Skateboard trucks are unarguably the most important part of a skateboard. If there is one thing that affects the board response the most, it’s trucks.
Depending on your skating style, truck requirements can change for each skateboard and Individual.
So, for the best skateboarding experience, you need to know exactly what trucks you need and how to adjust trucks setting.
But here comes the tricky part, as you’ll see people debating over the best skateboard trucks for Tricks and moves. On top of that, making a decision is even more challenging with hundreds of quality brands truck options on the market.
So to help you out, I have compiled a review of a bunch of trucks from well-known manufacturers in the industry.
At the end of the review, I hope you’ll have a better idea about the trucks and their requirement for tricks.
So without wasting any time, let’s begin.
Do Skateboard Trucks Matter?
Before I answer this question, let’s see what a skateboard truck actually is. This way, it will be easier for beginners to understand whether trucks matter or not.
Underneath the skateboard deck, you’ll notice a T-shaped metal thing that attaches the wheels and bearings to the board. That is called the truck, each at both ends of the skateboard.
As the wheels run the board and the wheels are attached to the trucks, it can entirely change how a skateboard responds in different situations.
Additionally, these trucks can be fine-tuned know, in case you don’t know. Just like you build a custom skateboard with different parts, you can also change parts of a truck afterwards.
A truck consists of an axle, hanger, kingpin, pivot cup, bushing and lastly, the associated nuts to hold these parts together. Changing any of these parts, especially the bushing, can affect your riding experience. With the change in cushioning, you can get perfect tension.
As you can see, even a single part of the truck can matter regarding the riding experience. That proves how important trucks and their settings are. As we advance, we’ll discuss it even more.
Trucks Requirement For Different Tricks
With hundreds of tricks in skateboarding comes different types of truck requirements. Typically, the requirement here refers to the truck height and tightness required for various tricks.
While it’s hard to cover all, I am trying to discuss some popular tricks here.
1. Trucks For Flip Tricks
If you have prior knowledge about skateboarding, you should know that the majority of skating tricks are just basic or advanced variants of flip tricks. As I said before, higher trucks give you more time to execute the flip and landing.
So, it’s better for flip tricks like ollie, nollie or heel flip. As for the tightness, you should stick to medium tightness or slightly loose trucks to allow yourself room for error while landing.
2. Trucks For Axle Stall
Axle stall involves hooking up on the coping with the wheels and truck and staying there for a few seconds before coming down the mini ramp. As you’ll have to balance out while on the coping, sticking to lower trucks is a better choice.
As for the tightness, keep the trucks tight, so it doesn’t wobble while standing straight on the coping.
3. Trucks For Power Sliding
Rather than a trick, a power slide is a fancy way of slowing down the board. While skating, you need to turn the board sideways to skid the wheels and, therefore, stop the board.
So, for better stability, a low to medium truck should be the ideal choice for power slides. As for the tightness, keep the trucks loose for easier and flexible turns.
4. Trucks For Pool Ride
Pooling riding is more of a skating style than a trick. As a style on its own, different prole have their opinions about the truck requirement here. Every skater’s size and posture varies, the truck requirements change too.
If you are getting into pool riding as a beginner, it’s best to start with medium height trucks with moderate tightness. From there, make adjustments to match your style.
What Skateboard Trucks Are Best For Tricks?
Lets find out some best trucks in the market. You can choose one for your skateboard to do tricks.
1. Independent Trucks (Best Trucks For Flip Tricks)
If you are into skateboard tricks, you have heard the name Independent at least once at some point. Every attributes needed in a truck for tricks; Independent has that. That’s why Independent trucks are so popular among skaters around the world.
Unlike other manufacturers, Independent comes packed with a wide variety of products. Furthermore, each product lineup goes through revamping every few years to stay updated with the needs of its user base.
So, no wonder Independent truck has dominated the market since 1978 since the foundation.
Right at this moment, Independent’s lineup consists of five skateboard trucks. All of which are unique from their perspective.
