Ever felt the thrill of carving down a hill, wind in your hair, only to have your board feel… off? Maybe it’s a little wobbly, or it doesn’t turn quite how you want it to. That feeling often comes down to one crucial part of your longboard: the trucks.
Choosing the right trucks can be a real head-scratcher. There are so many types, sizes, and brands out there! It’s easy to get lost in the jargon and feel overwhelmed. You want trucks that make your ride smooth, stable, and fun, but finding them can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. Wrong trucks can lead to frustrating rides, less control, and even a shorter lifespan for your board.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! This post will break down everything you need to know about longboard trucks. We’ll explore the different kinds, what makes them work, and how to pick the perfect pair for your riding style. By the end, you’ll be confident in your choice and ready to hit the pavement with a whole new level of stoke.
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: 8.9/10
The Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks are a game-changer for longboarders. These trucks bring a super smooth and stable ride. They are made with strong aluminum. This makes them lighter and better than others. You get a great feel for a good price.
What We Like:
- Super strong and light. They use forged A356 aluminum.
- They ride like trucks that cost much more. It’s an amazing deal.
- They have cool features like a machined ball pivot and built-in speed rings.
- The 8mm axle makes them 20% lighter.
- Cone bushings give a fun, surfy ride. Perfect for cruising and carving.
- They offer a smooth, steady, and responsive ride. You can feel the difference.
- Atlas trucks are built strong for lots of lean and control.
What Could Be Improved:
- They are so popular, they might be hard to find sometimes.
- While great for many styles, extreme downhill riders might want a different setup.
These Atlas trucks are a top choice for anyone wanting a better longboard experience. They offer fantastic performance and a smooth ride without breaking the bank.
2. VJ Skateboard Longboard Truck and Wheel
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to upgrade your longboard or build a new one? This VJ Skateboard Longboard Truck and Wheel kit has everything you need to get rolling. It includes sturdy trucks, smooth-rolling wheels, fast bearings, and all the hardware for a complete setup. This kit is designed for both beginners and experienced riders who want reliable parts.
What We Like:
- Complete Kit: You get 7-inch trucks, 70mm wheels, Abec 7 bearings, and all the necessary hardware in one package. It makes building or fixing your longboard super easy.
- Durable Trucks: The 7-inch aluminum trucks are strong and built for downhill and freeride longboarding. They come with 90a hardness bushings for a stable ride.
- Smooth Ride Wheels: The 70mm, 78a durometer wheels are great for various surfaces like roads and sidewalks. You can also pick from many cool colors to match your style.
- Fast Bearings: The Abec 7 bearings are the standard size and ensure a smooth, fast roll for your wheels.
- Everything Included: The kit comes with all the screws, spacers, and nuts you need. It’s a perfect gift for any longboarder.
- Easy Assembly: While you’ll need tools, the parts fit together tightly for safety. VJ even offers a handy skateboard tool to help you out.
What Could Be Improved:
- Tool Not Included: The kit doesn’t come with a skateboard tool, so you’ll need to get one separately for assembly.
- Tight Fit: The hardware is designed for a very secure fit, which is good for safety, but it might make assembly a bit more challenging for some.
This VJ kit provides a solid foundation for any longboard project. You get quality components that work well together, making it a great choice for getting back on your board or building your dream ride.
3. Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Wheels Combo Set 71mm Wheels + 7″/180mm Heavy Duty Aluminum Black Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to cruise with the Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Wheels Combo Set! This all-in-one package has everything you need to upgrade your ride or build a new longboard. It includes smooth-rolling wheels, strong trucks, fast bearings, and all the hardware to get you rolling. This set is designed for a stable and comfortable ride, perfect for cruising around town or hitting the skate park.
What We Like:
- The 71mm, 78A Speed Cruiser wheels offer a smooth and grippy ride, great for all types of pavement.
- The 7″ (180mm) Heavy Duty Reverse Kingpin trucks are super stable and give you good control.
- The included Ritalin Abec-9 bearings are pre-lubed, so they’re ready to go fast right out of the box.
- The 1.25″ hardware and ¼” riser pads are tough and help prevent wheel bite, keeping your board safe.
- This combo set is a fantastic value, providing quality parts at a great price.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the black coating on the hardware is nice, it might show scratches over time.
- The “Ritalin” brand name on the bearings might not appeal to everyone, though the bearings themselves are good.
This Yocaher combo set is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their longboard experience. It’s a complete package that delivers performance and value, making it easy to get back on the road with confidence.
4. VJ skateshop Longboard Skateboard Combo Package with 70mm Wheels 7inch 180mm Aluminum Trucks
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to hit the streets or carve down hills? 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 sturdy trucks to smooth-riding wheels and all the hardware in between. It’s designed for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable way to get a great longboard setup.
What We Like:
- Complete set: You get trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware all together.
- Great for cruising: The 70mm, 78a durometer wheels handle roads and sidewalks smoothly.
- Versatile trucks: The 7-inch Reverse Kingpin trucks are good for downhill and freeride.
- Easy to assemble: All the parts fit together well.
- Good value: You get quality parts for a good price.
- Color options: The wheels come in a variety of cool colors.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bearing quality: While Abec 7 bearings are decent, serious skaters might want to upgrade later.
- Truck bushings: The 90a bushings are standard, but some riders prefer softer or harder ones for different riding styles.
