Skateboards might seem like something you just jump on and ride, but the subtle differences in their design, shape and size will go a long way in determining how much fun you have riding one. Decks are differently shaped, wheels come in different sizes and materials, and the parts that connect both – the trucks- have a say in how easy you pick up speed, execute turns or spice up your skills with tricks. In fact, the trucks are often overlooked. Let’s show them some needed respect here.
What are Skateboard Trucks?
Skateboard trucks are the parts that connect the wheels to the deck. They come packaged in a skateboard complete, good if you’re just starting out. But trucks are also sold separately when you want to build your board from the ground up. This will be reserved for more experienced riders who know exactly how different trucks change the way you ride. Here the width, height and how the individual parts of the trucks are designed and placed have a big say.
What to Look for in Skateboard Trucks
If you’re after a new set of trucks, simply to find out how they differ from those that you got with the complete board, or you’ve run the trucks past repair, there’s a whole world of choices to explore.
Truck Width
Not all skateboards are the same, and the same goes for trucks. How wide the trucks are will depend on the type of board, and the stability you’re after. If you’ve got a longboard deck, that comes in a bit wider (around 9 inches) than cruiser or standard boards, you’ll want similarly sized trucks. Ideally, you’ll go for the exact size to match, but again, like boards, not all riders are the same. Wider trucks give you a more stable, but less responsive board, good if you like maintaining speed downhill. Here 10-inch trucks excel. Narrower trucks, coming under 9 inches, are easier in the turns, so carving and tricks are their trump card.
Truck Height
Trucks are sold as either low, mid or high trucks. Trucks set lower have a shorter kingpin (more on parts below) and a leaner hanger, so take smaller wheels. This might not be appropriate for all boards, especially longboards. But if tricks are up your alley, lower trucks are the ones to get.
Mid trucks are slightly higher, with a longer kingpin and more pronounced hanger, and are good for riding in the skate park. High trucks have the longest kingpin, and beefier hangers, so the added space means bigger wheels for carving and turns.
Truck Parts
Trucks have more than a few parts. The baseplate bolts the truck to the deck via the drilled holes. Below it (with the board facing down) are the bushings, a set of polyurethane rings that help maneuver the board in turns. These sit on the hanger, the largest part of the truck, and the one which absorbs the impact in jumps, and manages your weight whilst riding. The hanger also houses the axle to which the wheels are attached. Connecting all the parts is the kingpin. This sits inside the bushings. It can be tightened or loosened, depending on how responsive you want the board to be.
There are two types of trucks when kingpins are concerned. Traditional kingpin trucks are those where the kingpin is set at a 90-degree angle, whereas reversed kingpin trucks have a kingpin that goes through the hanger, and in essence reverses the way the truck turns. Reverse kingpin trucks sit higher than the standard variants, and you’ll commonly find them as standard gear in many longboard completes. If your longboard is missing out, and you want a more responsive board, get yourself some reverse kingpin longboard trucks.
Benefits of Reverse Kingpin Trucks
Reserve kingpin trucks are the preferred truck type for longboards. With the kingpin facing towards the edges of the board, and set at an angle, they’re typically a bit higher than standard kingpins. This added height makes way for bigger wheels. The setup benefits riders in two ways. You get a more responsive board, so turns are easier to execute. On a longboard, this makes a lot of difference. It also means that there’s more stability at speed. Downhill and freeriding are a lot smoother, and you can easily transition between straight-line speed to full-on carving or pumping.
Which Reverse Kingpin Trucks are Right for You?
This all depends on the type of board and your type of riding. Get the reverse kingpin longboard trucks that inspire the most confidence, providing just the right balance between outright control and turning ability. Wider trucks are meant for more stability. For longboards, there are two popular widths when it comes to the hanger – 150mm for 9-inch boards, and 180mm for 10-inch boards. Wider trucks are good for freeride and downhill, while narrower trucks are better at carving and freestyle.
Next, consider the angle of the baseplate. Baseplates set at bigger, 50-degree angles add a little more height, so ease into turns quicker and add more feel. 44-degree baseplates need a little more effort to do the same, but are more stable at higher speeds. Lastly, stick to popular and proven brands. They’ve got more in the way of designing quality trucks, don’t skimp on materials and offer parts meant to last. You won’t be changing trucks all that often, of course, if you get the right ones on your first buy.
