An essential part of every skateboard is the T-shaped metal connecting your deck to the wheels and bearings, otherwise known as skate trucks.
It is important to get the right skate trucks when you are assembling your skateboard.
They will directly affect your skating stability and your skate tricks.
Wheel bites or the rubbing of wheels to the board during a trick or turn can also be avoided if the right trucks are chosen.
WHEEL BITES: WHEN YOUR SKATE WHEELS “BITE” AGAINST YOUR SKATE DECK.
Let’s get acquainted with the major parts and understand how they affect your overall skating performance.
The axle is the long rod like attachment for the wheels. Its length is supposed to be about the same as the width of the deck.
The hanger supports the axle that runs through it. This triangular metal piece is the largest part of the skateboard truck.
The kingpin nut is the big bolt that holds the skate trucks parts together.
The bushings fitted around the kingpin to allow the board to turn and pivot smoothly are made from soft urethane rings.
The truck size is usually determined by the axle length. You may go with an axle that is just over or under 1/4" the width of the board.
Our suggested truck sizes depending on your deck size:
One of the factors to also consider in choosing the trucks is how the kingpins and axles are made.
Hollow kingpins and axles are becoming popular due to their lighter weight. Light without compromising strength.
Truck profile is another consideration too in making choices for trucks. Truck profile is the distance between the hanger and the bottom of the skate deck.
Often, most skateboarders prefer the mid-size trucks. However, mid-sized trucks can be changed for high or low trucks depending on skating style.
*Low–sized trucks are ideal for small wheels with a size of 50-53 mm. They can provide excellent stability for doing tricks like flip tricks.
*Mid-sized trucks are recommended for 53-56 mm wheel sizes. They are awesome to use for parks and street skateboarding.
*High-sized trucks are recommended for 56mm+ wheel sizes. They are best for carving and cruising streets on a longboard or cruiser.
At the end of the day, buy the trucks your friend recommends. Test it out, and make a better decision next time.
As an avid skateboarder, you’ll be buying many trucks in your lifetime.
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