Are you an avid skateboarder, but struggling to find the perfect skateboard trucks that suit your body weight and height? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right skateboard trucks based on your specific body characteristics. With our tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to maximize your performance and enjoy a smooth ride every time you step on your board. So, let’s dive in and discover how to find your ideal skateboard trucks that perfectly match your body weight and height.
Factors to Consider
Skateboard trucks and their importance
When it comes to skateboarding, choosing the right skateboard trucks is of utmost importance. Skateboard trucks play a crucial role in determining the overall feel and performance of your skateboard. They are the metal T-shaped components that attach the wheels to the skateboard deck. Without properly functioning trucks, your skateboard would simply be a piece of wood with wheels. Therefore, it is essential to understand the various factors that influence the choice of skateboard trucks, such as body weight, height, stance, riding style, materials, and truck geometry.
Understanding Skateboard Trucks
Overview of skateboard trucks
Skateboard trucks consist of several main components. The hanger is the largest part of the truck, resembling the letter “T.” It holds the axle and attaches to the skateboard deck. The axle, also known as the kingpin, runs through the hanger and provides a pivot point for the skateboard’s turns. The bushings, which are located between the hanger and the baseplate, help control the responsiveness and stability of the trucks. Finally, the baseplate is the part that screws into the skateboard deck.
Components of skateboard trucks
Understanding the different components of skateboard trucks is essential for selecting the right ones for your skateboarding needs. The hangers come in various widths, ranging from 5.0″ to 10.0″ and beyond. The axle width usually matches the hanger width, providing stability and balance. The bushings, made of polyurethane, come in different hardness levels, with softer bushings providing more maneuverability and harder bushings offering more stability. The baseplate angles can also vary, affecting the truck’s turning capabilities.
Choosing Skateboard Trucks Based on Body Weight
Importance of body weight
Your body weight has a significant impact on the performance of your skateboard. Skateboard trucks need to be able to support your weight and maintain stability. If your trucks are too weak for your body weight, they may deform or break, compromising your safety. On the other hand, if your trucks are too stiff, they may fail to provide the necessary responsiveness and maneuverability.
Ideal truck width for different body weights
As a general guideline, the width of your skateboard trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. When considering body weight, lighter individuals generally fare better with narrower trucks, while heavier individuals benefit from wider trucks. For body weights below 140 lbs (63.5 kg), a truck width of 7.5″ to 7.75″ is recommended. For weights between 140 lbs (63.5 kg) and 180 lbs (81.6 kg), a truck width of 7.75″ to 8″ is ideal. Finally, for weights above 180 lbs (81.6 kg), a truck width of 8″ or wider is recommended.
Choosing Skateboard Trucks Based on Height
Importance of height
Just as body weight affects the selection of skateboard trucks, height also plays a crucial role. The height of your skateboard trucks determines the distance between the skateboard deck and the ground, affecting your center of gravity and stability while riding.
Ideal truck height for different heights
For skateboarders of average height (between 5’7″ and 6’0″ or 170 cm to 183 cm), a standard truck height of around 53-55 mm is suitable. However, if you are shorter than average (below 5’7″ or 170 cm), you might benefit from trucks with a lower height, such as 48-52 mm, to maintain a lower center of gravity and enhanced stability. Conversely, taller skateboarders (above 6’0″ or 183 cm) might find trucks with a higher height, around 56-60 mm, more suitable for better maneuverability and clearance.
Stance and Riding Style
Importance of stance and riding style
Your stance, whether regular or goofy, and your riding style also play significant roles in choosing the right skateboard trucks. The stance refers to your foot positioning on the skateboard, with the regular stance being left foot forward and the goofy stance being right foot forward. Your riding style can range from street skating, park skating, vert skating, or cruising.
Choosing truck width based on stance
For regular stance riders, it is generally recommended to choose trucks that match the width of your skateboard deck. Goofy stance riders may prefer trucks that are slightly wider than their deck width, providing more stability and control for their back foot.