The products include:
- Mid Trucks
- Stage XI trucks
- Stage XL Hollow trucks
- Forged Hollow trucks and
- lastly, forged titanium trucks
Trucks Size Guide
| Size (cm) | Axle Width | Deck Size |
|---|---|---|
| 215 | 10.00 in | 9.5-10.5 |
| 169 | 9.125 in | 9.00-10.5 in |
| 159 | 8.75 in | 8.6-9 in |
| 149 | 8.50 in | 8.6-9 in |
| 144 | 8.25 in | 8.2-8.375 in |
| 139 | 8.00 in | 7.8-8.2 in |
| 129 | 7.60 in | 7.4-7.8 in |
| 109 | 6.90 in | 6.25-7.6 in |
If lightweight is your main concern, then Stage XL hollow or regular hollow will be suitable for you. While the Mid and Stage XL trucks are the most popular ones, you are better off with the forge titanium trucks as skating tricks will need better durability.
Also, compared to other trucks, forged titanium has the best weight to strength ratio.
Also, the inverted kingpin is one feature that separates Independent trucks from the rest of the competition. As the threads remain inside the truck, now you can adjust the tightness even after prolonged grinding with Independent trucks.
As you can see, Independent has a wide lineup of trucks for different skating styles. Some of these trucks can be an excellent addition to your trick board setup. From a budget point of view, there is nothing to complain about Independent trucks.
Buy Independent Trucks At Amazon
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2. Tensor Trucks (Best For Axle Stall)
History
Tensor started its journey back in the 1990s as a dedicated truck brand in the industry. Since the beginning, Tensor has provided skaters with products with unmatched quality and innovation.
Like other renowned brands under the wind of Dwindle distribution, slowly and steadily, Tensor trucks made it to the top of the market.
Features
Tensor has two different lineups of products; one is their good old regular trucks, while the other is their flagship mag lineup. Tensor’s goal was to provide the most lightweight products without compromising the truck’s strengths.
Over the years, it has successfully completed that goal.
Tensor always had some extra tricks up their sleeve that always put it ahead of the game. For example, Tensor truck has a patented kingpin design known as button head kingpins.
Unwanted kingpin rotation is a common problem for trucks these days. With Tensor’s button head kingpins, you no longer have to face that problem.
Next, Tensor did a ton of experiments with the truck’s weight. It’s no secret that the weight of a truck has been a major issue. With the Mag lineup, Tensor introduced trucks made with a magnesium-aluminum hybrid.
This magnesium alloy makes Tensor trucks one of the lightest on the market with a smooth grinding experience. The addition of hollow trucks and kingpins took it to the next level with the perfect combination of durability and lightweight.
Lastly, all Tensor trucks are backed up by a lifetime guarantee against the manufacturer’s defect. So whether you are a beginner or veteran, you can enjoy the longevity of Tensor trucks at very reasonable pricing.
Tensor Trucks Size Guide
| Size | Axle Width | Deck Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5.75 | 8.5 in | 8.375-8.675 |
| 5.5 | 8.25 in | 8.125-8.375 in |
| 5.25 | 8.0 in | 7.875-8.125 in |
| 5.00 | 7.625 in | 7.5-7.75 in |
| 4.75 | 7.3 in | 7.00-7.25 in |
| 4.25 | 6.9 in | 6.5-6.75 in |
If you got the cash, go for the Mag trucks. You’ll love the grind smoothness and lightweight.
Buy Tensor Trucks At Amazon
3. Venture Skateboard Trucks
About
Wrapping it up with another truck company from the ’90s, Venture. Like Independent trucks, Deluxe is the distributor of Venture, known for distributing only the best products in the scene.
Among the five brands I discussed, Venture has the most variety in terms of the product catalogue.
Features
Venture trucks have widely been considered the alternative like more premium names like Thunder and Independence. But impressively enough, Venture had made a reputation for itself with quality products for low-budget skaters.
Among different models, Venture Hollow and Venture Hollow Light are the most popular ones aside from the special edition trucks. No matter which height and size you prefer for your trucks, Venture’s classic lineup has got you covered.
Looking at the trucks, it seems like Venture has borrowed pages from other books. For example, the truck baseplate is made of T6 aluminum with reinforced axles. As hollow trucks, it’s pretty lightweight to perform swift turns for tricks.
