I guess, once clicking on this collection for the best longboard trucks, chances are that you already understand the importance of these solid, metal pieces.
However, do you know that precise geometry and quality material are two must-consider things for good trucks? Not saying that there are tons of designs, materials, shapes, and brands out there. They are enough to make you overwhelmed.
So, if you’re a beginner, I’m here to give you some help. Read on!
See Also:
- Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners In 2019 Review – Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
- The 20 Best Longboard Brands Reviews In 2019
- Top 13 Best Longboards for Cruising – 2019 Edition (UPDATED)
Table of Contents
- Best Longboard Trucks – Comparison Chart 2019
- Top 7 Best Longboard Trucks Reviews 2019
- 1. Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Combo Set w/ 71mm Wheels + 9.675″ Polished/Black Trucks Package
- 2. Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard Trucks Set of 2
- 3. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2) – 133
- 4. Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks – set of two – 107
- 5. BEAR Grizzly 852 52° 181mm Gen 5 Longboard Skateboard Trucks – 85
- 6. Speed 5″ Turbo Trucks Set w/Screws – 26
- 7. Bear by Landyachtz Grizzly 852 Longboard Trucks – 5
- The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Longboard Trucks
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Best Longboard Trucks – Comparison Chart 2019
| Product Name | Width (mm or inch) | Kingpin | Baseplate | Bushing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks | 175mm | Grade 8 HD7 Reverse Kingpin | 90A PU Bushing | |
| Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard Trucks | 10” | Double kingpin | Rubber bushings | |
| Paris V2 Longboard Skateboard Trucks | 180mm | pressed-in kingpins | 50° 6-hole baseplate | Paris 90a Urethane Bushings |
| Caliber Trucks Cal II Longboard Trucks | 10” | Reverse pressed-in kingpin | 50° reinforced baseplate | 89a Blood orange ultra-HR |
| BEAR Grizzly 852 Gen 5 Longboard Skateboard Trucks | 181mm | 52° 8-hole baseplate | ||
| Speed 5" Turbo Trucks | 7.63" | |||
| Bear by Landyachtz Grizzly 852 Longboard Trucks | 180mm | Reverse Kingpin | 47° baseplate |
Top 7 Best Longboard Trucks Reviews 2019
1. Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Combo Set w/ 71mm Wheels + 9.675″ Polished/Black Trucks Package
(Yocaher – how to pronounce it, dudes? Yo-cah-ner or Yock-ner?)
Anyway, if you have never tried these longboard trucks, make it now – my sincere advice. They outperform the kingpin trucks of my brother that he had as trucks only without bearings or wheels for nearly 2 times of price. And about the quality of both, in comparison, this one is amazingly better.
Normally, I don’t give much trust on the stock wheels enclosed with the trucks because they, in most cases, are trashy. However, after 5 months of use, I’m pleasantly proved wrong.
The solid metal trucks are quite easy to adjust by loosening or tightening the kingpin. Besides, the wheels are durable enough to ride over twigs, pebbles and other obstacles easily. In terms of the risers, they are hard-plastic that can prevent wheel-bite efficiently by limiting the cut on your board edge.
The only part that I feel less decent performance than other ones is bearings. They are a bit slower than my expectation but in comparison to other brands like Oust Moc 7 or Bones Reds, these are really competitive.
Overall, I would give this set a 9.5/10. Highly recommended for those who don’t prefer to spend much time and effort to look for the longboard parts one by one.
Pros
- Come in a full set of trucks, bearings, risers, and wheels with affordable price and high quality
- Sturdy, adjustable trucks
- Durable wheels can ride over harsh surfaces
- Hard plastic risers to avoid wheel-bite
Cons
- Bearings are a bit slow
2. Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard Trucks Set of 2
The best thing about Sector 9 products is their various options of size and color. Equivalent to that is different price tags but compared to their quality, I find it’s reasonable as a long-term investment.
With these trucks, they are particularly good for those who look for easy, exaggerated turning.
Feature a double kingpin setup, they are perfect to cope with a drop-through deck for endless carving fun and more turning radius. You might need to adjust them a little bit to have two kingpins worked perfectly together. But trust me, after finding out the right setup, you don’t want to swap out to any trucks else.
They are good for cruising, commuting in crowded city streets or around town due to their incredible ability to eat cracks.
