Have you ever stood in front of a beautifully displayed wall of skateboard trucks and wondered which ones would perfectly complement your riding style and preferences? It’s a common dilemma faced by many skateboard enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a curious beginner. The choice of skateboard trucks is crucial because these components can significantly affect your performance on the board. So, how do you navigate through the myriad of options available?
Understanding the Role of Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks are the T-shaped metal pieces that are mounted to the underside of the skateboard deck, playing a fundamental role in your board’s ability to turn and grind. They not only bear your weight but also affect the board’s responsiveness and stability. Selecting the right trucks can enhance your skateboarding experience, making it more enjoyable and suited to your style.
The Anatomy of a Skateboard Truck
To make an informed decision, it’s helpful to break down the components of a skateboard truck. Here’s a brief overview:
- Baseplate: This is the flat part that attaches to the deck with screws. It’s the anchor of the truck.
- Hanger: The hanger is the triangular metal piece that contains the axle. It’s responsible for most of the grinding and weight-bearing.
- Axle: The long pin running through the hanger; your wheels are attached to it.
- Kingpin: A bolt that holds the truck parts together and allows you to adjust the tightness of your trucks for different levels of maneuverability.
- Bushings: These urethane rings sit around the kingpin and allow trucks to pivot smoothly. They can be adjusted or replaced to affect stability and flexibility.
Importance of Properly Selected Trucks
Choosing the right trucks can make a difference in terms of comfort, control, and the range of tricks you can perform. Trucks that don’t suit your style might lead to disastrous runs or even injury. Understanding your needs and how they align with truck specifications is key.
Identifying Your Riding Style
Before selecting skateboard trucks, understanding your riding style is essential. Are you a street skater happy to ollie over obstacles, a park skater who enjoys transition and air, or a relaxed cruiser longing for smooth rides? Each riding style demands different specifications.
Street Skating
For street skaters who frequently perform tricks, lightweight trucks are a top choice because they allow better aerial control. You may prefer trucks with a lower profile to assist with flip tricks and offer improved stability.
Vert/Transition Skating
If you love skating bowls, ramps, or vert walls, you need trucks that are durable and can handle significant impacts. Typically, heavier, higher-profile trucks offer more carving abilities and stability over larger transitions.
Cruising & Carving
For those who enjoy long centrifugal carves and a smooth ride around the city, trucks that have a responsive turning ability are essential. Typically, these skaters will opt for a higher profile truck allowing for larger and softer wheels.
Truck Sizing: Finding the Perfect Fit
When it comes to sizing, finding the perfect skate truck width is vital. You want your trucks wide enough to accommodate your skateboard deck, but not too wide as to disrupt your balance.
Matching Truck Width with Deck Width
It’s important to align trucks with your deck width. Here’s a handy table for easy visualization:
| Deck Width (inches) | Truck Axle Width (inches) |
|---|---|
| 7.5 – 7.75 | 7.5 – 8 |
| 8 – 8.5 | 8 – 8.5 |
| 8.5 – 8.75 | 8.5 – 9 |
| 9 + | 9 + |
Trucks that are too wide or narrow compared to your deck width can hinder performance, balance, and the overall feel of the board.
Understanding Truck Profiles
Truck profiles describe the distance between the baseplate and the hanger. The truck height has a direct impact on how the board turns and the types of tricks that can be more easily accomplished.
Low Trucks
Low trucks are better suited for street skateboarding. They provide more stability for flip tricks and are ideal for skaters who prefer smaller wheels (50-53mm). Low trucks bring the board closer to the ground, increasing the ease of performing technical tricks.
Mid Trucks
Mid-profile trucks are a versatile choice, perfect for street and park skating. They offer a balance between stability and maneuverability, generally working well with wheel sizes of 53-56mm.
High Trucks
High trucks give you space to fit larger wheels (56mm and up) making them suitable for cruising and carving. They are perfect for those who enjoy skating transitions as they provide more responsive turns.
Material Considerations
The materials used in truck construction can influence the weight, durability, and cost of the trucks. Different materials may better suit specific riding styles.
Aluminum Trucks
Most skateboard trucks are made from aluminum, as it’s a durable, lightweight material that provides a good balance between weight and strength. For most skaters, these meet general skating needs.
Titanium Trucks
Titanium trucks are for those seeking high performance. These are lighter yet just as durable as aluminum, making them a perfect choice for skaters wanting to maximize aerial maneuvers but they come at a premium cost.
Steel Trucks
Steel trucks are heavy yet exceptionally strong, suitable for heavier or more aggressive skaters. They are less common in day-to-day skating due to the added weight but can be a good choice for downhill riders.
Understanding Bushings and Their Impact
Bushings play a significant role in how your board turns and reacts to your body movements. The durometer (hardness) and shape of the bushings will directly influence your skateboard’s performance.
Bushing Durometer
- Soft bushings (78A-83A): Offer easy turning, perfect for cruising.
- Medium bushings (84A-89A): Give a balance fitting both street and park riding.
- Hard bushings (90A+): Provide stability for heavier skaters or for skaters who prefer fast, downhill rides.
Bushing Shape
The shape can vary with options like conical or barrel shapes. Conical allows for more agility in turning and barrel offers more resistance and thus, stability.
Fine-Tuning Your Trucks
Once you’ve selected trucks, fine-tuning them is essential for optimal performance. Adjusting the kingpin nut alters the ease of turning; a looser nut is ideal for tight turns, while a tighter nut enhances stability.
Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures your trucks perform consistently. Regularly check for loose hardware, and replace bushings if they begin to wear down or crack. Removing dirt from the trucks can keep them looking and working like new for as long as possible.
Making the Most of Your Choice
Armed with knowledge, you can now confidently choose skateboard trucks that match your style and preferences. Selection might seem overwhelming, but your focus on riding style, truck profile, material, sizing, and specific features such as bushings will guide you to a decision that amplifies your skateboarding experience. As you continue to skate and learn, your preferences may shift, guiding you toward different trucks better suited to your evolving skills. There’s always room for growth and adjustment – that’s part of the skateboarding journey. Enjoy the ride!