In today’s market, it’s quite hard to find the perfect blend of reliability and performance at a moderate price range. Venture trucks here tried to provide that blend, and so far, it’s successful in doing so.
If you are thinking about purchasing Venture trucks, the venture Hollow light will be my recommendation for tricks. It might not be the lightest trucks out there, but the durability and different height options work as the biggest selling point.
Buy Venture Trucks At Amazon
4. Ace Skateboard Trucks
History
Ace truck is a fairly new name on the market founded in 2006. But within a short period, it has earned the trust of the skaters through some amazing products.
Now, Ace trucks is one of the most dominating brands that costs low yet performs no less than any premium skateboard truck.
Ace trucks previously only had the classic lineup, and fans are pretty satisfied with it. But the demand for a premium truck was increasing, and Ace trucks responded with its all-new AF1 lineup.
Though the geometry remained the same, Ace trucks revamped different parts with more durable construction and an updated sizing guide.
As Ace trucks claim, this is the most technical truck on the market right now. But can the new AF1 trucks continue the legacy of the Ace classics.
Let’s find out.
No products found.
Features
So, the first upgrade comes to the durability of the truck. With Aces new proprietary casting technology, the structural integrity of the truck’s aluminium is increased by 70%.
Then the T6 heat-treated baseplate and steel alloy axles join the party to compliment the overall strength of this amazing truck.
Ace also upgraded the suspension and response, this time with a 96A urethane pivot. One thing to note here is that the sizing has been different for the AF1 lineup compared to the classic.
So, the same number can also mean different sizes for both lineups. Additionally, there is a new size 77 in the AF1 lineup to use with 9.5″ decks. That size effectively made Ace AF1 the widest truck on the market.
Overall, Ace trucks are an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a durable set of trucks. The weight can be a drawback, but the strength and board feel make up for it.
No products found.5. Thunder Skateboard Trucks
Distributed by Deluxe, Thunder skateboard trucks are a familiar choice among skaters for skating tricks. Deluxe is the distributor of brands like Anti Hero and Spitfire, and coming inside the same bracket as these brands proves just how good Thunder skateboards are.
Thunder trucks always pride themselves on as the leader in control. Looking at their products, Thunder should be proud of how great their truck handles.
Thunder trucks have four different lineups of products, namely, Thunder Light, Thunder Hollow, Thunder Hollow Light and Thunder Team editions. The first three lineups feature almost the same characteristics and are known for their lightning-fast response.
Hollow trucks have been popular for the lightweight, while durability has always remained a concern. Thunder trucks aim to change that fact with forged aluminum baseplate and titanium axles.
Additionally, the extra height allows for more ground clearance, making Thunder trucks perfect for skating tricks.
Lastly, we have the OG team edition trucks from Thunder. These trucks are not hollow like other trucks from Thunder but still managed to be lightweight enough for quick response and excellent control.
If you are solely after control, then the team edition trucks will be ideal for you.
Also, beginners in the sector can benefit from the control of team edition trucks.
To sum it up, Thunder trucks are great for any type of skating. Balanced experience with almost no break-in period, it can’t get any better than this.
Buy Thunder Trucks At AmazonWhat size trucks are best for tricks?
By now, you have probably realized how important trucks are for the perfect board setup. Well, things can get even more critical when it comes to performing tricks.
When planning a board for tricks, even a change of millimeters can make all the difference. That’s why it’s super important that you get the right truck size for tricks.
Now, the aspect of size can be categorized into two parts. First, the width of the truck, then the height. While both these things can be considered size, the height carries great significance.
So, let’s talk about that first.
The height, whether you need a high, low or medium truck, depends on the rider’s height, wheel size and most important, desired board feel. The height of the trucks can affect how you execute a trick.
For example, if you have a higher truck, you need to push it down more to pop it on the air. This way, the board gets launched higher on the air. Theoretically, it gives you a better window to execute any flip trick.
Let’s look at different truck heights and understand their advantages and disadvantages.
1. High Trucks
Basically, what high trucks mean is that they have more clearance between the axle and the baseplate. The rider stays higher from the surface with a high truck.