Choosing truck height based on riding style
Your riding style can influence the height of your skateboard trucks. Street skaters often prefer lower trucks for stability and control during technical tricks. Park and vert skaters, on the other hand, tend to favor higher trucks for more clearance on ramps and coping. For cruising and commuting, medium-height trucks are a good choice, offering a balance between maneuverability and stability.
Skateboard Truck Materials
Overview of truck materials
Skateboard trucks are primarily made of different metals, each offering unique characteristics. The most common materials used for skateboard trucks are aluminum and titanium. Aluminum trucks are durable, lightweight, and offer a good combination of strength and maneuverability. Titanium trucks, on the other hand, are even lighter and stronger than aluminum, making them suitable for advanced skateboarders who require high performance.
Choosing materials based on body weight and riding style
When choosing truck materials, it is essential to consider your body weight and riding style. Lighter skateboarders might benefit from the lighter weight of aluminum trucks, whereas heavier riders might prefer the added strength and durability of titanium trucks. Additionally, if you engage in aggressive or high-impact skateboarding, titanium trucks may be more suitable due to their superior strength.
Understanding Truck Geometry
Overview of truck geometry
Truck geometry refers to the angles and measurements of various parts of the truck. It plays a significant role in determining the turning capabilities, stability, and responsiveness of the skateboard. Key aspects of truck geometry include the baseplate angle, hanger angle, and bushing shape.
Importance of truck geometry in relation to body weight and height
Truck geometry can significantly impact the performance of your skateboard in relation to your body weight and height. For example, lower baseplate angles provide a more stable and locked-in feel, making them suitable for heavier riders. Higher baseplate angles, on the other hand, offer more maneuverability and responsiveness, making them ideal for lighter riders. Similarly, the hanger angle and bushing shape can be adjusted to cater to individual preferences and riding style.
Brand and Price Considerations
Popular skateboard truck brands
Various reputable skateboard truck brands offer a wide range of options to suit different preferences and needs. Some popular skateboard truck brands include Independent, Thunder, Venture, and Krux. These brands have established themselves as industry leaders, consistently providing high-quality trucks that cater to skateboarders of all levels.
Budget considerations based on body weight and height
When it comes to choosing skateboard trucks, it is essential to consider your budget in relation to your body weight and height. While high-end trucks may offer advanced features and superior performance, they can also be more expensive. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that still provide excellent quality and performance. Consider your specific needs and conduct thorough research to find the best value for your money.
Consulting with Skateboarding Experts
Benefits of seeking professional advice
If you are unsure about which skateboard trucks are best suited for your body weight and height, it can be beneficial to seek advice from skateboarding experts. Professionals can offer personalized recommendations based on their experience, knowledge, and understanding of different skateboard setups. Their expertise can help you avoid potential mistakes and unnecessary expenses.
Finding experts and skateboarding communities
To find skateboarding experts, consider visiting local skate shops, skate parks, or online skateboarding forums and communities. These platforms are great for connecting with fellow skateboarders who can provide valuable insights and advice. Engaging with the skateboarding community not only enhances your knowledge but also allows you to build connections and share your passion for skateboarding.
Tips for Trying Different Trucks
Experimenting with different truck widths
Skateboarding is all about personal preference and experimenting. If you want to explore different truck setups, start by trying different truck widths. Adjusting the width of your skateboard trucks can significantly impact how your board feels and performs. By experimenting with narrower or wider trucks, you can find the perfect balance of stability and maneuverability to suit your individual style.
Adjusting truck height for optimal performance
In addition to truck width, adjusting truck height can also provide a different riding experience. Higher or lower truck heights can affect your center of gravity, stability, and responsiveness. If you feel that your current trucks are not delivering the desired performance, don’t be afraid to try different truck heights to find the perfect fit for your skateboarding style.
Choosing the right skateboard trucks based on your body weight and height is essential for optimal performance, comfort, and safety. By considering factors such as truck width, height, materials, geometry, riding style, and seeking advice from experts, you can enhance your skateboarding experience and unlock your full potential on the board. Remember to have fun, experiment, and keep pushing your skateboarding skills to new heights!