Written by Chris K
Are you looking for the best skateboard trucks in 2026? If you are looking for the best skateboard trucks for street, beginners, or those on a tight budget.
Or, if you are unsure what type of truck to get or what size of truck you need for your skateboard, I have you covered.
Skateboard trucks are one of the most important parts when riding a skateboard.
Depending on your riding style or budget, you may want to find the best skateboard trucks for beginners or those who wish to do ollies and grind all day.
The 14 Best Skateboard Trucks
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INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks
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Independent Trucks are one most well-known and best skateboard brands and the best skateboard truck brands on the market.
The Independent Stage 11 Skateboard trucks are low height suitable for stability and smooth landing over a larger turning radius.
The Stage 11s have a grade 8 kingpin, aluminum hanger, baseplate, and super cush bushings with a bottom cylinder. They are very affordable for such a high-range truck.
Independent skateboard trucks have a high center of gravity, turn well, and handle a lot of abuse. They offer good balance and stability and are great for sharp turns.
These skateboard trucks turn really well and are suitable for transition, mini ramp, pool and bowl skating, but it is best known for being the best skateboard trucks for street skating.
Known for being perfect for all styles of skateboarding, the Stage 11’s are very durable, have an excellent turning radius and are sturdy but lightweight. In addition, the metal is soft, which makes them great for grinding.
These trucks are high, with good kingpin clearance and less wheel bite. Grind smoothly and are butter smooth.
The bushings may make noise, but that will go away when the trucks are broken in. They are also known for being heavy, but they turn slower.
Stage 11 skateboard trucks are the best skateboard trucks for heavy riders. However, if the standards are too heavy, you can get Stage 11 Hollows which means the axle and kingpin is hollow, but it is forged metal, so it’s still strong.
Different Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks
There are several different types of Stage 11 trucks to choose from. The Stage 11 Standard trucks are the cheapest, but they are still amazing. The only downfall is that they are heavy compared to other Stage 11s.
The Stage 11 Hollows are lighter because of the hollow axle and kingpin, but they are still super strong.
The Stage 11 Forged Hollow skateboard trucks are super lightweight, mid-profile with a hollow axle and kingpin.
Stage 11 Forged Titanium is the most expensive, lightest and strongest truck. They are super durable and are good for street and transition skating.
The best skateboarders of all time, like Tony Hawk and Mark Gonzales, use Independent Trucks.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.4″ -7.8″ | 6.9″ | 129 |
| 7.8″ – 8.2″ | 8.0″ | 139 |
| 8.1″ – 8.5″ | 8.25″ | 144 |
| 8.25″ to 8.65″ | 8.5″ | 149 |
| 8.6″ -9.0″ | 8.75″ | 159 |
What We Like
- Great for grinding
- Durable
- Good for heavier riders
- Best skateboard trucks for street skating
- Stable
- Can handle a lot of abuse
- Amazing turning radius with little to no wheel bite
What We Don’t Like
- It makes noise until broken in
- A bit high, but you will get used to them
Thunder Polished Hollow Lights II Skateboard Truck
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If you want to get one of the best skateboard trucks for street skating, you should get the Thunder Polished Hollow Lights II Skateboard trucks.
It comes with hollow axels, hollow kingpins and a lightweight forged baseplate but is still super strong. They are highly durable for all terrains and are suitable for all types of skateboarding.
Thunder Polished Hollow Skateboard Trucks come in high (49,78mm) truck sizes and low (49mm). The lower trucks may cause wheel bite as they are so low. If you have this issue, get risers, and you’ll be fine.
They are great for pinching rails, and they pinch fast, so crooked grind tricks are really nice. It is a broad truck with lots of landing surface, which is good for pinching, 5050s, smiths and grinds.
I highly recommend using Thunder trucks on a steeped deck. If you are looking for the best skateboard decks to use with your trucks, check out the post here.
Thunder skateboard trucks are versatile, strong, responsive, solid, durable, good in transition, have a quick turn response and are one of the best skateboard trucks for flip tricks, grinding, skateparks and street riding.
These trucks are super light and are buttery right out of the box. In addition, they come with really nice bushings that turn nicely.
Expect smooth grinds, and the hollow trucks make flipping your skateboard easy. Thunder Skateboard Trucks are the best skateboard trucks for tricks.
