Top 5 Skateboard Trucks: Your Essential Buying Guide

Ever stare at a skateboard and wonder what makes it turn so smoothly? It’s not magic, it’s the trucks! These metal pieces connecting your wheels to your board are super important. But picking the right ones can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands, sizes, and styles, it’s easy to get confused. You want trucks that feel good under your feet, turn just how you like them, and last a long time. Getting it wrong can make skating feel clunky and frustrating.

This post is here to help you sort it all out! We’ll break down exactly what you need to know about skateboard trucks. You’ll learn what makes them tick, how to pick the best size for your board, and what different features mean. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing trucks that will make your skating smoother, more controlled, and way more fun. Let’s dive into the world of skateboard trucks and find your perfect match!

Top Trucks For Skateboards Recommendations

No. 1
Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Fits 7.75-8" Deck, Wheels 52mm, Bearings ABEC-9, Skateboard Pads, Hardware Tool Combo Starter Set - Black
  • Skateboard Trucks and wheels Set for 7.75-8" decks. This starter set includes 2 skateboard trucks 139mm standard, 4 skateboard wheels 52mm, High precision ABEC-9 Skateboard bearings, Practical T-tool, 2 riser pads 2mm, and standard skateboard hardware. Build a entry-level skateboard with this set
  • Durable Standard Skateboard Trucks. Made of Aluminum, durable trucks for cruising or tricks. 5inch hanger, 7.6 inch axle, with 90A hard bushing and 6 base plate holes, fits well in standard double kick concave decks
  • High Precision ABEC-9 Bearings. These skateboard bearings keep rolling smooth and fast. Good alternative to expensive bearings
  • All-purpose Skateboard Wheels 52mm. 95A high rebound wheels, suitable for skills or cruising around the street
  • Universal Skateboard Tool. The T tool can be used to adjust kingpin, wheels, base plate bolts and trucks. A must have tool for skaters
No. 2
TLHB Skateboard Truck,Skateboard Wheels 52mm Suitable for Skateboarders,Fits 7.5-8" Deck,Skateboard Bearings,Skateboard Pads,Durable Skateboard Hardware Combo Starter Kit-Black
  • 【Exquisite workmanship】This skateboard hardware adopts aluminum alloy casting and die-casting process, medium carbon steel hardening treatment, and metal baking paint, which enables the scooter to withstand greater weight and pressure.
  • 【Suitable for Skateboarders】This scooter and wheelset has a hardness of 95a and a rebound rate of 60%, which is very suitable for skateboard pros and beginners. The hardness is too high and it is easy to slip, so don't worry about the wheel cracking.
  • 【Superior Performance】This skateboard trucks adopts 608 standard ABEC-9 skateboard bearing, the excellent bearing can rotate continuously for 30 seconds without load, giving you an unprecedented smooth feeling.
  • 【Applicable Models】This skateboard trucks fits 7.5-8" skateboard decks, and the skateboard set fits all 7.5 to 8" skateboard decks.
  • 【Skateboard Parts Set】 Set includes Scooter 5.0, Skateboard Wheel 52mm, Skateboard Bearing ABEC-9, Skateboard Screw 1", Skateboard Lifting Pad 2mm, Skateboard Spacer.
No. 4
[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | Professional Grade | Steel | Sizes 109mm, 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, & 169mm | Raw Silver, Black | Set of 2 | 1" Mounting Hardware Included (Raw, 139mm (Fits 8.0"-8.25" Decks))
  • SET OF 2 TRUCKS + MOUNTING HARDWARE: Two trucks are needed for a skateboard, so we conveniently sell our trucks in sets of two. We also include a set of 1" Phillips hardware for mounting the trucks to the deck.
  • QUALITY STEEL BUILD: CCS skateboard trucks are built using quality steel hangers and baseplates, and also feature no-slip axles and kingpins. Sturdiness is key when it comes to trucks, and that was at the forefront of our mind's when designing these.
  • TESTED BY THE EXPERTS: CCS is a skateshop that has a storied legacy dating back to 1985. At our headquarters in Portland, Oregon, we've had our skate team and shop staff put these trucks to the test, and they've held up their quality for even our most experienced skaters.
  • EASY TURNING & CONTROL: We use premium high rebound bushings to allow for smoother, sharper, and more controlled turning.
  • GREAT FOR ALL TYPES OF SKATING: We specifically designed our trucks to have a classic geometry, making them a versatile truck that performs well in the streets, at the skatepark, or cruising around town.
No. 5
TLHB Skateboard Truck,Skateboard Wheels 52mm Suitable for Skateboarders,Fits 7.5-8" Deck,Skateboard Bearings,Skateboard Pads,Durable Skateboard Hardware Combo Starter Kit -White
  • 【Exquisite workmanship】This skateboard hardware adopts aluminum alloy casting and die-casting process, medium carbon steel hardening treatment, and metal baking paint, which enables the scooter to withstand greater weight and pressure.
  • 【Suitable for Skateboarders】This scooter and wheelset has a hardness of 95a and a rebound rate of 60%, which is very suitable for skateboard pros and beginners. The hardness is too high and it is easy to slip, so don't worry about the wheel cracking.
  • 【Superior Performance】This skateboard trucks adopts 608 standard ABEC-9 skateboard bearing, the excellent bearing can rotate continuously for 30 seconds without load, giving you an unprecedented smooth feeling.
  • 【Applicable Models】This skateboard trucks fits 7.5-8" skateboard decks, and the skateboard set fits all 7.5 to 8" skateboard decks.
  • 【Skateboard Parts Set】 Set includes Scooter 5.0, Skateboard Wheel 52mm, Skateboard Bearing ABEC-9, Skateboard Screw 1", Skateboard Lifting Pad 2mm, Skateboard Spacer.
No. 6
Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Fits 7.75-8.25" Deck, Skateboard Wheels 52mm, Skateboard Bearings ABEC-9, Skateboard Pads, Skateboard Hardware Tool Combo Starter Set - White
  • Skateboard Trucks and wheels Set for 7.75-8.25" decks. This starter set includes 2 skateboard trucks 139mm standard, 4 skateboard wheels 52mm, High precision ABEC-9 Skateboard bearings, Practical T-tool, 2 riser pads 2mm, and standard skateboard hardware. Build a entry-level skateboard with this set
  • Durable Standard Skateboard Trucks. Made of Aluminum, durable trucks for cruising or tricks. 5inch hanger, 7.6 inch axle, with 90A hard bushing and 6 base plate holes, fits well in standard double kick concave decks
  • High Precision ABEC-9 Bearings. These skateboard bearings keep rolling smooth and fast. Good alternative to expensive bearings
  • All-purpose Skateboard Wheels 52mm. 99A high rebound wheels, suitable for skills or cruising around the street
  • Universal Skateboard Tool. The T tool can be used to adjust kingpin, wheels, base plate bolts and trucks. A must have tool for skaters
No. 7
INDEPENDENT Stage 11 Polished Standard Skateboard Trucks
  • New Stage 11 standard height trucks are unquestionably the best combination of features and geometry Independent has ever produced
  • By improving the modern performance features and iconic look of our Stage 10 design with newly reworked geometry based on Independent Stages 5-7 Independent has created the new standard to which all other trucks will be judged
  • We sell trucks individually not in pairs

Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Skateboard

Skateboard trucks are the metal parts that attach your wheels to your deck. They are super important for how your skateboard rides. Picking the right trucks makes a big difference in your skating. Let’s learn what to look for!

Key Features to Look For

Ride Height

Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high. Low trucks keep you closer to the ground. This makes it easier to do tricks like flip tricks. They also feel more stable at slower speeds. Mid trucks are a good all-around choice. High trucks give you more clearance. This means you won’t hit your deck when you turn. High trucks are great for cruising and rougher ground.

Axle Width

The axle is the part that holds your wheels. The width of the axle should match the width of your skateboard deck. A good rule is to have the axle width be about the same as your deck width. This helps you turn smoothly. If your trucks are too wide, your board might feel wobbly. If they are too narrow, it’s harder to turn.

Bushings

Bushings are the rubbery parts inside the truck. They help you turn and absorb bumps. Bushings come in different hardness levels, called durometers. Softer bushings make turning easier. They are good for beginners or lighter skaters. Harder bushings give you more stability. They are better for faster skating or heavier skaters. You can also swap out bushings to get the feel you like best.

Important Materials

Aluminum Alloy

Most skateboard trucks are made from aluminum alloy. This material is strong and lightweight. It’s a good balance for skating. Some trucks use a stronger type of aluminum called magnesium alloy. These trucks are lighter and stronger but often cost more.

Steel

The kingpin and axles of the trucks are usually made of steel. Steel is very strong and durable. This is important because these parts take a lot of stress.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Brand Reputation

Some brands have been making trucks for a long time. They use good materials and designs. These brands often make higher quality trucks. Cheaper trucks might use weaker materials. They might break more easily.

Weight

Lighter trucks can make your board easier to pop. This helps with flip tricks. However, very light trucks might not be as strong. Finding a good balance is key.

Durability

Good trucks will last a long time. They won’t bend or break easily. You want trucks that can handle landings and rough terrain. Look for trucks with strong kingpins and axles.

User Experience and Use Cases

Beginners

Beginners often do well with mid-height trucks. They offer a good balance of stability and turning. Softer bushings can make learning to turn easier. A standard axle width that matches the deck is also good.

Street Skating

Street skaters often prefer low or mid-height trucks. These trucks help with flip tricks. They keep you closer to the ground for better control. Durable trucks are a must for street skating.

Park Skating and Vert

For skate parks and ramps, mid to high-height trucks work well. They offer more clearance for carving and prevent wheel bite when turning hard. Stiffer bushings can provide more stability at higher speeds.

Cruising and Transportation

If you use your skateboard to get around, you might want higher trucks. They give you more ground clearance. This helps you roll over cracks and bumps more easily. Softer bushings can make for a smoother ride.


Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Trucks

Q: What is the most important part of a skateboard truck?

A: The most important parts are the axle width and the height. These affect how your board turns and feels.

Q: How do I know what axle width to get?

A: The axle width should be about the same as your skateboard deck width. Measure your deck, and then choose trucks with that axle size.

Q: Should I get low, mid, or high trucks?

A: It depends on what you like to do. Low trucks are good for flip tricks. Mid trucks are good all-around. High trucks are good for cruising and rough ground.

Q: What are bushings for?

A: Bushings help your trucks turn. They also soak up bumps. You can get different hardnesses to change how your board feels.

Q: Can I change the bushings on my trucks?

A: Yes! You can buy new bushings in different hardnesses. This is a great way to customize your ride.

Q: What is wheel bite?

A: Wheel bite happens when your wheels touch your deck when you turn. This can stop your board suddenly. Taller trucks or smaller wheels can help prevent it.

Q: Are expensive trucks always better?

A: Not always, but good brands often use better materials and make stronger trucks. It’s good to read reviews and find out what others think.

Q: How do I know if my trucks are good quality?

A: Good trucks are made of strong aluminum alloy and steel. They feel solid and don’t bend easily. They also last a long time.

Q: What is a kingpin?

A: The kingpin is the bolt that goes through the middle of the truck. It holds the bushings and kingpin nut. It’s a very important part for turning.

Q: What is the best truck for beginners?

A: Mid-height trucks with softer bushings are often great for beginners. They make turning easier and help you get used to the board.