Do trucks Matter on a Skateboard ? – A comprehensive Guide in 2024
Yes, skateboard trucks are the backbone of your skateboard and can make or break it. They affect how well you ride, what kind of tricks are possible with that specific deck setup (hint: bigger wheels mean better slides), as well as their lifespan, depending on where they’ll be used – whether downhill racing against tight turns or cruising around town looking cute.
If you’ve ever been to a skatepark, you know that trucks are a big deal. There are all different kinds – big ones, small ones, wide ones, and narrow ones. But do they really make a difference? When it comes to skateboarding, trucks matter. They affect the way your board rides and how easy it is to do tricks. Different trucks are better for different styles of skating.
For example, if you’re into street skating, you might want a narrower truck so you can nudge your way into tight spaces. But if you’re into ramps and bowls, a wider truck will give you more stability when you’re flying high. So whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned pro, think about the kind of skating you want to do and choose the right trucks for the job. Your skateboard will thank you.
So skateboard trucks are the pivots that connect your board to your wheels. Unlike cars where each wheel is powered by its own individual motor, with skateboarding, you turn your board with each turn of the truck. The pivoting action that connects your wheels to your deck is done by either double- or single-kingpin trucks. Double-kingpin trucks have two pins, while some like Destructo and Royal Trucks have just one kingpin in the center – these are called “singles”, most typically used on boards with bigger wheels, like street-riding vehicles.
Skateboard Truck Sizing Guide:
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a new pair of trucks is how heavy they are and you know how to fix squeaky longboard trucks. When you’re riding down a hill or doing tricks that require higher speeds, it’s great if the board is lightweight and easy to turn – but sometimes this sacrifices durability.
There are three main styles of skateboard trucks – the standard kingpin truck, the inverted truck, and the cast or forged truck. The material that they are built out of also varies. Forged trucks are typically used on higher-quality professional boards because they have a longer lifespan than cast aluminum ones. They combine strength with a lightweight, making them very responsive.
Truck measurement is in I.D., O.D., and width of the hanger. The I.D. is the inner diameter, while the O.D. is the outer diameter. So a smaller I.D./O.D. means a more agile truck, while a larger one is stiffer and better at handling high speeds. The width of the hanger is measured in millimeters and usually affects how much a truck can turn from lock to lock, or from one side to another.
On the contrary, wider trucks like Element and Independent skateboard trucks are more stable at speed since they have better resistance against wheelbite. However, you want to make sure that it matches your deck’s width and isn’t too big or too small. There is a science to it. Getting the right setup means finding the balance between your weight, the type of board you have, and what kind of riding you’ll be doing with it – whether it’s downhill racing against tight turns or cruising around town looking cute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do skateboard trucks come in pairs?
Yes, all skateboard trucks are sold in either a set of two or four. If you have a board with both front and back trucks, it’s usually preferable to have them in pairs so they turn at the same time.
Do all trucks fit skateboard decks?
Not necessarily. The reason for this is that there are two distinct shapes of skateboard decks – “old school” and “new school”. For those who don’t know the difference, “old-school” is a shaped deck and usually has wider and more rigid truck holes than a regular shaped deck board. So you’ll need old-school trucks to fit on those decks.
Will any trucks fit on any skateboard?
As mentioned above, you need to make sure your trucks are the right size for your board. This usually doesn’t mean going to a shop and getting exactly what they recommend since it’s important that you get something that’s just within your budget. Generally speaking though, the smaller the wheel size is on a deck, the smaller its truck should be to prevent wheel bite (when the wheel gets caught between the board and the trucks and you end up getting thrown off).
Are skateboard trucks universal?
Most of the time, trucks are universal in the sense that it fits almost all kinds of skateboards. But since some boards have slightly different measurements than others, you need to measure the dimensions before choosing one.
How do skateboard trucks work?
Trucks are the part of your skateboard that connect the wheels and bearings to the deck itself. To know if they’re working, simply push down on them and see if you feel any give – there should be very little if it’s a high-quality metal truck. If you’ve just broken yours or it’s wobbly, you can tighten it with a skate tool.
How do I know what size my trucks are?
To check the measurements of your trucks, simply measure the distance between both mounting holes – this is where your board’s bolts will go through to connect it. It should be written on the hanger itself.
Are aluminum trucks good for skateboarding?
Yes, for a regular skateboard, an aluminum truck is sturdy and long-lasting. They’re also very responsive, but they come with the downside of adding weight to your board. Both cast and forged ones can be used to carve through tight turns or take it up a hill at high speeds thanks to their lightweight plastic bushings.
How far apart are skateboard trucks?
Most trucks come with a standard width of around 3 inches. However, the measurements can vary depending on the model and brand to give you more turning and stability.
How wide should skateboard trucks be?
The width of your trucks should be proportional to the size and height of your board. If you have a short, bulky board with big wheels (e.g. 7-inch ones), go for a wider truck – around 6 inches or so. If it’s narrower, narrow down your truck accordingly since there’s less space between the bolts.
