Ever wonder what makes a skateboard turn and grind so smoothly? It’s all thanks to a hidden hero: the skate truck! These metal pieces might seem simple, but they’re the engine of your ride. Choosing the right ones can feel like a confusing puzzle, with so many sizes, shapes, and brands out there. It’s easy to get lost in all the technical terms and wonder, “Which trucks will actually make my skating better?”
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Picking the wrong trucks can lead to wobbly rides, awkward grinds, or even a board that just doesn’t feel right. But the good news is, once you understand what makes a truck tick, you’ll be on your way to a more enjoyable and confident skate. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about skate trucks, from their basic parts to how to pick the perfect pair for your style.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of skate trucks and transform your shredding game. We’ll guide you through the choices so you can stop guessing and start rolling with confidence. Let’s dive in and find the trucks that will help you conquer any terrain!
Our Top 5 Skate Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)) | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire Burners Wheels | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mUnLQDemL._SL500_.jpg) |
[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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TLHB Skateboard Truck | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Jizmo Skateboard Trucks | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Skate Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″))
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to shred with the Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)). These trucks are built for serious skateboarding. They offer a smooth ride and excellent control. You can trust Independent trucks for all your skateboarding needs. This set includes two trucks, perfect for a complete skateboard build or replacing old ones.
What We Like:
- These trucks are super strong. They will last a long time.
- They turn really well. You can make sharp turns easily.
- The silver color looks cool on any skateboard.
- They are a good size for many skateboards. The 8.25-inch width is popular.
- Independent trucks are known for their quality. Many skaters love them.
What Could Be Improved:
- They might feel a little stiff at first. You may need to break them in.
- The price is a bit higher than some other brands.
These Independent Stage 11 trucks are a solid choice for any skater looking for reliable performance. They deliver a great skateboarding experience.
2. Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire Burners Wheels
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to build your dream skateboard? This package brings together top-tier components for a pro-level ride without the hassle. You get everything you need to assemble a fantastic complete skateboard, except for the deck and grip tape. It’s the easiest way to get a professional setup!
What We Like:
- Premium Parts: You get hand-picked, name-brand parts like Independent trucks, Spitfire wheels, and Bones bearings. No cheap filler here!
- Street-Ready Trucks: The Independent Mid trucks have a lower profile. This helps with flip tricks and grinding on ledges and street obstacles. They are made of strong, lightweight aluminum.
- Smooth Riding Wheels: Spitfire Burners wheels use a new urethane. They offer a great ride and performance without costing too much. The 99A hardness is good for many surfaces.
- Top-Notch Bearings: Bones Reds bearings are the best in the business. They are built for speed and last a long time.
- All the Extras: This kit includes 1″ Independent hardware and 1/8″ riser pads. Everything is included to get your board rolling.
What Could Be Improved:
- Deck and Grip Tape Not Included: You’ll still need to buy a skateboard deck and grip tape to complete your setup.
- Specific Shape: The wheels come in the Bighead shape. If you prefer a different wheel shape, you’d need to swap them out.
This kit is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to build a high-quality skateboard. It provides the essential, professional-grade components for an awesome skating experience.
3. [CCS] Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? These [CCS] Skateboard Trucks are built tough and designed to perform. Whether you’re hitting the streets, the skatepark, or just cruising, these trucks give you the control you need. They come in a variety of sizes and colors to match your style and your deck. Plus, you get everything you need to get rolling.
What We Like:
- You get two trucks in a set, which is exactly what you need for a skateboard.
- The set also includes 1″ Phillips hardware to easily attach the trucks to your board.
- These trucks are made from strong steel for the hangers and baseplates, so they’re built to last.
- They have no-slip axles and kingpins, meaning they stay put and work well.
- CCS has been around since 1985, and they’ve had their skate team and shop staff test these trucks to make sure they’re good quality.
- Premium high rebound bushings help you turn smoothly and with more control.
- The classic design makes them good for all kinds of skating, from street to park to just cruising.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the raw silver finish is classic, more color options could appeal to a wider range of skaters.
- For beginners, the “professional grade” might sound a little intimidating, though they are designed for easy use.
These CCS skateboard trucks offer a solid combination of durability, performance, and value. They are a fantastic choice for skaters looking for reliable trucks that can handle various styles of riding.
4. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to hit the streets or the skate park? The TLHB Skateboard Truck, Skateboard Wheels 52mm, and Hardware Combo Starter Kit in crisp white is your ticket to an upgraded ride. This kit is designed for skaters of all levels, offering everything you need to get rolling with confidence. It’s built tough and engineered for performance, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to refresh their skateboard.
What We Like:
- The trucks are made with strong aluminum alloy and steel. They can handle a lot of weight and pressure.
- The wheels have a good hardness (95a) and bounce (60%). This makes them great for both pros and beginners, and they won’t crack easily.
- The ABEC-9 bearings are super smooth. They spin for a long time without any load, giving you a really nice ride.
- This kit fits most skateboard decks from 7.5 to 8 inches wide.
- It’s a complete set! You get trucks, wheels, bearings, screws, a lifting pad, and spacers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions “scooter” a few times, which might be a bit confusing since it’s for skateboards.
- While durable, the white color might show dirt and scuffs more easily than other colors.
This TLHB starter kit provides excellent value and solid performance for any skateboarder. It’s a smart choice for upgrading your setup and enjoying smoother, more reliable skating.