Aside from such decent performance is a sick nasty look on the baseplate bottom, plus, a grid pattern to nail up your unique characteristics.
Pros
- Various color and size choices
- Affordable price with high quality
- Deliver easy, exaggerated turning
- Have a double kingpin setup with more turning radius
- Impressive outlook
Cons
- Not work well on high speeds
3. Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2) – 133
Considered as the best longboard trucks for smooth carves in and out of turns, with positive hanger rake and unrestrictive bushing seats, these Paris V2 are like the gold standard that anyone who is a carving and pumping rider shouldn’t dismiss.
Other than those two highlights, their 50° baseplate is worth considering for a playful and responsive truck with an effortless, fluid ride.
But what I appreciate the most in these trucks are material. They are 100% virgin aluminum – much lighter than other trucks that I’ve tried, but significantly more durable.
I’m a heavy rider who love challenging myself on different harsh terrains, which is why oftentimes, the trucks and wheels are frequently replaced. However, with these, and through 7 months riding on them, no cracks at all. There are just some small, light scratches on the outside, which is amazing.
If you own a modern longboard with new-school truck mounting design, feel ease in mind as these trucks come up with the 6-hole baseplate. Other than that, Paris offers a lifetime warranty for each V2 180mm Longboard Truck so, I believe you will get more confidence to give it a try.
Pros
- Feature positive hanger rake and unrestrictive bushing seats
- Bring smooth, fluid carves and pumps
- Lightweight, durable, and wear resistant
- 6-hole baseplate for multiple truck mounting options
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit squeaky
4. Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks – set of two – 107
Every single thing about the Caliber Trucks Cal II is a really great quality to last me a reasonable amount of time.
First off, is their durability. For how long these trucks had been taking my abuse, no matter riding rain or shine, they last for more than 2 years before kicking the bucket.
I’ve searched a little bit about them to know that Caliber truckers are manufactured under new techniques to beef up their strength. In comparison to the Cal I, these are about 40% stronger than.
Along with that, is the reinvented bushing seats. They can remove all excess movement to deliver more precise feel whilst keeping the rider’s weight distribution from translating to turn. To me, it’s a precious thing that you should consider for a smooth, stable, and high-quality set of trucks.
Besides, with this product, you will get two choices of additional parts – with or without bearings, equivalent to different price tags. I myself love the high maneuvers of their bearings to perfectly do cruising and downhills. So, if you’re in lack of them, go get some.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Good looking: superb pain finish
- Easy to install
- 40% stronger than Caliber Cal I
- Withstand all weather condition
- Advanced bushing seat for better weight distribution and get a more precise feel while riding
- Lean softly, turn easily
- Include bushings
- Two choices: with or without bearings
Cons
- Loud bushings
5. BEAR Grizzly 852 52° 181mm Gen 5 Longboard Skateboard Trucks – 85
Heavy riders might have the same concern as me when it comes to choosing the best longboard trucks – Axles’ strength. It’s because under a huge load, with poor-quality axles, chances are that they tend to crack or deform soon. I myself used to swap out countless trucks just because of this same-old issue.
That’s why I found myself smitten on these Bear Grizzly 852 Gen 5 trucks. Compared to the previous versions, their axle strength is utterly outstanding to stay well more than 3 years.
Its baseplate is also worth mentioning.
First off, is their 8-hole design. This is something that might only the riders with a modern longboard understand – its mounting option isn’t compatible with the traditional baseplate.
But with such thoughtful advance from Bear, you can feel ease in mind to pick these trucks for yours. They are a versatile option for both the new-school and old-school hole patterns.
Another bonus is the weight reduction for easier carry as well as greater maneuvers. In brief, I’ve got no remorse of this purchase!
Pros
- Lightweight, durable, and versatile
- Deliver stability when the hangers are flipped
- Very scary during a ridden stock
- 8-hold baseplate to be compatible with both old-school and new-school hold patterns
- High-quality aluminum
- Include bushing seat that works well on different bushing sizes and shapes
- Can prevent wheel bite Nice trucks for downhills
Cons
- Bushings
6. Speed 5″ Turbo Trucks Set w/Screws – 26
These Speed 5” Turbo Trucks are one of my top picks for tight-budget buyers.
