into technical tricks. Whether you’re into flip tricks, grinds, or slides, these trucks offer the precision and control needed to execute these maneuvers effectively. The low profile design, along with responsive turning, makes them an excellent choice for skaters looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible on a skateboard.
Set of Two
The Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks come in a set of two, providing you with the front and rear trucks needed to complete your skateboard setup. This set is convenient and budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced skateboarders.
Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks offer a seamless blend of style and functionality. Their low profile design enhances stability and control, making them a popular choice among street and park skaters. The durable construction ensures that these trucks can withstand the demands of tricks and rough terrain. With precision engineering and a polished finish, Venture Polished Trucks are a reliable choice for skaters who seek quality and performance in their skateboarding equipment.
Independent Stage 11 Skateboard trucks - Set of 2 (144(8.25"))
In the world of skateboarding, where precision, durability, and performance are paramount, Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks have been a consistent go-to choice for riders across the globe. With a legacy of quality construction and innovative design, Independent Trucks have set a high standard in the industry. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Independent Stage 11 Trucks so popular among skaters and why they are often referred to as the gold standard.
The Anatomy of Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks
To appreciate what sets Independent Stage 11 Trucks apart, it’s crucial to understand the key components that constitute skateboard trucks:
Hanger: The hanger is the T-shaped part of the truck that holds the axle and attaches to the deck. It plays a pivotal role in stability and turning.
Axle: The axle runs through the hanger and supports the wheels. Its length determines the width of your skateboard, influencing balance and control.
Kingpin: The kingpin is a large bolt that secures the various truck components together. It is adjustable and controls the truck’s tightness or looseness, thus affecting turning ability.
Bushings: Bushings are rubbery cushions around the kingpin that provide resistance and facilitate turning. They come in different shapes and hardness levels.
Baseplate: The baseplate mounts to the deck and influences the truck’s geometry, impacting stability and turning radius.
Legendary Durability
One of the most celebrated features of Independent Trucks is their legendary durability. Independent Stage 11 Trucks are built to withstand the rigors of skateboarding, whether you’re grinding ledges, launching off ramps, or hitting the streets. The trucks are constructed with high-quality materials and precise engineering, ensuring that they can handle the impacts of landing tricks and conquering challenging terrain.
Independent Trucks are known to maintain their functionality and structural integrity even after extensive use. This reliability is a key reason why many professional skateboarders and avid riders swear by Independent Stage 11 Trucks.
Responsive Turning
The performance of skateboard trucks significantly depends on their ability to provide responsive turning. Independent Stage 11 Trucks excel in this department. Their precise design, quality bushings, and adjustable kingpin allow for tight and controlled turns, providing skaters with the maneuverability and precision they need to navigate various terrains and execute tricks effectively.
Independent Trucks’ ability to deliver responsive turning is a crucial factor that has contributed to their widespread popularity among riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Low Maintenance
Independent Stage 11 Trucks are designed to require minimal maintenance. Their rugged construction and quality materials result in reduced wear and tear, meaning that riders can spend more time skating and less time fiddling with their trucks. The low-maintenance aspect makes Independent Trucks an attractive choice for skaters who value convenience and reliability.
Versatility and Compatibility
Independent Trucks are known for their versatility and compatibility with a wide range of skateboard decks. They come in various sizes, ensuring that you can match the width of your trucks to the width of your deck for a well-balanced ride. This versatility makes Independent Trucks a favored choice for riders who have a specific deck in mind or those who are looking for trucks that can adapt to various riding styles and terrains.
A Set of Two
Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks typically come as a set of two, providing riders with both front and rear trucks in one package. This convenience is not only budget-friendly but also ensures that you have a well-matched pair of trucks to maintain the balance and performance of your skateboard.
Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks have earned their reputation as the gold standard in the world of skateboarding. Their legendary durability, responsive turning, low-maintenance design, versatility, and compatibility make them the go-to choice for skaters who demand the best from their trucks.
Whether you’re an amateur skateboarder looking to improve your skills or a professional rider seeking reliable equipment to handle the demands of competitions and street skating, Independent Stage 11 Trucks deliver the performance, precision, and longevity that will elevate your skateboarding experience to new heights. These trucks are a testament to Independent’s commitment to quality and innovation, and they continue to be a staple in the skateboarding community.
Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2)
When it comes to choosing skateboard trucks, skaters seek a delicate balance of stability, maneuverability, and durability. Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks, a set of two high-quality trucks designed for street and park skating, have consistently delivered on these essential attributes. Renowned for their precision engineering and top-notch performance, Thunder Trucks have earned a spot in the hearts of skaters around the world. In this review, we will take a closer look at what makes Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks a popular choice among skateboarders.
Understanding the Anatomy of Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks
Before diving into what sets Thunder Hi 147 Trucks apart, to have a basic understanding of the key components that make up skateboard trucks:
Hanger: The hanger is the T-shaped part of the truck that holds the axle and attaches to the deck. It plays a crucial role in providing stability and influencing the turning of the skateboard.
