Anyone who’s ever skated understands how vital the truck is for the performance and stability of the board. Some consider it the heart and soul of the board. Unfortunately, many new riders only pay attention to the deck and its visuals, and as a result, end up with a subpar-performing board. There are many different types of skateboard trucks, some better than others, depending on how you ride your board. Transition riders need different trucks than street skaters, but what if you do a bit of both?

This guide will help you make the right decision and buy skateboard trucks that match your needs and riding preferences. I’ll go in-depth about what trucks are typically made of and how the different parts of trucks can impact your skateboard’s performance.

Choosing the Right Skateboard Truck

You need to consider a few factors when choosing a skateboard truck. First and foremost, the width of the axle needs to match the deck. While this is arguably the most important factor, there’s more to it.

Next, consider where and how you want to skateboard. This will help you decide the hardness of the bushings, and the type of baseplate. In fact, even the washers and pivot cups can make a difference in performance. Generally, standard trucks will perform fine over the board, but if your budget allows it, titanium or hollow trucks can be better.

Lastly, consider what type of rider you are. Do you just cruise around the streets, perform technical tricks, or transition? If you do a bit of all, consider an all-around truck.

Truck Sizes

Trucks are available in a wide range of sizes and brands don’t have a standard. This is partially intentional, as they want to make it as difficult to compare trucks from different brands. The most important thing to look at, as aforementioned, is the width, as the trucks need to match the width of your deck. All brands list the details in the product description, and shopping in your local skateboard store will ensure you get assistance from a knowledgeable person. When shopping online, though, you need to consider the following.

Width

While the width is important, you don’t have to obsess over picking trucks that match the exact width of your board. As long as you can stand on the wheels and side of the board, it means the trucks are fine. The most important thing is to make sure the trucks don’t extend the width of the deck, as it will result in wheel bite and reduced responsiveness.

If the trucks are narrower, though, it can mean a more uncomfortable ride. While it’s not as bad as the trucks being too wide, it can be similar to riding a carpet. In fact, narrower trucks mean less chance of wheel bite. However, you get less stability. So if you skate bowl and vert, it can be a problem. On the plus side, your board will be more agile and you’ll be capable of turning faster.

Height

The height of the truck represents the distance between the deck and the wheels. This is measured between the truck’s hanger and the baseplate. Your choice will come down to personal preference, but as a general rule of thumb, the closer you are to the ground, the more stable your skateboard will be. That being said, there are high, medium and low trucks, but most manufacturers only sell low and high trucks. As aforementioned, there is no industry standard, and some brands offer high trucks that are the same in height as low trucks from other brands. For cruising around, you’ll want high trucks, whereas for street and park riding, you’ll want low trucks.

In terms of wheels, low trucks are compatible with 50-53mm wheels, medium with 53-56mm wheels and high trucks are compatible with up to 60mm wheels. Riser pads can help increase height to allow for larger wheels.

Truck Parts and Materials

Trucks are made of steel and brass using a process called die casting. They can be covered in a powder coating. Some trucks feature aluminium parts of hollow axles to reduce their weight. However, as long as you buy skateboard trucks from a reputable brand, standard metal trucks will be fine. You don’t have to buy their top-of-the-line products. Truck technology has come a long way. That being said, all the parts used in the manufacturing of the truck play a role in how it performs and behaves. Skateboard trucks are made up of the following parts:

• Baseplate
• Hangar
• Kingpin
• Axles
• Bushings
• Pivot Cup
• Bushing Seat
• Washers
• Nuts

Conclusion

You don’t have to think too hard when buying new trucks. Just make sure they match the width of your deck. These skateboard parts take some time to break in, and while breaking in bushings can be frustrating, once done, you’ll be able to use those trucks for many years to come. All you have to do is make sure you buy from a reputable brand, such as Independent, Venture, Tensor, Paris, Ace, etc.