The best skateboard trucks are the lightest ones. Choosing the right skateboard truck for you can be challenging. That is why we have compiled these five skateboard trucks that we highly recommend for you!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Skateboard Trucks
Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks – It is one of the best skateboard trucks available not only because of its stylish look. Many users love their sturdiness and incredible performance. (Check Price on Amazon)
Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks – This skateboard truck is highly responsive, sturdy, and it even comes with a gorgeous style that everyone may like. Ideal for bigger and taller skateboarding fans. (Check Price on Amazon)
Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks – This one claims to be stronger than the previous version. It’s actually the upgraded version of the successful Caliber I packed with more impressive features. (Check Price on Amazon)
Reviews of the Best Skateboard Trucks
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Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Truck
(Best Overall)
If you’re looking for a complete set of skateboard trucks, we suggest you should check out this one. It is a set of cruiser trucks with a longboard measuring 70 x 52mm, which is good because it can accommodate users of different heights and sizes.
Those 78A hardness hard skateboarding wheels will impress you. That’s because they guarantee the best in maneuverability, allowing you to enjoy each ride comfortably and safely.
This skateboard truck features Ritalin Abec 5 chrome bearings pre-lubricated using synthetic oil. It’s to keep them durable and protected from rust.
For hardware, this skateboard truck has heavy-duty 1.5-inch hardware with nuts and bolts in black coating. It’s nice to know that they are in this kind of coat because that will maximize their performance while protecting them against corrosion 24/7.
Having a 9.675-inch axle and a 175mm hanger are also nice because they leave you with a steady riding height with the greatest chop when traveling using this superb skateboard truck.
Also, it has a pair of risers. They both prevent wheel bite by increasing the distance between the deck and wheels with the Black ¼-inch Riser Pads.
These features are also great because they decrease the pressure on the board by preventing those trucks from getting into direct contact with your deck. The best of all, this skateboard truck is a nice choice as you can get it for just $30 to $50.
Our research concluded that customers are happy with this skateboard truck. With its durability and excellent features, it’s not surprising that it’s one of the top-rated skateboard trucks on Amazon.com.
Most of the reviews are talking about the product and its nice wheels. Some customers are praising it for being sleek, sturdy, and sexy.
One of these customers said he loves it for that amazing setup. The trucks seem solid and real, the bearings are fast, and the wheels are great.
Another customer said he did not know what he was buying when picking this combo. He loves the color of those sturdy wheels.
In the past, he told himself that he was going to purchase a long skateboard. He used to be a fan of those wooden longboards made of exotic wood.
In general, many of the customers who reviewed this product gave it the highest score along with those thankful words as they shared their experiences in using this skateboard truck.
Pros
- Durable 78A hardness wheels
- Ritalin Abec 5 chrome bearings
- Two risers for wheel bite prevention
Cons
- The brand logo disappears when scrubbing
Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks
(2nd Choice)
Paris V2 180mm 50° longboard skateboard truck offers you the smoothest and most fluid carves inside and outside of turns. We picked and included this product in this list for several reasons.
First of all, we love this one for being durable and strong. Paris V2 180mm 50° is made of virgin aluminum, which assures you of its quality.
This skateboard truck seems capable to last for a long time. Aside from its virgin aluminum construction, it comes with pressed-in kingpins and grade 8 steel axles that add up to the truck’s durability and strength.
Another great feature present in this skateboard truck is the US-made Paris 90A urethane bushings, which guarantees you the greatest rebound and response. Its 6-hole baseplate is also good because it’s compatible with all mounting options, whether old-school or modern.
This baseplate is a 50° type. That’s also worth considering because it is giving what you deserve when it comes to supporting and stability, regardless of the surface where you’re skating.
Paris V2 180mm 50° also comes with a 180mm wide reverse geometry and is crafted using 90A high-quality bushing durometer. With Paris’ strict manufacturing process, this skateboard truck seems capable to last for years or even for a lifetime.
We are confident to say that Paris V2 180mm 50° is among the best-selling longboard trucks with improved features and superior durability. Its bushing seat is awesome because it works great for skaters who love a unique but fun-packed setup.