They are considered the cheapest option in this collection but don’t let that make you equate these trucks with cheap quality. Metal alloy finish, well-made construction, and precise details, their sophistication will amaze you.
Measured by 7.63” axle length with 5” hanger, it’s a go-to choice for any longboard decks within 7.5” – 7.75”. And for the wheels, 51mm’s to 54mm’s is the best.
Compared to other counterparts in this price range, at least to those that I’ve tried, there’s a clear difference in performance, especially the durability. With these, you can ride over the twigs and pebbles with ease. Plus, is the great maneuverability that you just need to give little effort for a long-lasting ride.
If you’re a little afraid that these trucks won’t go to be that good performance due to the affordable price, I can assure that’s impossible.
Pros
- Super affordable price
- Well-made construction with sturdy finish
- Easy to install
- Durable, solid, lightweight and functional
- Can ride over pebbles and twigs
- Great maneuverability, balance, and turn sharply
- Look cool
Cons
- The brighter color won’t look the same as its pictures
7. Bear by Landyachtz Grizzly 852 Longboard Trucks – 5
Last but not least is “this game changer”.
After a year sticking with Bear bearings, I’ve become a fan of them. One thing I can assure you is, once riding these, you will never want to go back to other regular longboard trucks ever again.
It’s the most versatile that I’ve tried. Fitting nicely any mounting options, compatible with any hanger’s shape and working well on all sizes of wheels.
But the best thing is, you can either flip the trucks over or not for different purposes. For example, if you tend to get more stable for downhill with lower turning radius, or higher speed in shredding, just flip it over.
Otherwise, they will keep a very responsive and turning performance in the standard position. Carving is superbly smooth, sharp and easy. Besides, combining with big, soft wheels aren’t a thing for these (Especially for those who are using the Orangatang’s 80mm Kegel like me).
Attach it and you’re flying. At nearly $53, I’m pretty sure that you can’t go wrong. I myself would pleasantly pay double.
Pros
- High quality, lightweight, and versatile
- Come with great bushing and bolts
- Minimal but cool look
- Can serve for different longboarding styles
- Very stable in bombing hills and responsive on carving
- Work well on big wheels
Cons
- Don’t have many sizes and color options
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Longboard Trucks
Truck width
Truck width is the most vital feature that you should never forget when it comes to choosing the best longboard trucks. If it matches perfectly to your longboard deck width, what you will receive at the end is a phenomenal performance out of your setup.
That’s why they always advise riders to choose the truck width as close to the deck’s as possible.
But in the worst case that you can’t find the best match between the two of them, my last advice is going for a little too wide of trucks rather than a little too narrow. Why? – you might ask.
Well, it’s because of stability and balance. Think about it, a wide longboard deck on small trucks – how wobbled it is!
Now, here’s a piece of sad news, it’s really confusing when looking for the right truck width as some companies will have their own measuring units or might measure the trucks on different points.
Two popular points are referring to either the axle length or the hanger length. My experience to distinguish these two numbers is looking at the measuring unit.
If the company measures its truck width in millimeter, that’s the hanger length. On the other hand, if they measure their truck width in the inch, it must be the axle length.
Another tip is, there are two common numbers of hanger width: 150mm and 180mm. It’s equivalent to the deck width. In detail, if your longboard deck sizes 9”, it’s best to cope with 150mm trucks. And, this is the common combo for commuting, carving, and freestyle.
On the other hand, if the deck width is 10”, you should choose 180mm trucks for the best match, which is also considered as the standard for freeride and downhill.
- Truck baseplate angle
This is optional that while looking for some longboard trucks, might you see the index of a 50-degree angle. It’s for the truck baseplate angle.
Usually, the baseplate is a rectangular piece taking the role of screwing the rest of the truck to the deck. It’s made of high-quality metal and usually, the angle of the kingpin relating to the baseplate will let you know how sharp your longboard can make of a turn.
Remember this, the higher the angle, the sharper the turn.
The most common index you might see is 50 degrees (in most RKP trucks). It’s perfect for cruising, carving, and downhill riding because they give you a responsive, snappy feel at low speeds. So, this is a common choice for those who prefer to ride under 35 mph or beginners.
Another index is 44 degrees, which is the most favorite of competitive downhill riders or the professionals because they don’t require many turns, but it turns, allows you to learn more.