Deck Width | Model |
|---|---|
| 7.0″-7.6″ | 143 |
| 7.4 “-7.9” | 145 |
| 7.9 “-8.2” | 147 |
| 8.2 “-8.4” | 149 |
| 8.4″-9.0″ | 151 |
What We Like
- Smooth grinds
- Turns great
- Not twitchy
- Light and maneuverable
- Functional
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- May experience wheel bite
- Will wear down during downhill riding
Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks
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If you are looking for the best skateboard truck for pinches, you should get Venture Polished Skateboard Trucks.
These trucks are made with a durable reinforced forged baseplate and a polished aluminum silver hanger. As a result, they have loads of stability and are weighted enough to keep speed but gain acceleration.
These trucks are the HI 5.6 polished trucks, but they do have low trucks available here.
Venture Skateboard trucks are great for manuals as they have a lot of lean. Unfortunately, they do not turn as well and are a bit stiff, but that means that you will be able to grind a lot.
The hanger is straight while the radius is small, meaning when you grind, you can catch on chunky ledges. To prevent this, lean back so you won’t have hang-ups on ledges.
These trucks have a snappy but hefty pop, but they may feel clunky. However, they are perfect for manuals because they have a lot of lean.
They are good for doing snappy tricks after a manual because the truck is hefty, making you feel the pop better. They are great for landing skateboard tricks with the best pinch and great kingpin clearance.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.9″ and smaller | 7.62″ | 5.0 Hi and Lo |
| 7.9 “-8.1” | 8.0″ | 5.2 Hi and Lo |
| 8.1 “-8.3” | 8.25″ | 5.6 |
| 8.4 “-8.6” | 8.5″ | 5.8 |
| 8.62″ and up | 8.75″ | 6.1 |
What We Like
- It has the best pinch compared to other trucks
- Affordable
- Great for landing skateboard tricks
- Snappy
What We Don’t Like
- May feel clunky
- Heavier than hollows
CCS Skateboard Trucks
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CCS Skateboard trucks are the best skateboard trucks for beginners. They have a high-grade no-slip kingpin, a steel baseplate and decent bushings. One of the best things about getting the CCS skateboard trucks is that they come with hardware.
These skateboard trucks are suitable for basic tricks and street skating. Manuals are better, and the pop is higher when you ride with CCS skateboard trucks. They have a great turning radius and are very fluid.
CCS skateboard trucks are strong, but they are a bit heavy. Also, they have softer but solid bushings, so you may need to swap them out for harder bushings. One issue I had was the trucks were hard to tighten and loosen as the space between the bolt and truck is super tight.
These mid-height/standard height trucks are medium quality. They are not as durable as Indys but are great basic trucks. They come in several sizes and either raw or black. CCS Skateboard trucks are very smooth, easy to adjust and excellent for grinds as they take impact well.
CCS skateboard trucks have a slim baseplate for nose and tail slides. They are great for ollies or three stairs but cannot handle anything extreme. If you plan on grinding a lot of curbs or ramps or hitting 7 or more stairs, you will want a stronger truck.
Keep yourself safe and pick up a set of the best skateboard pads.
Deck Width | Model |
|---|---|
| 7.0″ | 109 – Raw Only |
| 7.5″ -7.7″ | 129 – Black Only |
| 8.0″ – 8.25″ | 139 – Raw & Black |
| 8.5 “+ | 149 – Raw & Black |
What We Like
- Perfect for beginners
- Good for street skating
- It comes in multiple sizes
- Affordable
- Comes with hardware – 1″ Phillips hardware for mounting
What We Don’t Like
- Trucks may bend because the material is a bit cheap
- It will wear quickly if you grind curbs and ramps
Paris V3 Skateboard Trucks
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Paris V3 Trucks is one of the best longboard truck brands, but they make smaller trucks perfect for smaller cruisers and skateboards.
These trucks are strong, durable and turn perfectly. They come with a 90a urethane bushing, grade 8 steel axles and branded kingpins. They aren’t great for street skating but are suitable for sliding, dancing and beginners.
Paris V2 & V3 skateboards have lots of lean, which is great for cruising and sliding on curbs. In addition, they come with traditional kingpin trucks, are stable and supportive, suitable for all terrains and are perfect for technical skating.