This skateboard truck is also a top-rated item on Amazon.com. Meaning, most reviews talked about its goodness and how it made most of the users happy and satisfied.
One happy customer said Paris V2 180mm 50° is too different from his old skateboard truck. With this, he can now carve and get the best of his skating board.
Another customer said he bought this for his wowgo 2s, and it made a big improvement to his board. He likes it for allowing great turning and stability.
Likewise, there is one customer who said he used Paris trucks before, so he knows the deal. As expected, its quality is extremely good, and the design of the truck is great. He is satisfied with the trucks.
Pros
- 180mm width for improved support
- Easy-to-install reverse geometry
- 90A durometer
- Available in several color options
Cons
- Feel creaky when carving
Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks
(3rd Choice)
In our opinion, this longboard seems to be better than other longboards in the market. It’s one of the few models that work well in downhill driving or freeriding.
Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP is sold as a set of 2. That is good because you already have what is necessary for setting up one longboard or skateboard.
We found this longboard truck to be extremely stable or carvy, making it suitable for everyday use. We even love the fact that users can configure it in many ways to obtain the ideal feel.
Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP is good. It’s 40% more powerful than the Caliber 1 because the newest techniques used in the manufacturing process helped Caliber to upgrade this truck and made it better than its predecessor.
One of the most amazing features in this longboard truck is the non-slip bushing seat. The bushing seat for this unit has been redesigned, which helps you eradicate excess movement which keeps your body weight distribution from translating to turn.
Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP also comes with bloody orange ultra-HR 89A bushings. It is also an impressive feature as it will let you enjoy a premium feel of top-quality bushings.
One more notable thing about this longboard is that it comes with a 50-degree baseplate. This baseplate is simply amazing because it’s good enough, measuring 184mm long.
On top of that, we are happy to know that this longboard comes in 16 colors to choose from. It’s quite easy to install on the skateboard.
Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP is also a top-rated product on Amazon. One of the satisfied customers said this is the best truck he had.
He was using his longboard when going to San Francisco. According to this customer, no other longboard trucks out there can match its responsiveness.
Moreover, he said he was impressed with the blood orange bushings in Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP. For him, they are the most responsive bushings.
Another customer said Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP is a solid set. The trucks can endure weather conditions and environmental elements, like rain, dirt, and mud.
The paint finish is great. It doesn’t chip off regardless of the time.
The other customer said it is a fantastic truck. He was super nervous because he was a custom board maker.
He said these trucks were superb as they let him go downhill and cruise with ease. He is recommending the longboard and will consider buying it again.
Pros
- High tolerance pivot
- Grade 8 hex head kingpin
- Solid construction
Cons
- People complain of the bushings’ softness
INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks
The Independent 129 comes with one of the greatest geometry with contemporary performance and the eye-catchy, iconic appearance. In our opinion, this is a one-of-a-kind skateboard truck by the way it looks.
This unit has remarkable features. We love the newly crafted and innovative geometry that comes along with a good-looking regular baseplate.
The stage 11 design of Independent 129 is lightweight. It has improved hardware designed for accurate turns, improved stability, reduced wheel bite, and less-high speed tremble.
These trucks are very durable. We’re impressed in their unbeatable performance for any kind of skateboarding discipline.
We like its universal design because it gives a swift turn and superior stability. We love it even more because the truck has a 6-hole baseplate, which is a great thing because that will mean you can use them on most decks measuring &.4 to 8 inches.
Despite being an incomplete set, the Independent 129 got a high average score on the reviews posted on Amazon. One customer said he bought this for his son who wanted new trucks for his skateboard.
He liked these trucks for being slick, solid, and sexy. Of course, his son loves them, too.
Another customer told everyone in his review that nobody will go wrong with the Independent trucks. Independent 129 is a good example.
He bought this for his son who owned a 7.75-inch board. He was happy that those trucks fit perfectly.
One more happy customer showed he satisfied he was in this product based on his review. He said he was happy with Independent 129.
They are of the best quality. He was using them on those skateboards he assembled with his friends. He advised everyone to buy them of the right size for their skateboard.
