Imagine this: you’re cruising down a sunny street, wind in your hair, feeling totally in control. But then, your longboard feels wobbly, or maybe it turns too sharply. That’s where the right trucks come in! Choosing longboard trucks for cruising can be tricky. There are so many kinds, and it’s hard to know which ones will give you that smooth, stable ride you crave. You might worry about buying the wrong ones and wasting money, or just not getting the fun, effortless cruising experience you want.
Don’t let confusing truck choices stop your good times! This post is here to help you understand exactly what makes a great cruising truck. We’ll break down the different types and what makes them tick, so you can pick the perfect pair for your longboard. After reading this, you’ll know how to find trucks that make your rides feel effortless and super fun. Get ready to upgrade your cruising game!
Our Top 5 Longboard Trucks For Cruising Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Trucks For Cruising Detailed Reviews
1. Generic Caliber II Style Trucks for Electric Skateboard
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking for new trucks for your skateboard? These Generic Caliber II Style Trucks are a great option. They work well for many types of skateboarding, like electric skateboards, longboards, freeride, downhill, cruising, and dancing. They have a 44-degree angle and come in a cool black color. These trucks will help you ride smoothly and control your board better.
What We Like:
- Versatile: These trucks are good for lots of different skateboarding styles.
- Smooth Ride: The 44-degree angle helps you turn easily and smoothly.
- Stylish: The black color looks sharp on any board.
- Affordable: They offer good performance for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Brand Recognition: Since they are generic, they might not have the same name recognition as other brands.
- Specific Durability: While generally good, long-term heavy use might show wear faster than premium brands.
These trucks are a solid choice for skaters who want good performance without spending a lot. They are a smart upgrade for your board.
2. Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser
Rating: 9.0/10
The Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a smooth and stylish ride. This longboard is built for fun, whether you’re commuting to work, cruising around town, or just enjoying a sunny afternoon. Its classic design and quality construction make it a joy to ride.
What We Like:
- It’s built to last with a mix of strong Canadian maple and flexible bamboo.
- Riding is super smooth thanks to good bearings and big wheels.
- You won’t get “wheel bite” (when the wheel touches the board) because of special cutouts.
- The wheels have a nice grip to keep you stable on the road.
- It comes ready to ride right out of the box – no assembly needed!
- The pintail shape and reverse kingpin trucks let you carve turns like you’re surfing.
- It’s a great beginner board for cruising and getting around.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for cruising and carving, it might not be the best choice for very aggressive downhill riding.
- The 85A durometer wheels are good for grip, but might feel a bit stiff on rougher surfaces compared to softer wheels.
This longboard offers a fun and reliable way to get around and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting a classic longboarding experience.
3. Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to experience an amazing ride with the Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks. These trucks are designed to be the new standard for reverse kingpin longboard trucks. They are made from strong forged aluminum. This makes them stronger and more precise than other trucks in their class. You’ll feel like you’re riding trucks that cost five times as much!
What We Like:
- Super light because of the 8mm axle through the hanger.
- They offer a really smooth and stable ride.
- The design gives you a lot of lean for awesome carving.
- They come with a machined ball pivot, tapered kingpin, and built-in speed rings.
- The cone bushings are great for cruising and carving with a surfy feel.
- You get incredible value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited availability might make them hard to find.
These trucks are a game-changer for your longboard. They’re built with care and precision for a ride you won’t forget.
4. GHOST BOARDS Longboard Skateboard Trucks – Longboard Trucks Built for Strength & Smooth Carving – Long Board Truck Designed for Dancing
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to upgrade your longboard experience? The GHOST BOARDS Longboard Skateboard Trucks are built for riders who demand strength and smooth carving. Whether you’re dancing on your board, hitting the downhill, or just cruising around, these trucks are designed to perform. They fit all longboards, making them a versatile choice for any setup.
What We Like:
- These trucks offer a smooth and controlled ride thanks to their 50° baseplate and special hanger design.
- They are built tough from heat-treated aluminum, so they can handle regular use and grinds without wearing out easily.
- Speed rings are included to reduce friction and keep your wheels rolling smoothly and aligned.
- The 6-hole baseplate means they fit on most longboards, whether they are new or older models, and fit decks from 8 to 10 inches wide.
- The 89A conical bushings help absorb impact and provide stable balance, making your ride more comfortable.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bushings are good for general use, advanced riders might want to swap them for harder or softer ones depending on their specific style.
- The “pocketed hanger structure” is a bit vague; more detail on how this specifically enhances performance would be helpful for serious skaters.
These GHOST BOARDS trucks provide a solid foundation for a great longboarding session. You’ll feel the difference in stability and control, allowing you to focus on enjoying your ride.
5. Caliber 3 Trucks 50° – Longboard Skateboard Trucks – for Downhill
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The Caliber 3 Trucks 50° are here to take your longboarding to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro hitting high speeds, these trucks offer a fantastic balance of carving and stability. They’re built tough and designed to handle all sorts of shredding, from downhill runs to smooth cruising.
What We Like:
- You get a complete set: 2 trucks, speed rings, Venom bushings and pivot cups, washers, and nuts.
- They’re great for DIY electric skateboards, but check if they fit your motor first.