The V2s and V3s are durable, carvy, and the best skateboard trucks for cruising and tricks, but most importantly, the metal is thick, making it suitable for grinding.
The height gain you get from these trucks is amazing, and it is easy to carve and pump. One downfall is that they do squeak a bit when carving. But just oil them up, and that should do the trick.
If your trucks squeak after a while, disassemble them and lubricate the pivot cups and bushings with wax, silicone, or synthetic grease.
I highly recommend using these trucks with the best skateboard wheels for cruising.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.4 “-7.8” | 7.6″ | 129 |
| 8.3 “-8.7” | 8.5″ | 149 |
| 8.7 “-9.3” | 9.0″ | 169 |
What We Like
- Durable
- Great for grinding
- Carvy
What We Don’t Like
- Squeaks when carving
- Not for Street Skating
Ace Classic Lightweight Skateboard Trucks
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If you are looking for some of the best skateboard trucks for bowls and pools, you need to get Ace Classic Skateboard trucks. Ace trucks are taller trucks made from pure 7071 series aluminum and heat-treated 3056 series steel axles.
They are manufactured for precision turning, easy flow and smooth grinding while offering a lightweight experience.
The slightly rockered hanger from a stronger truck makes them grind like butter. In addition, they have a slim design with a low kingpin for fewer hangups.
The top bushing is tall and hard, making it hard to turn, so if you need to make any adjustments, leave the stock bottom bushing and washer alone, but you can swap the top bushing for something shorter.
Ace Trucks are very loose, making them one of the best skateboard trucks for carving a bowl and pool skating.
They turn tighter than most trucks which are perfect for street skating. In addition, ace Trucks are very responsive and do not need to be broken in.
Ace Trucks feel great when riding, and I recommend you get a pair to try out.
They are higher and looser than most trucks, so it may take a few weeks to get used to how they ride.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 6.50″ | 6.5″ | 00 |
| 7.00 “-7.30” | 7.0″ | 11 |
| 7.75″ | 7.6″ | 22 |
| 8.0″ | 8.0″ | 33 |
| 8.25″ | 8.35″ | 44 |
| 8.5″ | 9.0″ | 55 |
| 9.0″ | 9.35″ | 66 |
| 9.5″ | – | 77 |
What We Like
- Durable
- Carves well
- Great for grinding
- Great for pool & bowl skating
What We Don’t Like
- Twitchy at first
- It may take a week or two to get used to if you usually ride other trucks
Havoc 5.0 Skateboard Trucks
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Havoc Skateboard trucks are made with a strong and lightweight aluminum alloy. They are affordable and are some of the best skateboard trucks for kids and beginner skate decks.
Want to know about the best grip tape to choose? Check out the post here!
If you want a good-quality truck that comes in many different colors, you should pick up a set of Havocs. The 5.0 trucks are a standard size that fits most decks and wheels.
Havocs are better for cruising than trick skating as the kingpin screw placement is unsuitable for grinding. Plus, the kingpin is long so that you may experience wheel bite.
The bushings aren’t great, and they are a bit stiff, so I recommend replacing them with bones bushings. These Havoc Skateboard Trucks are suitable for beginners, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you are an experienced rider.
These trucks already feel broken in, so you will be able to skate them right out of the pack. They are solid with good consistent flex.
If you need new hardware, check out the best skateboard hardware to help you find the right hardware for you.
Deck Width | Axle Width |
|---|---|
| 7.5″ | 4.75″ |
| 7.63″ | 4.75/5.0″ |
| 7.75″ | 5.0″ |
| 7.88″ | 5.0/5.25″ |
What We Like
- It comes in a lot of different colors
- Strong, durable, lightweight
- Affordable
- Solid
What We Don’t Like
- It does not come with hardware
- Kingpin is long so that you may experience wheel bite
- Paint scratches easily
Tensor Alloys Raw Skateboard Trucks
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Tensor Alloys Raw Skateboard Trucks are designed by pro skater Rodney Mullen. They are made with traditional aluminum alloy and are strong but lightweight.
These trucks have responsive and tighter turning. They were designed for freestyle skating, so they are super sturdy. They are tight trucks but are super light, so you will be able to ollie higher.