In comparison, a setup with 50-degree trucks will turn far more than the one with 44-degree trucks. From that point, if you love leaning hard into fast corners, choose the second index for your trucks as they will save you from oversteering.
Take note that you can absolutely change the baseplate angle on your own by inserting some angled risers.
- Deck lean
Sound strange, right?
Actually, deck lean describes the shifting of your longboard deck when you turn it to one side by applying a downward force to the rails. There are three vital features that determine deck lean:
- The stiffness of your deck material
- Tightness of trucks
- Pressure level you apply
When it comes to the tightness of trucks, keep this in mind:
The loser of trucks, the leaner the deck and vice versa.
Other than that, the truck height is also a must-consider feature if you want to monitor the deck lean. Remember that:
The shorter of trucks, the lower your deck from the ground, the less room for deck lean.
That’s why it is advised choosing for high trucks to avoid deck bite as well as a nasty wipeout. On the contrary, for those riders with low trucks, don’t overpressure on the rails.
It’s best to adjust the longboard for lean by yourself to suit for your favorite skating style as much as possible. (Bonus: The more deck lean, the better performance in cruising and carving)
Truck-style
Two major categories of this feature are the reserve kingpin (RKP) and the standard kingpin (SKP). They are determined by your skating style.
In detail, if you’re major in longboarding, like commuting, freestyle, carving, downhill riding, and freeriding, the RKP is the best choice. They are responsive and lively at low speeds whereas delivering better control and stability at high speeds.
Otherwise, if your preference is versatile trucks with a low ride height that performs excellently for street and park longboarding, the SKP is good to go.
In this case, the kingpins will face inwards towards the board center to cause no interference when performing tricks or grinding.
In comparison, the RKP will give a little bit smaller wheelbase as well as sit higher than the SKP. Not saying that the reserve kingpin usually tends to face outwards towards the board’s tail and nose. These three big differences will help you distinguish two of them more easily.
- Bushing seat
If you want to leverage the bushing of your RKP trucks, consider the bushing seats. They are exactly the pocket attached in the hanger’s center. They not only take the role of cradling your bushings but also regulating the truck ability to turn.
There are two basic types: The tight and the open, equivalent to some certain skating styles.
Detailly, tight bushing seat is the best choice for downhill and freerides as it provides decent stability when riding fast. However, their drawback is less responsive and lively at slow speeds.
On the other hand, open bushing seat is perfect for carving, commuting, freeride and freestyle in slower speed to make sharp curves and turns with less force. But they aren’t a good deal at high speeds.
In general, these two types offset each other. But if you want to look for a versatile option, like the moderately restricted bushing seats to work well on any longboarding style, it’s still possible.
Nowadays, many trucks are created to fall somewhere in the middle of these two types. The biggest advantage of them is very easy to customize. So, your task is to swap out the durometer and shape of your bushings to find the best setup.
FAQs
1. What size longboard trucks should I get?
There are commonly two indexes: the 150mm and the 180mm. It depends on your deck width so, if you want to know more, take a look at the Truck Width section above.
2. Can you put Longboard trucks on a cruiser?
No, you can’t.
Though cruiser trucks and longboard trucks serve the same purpose, there is a difference in their width. Detailly, the longboard truck hangers are much wider and they can accommodate a wide range of deck sizes. Due to such that size variation, these longboard trucks can’t be used in the cruiser ones and vice versa.
3. What degree are Longboard trucks?
To find out the most suitable longboard trucks’ degree, I advise you to take a look at the Truck Baseplate Angle section above for detail instruction.
4. Do trucks matter on a longboard?
Yes, they do!
Trucks are one of the vital features that influence your longboarding performance because with the right type, it will allow for maneuverability and turning or stability due to your longboarding style.
Conclusion
Longboarding is really an exciting game to witness that I hope you can try your best to improve its quality as much as possible. Start from their equipment!
And wishfully, this ultimate buying guide of the best longboard trucks can inspire you to the most suitable ones. If you’re in lack of other longboard’s parts, might these articles be your concern:
- The 20 Best Longboard Brands Reviews In 2019
- Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners In 2019 Review – Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
- Top 13 Best Longboards for Cruising – 2019 Edition (UPDATED)
- The 13 Best Longboard Wheels Reviews 2019
- The 17 Best Longboard Bearings Reviews 2019