As I mentioned above, high trucks have better pop and less chance of wheel bite.
Furthermore, the larger wheels required for higher trucks also generates more speed. These things can definitely go in favor of tricks.
However, there are some drawbacks, too, including reduced stability and heavier weight.
2. Medium Trucks
Medium height trucks are the perfect midpoint between the high and lower trucks. It provides a balanced experience for every riding style and trick.
If you ever feel confused about which size is perfect for you or want to explore other types of skating, medium trucks can be a great choice for you.
3. Low Trucks
Lastly, we have the lower trucks. As you can assume, low trucks have the lowest clearance and lower the board’s center of gravity.
Because of that, the board become more stable, and you get a quicker pop instead of higher pop by high trucks.
However, staying close to the ground has disadvantages too. As you’ll use smaller wheels closer to the ground, lower trucks are most likely to face wheel bites.
As you can see, each size has its advantages and drawbacks. There is no fixed industry standard to describe the truck height.
So, the size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Depending on a particular trick, your skillset, and riding style, the size will differ for each individual.
So, it’s best you use trucks with different heights and then select the right size for yourself.
Kingpin Requirement For Tricks
Kingpin refers to that long nut that goes through the truck’s core and holds everything together. Adjustments to the kingpin can change how a board responds to different tricks.
So, learning about different types of adjustments is crucial for perfect tricks.
Now, the kingpin adjustment can go two ways. Either you tighten the kingpin, or you loosen it up. Both have their pros and cons.
1. Tight Kingpin
Tightening kingpin allows for a stiffer truck response. Tight kingpins also give you better stability at a higher speed.
Do you ever hear about speed wobbles?
Tightening the kingpins, therefore, the trucks are the most basic way of getting rid of speed wobble and wheel bites. If your tricks involve high speed and big drops, then a tight kingpin might be the best choice for you.
2. Loose Kingpin
Unlike tight kingpins, loose ones are much more flexible, therefore, easier to turn. But on the drawback, it lacks in the stability department, and at high speed, it can be a potential reason for speed wobble.
Still, slightly loose kingpins are preferable for tricks as it allows you to adjust the landing when it’s not perfect.
At the end of the day, the kingpin requirement is different for individuals. If you have perfect control over landing, you can try tight kingpin.
Otherwise, don’t change what you are used to. For beginners, medium tightness is the best call. If you struggle to decide, experiment with different kingpin tightness and then select one instead of listening to or copying others.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need hollow trucks for tricks?
The answer to this question again comes down to subjectivity. I’ll discuss what a hollow truck is, pros and cons. The decision is yours whether you need a hollow truck for tricks.
As a skateboard part fully made of metal, regular trucks are quite heavy. This heaviness sometimes becomes the deciding factor in technical skating and tricks.
Now, the difference between a hollow and a regular truck is the hollow kingpin and axle, which ultimately reduces the weight of a truck.
However, this lightness comes at the cost of durability. So while it’s totally Ok to use hollow trucks for tricks, whether you want to sacrifice the durability is up to you.
Can you do tricks if trucks are too small?
Figuring out the truck’s size is the key to building the perfect board setup. The width here refers to the axle size, so don’t mix it with the hanger. The rule of thumb is getting a truck with the same width as the deck.
So, when purchasing trucks, buy the size that has the closest width to the deck’s width. Something too narrow can shift the center of gravity and ruin the board feel.
Final Thoughts
Here we are at the end of the list. I hope the article will give you a better idea about existing truck options and requirements for skateboard trucks. As versatile as the tricks are, the truck setting can be equally versatile.
So instead of thinking too much about particular trucks, play with different trucks and decide what works best for you. Once you know what suits your skating needs, you can always replace the trucks.
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Hi, this is Jerry, a skateboarder, who loves to talk about micro-mobility and future of that industry. Coming from motion engineering background, I am very enthusiast about speed, motion, balance and technology. I have taken a mission to carry the fuel free, environment friendly micro-mobile industry forward by educating people about micro-mobile products especially skateboards and longboards. I love skating around very much and encourage people to do so. Its a fun believe me.