Tensor trucks are low, so they aren’t good with larger wheels, but they are stable. They have the best grind with less friction. Also, your wheels won’t drag when you do tail slides because of the baseplate.
A few downfalls are that they wear quicker than other trucks and are not made for doing stairs. So you will crack your trucks, but you will not break the kingpin.
These trucks are very affordable, so they are great for beginners and people on a tight budget. Also, they are super light, so they are great for lightweight skaters and children.
Tenor trucks are not great for technical skateboarding. They have a sharp turn, so you may not like them when doing manuals, but you will get used to them.
Want to know more about the cost of skateboards when picking out trucks? Tensor Trucks are inexpensive while being high-quality trucks.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 “-7.9” | 7.625″ | 5.0 |
| 7.8 “-8.2” | 8.0″ | 5.25 |
| 8.1 “-8.4” | 8.25″ | 5.5 |
| 8.3 “-8.7” | 8.5″ | 5.75 |
What We Like
- Good for beginners
- Suitable for light skaters and children
- Lightweight
- Very affordable
- Responsive turning
What We Don’t Like
- Made with cheap metals so the bushings can blow out easily
- Not a lot of kingpin clearance
- Not suitable for stairs as they will crack
- Do wear quicker than other trucks
Grind King Truck Co. Skateboard Trucks
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Grind King Truck Skateboard Trucks are known for being some of the lightest-weight trucks that you can get. They are super strong, grind amazingly and turn really well.
They are well-made and a good-looking truck that has stable grinds. It comes with built-in washers and an inverted kingpin which provides clearance. The ultra-low kingpin means the break-in time for the bushings is quick, and the low-profile kingpin means it will hold up as it is super durable.
If you like loose trucks, you will have to switch the bushings. The bushings max out the turning radius so you won’t get wheel bite. They will feel loose when brand new, but stop turning to prevent the bite.
Grinding is smooth and easy, and the pop is similar to Independent trucks. However, I recommend changing the bearings to bones hard bearings to have a better ride when doing slicks and slappys.
Check out my post about the best skateboard bearings to help you pick. Grind King skateboard trucks are incredible for street skating as they are perfect for flips, grinds and manuals. They grind like butter!
These trucks are noisy when brand new, but you can wax the pivot cups to stop the squeaking. However, the bushings do take a while to break in. These trucks look like thunder trucks but are closer to independent dimensions in size.
The standard board size offers trucks for board sizes 8.0, 8.25 and 8.5. Unfortunately, bushings take a while to break in.
Deck Width | Model |
|---|---|
| 7.5″-8.0″ | 5.0 |
| 8.0″-8.25″ | 5.5 |
| 8.25 “-8.75” | 6.0 |
What We Like
- Light trucks
- Super strong
- Amazing for grinding
- No wheel bite
- Great for trick skateboarding
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy when they are brand new
Krux Trucks Skateboard Trucks
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Krux Trucks are one of the most reputable and best skateboarding brands. The Krux Standard Silver Polished skateboard trucks have hollow down lows, sturdy baseplate and a standard kingpin.
These trucks are suitable for street skating and manuals, but they are stiff at first. They take a few days to break in, so ride them for a few days before tightening so the bushings can break in properly.
Krux Skateboard trucks are light, affordable and suitable for beginners and pro skaters. The stock bushings are some of the best you can get. The bushings shape gives you a lot of turn.
These trucks have an excellent kingpin clearance which is essential if you plan on doing many grinds.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.4 “-7.8” | 7.6″ | 7.6 |
| 7.8 “-8.2” | 8.0″ | 8.0 |
| 8.1 “-8.4” | 8.25″ | 8.25 |
| 8.3 “-8.7” | 8.5″ | 8.5 |
| 8.7 “-9.3” | 9.0″ | 9.0 |
What We Like
- Light
- Affordable
- Amazing for grinds
What We Don’t Like
- Stiff at first
- It takes a few days to break them in
Mini-Logo Raw Skateboard Trucks
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Mini-Logo Raw Skateboard Trucks are some of the best skateboard trucks for skaters looking for a durable, low truck.
They are similar to Independent and Venture Lows. However, they come with precision 8mm axles with a slightly curved hanger to lock you into grinds.
