Ever feel like your longboard is just… not quite right? Maybe it feels wobbly when you want it to carve, or stiff when you want it to turn. That feeling often comes down to one crucial, often overlooked part: your trucks! These metal pieces are the connection between your board and the road, and choosing the wrong ones can turn a fun ride into a frustrating one.
We know picking the perfect trucks can feel like a puzzle. There are so many shapes, sizes, and brands out there, and trying to figure out what works best for *your* riding style can be a real headache. Do you want to cruise smoothly down hills? Or maybe you’re all about sharp, quick turns for dancing? The right trucks make all the difference.
Don’t worry, though! This guide is here to make that puzzle a lot easier to solve. We’ll break down what makes trucks tick, explain the different types, and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick trucks that will make your longboard feel amazing, no matter how you like to ride. Let’s dive in and find your perfect pair!
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: 9.2/10
Get ready to experience an amazing ride with the Atlas Truck Co. Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks. These trucks are built to be the best in their class. They are made from strong, forged aluminum. This makes them lighter and more precise than other trucks. You’ll feel like you’re riding on trucks that cost way more!
What We Like:
- Super light due to the 8mm axle design.
- Smooth and fluid turning thanks to the ball pivot and cone bushings.
- Great for cruising, carving, and freeriding.
- Strong and built with precision for a reliable ride.
- They feel just as good as expensive trucks.
- The white color looks really cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- The very specific bushing setup might not be for everyone wanting to experiment with different bushing combinations right away.
These Atlas trucks offer a fantastic ride that’s hard to beat for the price. They are a top choice for any longboarder looking for quality and performance.
2. 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: 9.1/10
The ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks are designed for skaters who want a versatile setup. These black trucks come as a set of two and are built with high-quality aluminum alloy, making them strong and reliable. They are specifically designed for longboarding, skateboarding, and surf skateboarding, offering a smooth ride and excellent control. The Sidewinder II features a double kingpin design, which allows for a unique and responsive turning experience, mimicking the feel of surfing on land. With a 7″ hanger and a 9.72″ axle, these trucks are a solid choice for upgrading your current skateboard or building a new one.
What We Like:
- The high-quality aluminum alloy construction ensures durability.
- The double kingpin design provides a surf-like, responsive turning feel.
- These trucks are versatile and work well for longboarding, skateboarding, and surf skateboarding.
- Free hardware is included, which is a nice bonus.
- The 7″ hanger and 9.72″ axle offer a stable yet maneuverable ride.
What Could Be Improved:
- The listed axle measurement (12″) in the title differs from the hanger measurement (9.3″), which could cause confusion.
- While durable, the aluminum alloy might be heavier than some composite materials.
Overall, the ANTWHEEL Sidewinder II trucks offer a great way to enhance your skating experience. They provide a responsive and durable performance, perfect for riders looking to improve their control and style.
3. GHOST BOARDS Longboard Skateboard Trucks – Longboard Trucks Built for Strength & Smooth Carving – Long Board Truck Designed for Dancing
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to upgrade your longboard experience? The GHOST BOARDS Longboard Skateboard Trucks are engineered for riders who demand both strength and a super smooth ride. Whether you’re dancing on your board, tackling downhill speeds, or just cruising around town, these trucks are built to perform. They fit all longboards and come as a set of two, so you can get rolling right away.
What We Like:
- They give you smooth control for easy turning and stable riding on different surfaces.
- The trucks are made from strong, heat-treated aluminum that won’t wear out quickly and keeps its shape.
- Built-in speed rings help your wheels spin smoothly and stay in place.
- They fit most longboards because of their 6-hole baseplate, and they work with decks from 8 to 10 inches wide.
- The 89A conical bushings help you balance and turn without feeling shaky.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are great for general use, riders looking for highly specialized trucks for extreme downhill might want to explore other options.
- The bushings are a good all-around choice, but advanced riders might prefer to swap them out for custom hardness levels.
Overall, these GHOST BOARDS trucks offer a fantastic combination of durability and smooth performance for a wide range of longboard riding styles. They are a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their ride.
4. Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Wheels Combo Set 71mm Wheels + 7″/180mm Heavy Duty Aluminum Black Trucks
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to upgrade your longboard or build a new one? The Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Wheels Combo Set is a fantastic all-in-one package. It includes everything you need to get rolling smoothly and in style. This set is designed for cruising and everyday riding, making it a great choice for skaters of all levels.
What We Like:
- The 71mm, 78A Speed Cruiser wheels offer a comfortable ride and good grip.
- The 7″/180mm heavy-duty aluminum trucks are strong and stable, especially with their reverse kingpin design.
- Ritalin Abec-9 bearings are pre-lubed for smooth rolling right out of the box.
- The included riser pads help prevent wheel bite, keeping your ride smooth.
- The black hardware is durable and looks sharp.
- This combo set provides great value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the trucks are heavy-duty, some advanced skaters might prefer lighter options for tricks.
- The 78A wheel hardness is great for cruising but might be a bit soft for very smooth, fast downhill riding.