This combo package makes longboarding accessible for everyone. It’s a fantastic starting point for beginners or a solid replacement for worn-out parts.
5. 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: 9.3/10
The ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are a great choice for skaters looking to upgrade their longboard, skateboard, or surfskate. These black, double kingpin trucks offer a smooth ride and excellent control. They are made from high-quality aluminum alloy, which means they are strong and will last a long time. You get a set of two trucks, and they even come with free hardware, so you have everything you need to get them on your board. The Sidewinder II trucks are designed for stability and maneuverability, making them suitable for carving, cruising, and even some downhill riding.
What We Like:
- Made from high-quality aluminum alloy for durability.
- Includes free hardware, saving you extra trips to the store.
- Double kingpin design offers excellent turning and stability.
- Versatile for longboards, skateboards, and surfskates.
- The black finish looks sleek and stylish on any board.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific hanger and axle measurements can be a bit confusing at first glance.
- Availability might be limited at times.
These ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are a solid upgrade for your ride. They deliver performance and style without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Longboard: A Rider’s Guide
Picking the perfect trucks for your longboard is super important. Trucks connect your wheels to your deck. They help you steer and control your ride. Let’s dive into what makes good trucks.
Key Features to Look For
1. Truck Height
Truck height matters a lot. Low trucks keep you closer to the ground. This makes pushing easier and gives you more stability. High trucks give you more clearance. This helps with big wheels and prevents wheel bite (when your wheels touch the deck). For beginners, medium height is often a good choice.
2. Truck Width
The width of your trucks should match your deck. A good rule is that the axles should be almost as wide as your deck. This helps with turning. If your trucks are too narrow, your board will be wobbly. If they are too wide, it will be harder to turn.
3. Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery parts inside the trucks. They control how your trucks turn. Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings make turning harder but give you more stability at high speeds. You can swap bushings to change how your board feels.
4. Kingpin Angle
The kingpin is the bolt that holds the truck together. The angle of the kingpin affects how your board steers. A steeper angle (like on some downhill trucks) makes the board more stable. A slacker angle (like on some carving trucks) makes the board turn more easily.
Important Materials
1. Baseplate and Hanger Material
Most truck parts are made from strong metal. Aluminum is common. It’s light and strong. Some high-end trucks use stronger alloys for even more durability. The metal should feel solid and not bend easily.
2. Axle Material
The axle is the rod that holds your wheels. It needs to be very strong. Steel is usually used. It can handle a lot of pressure. Make sure the axle feels sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Manufacturing Precision
Well-made trucks have smooth surfaces and tight tolerances. This means all the parts fit together perfectly. Cheaper trucks might have rough edges or loose parts. This can make them creak or break sooner.
2. Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making really good trucks. They use better materials and have better designs. Reading reviews from other longboarders can help you find trusted brands.
3. Weight
Lighter trucks can make your board easier to carry and pump. However, they shouldn’t be so light that they sacrifice strength. A good balance is key.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. Cruising and Commuting
For just riding around town or going places, you want trucks that turn easily. Softer bushings and a medium height are great. This makes pushing less work and carving fun.
2. Downhill and Speed
If you’re going fast downhill, stability is king. You need trucks that won’t wobble. Harder bushings and a more stable kingpin angle help. Wider trucks can also add stability.
3. Carving and Dancing
For tricks like carving big turns or dancing on your board, you need trucks that are responsive. Medium to low trucks with bushings you can tune to your liking are perfect. This lets you lean and turn with ease.
4. Freeride
Freeride is a mix of sliding and carving. You need trucks that can do both. Trucks that offer a good balance of stability and turnability are best. Being able to adjust your bushings is a big plus here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the most important thing to consider when buying longboard trucks?
A: The most important thing is how you plan to use your longboard. This will help you choose the right height, width, and bushing setup.
Q: Can I use skateboard trucks on my longboard?
A: It’s not recommended. Longboard trucks are usually wider and designed for different riding styles. Skateboard trucks are too narrow for most longboards.
Q: How do I know what size trucks to get?
A: The width of the truck’s axle should match the width of your deck. A good starting point is to have the axles be about the same width as your deck.
Q: What are “wheel bite” and how do I avoid it?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheels rub against your deck when you turn. You can avoid it with taller trucks, smaller wheels, or riser pads.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard trucks?
A: Trucks can last a very long time. You only need to replace them if they are bent, cracked, or the kingpin is damaged.
Q: Can I mix and match parts from different truck brands?
A: Sometimes, but it’s best to stick with parts from the same brand. Compatibility can be an issue.
Q: What are riser pads and do I need them?
A: Riser pads go between your trucks and your deck. They increase the distance between your wheels and the deck to prevent wheel bite. You might need them if you use large wheels or have trucks that are too low.
Q: How do I adjust my trucks?
A: You tighten or loosen the large nut on the kingpin. Tightening makes the trucks stiffer and harder to turn. Loosening makes them looser and easier to turn.
Q: Are expensive trucks always better?
A: Not always. While better materials and precision can be found in pricier trucks, many affordable options are great for beginners and intermediate riders.
Q: What’s the difference between reverse kingpin (RKP) and traditional kingpin (TKP) trucks?
A: RKP trucks are most common on longboards and offer more stability and a wider turning radius. TKP trucks are typically found on skateboards and offer quicker, sharper turns.
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 Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!