These trucks have a lightweight hanger and baseplate, medium 94a bushings, and high-grade pivot cups.
The wheelbase is short, and the angle of the kingpin is standing upward, which means you will get perfect grinds. The curved hanger will also help lock into your grinds.
Mini-Logo Skateboard trucks are good for street skating, and the turning ratio is less turny than Independents.
These trucks make it easy to pop the board, but you will have less leverage to pop. So you won’t get high pops for ollies, and it isn’t suitable for bowl skating.
These trucks are durable and respond the same way every time you grind. In addition, the Mini-Logos carve in on the edge, so it sits even with the ledge, making them easy to grind.
They are a solid truck, super affordable and good for beginners.
One downfall is that the pivot cup is plastic, so you may need to replace it if it breaks. But otherwise, it is a solid and amazing truck!
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0″-7.3″ | 7.13″ | 109 |
| 7.5″-8.0″ | 7.63″ | 129 |
| 8.0″-8.25″ | 8.0″ | 139 |
| 8.5 “-8.75” | 8.75″ | 149 |
What We Like
- Affordable
- Great for grinds
- Consistent and Responsive turns
- Durable
- Solid
- Good for beginners
What We Don’t Like
- The pivot cup may break
- Not for bowl skating
Bullet Skateboard Trucks
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If you are looking for starter trucks that won’t break the bank, I recommend getting Bullet Skateboard trucks.
They aren’t top of the line, but they are durable and lightweight, made with an ADC10 cast aluminum hanger and baseplate. They have a high-grade cast-in, no-slip axle with a grade 8 button head kingpin.
They have a low truck design, stable turn geometry and a strong straight wing hanger for solid skateboarding. They grind really well, but the standard bushings they come with aren’t great.
I recommend swapping out the bushing for bones and cutting a few millimeters off of the kingpin, and they will work really well.
These trucks have a washer-less baseplate bottom cushion seat which is great for doing tricks.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 6.2 “-7.4” | 6.9″ | 110 |
| 7.4 “-7.8” | 7.6″ | 130 |
| 7.8 “-8.2” | 8.0″ | 140 |
| 8.3 “-8.7” | 8.5″ | 150 |
What We Like
- Good starter trucks
- Very affordable
- Grind well
What We Don’t Like
- Bushings aren’t good
Core Skateboard Trucks
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If you are looking for the best skateboard trucks for tight budgets, you should pick up Core Skateboard Trucks.
They are made with lightweight aluminum alloy hangers and heavy-duty baseplates. They have super high rebound (SHR) bushings and pivot cups which are responsive, smooth and have a consistent ride.
Core Skateboard trucks are low profile and give plenty of clearance for grinds. In addition, they have clean mounting to the deck, and the extra material is milled away from the baseplates, which reduces weight in low-stress areas.
These trucks are suitable for the skate park and street riding, freestyle and ramp. They are very smooth, sturdy and have a good turning radius. They are similar to hollow Independents but heavier.
If you are a more advanced skater, these trucks won’t work for you, but they are great for beginners.
Deck Width | Axle Width | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0″-7.75″ | 7.375″ | 4.75 |
| 7.5″-8.0″ | 7.75″ | 5.0 |
| 7.75 “-8.25” | 8.0″ | 5.25 |
| 8.0″-8.5″ | 8.25″ | 5.5 |
| 8.5″-9.0″ | 8.63″ | 6.0 |
| 9.0″ + | 9.63″ | 7.0 |
What We Like
- Affordable
- It comes in multiple colors
- Sturdy
- Plenty of clearance for grinds
What We Don’t Like
- Not the highest quality
Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Combo Set
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If you are looking for the best skateboard trucks that are a part of a combo set, I recommend getting the Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Combo. The set comes with trucks, wheels, riser pads and a hardware package, so it is a great combo set for beginners.
The two trucks are 7″ or 180mm HD7 reverse kingpin heavy-duty trucks. They are polished black, which is very shiny but does scratch off easily, and made with aluminum alloy. The hanger is 180mm and measures 9.675″ axle to axle. The grade 8 Kingpin comes with a 90a PU bushing.
The reverse kingpin, which is 2.56″, offers more grip and stability, which works great for cruising down the streets and sliding. The trucks flow nicely, but they are hard to adjust. They felt a bit loose or too tight, but overall are well-made.