Also, there was another customer who used these trucks for his 7.75-inch board. He said as well that the trucks fit well his board.
With that, turning is nimble. The build quality is extremely rugged, which is one more thing he liked about Independent 129.
To sum it up, the Independent 129 is really great trucks for long skateboards. They look nice, decent, and strong. In spite of its flaw, we bet you will like these sturdy trucks for your favorite board.
Pros
- Provides more general grind clearance
- Improved performance
- Long-lasting quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- No hardware included in the package
Cal 7 Combo with 139mm Trucks, Wheels, Bearings
These trucks deserve a spot on this list. We added them due to their features and specs that are hard to ignore.
They are solid trucks measuring 5.25 inches. They are rock-solid because they have 99A PU wheels that measure 52 x 31 millimeters.
The ABEC 7 bearings are making them better, too. We love their capability to absorb shock.
These trucks have 3-millimeter riser pads, which is a stunning feature because they help in wheel bite and vibration prevention against rough surfaces.
We also like their durability. That is true because these trucks are made of a lightweight, strong type of aluminum to deliver a solid and smooth ride.
You just need to get them installed on your favorite wooden deck and get ready. If you want a variety when it comes to colors, then you will like these trucks for sure.
Cal 7 comes with a wider variety of colors. There are 32 color combinations to choose from, including opaque and transparent color sets, which are making this product really worth considering.
With more good things to offer, Cal 7 became one of the most reviewed skateboard trucks. One of the customers said this is good for beginners.
Another customer was happy about the product’s quality. He bought them for his son.
He compared them to reds even though he’s not sure what it means. He will consider these trucks again for the other boards of his son.
Also, there was a customer who talked about the construction of these trucks. She bought them for her daughter who wants trucks that are easy to use.
She said her daughter didn’t have any problem getting these trucks installed on her board. The wheels are a bit stiff, but she thinks they will roll smoothly after some uses.
There is one more customer who shared his happiness about this product’s features and durability. The wheels of Cal 7 are harder than what he assumed they would be.
According to this customer, the trucks and ABEC 7 bearings are decent. The hardware is good, and the risers are slim enough while the bushings are soft.
Basic Components of Skateboard Truckers and Things to Look for in Them
Picking a skateboard truck can significantly affect both the stability as well as the tricks that you perform on a skateboard. Buying a wrong product will lead to a wheel bite in which the wheels will rub against the skateboard, causing you to stop for a while doing a turn or a trick.
In preventing this, you need to learn many things before adding any skateboard trucks to your cart. These things should include soft brushing, hard brushing, and the rest because they would have a major impact on the performance of your skateboard.
Here, we will show you the features of skateboard trucks and explain them to you individually. In that way, you will have a much better idea to check and evaluate its quality by the time you buy a set:
Kingpin
This is a big bolt that fits within the bushing. It holds your skateboard trucks altogether.
It needs to be sturdy enough to hold everything in one place. Be extra careful with hollow kingpins because they are lightweight and will compromise the strength.
Kingpins are subject to extensive use. Therefore, you should never settle for hollow kingpins.
Brushing
It is a group of soft rings crafted using urethane. They firmly fitter all over the kingpin, letting your skateboard to twist and pivot smoothly.
Hanger
The hanger is a triangle-shaped piece of metal and is also the biggest portion of skateboard trucks. It provides help in supporting the axle, particularly when you’re doing sharp turns or tricks.
Axle
This is the long pin that runs over the hanger. The wheels attach themselves to it.
Baseplate
This is the section where the components of skateboard trucks are fixed. The screws keep the base plate fixed on the skateboard.
The next thing is to search for the best features, quality, and specifications of those components. These include:
- The truck profile
- Height and width
- Understanding the parts of skateboard trucks
- Special materials included
Board Truck Profile
A new skateboard truck typically has 3 different shapes or profiles. A truck profile is basically the gap between the hanger and the deck’s bottom.
It comes into 3 forms: the low, medium, and high profiles. Which should you choose for your skateboard?
The low profile is suitable for the boards with tiny wheels. This will lead to improved stability, particularly on the rigorous tricks and moves.
