The Complete Guide to Skateboard Truck Types: Everything You Need to Know

When building the perfect skateboard setup, choosing the right skateboard trucks is crucial for your riding experience. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced skater looking to upgrade your setup, understanding the different types of skate trucks available will help you make an informed decision that matches your skating style and preferences.

What Are Skateboard Trucks?

Skateboard trucks are the metal T-shaped components that connect your skateboard wheels and trucks to the deck. These essential skateboard truck parts serve as the steering mechanism for your board, allowing you to turn, carve, and control your direction while riding. Without quality trucks, skateboard performance would be severely compromised, making them one of the most important components of any complete setup.

The truck skateboard assembly consists of several key components: the baseplate, hanger, axle, kingpin, bushings, and pivot cup. Each of these skateboard truck parts plays a vital role in how your board feels and performs under your feet.

Anatomy of Skateboard Truck Parts: Complete Breakdown

Understanding each component of your skate trucks helps you make better decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and replacements. Here's a detailed breakdown of all skateboard truck parts and their functions:

Understanding Truck Height: Low, Mid, and High Profile

One of the most important factors when selecting trucks for skateboard setups is the truck height, also known as truck profile. This measurement determines how much clearance exists between your deck and the ground, directly affecting your ride quality and wheel compatibility.

Low Profile Trucks (46-48mm)

Low trucks are ideal for street skating and flip tricks, offering more stability for technical maneuvers. These skating trucks sit closer to the ground, providing a lower center of gravity that makes flip tricks easier to control and land. Street skaters often prefer low-profile skate board trucks because they offer better board feel and more responsive turning for technical skating.

Mid Profile Trucks (50-52mm)

Mid trucks represent the versatile middle ground, good for all-around skating. These skateboarding trucks offer a balanced compromise between stability and maneuverability, making them perfect for skaters who enjoy various skating styles. If you're unsure which height to choose, mid-profile trucks skate well in most situations.

High Profile Trucks (53-56mm)

High trucks are best for vert skating and larger wheels, preventing wheel bite during deep turns. These truck skate configurations provide maximum clearance for larger wheels, making them ideal for transition skating, cruising, and situations where you need to accommodate bigger skateboard wheels and trucks combinations.

Skateboard Truck Sizing: Finding the Perfect Width

Proper truck sizing is essential for optimal performance. The overall width of the truck should match the width of your deck. When skateboard trucks are too narrow or too wide for your deck, it can negatively impact your skating experience.

Most manufacturers use their own sizing systems, but the key measurement is the axle width. The axle width defines the overall truck width, and this is the measurement you want to match to your deck width. Here's a general sizing guide:

• 7.5" - 8.0" decks: Use 129-139mm trucks

• 8.0" - 8.5" decks: Use 139-149mm trucks

• 8.5" - 9.0" decks: Use 149-159mm trucks

• 9.0"+ decks: Use 159mm+ trucks

Popular Skateboard Truck Brands and Their Specialties

The skateboard industry features several reputable truck manufacturers, each with their own innovations and specialties.

Tensor Trucks: Innovation in Lightweight Design

Tensor Trucks is indisputably the most innovative company in the world of skateboard trucks, founded in 2000 by Rodney Mullen. These skate trucks often feature magnesium construction, making them significantly lighter than traditional aluminum trucks. Some Tensor trucks are made from magnesium, making them 25% lighter compared to other trucks.

You can find a wide selection of Tensor trucks available on the SkatesUSA website.

Independent Trucks: The Industry Standard

Independent has been manufacturing quality skateboard truck components for decades and remains one of the most trusted names in skating. Their trucks skateboard designs are known for durability and consistent performance across all skating disciplines.

SkatesUSA carries various Independent truck models to suit different skating styles and preferences.

Thunder Trucks: Performance and Reliability

Thunder trucks have earned their reputation through consistent quality and performance. These trunks skateboard (a common alternate spelling) are favored by many professional skaters for their reliable construction and excellent grinding capabilities.

The SkatesUSA collection includes Thunder trucks in multiple sizes and configurations.

Venture Trucks: Classic Design

Venture offers traditional truck designs that have proven effective over many years of skateboarding evolution. Their trucks and wheels compatibility makes them a popular choice for complete skateboard setups.

Browse the full range of Venture trucks available through SkatesUSA's online selection.

Advanced Truck Features and Technologies

Modern skateboard trucks incorporate various advanced features designed to enhance performance and reduce weight.

Hollow Construction

Many skateboard trucks are available with hollow kingpins and/or axles to reduce weight, making your board pop higher and flick faster. This hollow construction in skateboard truck parts can significantly impact your skating, especially for technical street skating where every ounce matters.

Inverted Kingpin Trucks

Inverted, or reverse, kingpin trucks are the best option for carving, cruising, or skating downhill at high speeds. While these aren't typically found on standard street setups, they're worth mentioning for skaters interested in longboarding or cruising applications.

Matching Trucks with Wheels and Riding Style

The relationship between your skateboard wheels and trucks is crucial for optimal performance. Different combinations work better for specific skating styles:

Street Skating Setup

For technical street skating, pair low-profile trucks with smaller, harder wheels (50-54mm, 99-101a durometer). This combination provides the responsiveness needed for flip tricks while maintaining good board feel.

Transition Skating Setup

Vert and bowl skaters typically prefer high-profile trucks paired with larger, softer wheels (55-60mm, 85-95a durometer). This setup offers better stability at high speeds and smoother rolling over rough surfaces.

Cruising Setup

For casual cruising, mid to high-profile trucks work well with larger, softer wheels. This combination prioritizes comfort and smooth rolling over technical performance.

Maintenance and Care for Your Skateboard Trucks

Proper maintenance of your skate truck components will extend their lifespan and maintain optimal performance. Regular cleaning, bushing replacement, and checking for wear on pivot cups and kingpins will keep your trucks functioning smoothly.

Keep your trucks clean and free from dirt and debris, especially around the pivot cup area. Replace bushings when they become compressed or cracked, as fresh bushings can dramatically improve your truck's responsiveness and feel.

Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Needs

When selecting new skating trucks, consider these key factors:

1. Your skating style: Street, vert, or all-around

2. Deck width: Ensure proper truck width matching

3. Desired truck height: Based on your wheel size and preference

4. Budget: Balance quality with affordability

5. Brand preference: Some skaters prefer specific manufacturers

Conclusion: Building Your Perfect Setup

Understanding the different types of skateboard trucks available empowers you to build a setup that matches your skating style and preferences. Whether you choose lightweight Tensor trucks for technical street skating, classic Independent trucks for all-around performance, or high-profile trucks for transition skating, the key is finding the combination that feels right under your feet.

Remember that truck skateboard selection is highly personal, and what works for one skater might not work for another. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands, heights, and features to find your perfect truck and wheel combination. Quality skateboard trucks are an investment in your skating progression, providing the foundation for everything from your first kickturn to your most technical tricks.

For a comprehensive selection of quality skateboard trucks and all your skateboarding gear needs, visit SkatesUSA to find everything required for your perfect setup.