The Yocaher trucks work best for longboards but are great for wider skateboard decks. Unfortunately, only one size is available, but they have a combo set for longboards.
Skateboard trucks don’t make the best gifts for skateboarders unless you know the exact skate truck they like, so keep that in mind when buying a gift for someone.
What We Like
- The trucks come in a combo pack which includes wheels, risers and hardware.
- Great for beginners
- The trucks flow nicely
- The trucks are great for sliding
- Great for cruising
And What We Don’t Like
- The trucks are hard to adjust
- The trucks will often feel too tight or too loose
- Trucks are a bit flimsy
What are Skateboard Trucks, and Why Do You Need Them?
A skateboard truck is a t-shaped piece of metal that mounts to the skateboard deck to the wheels.
Skateboard trucks are an essential skateboard accessory. Skateboard trucks control your turns, ollies, grinds and how you move on your board.
Different skateboard trucks are better for street skating, from skateparks to doing tons of tricks and grinds.
The Different Types of Skateboard Trucks
Depending on what style of riding you plan to do, you may need a specific type of truck.
What works for street may not work for bowl skateboarding. For example, some trucks like Ace Trucks are loose, suitable for bowl skating or cruising and some skateboarders like tight trucks that are more stable at high speeds, perfect for vert ramp skating.
How to Choose the Best Skateboard Trucks
When choosing skateboard trucks, you need to pick the correct size. So, What Size trucks should you get for your skateboard? Get trucks that are flush with your skate deck.
If you know the width of your board, that is the width of skateboard trucks you should get. You don’t want wheels sticking out or hiding under your board as they may cause wheel bite or other safety issues.
All trucks are manufactured differently, and some come with straight hangers or curved hangers, hollow kingpins and axles and bushings that help with how wide you can turn your skateboard.
Depending on what style of riding you plan to do, you will need a truck made for that style.
9 Things to Look For in a Good Skateboard Truck
Truck Width
Many people ask, “What size trucks should I get for my skateboard?”
The truck width is the same as your skateboard deck. If your trucks are narrow, they will be unstable.
Too wide will result in wheel bite on the deck or your wheels hitting your shoes. If you can’t get the exact width, be sure it is within ¼”, and you will be fine.
Are you looking at buying new skate shoes? Check out the best cheap skate shoes you can get here.
Hangers
The hanger is the T-Shaped part of the truck that holds the axle and the pivot. You will have to buy a truck with the correct length hanger when purchasing a truck.
If you look at hangers that offer more stability when turning, you will want to get a wider hanger.
If you want the most responsive trucks for street skating, I recommend getting shorter trucks. They are less stable, but they will allow you to turn quicker.
Baseplate
Baseplates mount the truck to the deck and holds the kingpin and pivot cup.
Axle
The axle is the metal that passes through the hanger and holds the wheels and bearings.
Bushings
Bushings are the small urethane cushions that help turn as you apply pressure from your feet into your trucks.
Like picking the best skateboard wheels, bushings come in different levels of hardness which will change how your trucks respond.
Stock bushings are usually quite soft, so you may want to get harder bushings if you prefer a stiff and stable truck.
If you like the bushings to turn easily, you should keep the soft bushings or purchase good quality skateboard bushings.
Be sure to carry your bushings and extra parts in the best skateboard backpack, so you don’t lose a thing.
Pivot & Pivot Cup
The Pivot holds the pivot cup on the base plate while turning the axis. The pivot cup holds the pivot in the baseplate.
If you find your trucks are squeaking, remove the pivot cup and wax it to help stop the noise.
Kingpin
The kingpin is mounted on the baseplate and holds the bushings and hangers together.
Kingpins on skateboards face inwards, whereas the kingpin on longboards is reversed, meaning they face outwards.
Some trucks, like Grind King, have an inverted kingpin that provides clearance.
Truck Profile
Depending on your style of riding, you may want a low truck, medium or high truck. The lower truck means it has a shortened kingpin.
These trucks sit lower to the ground, which offers more stability and extra clearance for grinding. I recommend getting a low truck if you are into street skating and technical.
You should get a high truck if you want more turning radius and more clearance between the axle and the deck.