Does your board come with 50-53mm wheels? If that is the case, then you must choose a low profile.
The medium-profile is for a skateboard that cruises often on the streets and parks. It is highly recommended for bigger wheels measuring 53 to 56mm.
The high profile is for the wheels measuring 56mm and above. This type of profile is good for skateboards that are extensively used on the roads and those with longboards.
Height and Width
The concept for the height is somewhat the same as that of a skateboard truck profile. Choose between, low, mid, and high profiles.
However, it’s pretty complex for the width. That’s because the trucks’ width must match with the deck’s width.
For instance, when we talk of the big brands, you will notice that they have varying width for different items that will depend on the size of the board. Thus, you have to know the size of your skateboard before buying trucks.
Other Parts
Aside from the basic part of skateboard trucks, they also have the so-called risers. As their name suggests, risers are designed for keeping your skate higher from the ground.
Besides, risers also absorb shock. They will decrease or even eradicate the vibration while you’re riding.
Risers are tiny and rectangular in shape. They are often crafted from rubber or hard plastic material.
Thicker risers are more effective when it comes to impact absorption. The thicker they are, the better they will be.
Furthermore, risers are firmly strained with the 6 screw holes. They fit both long and small skateboards.
With that, you don’t have to worry about the risers of whatever trucks you choose. You can secure them between the key deck and the baseplate.
When buying skateboard trucks, always choose those screws that are 1 inch longer than the risers. For instance, if the risers are a ¼ inch, choose screws that measure 1 ¼ inch.
On the other hand, risers are typically optional. They even depend on the size of the wheels.
If your skateboard has wheels measuring 56mm or bigger, then you should use risers that can help ensure a quick and smooth clearance on sharp turns.
Furthermore, when you ride a longboard or larger wheels, it’s normal to experience a wheel bite during sharp turns. Risers will absorb the impact and provide you a fast and smooth ride.
While they don’t eliminate vibrations in most cases, risers may also help decrease it while skating. Today, most of the skateboard trucks sold in the market exist in various sizes and not all of them require risers.
Special Materials
Lastly, some skateboard trucks do come with some special materials that are absolutely optional. This will increase the cost and offer improved quality. For example, those models that have titanium alloys are lightweight and long-lasting.
In the same way, when you choose a skateboard truck crafted using magnesium, your skateboard will be lightweight. Any truck made of this material is often 25% less heavy than those trucks made with other materials.
Also, a kingpin made of aluminum will also make your board lighter and durable. Just be sure you don’t settle for a hollow kingpin.
One more thing you should keep in mind when buying skateboard trucks is the warranty. If there is no warranty information for the model you’re planning to buy, don’t hesitate to ask about it to the manufacturer or seller.
Tips for Buying the Best Skateboard Trucks
Buying skateboard trucks is a different experience from buying shoes or a mattress because you can’t try them out. However, that does not mean you can just go for the first one or anything you think is worth the money. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
Consider the weight. If you want lightweight skateboard trucks, then you must check every option available for weight.
Don’t forget to check the product descriptions or the list of features where you can find the information for dimensions and weight. We suggest anything around 1.4 lbs.
Also, check the fit. It must be the right fit.
Your skateboard trucks should fit on any kind of skating board deck. This is what you must look for in the standardized design which will fit well in a range of skateboards, especially the long ones.
The design’s material is also a crucial factor to consider as it plays a big role in the weight and the kind of longevity of skateboard trucks. Usually, the ones made with aluminum alloy are cool.
Aluminum alloy is not just light but very durable, too. This is more and more skateboard trucks these days come with this material.
Moreover, color amplifies the style and design. Depending on the color you like, you must go for a color that can complement your riding aura and personal style.
If your preferred trucks have the ability to support your riding style, then that would be nice. The hanger and axle are two of the major determining factors to consider when buying skateboard trucks.
Usually, axles of around 10 inches are ideal for all-around rides. They are easy to control so that you can enjoy great turns and heights.
Besides, those skateboard trucks with design technology seem to be more exciting. They will amp your ride for stability and easy maneuverability.
These models might have a chop or slide design that is useful when hitting the park’s riding ramps. You’re lucky if you find a model featuring this, though this is somewhat optional.
