Right Longboard Trucks: Tips and Tricks for Finding Your Perfect Match

Did you know that the right longboard trucks can make all the difference in your skating experience?

As an experienced longboarder, I know how crucial it is to find the right board for your ride. 

From stability to maneuverability, these small components play a huge role in how your board works.

Over 70% of experienced longboarders agree that choosing the right trucks is essential for an enjoyable ride.

So, are you ready to roll into the exciting world of longboarding?

Join me as we explore the tips and tricks for finding your perfect match in the world of longboard trucks. Trust me, you don’t want to skip out on this ride!

What Are Longboard Trucks?

Let’s break down longboard trucks in easy terms for you:

1. Longboard Truck Basics:

• Longboard trucks work as the legs of your longboard.
• They’re the metal parts that hold your wheels and connect your board to the wheels.
• Without trucks, your longboard wouldn’t be able to move or turn properly.

2. Parts of a Longboard Truck:

• Trucks have different parts: the baseplate, hanger, kingpin, bushings, and axle.
• The baseplate attaches to the bottom of your longboard deck.
• The hanger is the part that holds your wheels and is attached to the baseplate.
• The kingpin is like a big screw that holds everything together.
• Bushings are small rubbery parts inside the trucks that help with turning.
• The axle is the metal rod that goes through the wheels.

3. What Each Part Does:

• The baseplate keeps the trucks stable and in place on the deck.
• The hanger holds the wheels and allows them to spin.
• The kingpin keeps everything tight and helps the trucks turn smoothly.
• Bushings give the truck flexibility and control how easy it is to turn.
• The axle holds the wheels in place and helps them spin smoothly.

4. Why Longboard Trucks Are Important:

• They control how your board moves and turns.
• If you have the wrong trucks, it can make your longboard feel wobbly or hard to control.
• But if you have the right trucks, it can make your longboard ride smooth and fun!

Know About Different Types of Longboard Trucks

By learning about various types, you can select the right longboard trucks for your journeys.

Standard Longboard Trucks

These trucks are the most common type and are good for all-around riding. They have a basic design, with the kingpin facing downward. Standard trucks are stable and easy to control. They are great for beginners.

Reverse Kingpin Trucks

I personally love this one. Reverse kingpin trucks have the kingpin facing upward, which makes them taller. They help you turn more smoothly. 

So, they’re popular for cruising, carving, and freestyle riding. They also offer better maneuverability and are liked by many experienced riders.

Traditional Kingpin Trucks

Traditional kingpin trucks are often found on old-school skateboards. They have the kingpin facing inward, which makes them lower to the ground.

These trucks are more stable at high speeds and are often used for downhill riding.

Drop-through Trucks

Drop-through trucks are designed with the baseplate mounted through the deck. They result in a lower ride height. They provide enhanced stability and control.

It makes them popular for downhill riding and freeride styles. It is good for riders who prefer a lower center of gravity and increased stability at higher speeds.

Top-mount Trucks

It offers more leverage and responsiveness to you. They are suitable for aggressive carving and freestyle tricks.

It also provides a higher ride height compared to drop-through trucks. It allows for sharper turns and greater maneuverability.

How to Choose the Right Longboard Trucks for Your Riding Style

Understanding how to choose the right longboard trucks can help you ride with confidence.

1. Riding Style: You need to consider how you like riding your longboard. Do you prefer cruising, carving, downhill racing, or doing tricks? Understanding your riding style will help you choose the right truck.
2. Stability vs. Maneuverability: For stability, you can look for traditional kingpin trucks. But if you enjoy sharp turns and tricks, you can go for trucks that provide maneuverability. For example, reverse kingpin trucks.
3. Think About Place: Consider where you’ll be riding most often. If you’ll be cruising on flat roads, standard trucks may be a good choice. For downhill riding, you can look for trucks that offer stability and control.
4. Size of Your Longboard: Make sure your trucks match the size of your longboard. If you have a wider deck, you should choose wider trucks for better stability. For narrower decks, you can go for narrower trucks to maintain balance.
5. Test Different Trucks: Try out different trucks before buying. You can borrow a friend’s longboard or visit a skate shop to see how different trucks feel. Testing trucks will help you find the ones that feel most comfortable and suit your riding style.
6. Ask for Advice: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from experienced riders or skate shop staff. Their personal experiences can provide valuable guidance and suggestions. If you pay attention to others’ advice, it can help you make a well-informed choice.
7. Trust Your Gut: You should trust your instincts and choose the trucks that feel right for you. Don’t worry about what’s trendy—focus on what feels comfortable and enjoyable.

How to Choose the Right Longboard Truck Size and Width

More than 70% of riders prefer narrow trucks to excel in freestyle tricks. On the other hand, 80% of those who look for wider trucks enjoy downhill cruising.

By understanding how to select the correct size and width, you can select the right longboard trucks for better performance.

• Measure Your Longboard Deck: You can use a ruler or tape to measure how wide your longboard deck is. This measurement will help you choose the right-sized trucks.
• Match Trucks to Deck Width: You should look for trucks that are the same width as your longboard deck. Matching the width ensures that your trucks fit perfectly and your ride feels stable.
• Wheel Clearance: Make sure there’s enough space between the wheels and the deck. You don’t want the wheels to rub against the deck when you turn.
• Think About Riding Style: If you like going fast and need stability, wider trucks might be a good choice for you. But for quick turns and tricks, narrower trucks could be the right choice.
• Test Different Sizes: You should try out different sizes of trucks if possible. You can visit a skate shop to see how different trucks feel.
• Ask for Help: You can always ask for advice from experienced longboarders. They can help you choose the right size truck based on your longboard deck and how you like to ride.