High trucks are also more compatible with larger wheels, so you can get softer wheels without worrying about wheel bite. You should get high trucks if you are into transition skateboarding.
I also recommend getting high trucks if you are a beginner, as you will have many more trucks to choose from.
Tight Trucks vs Loose Trucks
Tight trucks offer stability and no wheel bite at higher speeds, like making big drops when vert skateboarding. Plus, tight trucks are also great for tricks like kickflips.
Looser trucks are good for swerving, cruising and bowl skating. The looser the truck, the easier it will be to do crooked grinds, smiths and feebles. However, looser trucks are more prone to getting wheel bite.
If you find you are breaking the kingpins, often, you are probably tightening the bushings of the kingpin. If they are too tight, the angle your kingpin sits will put pressure on the kingpin. I suggest getting a harder bushing like Bones Hardcore Bushings if this happens.
Whether you prefer loose or tight trucks, you will need a skate tool to make any changes on your board. So be sure to pick the best skate tool for you.
Styles of Skateboarding and What Skateboard Trucks to Get
Skate Park
A lot of skate park skating involves transitions and vert skateboarding. You are either on the ground doing tricks or skating on ramps to perform tricks. I recommend getting a versatile truck like Independent Skateboard Trucks.
Vert
Vert Skateboarding is riding on a skate ramp. Most skateboarders transition from horizontal to vertical to perform tricks.
Think of Tony Hawk and his pro skater games. I recommended getting super stable trucks like Independents.
Bowl
Bowl Skating is one of the most popular styles of skateboarding. Of course, it is best to use a looser truck like Ace Skateboard trucks, but a versatile truck like Indys works really well.
Street Skateboarding
Street skateboarding is all about doing tricks, grinds, flip tricks, slides, etc. I highly recommend getting Thunder Skateboard Trucks as they are low profile and are perfect for grinds.
Don’t forget to be safe when skating. Check out the post about the best skateboard helmets here. I also recommend checking out the best electric skateboard for under $500!
Mini Ramp
If you are into skating ramps where you can do a vertical transition, I recommend Independent trucks. They are great for transitions when riding half pipes and any vert skateboarding.
Cruising
If you want to cruise on your skateboard or cruisers and don’t want to longboard, I recommend using Paris Trucks.
They turn and carve nicely, making cruising a breeze. If you want to get into longboarding, I recommend checking out the best longboard brands post.
FAQ
What are the best skateboard trucks for street?
The best skateboard trucks for street are Independent Skateboard Trucks and Thunder Polished Skateboard Trucks.
What are the best skateboard trucks for tricks?
Thunder skateboard trucks are versatile, responsive, and durable. They have a quick turn response and are great for flip tricks, grinding, skateparks and street riding.
What trucks do pros skaters use?
Pro Skaters are usually loyal to a brand that they are working with. Some pro skaters even create their own skateboard brands as they find that the market lacks products that they would use. For example, Tensor Pro skater Rodney Mullen designs alloys Raw Skateboard Trucks.
Other trucks that pro skaters use include
What are the best skateboard trucks for an 8.0 deck?
Almost all skateboard truck brands will have a truck for 8.0 size decks as they are a pretty standard size. I recommend getting Ace Trucks or Core Skateboard trucks for your 8.0 sized decks.
If you are looking for skateboard decks to help find the best deck for your truck and riding style, check out my post about the best skateboard decks.
What is the best skateboard truck brand?
The best skateboard truck brand has to be Independent Trucks. They have so many different skateboard trucks for every style of riding you are into. If you want a lightweight truck, you can get the hollows.
They have affordable trucks that are great for beginners. So, what is the best brand of skateboard trucks? Independent Trucks because versatile, responsive and perfect for all levels and styles of skating.
Conclusion
What are the best skateboard trucks? Depending on your riding style, you will want to get a specific type of truck.
Although all of the trucks I’ve recommended are fantastic trucks that are suitable for all different styles of skateboarding.
The best overall skateboard truck is the Independent Stage 11 Skateboard trucks. They are high quality, handle a lot of abuse, have good balance and stability, and are great for transition, mini ramp, pool, and street skating.
Independents are great for all styles of skateboarding. The Stage 11’s are very durable, have an excellent turning radius and are sturdy but lightweight. They last forever and are perfect for beginners and pro skaters.
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