5. Jizmo Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to build your own skateboard or upgrade your current ride? The Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Wheels, Bearings, Hardware, and Tool Combo Starter Set in Black is a great option for beginners. This set has everything you need to get rolling, whether you’re just starting out or want to try some new tricks.
What We Like:
- This set includes two durable aluminum skateboard trucks that fit decks from 7.75 to 8 inches.
- The 52mm, 95A high-rebound wheels are good for street skating and cruising.
- ABEC-9 bearings make your wheels spin fast and smooth, and they are a good deal for the price.
- The included T-tool is super handy for tightening or loosening bolts, making adjustments easy.
- You also get riser pads and hardware, so you can start building right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for beginners, the trucks and wheels might not be the top choice for experienced skaters doing extreme tricks.
- The included riser pads are only 2mm, which might not be enough for larger wheels or certain setups.
This Jizmo combo set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build an entry-level skateboard. It provides all the essential parts to get you skating quickly and affordably.
Choosing the Right Skate Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide
Skate trucks are the L-shaped metal pieces that attach your wheels to your skateboard deck. They are super important! Good trucks help you turn, grind, and land tricks. Picking the right ones makes a big difference in how your skateboard feels and performs. Let’s dive into what you need to know to find the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for skate trucks, keep these things in mind:
Truck Width
This is one of the most important features. The width of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. A good rule of thumb is that the axle (the bar that holds the wheels) should be about the same width as your deck, or just a little bit wider. If your trucks are too narrow, your wheels might hit the deck when you turn. If they are too wide, it can feel wobbly and harder to control.
Truck Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high.
- Low trucks are closer to the ground. They give you more stability and are great for flip tricks.
- Mid trucks are a good all-around choice. They offer a balance of stability and turning ability.
- High trucks give you more clearance from the ground. They are better for cruising and carving because they let you lean more into turns without the wheels hitting the deck.
Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside the truck that help you turn. They come in different hardnesses. Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings give you more stability, especially at higher speeds. Most trucks come with medium bushings, which are good for most skaters. You can always swap them out later to find what you like best.
Important Materials
Skate trucks are usually made from strong metals.
Aluminum Alloy
Most trucks use a strong aluminum alloy. This metal is light and tough, which is perfect for skateboarding. High-quality trucks use better aluminum alloys that are more durable and less likely to bend or break.
Steel Axle and Kingpin
The axle is the rod that the wheels go on. The kingpin is the bolt that holds the truck together and allows it to turn. These parts are usually made of steel. A strong steel axle and kingpin will last much longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make trucks better, and others make them not so great.
Weight
Lighter trucks can make it easier to do flip tricks. However, very light trucks might not be as strong. Good quality trucks find a good balance between being light and being strong.
Durability
Good trucks are made to last. They won’t bend easily if you land a trick hard. They also won’t break if you grind on rough surfaces. Higher-quality materials and better manufacturing make trucks more durable.
Turning Performance
How well your trucks turn is super important. Well-made trucks have smooth turning. The bushings should feel responsive. This means when you lean, the board turns the way you expect it to.
Grindability
If you like to grind on ledges or rails, the metal of your trucks matters. Some metals are smoother and slide better than others. Trucks designed for grinding often have a special coating to help them slide.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who you are and how you skate matters.
Beginners
For beginners, mid-height trucks with medium bushings are usually a great choice. They are stable enough to learn on but still allow you to turn and start practicing tricks. Don’t worry too much about fancy features at first. Focus on getting a solid setup.
Street Skaters
Street skaters often prefer low or mid-height trucks. These help with flip tricks and keep the board closer to the ground for stability. Durability is also key because street skating can be tough on equipment.
Park/Transition Skaters
If you skate in skateparks, bowls, or half-pipes, you might like mid or high trucks. These offer more turning ability for carving and pumping. They also give you more clearance for bigger jumps and airs.
Cruisers
For cruising and just getting around, higher trucks with softer bushings are often best. They provide a smoother ride and allow for easy turning. You want to feel comfortable and stable when you’re just rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skate Trucks
Q: How do I know what size trucks to get?
A: The width of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. Look at the measurement on the side of your deck. Your truck’s axle should be close to that width.
Q: What’s the difference between low, mid, and high trucks?
A: Low trucks are close to the ground for stability. Mid trucks are a good all-around option. High trucks are further from the ground for better turning and clearance.
Q: What are bushings and why do they matter?
A: Bushings are the rubbery parts that help your trucks turn. Softer bushings make turning easier, and harder bushings make it more stable.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?
A: Yes, you can! You can buy different hardnesses of bushings to change how your trucks turn.
Q: Are expensive trucks always better?
A: Not always. Sometimes you pay for brand names. Good quality materials and construction are more important than just a high price tag.
Q: How do I keep my trucks from getting rusty?
A: Try to keep your trucks dry. If they get wet, wipe them off. Store your skateboard in a dry place.
Q: What does “truck geometry” mean?
A: Truck geometry is about how the truck is shaped. This affects how it turns and feels. Different shapes work better for different skating styles.
Q: How often should I replace my skate trucks?
A: It depends on how much you skate and how hard you are on them. If they are bent, cracked, or the turning feels really bad, it’s time for new ones.
Q: Can I mix and match truck brands?
A: Yes, you can! As long as the width and height are right for your deck, you can mix brands.
Q: What are “independent trucks” or “venture trucks”?
A: These are just popular brands of skate trucks. They are known for making good quality trucks for different types of skating.
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.
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