Best Skateboard Trucks – Top Picks & Reviews

Featured a T-shaped instrument, mounting underneath your board and taking the role of a middle-man between its bearings and wheels, the trucks help control your skateboard speed as well as the stability better during a ride. That’s why I always advise you to take a peek at this collection. These 22 best skateboard trucks are rounded up from the market, based on years of experience and hours of research. See also:

• 16 Best Skateboards For Beginners Adults In 2020: Selected By Me
• How to Choose Best Beginner Skateboard for Kids: The Definitive Guide [2020 Update]
• Top 15 Best Electric Skateboards In 2020

Thus, whether you’re a beginner creating your own skateboard or a pro looking for a better upgrade of your old trucks, I 100% assert that you will definitely pick out at least one favorite from this list.

Top 22 Best Skateboard Trucks For Street Review 2020

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard/Skateboard Trucks Set of 2

The Sector 9 Gullwing come up with very well-built construction, quality material to release perfect adjustment and stability. Whether it’s a 180 in a parking slot or a sidewalk turn, on minor hills or flat ground, this buddy makes it just perfect. Due to its good stability at speed, the board respond accurately and smoothly whenever I engage in a sharp or light turn. But what satisfies me the most is the double kingpin setup that let these trucks themselves steer more further than other normal designs, which means you can feel free to generate momentum through pumping or turning.

Paris V2 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2)

Paris… enough said! These USA-made trucks nail up with the virgin aluminum trucks, pressed-in kingpins and grade-8 steel axles that are all through a T6 heat treatment process to reach the best strength and durability. Speaking of the baseplate, it’s a 6-hole model so that either your deck is old-school or new-school, this is not a matter at all. Plus, their perfect carving of 50° trucks with 180mm hanger delivers the smoothest carves in and out of a turn. With the provided lifetime warranty, I’m pretty sure that you won’t mess around with trying to save a buck here. My advice is you should buy an extended socket to easily set up the bolts as their holes are a little bit closer to the truck sides.

Independent Skateboard Stage 11 Trucks – Set of 2

Independent Trucks are maybe the best skateboard trucks’ money can purchase. Their materials seem really robust and solid that leaves me with confidence the axles and the kingpin will not break. Compared to its “older brother” which is the 10’s, its turning radius has been improved significantly to give you better response and snappiness. Their base plate includes 6 holes, which means you can install any skateboard decks as well as the wheelbase distances wherever you would prefer it. In terms of the outlook, the Independent trucks are always considered as the top notch as an iconic brand, leading in the skateboard truck industry from 1978. Tips: If you want them to be more functional, try putting bones bushing in these trucks. That’s epic!

Independent 149 Stage II Forged Titanium Skateboard trucks

Considered as the newest amongst its Independent counterparts, the biggest bonus of this Stage II Forged Titanium 149 trucks is its inheritance of the newest manufacturing technologies to maximize its strength whilst minimizing weight. Arrive in a wide range of axle options from the 109 to the 215 model, plus, 149 mm in the hanger, it’s perfect to cop with larger decks sizing within 8.25 inches to 8.75 inches. Unlike the Sector 9 Gullwing model with the issues of low height trucks, this one comes up with a standard measurement at 53.5mm to leave no wheel bite troubles at all. Chosen from the highest materials only, it must have been hefty – you might think, but in reality, this truck is 15% lighter than other Independent Stage II models at 340grs. What a surprise! Overall, a well-worth investment in the long term!

BEAR Grizzly 852 52° 181mm Gen 5 Longboard Skateboard Trucks

This is my highly-recommended trucks for beginners because of their diverse options for the price tag. Plus, their materials and construction aren’t bad, if not saying that they’re amazing. It gives a little bit more angle (52 degrees) to assist you better in pumping/carving action, which means after some adjustment (like flipping their hanger to limit wobbles), you can enjoy either freestyle longboarding on roads or bomb hills like a pro. Over the Paris Trucks, I would recommend this for those who are looking for more pumping and carving. But for cruising or all-around skating, it’s probably a no.