This Yocaher combo set makes it easy to get your longboard set up and ready to ride. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable upgrade or a starting point for a new board.
5. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2
Rating: 9.3/10
The Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks in Matte Black are your ticket to an amazing ride. If you love cruising and carving, these trucks will make your board feel brand new. They are designed to give you awesome control and a super smooth experience on your longboard.
What We Like:
- CARVING PERFECTION: These trucks let you carve with incredible smoothness. You’ll feel every turn easily.
- STRONG & DURABLE: Made from strong aluminum with a special heat treatment, these trucks are built tough. They have strong steel axles and kingpins that won’t break.
- ULTIMATE RESPONSE: They come with high-quality bushings that give you the best feeling and rebound when you turn.
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTING: The baseplate has six holes, so it fits most longboard decks, whether they’re old or new.
- GUARANTEED FOR LIFE: Paris is so confident in how they make these trucks that they promise they will last forever!
What Could Be Improved:
- For beginners, the 50° baseplate angle might feel a little tippy at first.
- While they are very durable, the matte black finish can show scratches over time with heavy use.
These Paris V2 trucks are a fantastic upgrade for any longboarder who wants a smooth, responsive, and long-lasting ride. They truly deliver on their promise of carving perfection.
Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Longboard
What are the main Key Features to look for?
When picking out trucks for your longboard, there are a few important things to consider. These are the parts that connect your wheels to your board, so they really matter for how your longboard rides. You’ll want to think about the width, the height, and the kingpin angle.
Width
The width of the trucks is super important. It should match the width of your deck. A good rule of thumb is that the axles of your trucks should be about as wide as your deck. If your trucks are too narrow, your board might feel wobbly. If they’re too wide, it can be harder to turn.
Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, medium, and high. Low trucks keep your board closer to the ground, which makes it easier to push and more stable. High trucks give you more clearance, which is good if you want to use bigger wheels or ride over rougher spots without hitting your deck. Medium trucks are a good all-around choice.
Kingpin Angle
The kingpin is the bolt that holds the trucks together. The angle of the kingpin affects how easily your board turns. A steeper angle (like 50 degrees) makes your board turn more sharply. A shallower angle (like 45 degrees) makes it more stable at high speeds.
Important Materials
Trucks are usually made from strong metals. The most common is aluminum. Good quality trucks use strong aluminum alloys. Some trucks also have steel parts, like the kingpin or axle, for extra strength. The bushings, which are the rubbery parts that help you turn, are usually made of polyurethane.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way trucks are made really changes how good they are. Trucks with precision-machined parts will feel smoother and last longer. Stronger metals and good quality bushings will make your ride better. If trucks are made cheaply, they might bend easily or have parts that wear out fast. Bushings that are too soft can make your board feel unstable, while bushings that are too hard can make turning difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
What you plan to do with your longboard matters a lot. If you like cruising around town and carving smooth turns, you’ll want trucks that turn easily. For downhill riding, you’ll need stable trucks that don’t wobble at high speeds. If you’re doing tricks, you might want trucks that are tough and can handle impacts.
Different types of trucks are better for different riding styles. Reverse Kingpin (RKP) trucks are very popular for longboarding. They offer great stability and are easy to turn, making them perfect for cruising, carving, and downhill. Traditional Kingpin (TKP) trucks are more common on skateboards but can be used on some longboards, especially for dancing or freestyle riding where quick turns are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying longboard trucks?
A: The width of the trucks should match the width of your deck. This helps with stability and turning.
Q: Are aluminum trucks good enough for longboarding?
A: Yes, good quality aluminum trucks are strong and work well for most longboarding. Look for strong aluminum alloys.
Q: How do truck height affect my ride?
A: Low trucks make your board stable and easy to push. High trucks give more wheel clearance for bigger wheels or rougher surfaces.
Q: What are bushings and why are they important?
A: Bushings are rubbery parts in the trucks that help you turn. Their hardness affects how easily you can lean and turn your board.
Q: Should I choose Reverse Kingpin (RKP) or Traditional Kingpin (TKP) trucks?
A: RKP trucks are best for cruising, carving, and downhill because they are stable and turn smoothly. TKP trucks can be used for dancing or freestyle.
Q: How do I know what width truck I need?
A: Measure your deck. The axle of the truck should be about the same width as your deck, or just a little wider.
Q: Can I use skateboard trucks on a longboard?
A: While some longboards use TKP trucks, RKP trucks are generally preferred for longboarding due to their stability and turning.
Q: What does kingpin angle mean?
A: The kingpin angle affects how your board turns. A steeper angle (like 50 degrees) turns sharper; a shallower angle (like 45 degrees) is more stable.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard trucks?
A: Trucks can last a long time if they are good quality and you take care of them. Replace them if they get bent, cracked, or if the pivot cup wears out.
Q: Where can I find good quality longboard trucks?
A: You can find them at skate shops, online retailers that sell longboard gear, and directly from longboard brands.
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!