How to Select Skateboard Trucks

In skateboarding, trucks basically act as your steering mechanism. For years, Independent trucks ruled the world of skating, but then the entire sport changed and more companies began producing quality skateboard trucks geared towards specific types of skating. Now you can select this key component based on your skating style. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Select trucks with an axle width that is within 1/4 inch of your deck width, if not exactly the same size. If you are unsure of the size you need, just make sure the trucks do not stick out.
2. Choose your truck height based on skating style and wheel diameter. To avoid wheelbite (when a wheel touches the board, stopping you immediately), higher trucks are needed for any wheels over 56 mm. Risers can also be added between a truck and the deck to give you a greater clearance.
3. Find the perfect combination of speed and turning. Depending on how you want to skate, you need to give yourself the proper clearance to perform tricks, skate a ramp or race. You may want a stable truck in back and a more agile truck upfront for slalom, but generally you'll use two of the same trucks adjusted similarly.
4. Pay attention to the hole pattern to see if it is new- or old-school style. Although some trucks do come drilled for both, you must make sure your deck and trucks are drilled the same to avoid having to drill new holes.
5. Check out Independent for a wide selection of trucks suitable for every skateboarding style (see Resources below). For 25 years, Independent has been making skateboard trucks that are durable and lightweight. These are often used as starter trucks for new skaters.
6. Grind smoother and better with Grindking trucks, which are made of aluminum, giving you a smoother grind (see Resources below). These trucks need to be replaced often if you grind frequently, but the ride is worth the extra effort and cost. A special skate key is needed to adjust these trucks.
7. Mix the feel of a low truck with the performance of a high truck with Royal Skateboard Truck Company (see Resources below). These also come in a variety of colors and patterns to fully customize your skateboard.
8. Hit the street hard with Krux trucks, which feel broken in from the start (see Resources below). Krux trucks are light and low for a smooth grind and fast ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Select durable all-around trucks if you plan on mixing up your riding terrains and styles.
• Find out what kind of kingpin your trucks have when you buy them to see if you need special tools to adjust it. You can usually pick up the necessary equipment from the same skate shop where you bought the trucks.