Additionally, consider the strength of any skateboard trucks you’re about to buy. While the units made with metallic alloys or aluminum alloy tend to be stronger and more durable, additional bolts and screws you’re using will play a big role, too.
The price can be also considered, but this is not a major factor. Despite that, they may help you determine how much you can afford when buying skateboard trucks.
Before anything else, you must prepare your budget first. This way, you can focus on those units with prices that match your budget.
If you’re on a tight budget, then you should try finding the hottest deals online as most online stores offer skateboard trucks at the lowest prices ever. These items are still with warranties, so they are truly worth considering.
Feedbacks and user reviews are extremely essential, too. Be sure you give enough time to read these posts on the internet to know what other people say about the skateboard trucks, especially the ones we listed above.
Reading reviews is very important because this will give you a better picture of those things you expect from your preferred skateboard trucks. Don’t forget to do it when checking the trucks available on the web.
Finally, think about your riding style. If you’re into normal riding, cruising, downhill riding, sliding, or chopping, your trucks should support your riding style.
What’s the Best Way to Use Skateboard Trucks?
Getting the best experience from using skateboard trucks begins with knowing how to use them well. Keep in mind the following:
Correct Use
Be sure to use your skateboard trucks properly. That means ensuring the right fixing and the correct use as well.
How can you do that? The answer is in the user manual, so look for it in the package.
Routine Checking
Then, you must carry out routine checking. By checking your trucks, you can immediately fix the damages before they worsen.
Use the Ideal Accessories
Also, be sure you have the correct accessories. You can use nuts and steel crews.
Correct Installation
When fixing your trucks, you must ensure that the screws you use are long enough in going through the risers, board, and trucks.
Safety Tips in Using Skateboard Trucks
Truck brands have their respective user manuals with directions and tips that customers should follow. However, there are some tips that can help you regardless of the brand of your skateboard trucks:
- A great grip is usually extremely important to prevent all forms of trucks falling accidents while riding and cruising through skating parks, roads, or pavements. You can achieve this by making sure your holding screws are of the ideal length.
- When riding your skateboard, don’t forget to wear the necessary gears. Wearing a helmet is a must for keeping yourself safe from head injuries while your knee and elbow pads will prevent you from getting bruises when you fall.
- One common thing overlooked by most skateboarders is riding with their eyes open. Be alert and make sure that everything is visible to your eyes at all times for your safety.
- Don’t forget to practice before you try using your skateboard outdoors. You must practice a lot prior to riding on your skateboard in public places like along the street, pavement, or park.
- If you are a novice in skateboarding, we suggest joining a training club for this activity before you start riding. Look for a skateboarding pro in your neighborhood or a certified trainer who can give you tricks and additional safety tips.
- Lastly, we recommend you stick only to what you know for the meantime. If you want to learn a new trick, then you need to learn and master it before actually using it when riding your skateboard.
FAQs About Skateboard Trucks
Are Riser Pads Necessary?
Not actually. However, riser pads seem to be useful because of their amazing ability to absorb shock from your deck, thus preventing your deck from breaking.
How to Protect Skateboard Trucks from Rust?
We suggest spraying them with a certain amount of zep45 as soon as you notice them rusting or slowing. Lubing can also help.
Do Skateboard Trucks Have the Same Performance?
Most skaters say they differ in performance. They differ significantly in many ways.
Their performance actually depends on the raw materials used in their construction. The manufacturing process and quality control also depend on the materials.
Conclusion
Buying the best skateboard trucks is really no brainer. With the tips we provided here, we are sure that you already knew which model seems to be your ultimate choice.
However, if you want a suggestion from us, then we’re recommending the Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks. While it offers only 11 choices for the colors, this unit comes as a complete package to let you install the trucks quickly.
Besides, it comes with fantastic features that ensure a smooth and safe riding experience. It even comes with two rises that are effective in wheel bite prevention and other things that made it a capable and safe-to-use skating truck.
Still, the final decision will be up to you. Yet, we guarantee your satisfaction from everything we included in this list of the best skateboard trucks for this year.