Ever felt like your longboard just isn’t turning the way you want it to? Maybe it feels wobbly when you’re cruising, or it just doesn’t carve those smooth turns you see others doing. The secret might not be in the deck, but in those crucial metal pieces connecting your wheels to your board: the trucks!
Choosing the right longboard trucks can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different types, sizes, and brands. It’s easy to get confused and pick something that doesn’t fit your riding style, leaving you frustrated and with a board that’s not as fun as it could be. But don’t worry, we’re here to help clear the fog.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about longboard trucks. You’ll learn what makes them tick, how different types affect your ride, and what to look for to find the perfect pair for your longboard adventures. Get ready to upgrade your ride and unlock smoother turns and better control!
Our Top 5 Longboard Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. 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: 9.2/10
Get ready to upgrade your ride with the ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard/surf Skateboard trucks. These black trucks are built tough with high-quality aluminum alloy, making them super strong. They come as a set of two, so you can outfit your board completely. Plus, you get free hardware included, which is always a nice bonus! With a 7″ hanger and a 9.72″ axle, these trucks are designed for a smooth and stable ride, perfect for cruising or carving.
What We Like:
- The high-quality aluminum alloy makes these trucks very strong and long-lasting.
- The double kingpin design offers excellent turning and responsiveness, making it feel like you’re surfing on land.
- Free hardware is included, saving you an extra trip to the store.
- The black finish looks sharp and classic on any board.
- They are designed for a smooth ride, which is great for cruising around town.
What Could Be Improved:
- The listed axle size (9.72″) and hanger size (7″) might be different from the included hardware’s axle (12″) and hanger (9.3″) which could be confusing for some buyers.
- While the aluminum alloy is high quality, some riders might prefer even lighter materials for extreme tricks.
These ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their skateboarding experience. They offer a great combination of durability and performance.
2. Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks
Rating: 8.5/10
The Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks are here to change how you think about longboard trucks. These aren’t just any trucks; they’re built with super strong, forged aluminum. They feel amazing and are way lighter than the old Atlas trucks. You get a smooth, stable, and responsive ride that feels way more expensive than they are.
What We Like:
- These trucks are super light thanks to the 8mm axle.
- The forged aluminum makes them really strong and precise.
- They offer a smooth and surfy ride, perfect for cruising and carving.
- The cone bushings and 48-degree baseplate give you awesome lean and control.
- They have cool features like a machined ball pivot and built-in speed rings.
- The price is fantastic for the quality you get.
What Could Be Improved:
- The awesome ride might be hard to believe at first!
If you want a seriously good ride without breaking the bank, these Atlas trucks are a winner. They’re a great upgrade for any longboarder.
3. VJ skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package with 70mm Wheels 7inch 180mm Aluminum Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
The VJ Skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package is your all-in-one solution for building or upgrading your longboard. This set includes everything you need to get rolling, from the wheels to the trucks and all the hardware in between. It’s designed to make longboarding accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
What We Like:
- Complete Set: You get all the essential parts in one box, making it super convenient.
- Quality Trucks: The 7-inch aluminum trucks with 90a bushings are great for downhill and freeride riding.
- Smooth Ride Wheels: The 70mm, 78a durometer wheels handle roads and sidewalks well, offering a smooth experience.
- Variety of Colors: The wheels come in many cool colors, so you can pick one that matches your style.
- Standard Bearings: The Abec 7 bearings are the common 608 standard, fitting most skate wheels.
- Good for All Levels: This package is a perfect gift for both beginners and experienced longboarders.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bushing Hardness: The 90a bushings are standard but might be a bit stiff for lighter riders or cruising.
- Bearing Shielding: While Abec 7 is good, more robust shielding on bearings would improve longevity in rougher conditions.
This combo package from VJ Skateshop offers a fantastic value and a solid foundation for any longboard enthusiast. It simplifies the process of getting your board ready for adventure.
4. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2
Rating: 9.2/10
The Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks in Matte Black are designed to give you an amazing ride. If you love to carve and turn smoothly on your longboard, these trucks will make your experience even better. They are built tough, so you can rely on them for a long time.
What We Like:
- CARVING PERFECTION: These trucks make turning and carving feel super smooth and easy, like butter on a hot pan.
- STRONG & DURABLE: Made with strong aluminum and special heat treatment, these trucks won’t break easily. They have strong axles and kingpins that are built to last.
- ULTIMATE RESPONSE: The bushings are made in the USA and give you a great feeling when you turn. They bounce back well, making your board feel lively.
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTING: The baseplate has holes that fit most longboards, whether they are old or new styles.
- GUARANTEED FOR LIFE: Paris believes in their trucks so much, they promise they will last forever. That’s a really good deal.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 50° baseplate angle is great for carving, but might feel a little less stable at very high speeds compared to steeper angles.
- While the matte black finish looks cool, it might show scratches more easily than some other finishes.
Overall, the Paris V2 trucks are a fantastic choice for longboarders who want smooth carving and a durable, reliable setup. Their lifetime guarantee makes them an investment you can trust for years of fun.
5. Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Wheels Combo Set 71mm Wheels + 7″/180mm Heavy Duty Aluminum Black Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to upgrade your longboard or build a new one? The Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Wheels Combo Set is a fantastic choice. This package gives you everything you need to get rolling: smooth 71mm wheels, strong 7″/180mm black trucks, fast bearings, sturdy hardware, and riser pads to keep your wheels from rubbing. It’s a complete kit designed for a stable and enjoyable ride, whether you’re cruising around town or just starting out.
What We Like:
- The 71mm, 78A wheels are big and soft, making for a super smooth ride over rough surfaces.
- The 7″/180mm heavy-duty aluminum trucks with reverse kingpins offer excellent grip and stability.
- The included Ritalin Abec-9 bearings are pre-lubed and fast, so you’ll roll smoothly.
- The ¼” riser pads help prevent wheel bite, which is when your wheels rub against the board.
- The black coated hardware is tough and looks great on any board.
- It’s a convenient all-in-one package for building or upgrading your longboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the trucks are heavy-duty, some riders might prefer lighter options for tricks.
- The 78A wheel hardness is great for cruising but might be too soft for very fast downhill riding.
This combo set provides a solid foundation for a comfortable and stable longboarding experience. It’s a great value for getting your board set up and ready to ride.
Choosing the Right Longboard Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide
Longboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your ride. They connect your wheels to your deck and let you steer. Picking the right trucks makes a huge difference in how your longboard feels and performs. This guide will help you find the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
Truck Width
Truck width is super important. It should match your deck width. A good rule of thumb is that the axles (the part the wheels attach to) should be about as wide as your deck. This helps with stability. If your trucks are too wide, your board might feel wobbly. If they’re too narrow, turning can be harder.
Riser Pads
Riser pads are plastic or rubber pieces that go between your trucks and your deck. They help prevent “wheel bite,” which is when your wheels touch the deck during turns and slow you down. They also add a little height to your board.
Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside your trucks. They control how easily your trucks turn. They come in different hardness levels (durometers). Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings make turning stiffer and more stable at high speeds.
Kingpin Angle
The kingpin is the bolt that holds the two parts of your truck together. The angle of this bolt affects how your board turns. Most longboard trucks have an 8-inch kingpin angle. Higher angles make turning sharper. Lower angles make turning more stable.
Important Materials
Trucks are usually made from metal. Most are made from aluminum. Some higher-end trucks use stronger metals like magnesium or titanium. These can be lighter and stronger, but they also cost more.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Manufacturing Precision
Well-made trucks are precisely machined. This means all the parts fit together perfectly. This leads to a smoother ride and better performance. Cheaper trucks might have rough edges or parts that don’t align well. This can make your board feel clunky.
Durability
Good trucks can handle bumps and rough roads. They won’t bend or break easily. The quality of the metal and how it’s treated matters a lot for durability.
Weight
Lighter trucks can make your board easier to carry and pump. However, sometimes lighter trucks can be less durable. It’s a balance between weight and strength.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cruising and Carving
For cruising around town or carving smooth turns, you’ll want trucks that turn easily. Softer bushings and slightly narrower trucks are good for this. This lets you lean into turns and feel connected to the road.
Downhill and Speed
If you’re going fast downhill, stability is key. You’ll want stiffer bushings and wider trucks. This makes your board feel planted and less likely to wobble at high speeds. Trucks with a lower kingpin angle also help with stability.
Freestyle and Tricks
For freestyle longboarding, which involves tricks like manuals and slides, you might want trucks that are easy to pivot and flip. Some freestyle riders prefer trucks with a more responsive turn. The exact preference can vary a lot depending on the tricks.
Transportation
For simply getting from point A to point B, you want reliable and comfortable trucks. A good balance of stability and turnability is usually best. You don’t want trucks that are too stiff or too loose for everyday riding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size trucks to buy?
A: The best way is to match your truck width to your deck width. The axle should be about the same width as your deck.
Q: Can I use skateboard trucks on a longboard?
A: It’s not recommended. Longboard trucks are usually wider and built differently to handle the forces of longboarding. Skateboard trucks might be too narrow and not durable enough.
Q: How often should I replace my trucks?
A: Trucks are pretty durable. You usually only need to replace them if they get bent, cracked, or the kingpin is damaged. Bushings wear out faster and can be replaced more often.
Q: What’s the difference between Reverse Kingpin (RKP) and Traditional Kingpin (TKP) trucks?
A: RKP trucks are most common for longboards. They have the kingpin angled outwards, which makes them turn more easily. TKP trucks have the kingpin angled inwards and are more common on skateboards.
Q: How do I adjust my trucks?
A: You can tighten or loosen the large nut on the kingpin. Tightening makes turning stiffer. Loosening makes turning easier.
Q: What are “widowmakers” in longboard trucks?
A: “Widowmakers” are trucks that are too narrow for the deck. They can cause wheel bite and make the board unstable at speed.
Q: Do truck brands matter?
A: Yes, brands often have different designs and use different materials. Some brands are known for durability, others for lightness or specific turning characteristics.
Q: Can I mix and match truck parts?
A: You can often swap out bushings, kingpins, and axle nuts. However, it’s best to stick with parts designed for your specific truck model.
Q: How do bushings affect my ride?
A: Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings make your board more stable at high speeds.
Q: What should I do if my trucks feel wobbly?
A: Try tightening the kingpin nut slightly. If that doesn’t help, you might need stiffer bushings or your trucks might be too wide for your deck.
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.