Ever feel like your longboard is fighting you? Maybe it feels wobbly, or turning isn’t as smooth as you’d like. That feeling often comes down to one crucial part: your trucks! Choosing the right trucks for your longboard can be super confusing. There are so many different kinds, and they all do slightly different things.
Picking the wrong trucks can make cruising feel like a chore, or worse, feel unsafe. It can be hard to know what kind of trucks will make your board feel just right for carving down hills or just cruising around town. But don’t worry, because understanding trucks is the key to unlocking a better ride!
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know about longboard trucks. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect set that will make your longboard feel amazing. Get ready to transform your ride and discover the joy of smooth, controlled cruising. Let’s dive into the world of longboard trucks!
Our Top 5 Trucks For Longboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Trucks For Longboard Detailed Reviews
1. Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to upgrade your longboard with the Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks. These trucks are the new standard for reverse kingpin trucks. They are made from strong forged aluminum. This makes them stronger and more precise than other trucks in their class. You’ll get a ride that feels like it costs five times as much!
What We Like:
- These trucks are super light. They use an 8mm axle through the hanger, which makes them 20% lighter than older Atlas trucks.
- They offer a smooth and responsive ride. The machined ball pivot and tapered kingpin give you great lean.
- They are perfect for cruising, carving, and freeriding. The cone bushings provide a fun, surfy feel.
- Atlas builds their trucks with solid construction for maximum lean and control.
- You get all these amazing features at a great price, making them a fantastic value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “ultralight” claim is true, but they might not be the absolute lightest on the market compared to some niche brands.
- While the ride is fantastic, the 48-degree baseplate might be too “turny” for riders who prefer a super stable downhill setup.
These Atlas trucks deliver an amazing ride that feels much more expensive than they are. They are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their longboarding experience.
2. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to carve up the pavement with the Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks in sleek Matte Black. This set of two trucks is designed to give you an amazing riding experience, whether you’re cruising through town or hitting your favorite downhill spot.
What We Like:
- CARVING PERFECTION: These trucks give you the smoothest, most fluid carves. You’ll feel like you’re gliding on air as you turn.
- STRONG & DURABLE: Made with tough virgin aluminum and a special heat treatment, these trucks are built to last. The strong axles and pressed-in kingpins mean they can handle a lot of action.
- ULTIMATE RESPONSE: The included 90a urethane bushings give you the best response and rebound, making your ride feel lively and connected.
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTING: The 6-hole baseplate fits most skateboards, whether they have new-school or old-school hole patterns.
- GUARANTEED FOR LIFE: Paris is so confident in their trucks that they guarantee them for life! That’s a great promise of quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 50° baseplate is great for carving, riders looking for extreme stability at very high speeds might prefer a slightly steeper angle (like 45°).
If you want a smooth, responsive ride that’s built to last, the Paris V2 trucks are a fantastic choice. Their lifetime guarantee means you can shred with confidence for years to come.
3. ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard/surf Skateboard Black Skateboard Double Kingpin Trucks 7″ Hanger 9.72″ Axle (Set of 2) Free Hardware (9.3″ Hanger 12″ Axle)
Rating: 8.6/10
The ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their longboard or skateboard. These black trucks boast a double kingpin design, which is great for carving and surf-style riding. They’re made from high-quality aluminum alloy, so they’re tough and can handle a lot of action. This set comes with two trucks and includes free hardware, making it a convenient package for your ride.
What We Like:
- The double kingpin setup makes for super smooth turns and a surfy feel.
- They are built with strong aluminum alloy, meaning they will last a long time.
- You get a set of two trucks and free hardware, which is a good deal.
- The black color looks cool on any board.
What Could Be Improved:
- The hanger size (7″) and axle size (9.72″) might be a bit wide for some riders or smaller boards.
- The specific model name is quite long and can be a bit confusing.
If you want to add some serious carveability to your ride, the ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are definitely worth checking out. They offer a great blend of performance and durability for a fun skating experience.
4. AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to upgrade your ride or build your dream skateboard from scratch? The AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set is a fantastic all-in-one package. It includes everything a skater needs to get rolling: strong trucks, smooth wheels, fast bearings, and all the necessary hardware. This set makes building or fixing your skateboard super easy.
What We Like:
- The trucks are made of a tough magnesium aluminum alloy. They use a special hardening process, so they can handle a lot of weight and pressure.
- The wheels have a hardness of 100A, which is great for beginners. This hardness prevents them from slipping too easily. They are made with a strong PU infusion, so they won’t crack.
- The ABEC-9 bearings are super smooth and allow for long, fast spins. Your board will feel much faster and smoother!
- This set fits most standard skateboard decks, specifically those between 7.5 and 8 inches wide.
- It includes riser pads to give you a little extra space between your wheels and deck, helping to prevent “wheel bite.”
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 100A hardness is good for beginners, more advanced skaters might prefer a slightly softer wheel for different terrains.
- The set is designed for 7.5-8″ decks. If you have a wider or narrower deck, you’ll need to look for a different set.
This AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set offers excellent value and quality for anyone looking to improve their skateboarding experience. It’s a solid choice for building a reliable and fun skateboard.
5. VJ skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package with 70mm Wheels 7inch 180mm Aluminum Trucks
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to shred with the VJ Skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package! This all-in-one set gives you everything you need to build or upgrade your longboard. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to hit the streets or cruise around town.
What We Like:
- Complete Set: It includes 7-inch aluminum trucks, 70mm wheels, ABEC 7 bearings, and all the hardware you need. No need to buy parts separately!
- Quality Trucks: The Reverse Kingpin (RKP) trucks are standard for downhill and freeride longboards. They have 90a hardness bushings for a smooth ride.
- Smooth Wheels: The 70mm x 51mm, 78a durometer wheels handle roads, sidewalks, and driveways with ease. They come in a bunch of cool colors like black, blue, red, and neon green.
- Reliable Bearings: The ABEC 7 bearings are the industry standard and fit almost any skate wheel.
- Great for All Levels: This package is a fantastic gift for both beginners and experienced riders.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Options for Trucks: While the wheels have many color choices, the trucks only come in one color. More truck color options would be a nice addition.
- Bearing Spacer Included: While spacers are included, sometimes having one perfectly sized for each bearing can make assembly even quicker.
This VJ Skateshop combo package offers a solid foundation for any longboard build. It’s a convenient and quality choice for riders looking to enhance their cruising experience.
Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Longboard: A Buyer’s Guide
What are the main Key Features to look for in longboard trucks?
When you buy longboard trucks, you want them to be strong and stable. Good trucks help you steer and control your board. Look for trucks that are the right size for your deck. You also want them to be made of good materials. Trucks that can turn easily are also important.
What are the important materials used in longboard trucks?
Most longboard trucks are made from metal. Aluminum is a popular choice. It is strong and not too heavy. Some trucks use steel for certain parts, like the kingpin. The kingpin is the bolt that holds the truck together. The bushings, which are rubbery rings that help with turning, can be made of polyurethane.
What factors can improve or reduce the quality of longboard trucks?
Factors that improve quality:
- Stronger Metal: Trucks made with higher quality aluminum or alloys are usually tougher.
- Good Bushings: The hardness and shape of the bushings affect how well your trucks turn.
- Smooth Bearings: While not part of the truck itself, how well the axle spins with bearings is important.
- Precise Machining: Well-made trucks have smooth edges and fit together perfectly.
Factors that reduce quality:
- Cheap Metal: Lower quality metal can bend or break easily.
- Poor Bushings: Bushings that are too soft or too hard won’t let you turn well.
- Rough Axles: Axles that aren’t smooth can make your wheels wobble.
- Loose Parts: Trucks that aren’t put together well can feel wobbly.
How does user experience and different use cases affect truck choice?
How you use your longboard matters a lot. If you like to go fast downhill, you need trucks that are stable and don’t wobble. These trucks might have a tighter turn. If you like to cruise around town or do tricks, you might want trucks that turn more easily. This makes it fun to weave through obstacles. For dancing on your board, you need trucks that allow for smooth, flowing turns. The width of your trucks should also match your board’s width. Wider boards usually need wider trucks for better stability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Longboard Trucks
Q1: What is the difference between Reverse Kingpin (RKP) and Traditional Kingpin (TKP) trucks?
A1: RKP trucks are more common for longboards. Their kingpin is angled differently, which makes them turn more easily and be more stable. TKP trucks are usually found on skateboards and are better for tricks.
Q2: How do I know what size trucks to get?
A2: The width of your trucks should match the width of your longboard deck. A good rule is that the axle nuts should be just outside the edges of your deck.
Q3: What do the numbers on trucks mean?
A3: Numbers like 180mm or 150mm refer to the width of the hanger, which is the part that holds the wheels. Larger numbers mean wider trucks.
Q4: How do I adjust my trucks?
A4: You can tighten or loosen the large nut on the kingpin. Tightening makes turns harder and the board more stable. Loosening makes turns easier and the board less stable.
Q5: How often should I replace my longboard trucks?
A5: Trucks last a long time if you take care of them. You might need to replace them if they bend, crack, or the kingpin hole gets too big.
Q6: Can I use skateboard trucks on a longboard?
A6: It’s not ideal. Skateboard trucks are usually smaller and designed for different riding styles. Longboard trucks are built for stability and wider decks.
Q7: What are bushings and why are they important?
A7: Bushings are the rubbery rings around the kingpin. They control how your trucks turn. Softer bushings make turning easier, while harder bushings make it harder.
Q8: How do I clean my longboard trucks?
A8: You can wipe them down with a damp cloth. If they are very dirty, you might need to remove the wheels and clean them more thoroughly.
Q9: What is a “wheelbite”?
A9: Wheelbite happens when your wheels touch the bottom of your deck when you turn. This can stop your board suddenly. You can prevent it by using riser pads or tightening your trucks.
Q10: Should I buy cheap or expensive trucks?
A10: While you don’t need the most expensive trucks, investing in decent quality trucks will give you a better and safer riding experience. Cheap trucks can break and lead to accidents.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!