Skateboard Trucks - The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Perfect Setup
Choosing Skateboard Trucks - The Foundation of Your Ride
Skateboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your setup. These metal powerhouses connect your deck to your wheels, dictating how your board responds when you're wrecking pavement. Don't sleep on this vital piece of kit - the right trucks can make or break your skating experience. Whether you're hunting for technical street performance or smooth carving capability, we've got the lowdown on everything trucks.
What Are Skateboard Trucks and Why Do They Matter?
Skateboard trucks are the largest part of your setup besides the deck itself. These T-shaped metal components mount to the underside of your board, holding your wheels and allowing you to turn and grind. They're made up of several parts working together:
Key Components of Skate Trucks:
- Baseplate: Attaches to your deck with mounting bolts
- Kingpin: The large bolt that holds everything together
- Hanger: The main axle-holding section where you grind
- Axle: The rod where your wheels attach
- Bushings: Urethane cushions that control how your trucks respond
Getting the right combo of these parts is crucial for your skating style. Technical street skaters might want different trucks compared to transition riders hitting the park. The weight, height, and responsiveness all play massive roles in your overall performance.
Top Skateboard Truck Brands Worth Your Attention
The market is stacked with quality skateboard truck brands, each bringing their own vibe to the scene:
Independent
Indy trucks have legendary status for a reason. Built tough as nails and perfect for grinding, these trucks deliver unmatched stability. They run slightly higher than other brands, giving you extra clearance to avoid wheel bite when carving hard.
Thunder
Thunder trucks bring the perfect mix of lightweight performance and durability. They sit lower than Indys, making them the go-to choice for technical street skating, where flip tricks are the priority. Don't sleep on their hollow kingpin versions if you're looking to shed some weight.
Ace
Ace trucks have blown up on the scene with their unique surf-inspired design and killer turning radius. These beasts feature a traditional kingpin placement that gives them a distinct carving feel, almost like riding a mini surfboard on concrete. They're the top pick for skaters who prioritise smooth transitions and flowing lines but still hold up brilliantly for street abuse. With their ultra-responsive bushings and traditional geometry, they've developed a cult following among bowl riders and carving enthusiasts.
Venture
Sitting in the mid-level truck category, Ventures offer reliable performance without breaking the bank. They're known for their solid grinding performance and stable ride, making them perfect for skaters who smash both street and transition.
Tensor
For the weight-conscious skater, Tensor brings the tech. These ultralight trucks pioneered hollow components, making them noticeably lighter than standard options without sacrificing strength. Perfect when every gram matters for those technical flip tricks.
Picking the Right Truck Width - Size Matters
One of the most crucial aspects of choosing skateboard trucks is getting the width spot on. The general rule: match your truck width to your deck width for optimal performance.
Hanger Width vs. Axle Width
When browsing trucks, you'll notice two different width measurements:
- Hanger width: The part you grind on (typically 129-149mm)
- Axle width: The full width including axle ends (typically 7.6"-8.5")
For most setups, you want your axle width relatively close to your deck width. Too narrow, and your wheels sit under your board, affecting stability. Too wide, and they stick out, catching on everything.
High vs. Low Trucks - What's Your Style?
The height of your trucks significantly impacts your skating style:
High Trucks
- More clearance to avoid wheel bite
- Better for carving and cruising
- Extra room for grinding
- Increased turning leverage
- Generally preferred for larger wheels and transition skating
Low Trucks
- Lower center of gravity for added stability
- More responsive for technical street skating
- Easier flip tricks with less board rotation
- Reduced wheel bite protection
- Perfect for those focusing on technical flatground tricks
Bushings - The Secret to Perfect Truck Performance
Bushings are the unsung heroes of truck performance. These small urethane pieces control how your trucks respond to pressure:
Hard Bushings (95a-100a)
- Less turning response
- More stability at speed
- Better for heavier riders
- Less wheel bite risk
Medium Bushings (90a-94a)
- Balanced for all-around skating
- Stock on most trucks
- Suitable for average weight riders
Soft Bushings (85a-89a)
- Extra responsive turning
- Better for lighter riders
- Great for cruising and carving
- Increased wheel bite risk
Don't stress if the stock bushings aren't working for you. Swapping these out is one of the cheapest ways to transform how your setup feels without buying new trucks.
Avoiding Wheel Bite - The Skater's Nightmare
Wheel bite happens when your wheels contact your deck during turns, bringing you to a sudden, often painful stop. Several truck factors help prevent this dreaded experience:
- Higher trucks create more clearance
- Riser pads lift your trucks further from your deck
- Hard bushings reduce deep turns that cause bite
- Proper width matching between deck and trucks
Remember, wheel bite isn't just annoying - it's dangerous. Sort your setup properly to avoid unexpected stops that send you flying.
Maintaining Your Trucks - Keep 'Em Rolling
Your trucks need love to perform their best. Here's how to keep them in top nick:
- Regular cleaning - Remove dirt and grime buildup
- Proper tightening - Not too loose, not too tight
- Replacing worn bushings - When they start cracking or deforming
- Checking kingpin tightness - Loose kingpins lead to wobbly rides
A quick maintenance check before big sessions can save you from mid-skate mechanical dramas.
FAQs About Skateboard Trucks
How Do I Know What Size Trucks I Need?
Match your truck axle width with your deck width. For an 8" deck, look for trucks with around an 8" axle.
How Tight Should My Trucks Be?
It depends on your style. Looser trucks turn more easily but feel less stable. Tighter trucks offer stability but less turning response. Start in the middle and adjust to your preference.
When Should I Replace My Trucks?
Quality trucks can last years with proper care. Look for bent hangars, stripped kingpins, or severely damaged baseplates as signs for replacement.
Can I Use the Same Trucks for Street and Transition?
Absolutely! Mid-height trucks like Independent or Thunder work brilliantly for both styles. If you're exclusively street skating, you might prefer slightly lower trucks.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Trucks?
Your trucks are the vital link between you and your board. Take the time to discover what works for your skating style, and you'll notice the difference immediately.
Whether you're after lightweight performance for technical street skating or bombproof stability for hitting big transitions, we've got Australia's best selection of skateboard trucks ready to transform your setup.
Don't roll on subpar gear - hit up our full range and find the perfect match for your deck.