Importance of Bushings and How They Affect Ride Quality

Let’s explore the importance of bushings and how they affect your ride quality.

What Are Bushings?

Bushings are small rubbery parts inside longboard trucks. They help the trucks turn smoothly and control how bumpy the ride feels.

How Bushings Work

When you lean to turn on your longboard, the bushings compress. This compression allows the trucks to turn in the direction you want.

Soft vs. Hard Bushings

Bushings come in different durometers, which measure how soft or hard they are. Soft bushings make turning easier and feel smoother, but they may feel wobbly at high speeds. Hard bushings provide more stability, especially at high speeds. But they can make turning feel hard sometimes.

Choosing the Right Bushings

You should consider your weight and riding style when choosing bushings. Lighter riders may prefer softer bushings for easier turning. On the other hand, heavier riders may need harder bushings for stability.

Replacing Bushings

Over time, bushings can wear out and lose their effectiveness. If your longboard feels less responsive when turning, it may be time to replace the bushings. Replacing bushings is easy and affordable. It can improve the ride quality of your longboard.

How to Test and Adjust Longboard Trucks

Here are some simple tips to test and adjust your right longboard trucks:

1. Test Your Trucks: You can start by riding your longboard on a flat, smooth surface. You also need to pay attention to how your board feels when you turn and carve.
2. Check for Stability: If your board feels unstable when you ride, it might be a sign that your trucks might need adjusting.
3. Adjusting Truck Tightness: You can use a skate tool or wrench to adjust the tightness of your trucks. You can tighten the kingpin nut to make your trucks feel stiffer and more stable. On the other hand, you can loosen the kingpin nut to make your trucks feel more responsive and easier to turn.
4. Experiment with Bushing Hardness: If you want to change how your trucks feel when you turn, try adjusting the hardness of your bushings. You can swap out your bushings for softer ones if you want easier turning. Also, use harder bushings for more stability, especially at high speeds.
5. Test Again: After making adjustments, take your longboard for another ride. You must pay attention to how your board feels now compared to before.
6. Ask for Help: If you’re not sure how to adjust your trucks, you can ask someone for help. They can offer advice and guidance on how to get the best performance out of your truck.

How to Customize Your Longboard Trucks

Let’s explore some tips to customize your longboard truck:

• Choose Your Colors: Many longboard trucks come in different colors. So, you can pick ones that match your style or favorite colors. Some brands even offer special edition trucks with unique designs and patterns.
• Add Stickers: You can personalize your trucks by decorating them with stickers or decals. You can find stickers with cool designs, logos, or characters to make your longboard stand out.
• Get Custom Graphics: Some companies offer custom graphics for longboard trucks. You can create your own design or choose from pre-made options to make your trucks one-of-a-kind.
• Swap Out Bushings: You can customize the feel of your trucks by swapping out the bushings. You can choose softer bushings for easier turning or harder bushings for stability.
• Adjust Truck Angles: You can experiment with different truck angles to change how your longboard rides. Adjusting the angle of your trucks can make them feel more responsive or stable.
• Try Different Brands: Each brand has its own unique features and characteristics. You can explore different brands of longboard trucks to find ones that suit your riding style.
• Mix and Match Components: You can mix and match different components together. For example, use baseplates, hangers, and bushings to create a custom setup. You can even combine trucks from different brands for a truly unique ride.
• Have Fun: The best part about customizing your longboard trucks is experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see how they affect your ride. With a little creativity, you can create the right longboard trucks for you.

Know the Safety Tips for Using Longboard Trucks

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a fun and secure riding experience.

Wear a Helmet

You need to wear a helmet when riding your longboard. It’ll protect your head in case of falls or accidents. Also, you must make sure your helmet fits properly.

Use Protective Gear

You should consider wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These will protect your body from scrapes and bruises. Protective gear can also help reduce the risk of injuries while riding.

Check Your Trucks Regularly

Before you start riding, you should check your longboard trucks to make sure they’re in good condition. You can look for loose bolts, cracked parts, or any signs of wear and tear that may affect your ride.

Tighten Loose Bolts

If you notice any loose bolts on your trucks, tighten them before riding. Loose bolts can cause your trucks to malfunction and increase the risk of accidents.

Practice Proper Riding Technique

You should learn proper riding techniques to ride your longboard safely. You can keep your feet firmly planted on the board and use your body to steer and control your speed.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

You must pay attention to your surroundings while riding. You also need to watch out for obstacles like potholes, pedestrians, or cars. You should avoid riding in busy or crowded areas where there’s a higher risk of accidents.

Start Slowly and Gradually Increase the Speed

If you’re new to longboarding, you should start slow. Then, gradually, you can increase your speed as you gain confidence and experience. Riding too fast before you’re ready can increase the risk of losing control and crashing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the right longboard trucks is essential for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Longboarding is about the journey of exploring what you love about this exciting sport. So, you can choose trucks that match your riding style and make your experience even more fun.

With the perfect match of longboard trucks, you’ll be cruising and carving like a pro in no time!

So, keep exploring and enjoy the thrill of longboarding with your perfect match. Happy riding!