Axle: The axle runs through the hanger and supports the wheels. The length of the axle directly affects the width of your skateboard, which in turn influences your balance and control.
Kingpin: The kingpin is a large bolt that secures the various truck components together. It’s adjustable and controls the tightness or looseness of the trucks, thus affecting turning ability.
Bushings: Bushings are rubbery cushions around the kingpin that provide resistance and facilitate turning. They come in different shapes and hardness levels.
Baseplate: The baseplate mounts to the deck and influences the truck’s geometry, which in turn impacts stability and turning radius.
Precision Engineering
Thunder is known for its precision engineering, which ensures that their trucks are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality. This precision significantly contributes to the overall durability and performance of Thunder Hi 147 Trucks. When you’re out there landing tricks, grinding rails, and pushing your skills to the limit, you want trucks that can handle the pressure, and Thunder Trucks are designed to do just that.
Responsive Turning
Skateboarding hinges on the ability to make sharp and controlled turns, and Thunder Hi 147 Trucks excel in providing that capability. Their precise design, quality bushings, and adjustable kingpin allow for responsive turning, ensuring that skaters have the maneuverability and precision they need to navigate various terrains, conquer tricks, and express their creativity effectively.
Durability and Longevity
Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks are built to withstand the demanding nature of skateboarding. Whether you’re grinding ledges, nailing flip tricks, or tackling rough urban terrain, these trucks are constructed with durability in mind. They can take the impacts of landings and rough surfaces while maintaining their structural integrity. This durability ensures that Thunder Trucks are a reliable and long-lasting choice for skateboarders of all levels.
Polished Finish
The polished finish of Thunder Hi 147 Trucks not only adds an aesthetic touch but also enhances their overall durability. The polished surface resists corrosion and rust, ensuring that your trucks maintain their functionality and appearance even after extensive use. This polished finish not only contributes to the longevity of the trucks but also reflects the care Thunder puts into the design of their products.
Versatility and Compatibility
Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks are versatile and compatible with a wide range of skateboard decks. They are known for their compatibility with a variety of deck widths, ensuring that you can match the width of your trucks to your deck for an ideal balance. This versatility makes Thunder Trucks a popular choice for skaters who prefer equipment that can adapt to different riding styles and terrains.
A Set of Two
Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks are typically sold as a set of two, providing riders with both front and rear trucks in one package. This convenient packaging ensures that you have a well-matched pair of trucks, maintaining the balance and performance of your skateboard.
Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks are a testament to Thunder’s commitment to quality, precision, and durability. These trucks provide skateboarders with the stability, turning responsiveness, and durability needed to excel in their sport.
Whether you’re an aspiring skateboarder looking to improve your skills or a seasoned pro in search of reliable equipment to handle the demands of street and park skating, Thunder Hi 147 Polished Skateboard Trucks deliver the performance and durability to elevate your skateboarding experience. Thunder Trucks have carved a lasting place in the skateboarding community, and their Hi 147 Polished Trucks are a testament to their enduring legacy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What trucks are better Thunder or independent?
Both will serve you well. Indys are heavy and tall, thunders are light and lower, so wheelbite can be more of an issue on them. But in the end you will get used to anything if you ride it long enough.
What size trucks do I need for a 8.375 deck?
Independent 139 Trucks fit decks between 7.8” and 8.2” width. Independent 144 Trucks fit decks between 8.2” and 8.375” width. Independent 149 Trucks fit decks between 8.375” and 8.6” width. Independent 159 Trucks fit decks between 8.6” and 9” width.
What is the most popular type of skateboard truck?
How do you match trucks to a deck?
What happens if your trucks are too small for your deck?
The principles behind this are straightforward; a truck too narrow for the board will make your board feel unstable, whilst a truck too wide will in turn limit the nimbleness of your plank and give you a generally sluggish feeling upon your board, which isn’t a good thing.
What are skateboard trucks, and why are they essential?
Skateboard trucks are the metal components that connect the wheels to the skateboard deck. They are crucial for steering, stability, and turning. Trucks impact a skateboard’s overall performance and feel.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best skateboard trucks?
Key factors to consider include the width, height, material, bushings, and brand of the trucks. Your style of skateboarding, deck size, and personal preferences play a role in your decision.
What’s the difference between low, mid, and high skateboard trucks, and which is best for me?
Low trucks sit closer to the ground, offering stability and control. Mid trucks are versatile, and high trucks are suitable for carving and avoiding wheel bite. The choice depends on your riding style.
Which skateboard truck brands are known for their quality and performance?
Several brands are renowned for quality trucks, including Independent, Thunder, Venture, and Tensor. These brands offer durability, responsive turning, and a range of sizes to cater to different skaters.
Are there eco-friendly skateboard truck options available?
Some brands are starting to produce eco-friendly skateboard trucks using sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. While they are not yet widespread, these options appeal to environmentally-conscious skaters.