Havoc 5.0 Skateboard Trucks

Like the BEAR Grizzly Longboard Skateboard Trucks, this model varies in colors with amazingly affordable price. Low price, poor quality – they said. But incredibly, I don’t feel the same. Havoc 5.0 Skateboard Trucks are an exception, not only in quality but also in construction and performance. Come up with 5” hanger, I highly recommend it for decks sizing from 5.25” to 8.1”, which means it’s also perfect for penny boards as well. So, any parents/grandparents wanting their little child/grandchild to go his game need this. They are sturdy, durable, and stable to help beginners keep perfect balance whilst bearing abuses or bumps amazingly to serve you for many years. In a pinch, great trucks, great price!

Thunder Polished Team Skateboard Trucks (Set of 2)

Thunder Polished Team are the best high trucks you could ask on a board, which the very first bonus is no wheel bite issues at all! Due to their 149mm hanger, it’s perfect to compatible with an 8.2” to 8.5” deck. But talking to the feature that intrigued me the most, it must be the quality. In comparison to the Indys, I feel both of them are same-same whilst the Thunder is nearly a half price of its competitor. Plus, great turning, smooth ridings like butter, well-built construction, and putting up with the constant grind, it’s truly worth a try, especially if you’re in a tight budget! Note: Make sure they are adjusted properly to match your preference before skating.

Caliber Truck Co. 10-Inch Skateboard Truck (Set of 2)

Another good skateboard trucks for downhills, aside from the BEAR Grizzly above. But this one is way much lower in degrees (only 44) to deliver faster speed whilst keeping great balance and stability during a ride. For such that affordable price, their bushings’ quality is incredible. They can handle flat surfaces and light slopes pretty well. But if you’re going to struggle yourself on steep hills, go get some Riptide models for better performance and faster speed. Note: Remember to tighten the trucks well before making a ride to avoid speed wobbles.

5″ Turbo Speed Trucks Set w/ Screws

The 5″ Speed Trucks Set is the best truck you can buy as an affordable upgrade for your old ones. Super easy installation is its very first bonus. Like the Havoc 5.0 Skateboard Trucks, this is a great choice for narrow boards due to its 7.63” axle and 5” hanger. For the quality, feel the same way. In detail, it’s perfect for any decks sizing around 7.5” to 7.75”. They are high-quality – made out of 100% high-quality metal alloy finish with well-built construction. Plus, a set of 1” screws from Phillips to deliver more convenience. These trucks also release super fine grinding, good turning, great balancing, lightness to easily carry around campus and enough sturdiness to last for years. Overall, compared to other counterparts in the same price range, it made a world of difference.

Quest Boards 5.25″ Matte Silver Double Barrel Skateboard Trucks

Talking about top-rated low skateboard trucks with affordable price, it would be a big fault if not mentioning to the Quest Boards. A noteworthy thing about this model is its weight. As made out of heavy-duty metal materials weighing roughly 1 pound for both, there’s a little bit on the heavier side. Besides, since featured as low trucks, they wheel-bite like crazy during hard carving. Thus, I highly recommend you to opt for riser pads to eliminate that issue. But don’t be quickly disappointed just because we start with cons first. These trucks strike back with a lot of benefits, such as incredible stability to beginners to start their very first steps to skateboarding, solid and durable materials to serve you for years and on top of that, super cheap price for its quality. I think hardly could you find out there such a truck that comes up with a perfect compromise of quality and price like this one. So, if you are on the fence about these, purchase them!

Independent Silver 139mm Trucks 8.0″ Skateboard

These Independent Silver Trucks are just awesome right out of the box. You can try any types of skateboarding on it with ease in mind of the best stability and balance to challenge different tricks, from the basic to the complicated, as well as those sharp turns. As featured 139mm in width, it’s a great choice for any decks sizing 8.25” and larger. But to ensure the best fit, I still advise you to double check the measurement of your deck prior to choosing one. Made out of high-quality materials, its durability is something I can’t beat. For the sincerest advice, this is a perfect option for regular street riders.

