EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SKATE TRUCKS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SKATE TRUCKS

Skateboard trucks are the heart and soul of your board. Reason why you should always evaluate your options before picking your new set. Believe it or not, getting the right trucks can really make a difference between landing a trick or not.

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The skateboard community has always been divided about the best skateboard trucks, but in the end, it comes down to personal preference and style. There’s not one trucks brand that is above others on all levels as they all have their functionalities and specs. However, there is definitely a brand that will suit your needs more than another.

Some are lighter than others, some offer a bigger wheelbase, some are considered more stable, some turn better and so on. Let’s look at a couple of trucks brands and see what makes them stand out and why they are better suited for you and your type of skating.

INDEPENDENT - DURABILITY

Independent trucks most valuable qualities are that they are very durable and turn really good. Two factors that are really important when choosing new trucks. Of all trucks, Indy’s have to most ‘meat’ to grind through, making them more durable. Changing trucks is always hard, so the longer you keep them, the better you feel on your board. Indy’s are great if you’re trying to keep your trucks for a long time.

On the other hand, Independent trucks have a reputation for being heavy. At least heavier than most. This changed when Independent introduced the Stage 11 Hollows and the Titanium trucks.

Compared to Thunder indys turn better, which is also why many mini ramp and bowl/pool skaters prefer them. Not everyone is a fan of the stock bushings but that goes for every brand. I personally never had any issues, it just takes some time to break them in.

The metal on indys feels a bit softer which makes them great for grinding. They are also quite high, the forged trucks are 53.5mm (same as Venture and Tensor) and the standard/hollows are a bit higher with 55mm.

Great for transition and street

Must have for mini ramp, bowl/pool

Turn better than most trucks

Most durable trucks

Guaranteed for Life

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THUNDER - CONTROL

There’s no doubt about it, Thunder trucks are many street skaters favorite trucks. The reason why people love them so much is for their responsiveness, grinding ability, and the fact they are lighter than most. Thunder trucks are about the best trucks you can get and will last you a long time. They are less turny than indy’s and might not last as long, but on the other hand, are very light and easy to control.

One of the cool things about Thunder is that the brand offers many trucks that there’s a model for every type of skating and preferences out there. You have the hollows if you like it real light as well as a wide selection of length to fit any terrain and lots of different colorways to choose from.

On the bushing level, Thunder offers fantastic stock bushings and will break in quickly. You can either go for Thunder lows or highs, the lows can cause wheel bite sometimes depending on the size of your wheels and are better for street skating. If you’re a tranny skater, go for the highs.

A great choice for flip tricks and grinding

Perform great in skate parks and on the streets

Some of the lightest trucks on the market

Very versatile, if you like to skate everything like parks, street and transition, you will be satisfied

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VENTURE - STABILITY

Venture Trucks are about the most stable trucks you can get which is very noticeable when you skate. The reason why they are that stable lie in the fact that these trucks are made in a way that gives your setup a longer wheelbase that’s ideal for a better balance. Transition skater or tech skaters alike can seriously appreciate this brand as the lows are great for street skating and the highs perform really well in bowl, pool, mini ramp, and vert.

Even though they are a bit less turny compared to Indys, they help you maintain your balance. Venture are also excellent skateboard trucks for beginners as balance is often an issue when stepping on a board for the first time.

Most quality trucks now offer bushings that break in much faster than it used to, but these bushings only take about 30 minutes to get used to. Venture Trucks are very snappy trucks and provide great pop. As for durability, thet fall right between Indys and Thunders, meaning you can also skate your ventures for a long time.

Great lock-in on transitions, great for flip tricks.

Stability is great for manual tricks.

Very decent grind on flat bars and rounded ledges but the hard metal makes them grind slower.

Very loose trucks, bushings break in quite fast.

Dropped kingpin for extra clearance so you don’t get stuck when you grind an obstacle.

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ACE TRUCKS – EASY TO BREAK IN

 Ace trucks are very carve-y trucks and are often appreciated for bowl skating or cruising. The stock bushings are fine but it’s hard to replace them, only Krux bushings seem compatible. That said, Ace bushings are known for being very easy to get used to and to break in. Some even say these trucks feel comfortable from the first minute you ride them.

Less suitable for technical grinds as they are harder to lock-in. Kingpin clearance is minimal and they tend to wobble at greater speeds. Not for skaters who like to ride their trucks tight.

Ace are also known to offer very light trucks that are perfect for a proper and snappy pop. A few of their models are even considered some of the lightest in the game.

No need to break-in.

Good choice for a cruiser.

Great for bowl skateboarding.

Very light and good for popping.

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KRUX – FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TIGHT TRUCKS

Krux is a good choice for street skating and are kind of light. At least lighter than Indys. Very slight camber to the hanger and shaved off baseplates gives them that lightness. Very recognizable by the hole which exposes the kingpin and bushings. Krux trucks, as opposed to Ace, are better when tight. Although some bowl skaters love them, we do not recommended for transition, mini ramps, bowls, vert, or anyone that likes to ride loose trucks.

The trucks super thick rounded baseplate and hanger can take lots of abuse. Krux are great for those who love riding tight trucks and offer a lot of stability. These trucks also offer a level of durability that’s very good for the common skater. Not as durable as Independent of Thunder, but still, you won’t have to change them too often as they are not easy to break.

On the control side of things, the Krux are not the easiest to control as they are better when ridden very tight, which doesn’t allow the trucks to turn as easily as a Indy or a Thunder. That said, the metal of the trucks is smooth and allows for great grinds. The bushing is easy to break in, making it easy to get used to the trucks fast.

Good for manual tricks and technical skating

Adequate for flip tricks

Very stiff, they don’t turn really well

Medium durability.

Easy to break in.

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TENSOR – TECHNICAL FEATURES

Tensor is Rodney Mullen’s company and it’s known for its ultra light trucks and technical features. Tensors are usually pretty low, which can be a problem with bigger wheels but it also makes them very stable trucks. Ideal for beginners. The design of the trucks baseplate is also made to help you slide and grind better when locking on obstacles.

On the durability level, Tensors tend to wear a lot faster and should be avoided if you don’t feel like changing your trucks every few months.They don’t turn that well, but beginners won’t mind because of the stability they offer. You can always tweak the trucks a little by replacing the stock bushings.

If you like to skate big stuff and impact obstacles, you’re probably better off with something more durable. The magnesium truck tends to break faster so if you want a more sturdy truck, avoid them. Though Tensors are known for providing a fast grind, you don’t have a lot of meat to chew through. All that being said, Tensor offers some of the lightest trucks in the game, that fact alone makes mentioning them justified. They put a lot of time into researching and developing the lightest trucks in the world. 

Ultra-lightweight 

Decent at grinding and technical tricks, not so much for transition.

Not very durable.
Lifetime guarantee against breakage in case of a manufacturing defects

Low kingpin to avoid hangups

Interlocking bushings for better control

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TRUST US, TRUCKS THAT ARE ADAPTED TO YOUR NEEDS AND SKATING WILL CHANGE THE GAME FOR YOU. CHECK OUT THE LINK BELOW TO SHOP OUR TRUCKS SELECTION.

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