- The V3 model is better than the V2: it turns smoother, is lighter, and lasts longer.
- Caliber trucks are made in the USA and are trusted by many skilled riders.
- They let you carve and turn easily without losing stability, so you can go fast and then cruise.
- The 50° angle is perfect for cruising, dancing, and carving, giving you more turns.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 50° angle offers a bit less stability than the 44° option, which is better for pure downhill speed.
- While great for DIY electrics, you need to make sure they are compatible with your specific motor setup.
Overall, Caliber 3 Trucks 50° are a solid choice for anyone looking for versatile and reliable trucks. They offer a great blend of performance for various riding styles.
Choosing the Best Longboard Trucks for Cruising
Cruising on a longboard is all about smooth rides and good times. Your trucks are a super important part of that! They connect your wheels to your deck and let you steer. Picking the right ones makes a big difference. This guide will help you find the perfect trucks for your cruising adventures.
1. Key Features to Look For
a. Truck Width
Truck width is measured from the outside of one kingpin nut to the outside of the other. For cruising, you generally want trucks that are about as wide as your deck, or a little wider. This gives you a stable ride. A good rule of thumb is to match your truck width to your deck width. If your deck is 9 inches wide, look for trucks around 8.5 to 9 inches wide.
b. Bushing Type and Hardness
Bushings are the rubbery things inside your trucks. They control how easily your trucks turn. Softer bushings let you turn more easily, which is great for weaving through obstacles. Harder bushings make your trucks stiffer, which is better for stability at higher speeds. For cruising, a medium hardness is usually a good choice. It balances easy turning with stability.
c. Kingpin Type
Most longboard trucks have an “inversed kingpin” (IKP). This means the kingpin bolt sticks out the bottom. This design helps with turning. Standard kingpins are found on skateboard trucks and are usually too restrictive for longboarding.
d. 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 rub against your deck when you turn sharply. For cruising, especially with larger wheels, riser pads are often a good idea.
2. Important Materials
Trucks are usually made from strong metals. The most common material is aluminum alloy. This metal is lightweight and durable. Some higher-end trucks might use magnesium or even titanium for extra strength and lightness, but aluminum is perfectly fine for most cruisers.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
a. Precision Machining
Trucks that are made with a lot of care and precision will feel better. This means the parts fit together well, and the kingpin is straight. Well-machined trucks will turn smoothly and won’t have any weird wobbles.
b. Durability
Good quality trucks can handle bumps and rough roads without bending or breaking. Stronger materials and good construction mean your trucks will last longer.
c. Smooth Turning
The best cruising trucks offer a smooth and predictable turn. You shouldn’t feel any grinding or resistance when you lean. This comes from good bushings and well-made pivot cups.
d. Wheel Bite
As mentioned, wheel bite can be a problem. Trucks that are too narrow or using wheels that are too big without risers can cause this. Good quality trucks and the right setup will help you avoid it.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
For cruising, you want trucks that feel responsive and forgiving. You should be able to lean into turns easily to navigate sidewalks or avoid cracks in the pavement. Carving, which is making smooth, flowing turns, is a lot of fun with the right trucks.
If you’re just starting, a versatile truck with medium bushings is a great choice. It will let you learn how to steer without being too twitchy. If you plan on doing more downhill or freeride, you might want stiffer bushings later on, but for pure cruising, ease of turning is key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in cruising longboard trucks?
A: The main features are truck width (matching your deck), bushing type and hardness (medium is good for cruising), and the kingpin type (inversed kingpins are best).
Q: What is the best material for longboard trucks?
A: Aluminum alloy is the most common and a great material. It’s strong and light.
Q: How do I know if my trucks are good quality?
A: Good quality trucks are precisely made, durable, and offer smooth, predictable turns without grinding.
Q: What is “wheel bite” and how do I avoid it?
A: Wheel bite is when your wheels rub against your deck when you turn. You can avoid it by using trucks that are the right width, not using wheels that are too big, or using riser pads.
Q: Should I get soft or hard bushings for cruising?
A: Medium hardness bushings are usually best for cruising. They give you a good balance of easy turning and stability.
Q: How wide should my trucks be?
A: Your trucks should be about as wide as your deck, or slightly wider, for a stable cruising ride.
Q: Do I need riser pads for cruising?
A: Riser pads can help prevent wheel bite, especially if you use larger wheels or want to turn more sharply. They are often recommended for cruising.
Q: What is an “inversed kingpin” (IKP)?
A: An inversed kingpin is a type of truck design where the kingpin bolt sticks out the bottom, which allows for easier and sharper turns, ideal for longboarding.
Q: Can I use skateboard trucks on a longboard?
A: While you can, it’s not ideal. Longboard trucks are typically wider and have inversed kingpins designed for the stability and turning needed for longboarding.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard trucks?
A: Longboard trucks are very durable. You usually only need to replace them if they get bent, broken, or if the bushings are completely worn out after many years of use.
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 Luigi Smith, the voice behind carrepairmag.com. As a passionate car enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in repairing and maintaining vehicles, I created this platform to share my knowledge and expertise. My goal is to empower car owners with practical advice, tips, and step-by-step guides to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a beginner looking to learn, carrepairmag.com is your go-to source for all things car repair!