THUNDER HI 147 SONORA BLACK (Set Of 2)

Though a little pricier, the THUNDER HI 147 SONORA BLACK gets one thing that rarely you can find on other skateboard trucks in this field – the lifetime warranty. No wonder it’s the key feature to give you more confidence to hit the Buy button, isn’t it? What impressed me the most during some first rides was its thrilling turning response, even in those sharp turns. Besides, they can avoid the wheel bite efficiently whilst offering a perfect range of stability to enhance your skating experience to the maximum. Lastly, if you’re already fed up confusedly choosing the truck sizes and nervous whether they would fit your board or not after making the purchase, this isn’t the one. The good news is these trucks are made in San Francisco, California so, just go true size.

Venture Polished Low Skateboard Trucks – 5.25″ Hanger 8″ Axle (Set of 2)

Like the Thunder, this set of two Venture Polished Low Skateboard Trucks are made in San Francisco, California. Highlight its lightness, but don’t quickly judge a book by its cover. Its pretty thin profile hides super strong and solid quality on the inside to provide a good reaction, stability, and balance you’re looking for on the trucks during a sharp turn or while doing some different tricks. To cut the long story short, this is a great selection for a deck of 8.25 inches to 8.75 inches.

Krux K4 Tall Trucks (Single Truck)

No need to consider whether you’re a novice rider or already a professional skater, this truck is just perfect for all. It’s guaranteed to hold your balance perfectly during a crazy trick or a sharp turn. But here’s where the real fun begins – the extra stock cushions with solid baseplate to ensure the trucks themselves match perfectly under your board. For its cheap price, this is my guarantee for the best quality that I’ve seen in a while.

Mini-Logo Skateboards 7.6-Inch Trucks (Set of 2), Raw

Don’t quickly underestimate the power of this small, lightweight truck. Its durable premium alloys can offer a similar combination of stability, strength, and smooth turning like any other larger designs. Besides, while other counterparts usually fail in the quality of their bushings, the Mini-Logo Skateboards 7.6-Inch trucks aren’t the one. They are super high-rebound that go along with the precision axles to reach the smoothest as well as most precise controllability on many complicated stunts and sharp turns. One last bonus is no brake needed thanks to its clever technical built. It’s just ready right out of the box.

Turbo 5.0 (7.75″ Axle) Pro Skateboard Trucks Set of 2

What amazed me entirely after several rides on this Turbo 5.0 (7.75″ Axle) Pro was its lightning-quick response. Have ridden different trucks before, in this price range, and this set of two has been my favorite by far. They are truly pro skateboard trucks with custom detailing and incredibly unmatched strength and control levels to keep your balance perfectly during a ride through corners. You can also perform some complicated tricks on this buddy as easily as a piece of cake as well or even they are crazy skateboard stunts. However, novice riders can rest assured that you absolute enable to try these because of their better solid construction and stability. In a word, the difference is night and day!

Venture 5.0 Lo Polished Skateboard Truck (Silver, Set of 2)

The set of two Venture 5.0 Lo Polished Skateboard Truck is the real deal for those who are finding better support and stability for all kinds of terrains. There are many things worthy to talk about this model, such as USA-made, being considered as the No.1 of best sellers in the skateboard truck world, premium solid materials and its 100% factory guarantee. No doubt, it’s the best choice ever with a price tag that can’t be better. With a nice profile, it’s just ready right out of the box to set up on your board.

Venture V-Hollow Hi 5.25 Polished Skateboard Trucks (Set Of 2)

Weighing only 1.5 pounds, the Venture V-Hollow Hi 5.25 Polished Skateboard Trucks are considered one of the lightest models out there. Arrive in an 8-inch axle and 5.25-inch hanger, this is my recommendation for larger boards that I have had no issues with them in adjusting the trucks with a skate tool. Neither the issues of the wheel bite. In other words, these trucks bring me the smooth riding and turning that I had been finding for when building my board.

Tensor Trucks Andrew Brophy Mag Light Snake Regular Silver / Red Skateboard Trucks – 5.75″ Hanger 8.5″ Axle (Set of 2)

What impressed you the most when looking at this set of two trucks from Tensor? Is it the luxurious-look silver metal finish, the modern color combination of silver, red and black, or the outstanding snake image on the hanger? To me, they are all! Rarely can you find such cool design on the skateboard truck market, but this one has totally iced the design. Featured an 8.5” axle and 5.75” hanger, it’s, like the Venture V-Hollow Hi 5.25 trucks above, perfect for larger boards whilst providing great stability and balance to keep your performance of tricks and stunts as perfect as your expectation. And, did I tell you about their authentic guarantee?

Thunder Trucks Titanium Lights High Skateboard Trucks – 148mm Hanger 8.25″ Axle (Set of 2)

Thunder Trucks Titanium Lights High Skateboard Trucks – Actually, nothing truly needs to be talked about this set. But I still want to emphasize these key features one more time: their quality, performance, and outstanding designs. I particularly love their outlook – pretty unique, vintage and cool to easily nail up your style whether it’s a flip of performance or a quick carrying around your school campus. I’m sure that at least one guy is going to ask you where it’s bought from.

Silver Truck M-Class Hollow Skateboard Truck

Its hollow kingpin not only helps to decrease significantly its weigh but also allows you to get closer to the ground during a trick performance or a skateboard stunt. That’s a big bonus to assist you to reach better stability and balancing. With that being said, it’s my favorite recommendation for both professionals and novice riders. Plus, they are ready right out of the box that you just need to set it up to your board and start skating. One last bonus, it’s super easy to install!

KRUX Skateboard Truck TRUCKS 3.5 TALL CAIROGLYPHIC

Last but not least, it’s a nice golden skateboard truck with an impressively unique pattern on the outside from Krux. Hard to deny its beauty and luxurious looking, but what’s worthier to mention here is their extra stock cushions. Like other Krux counterparts in this collection, that feature takes a huge role to keep the trucks fitting more perfect under your board. Thus, release smoother riding and better controllability. Wrap up, any skaters who own a large board will be regret if not trying it!

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Skateboard Trucks

Now, this part is a bonus for those who are in their very first-time choosing skateboard trucks. You should know that they are composed of four parts and there’s no excess. Whether that’s axles, kingpins, hangers or bushings, they will play some certain roles directly affecting your stability. That’s why while making consideration, you need to understand all these terms and their function. Also, two other elements to keep in mind are material and trucks’ dimensions. Hanger The largest triangular-shaped metal part of a truck is called hanger and it supports the axles. Axles Now, the axles run straight through the hanger, shaping a long pin attached to the wheels. Two popular measuring units for axles are inches or millimeters, different from brand to brand. But in general, you know the axles get the best fit when their ends line up the skateboard’s sides. Bushings To let the skateboard pivot and turn smoothly, bushings are created. They fit around the kingpin, featuring soft urethane rings. Kingpin

And the last part, kingpin. On top of the truck, you’ll see a big bolt fitting inside the bushings as well as holding other truck’s parts together. It’s called kingpin. The main function of kingpin is controlling the overall pressure amount put upon the bushings, which means even the most solid kingpin can break. That’s why I don’t assert the trending hollow kingpins launched lately are the best choice. They might be less in weight but not a perfect compromise of lightness and durability. They, in reality, are something you have to trade off. So, assess whether you need a kingpin giving more impact-heavy tricks whilst holding up longer under tighter pressure settings or a lighter option to choose the most suited for you. Material Amongst many options in material out there, like steel, titanium, and aluminum, your choice is based on who you are as a skater, I mean which typical type you usually ride your board. For example, if you’re an avid rider, it’s essential to go for the heavy metals to hold up well under pressure. Truck dimensions

Like a middle-man between the wheels and the deck of a skateboard, you need to double check the truck’s sizing, including its width and height. The truck’s width directly corresponds to the deck’s width. To measure it just right, you need to ensure its axle nuts should be within ¼ – 1 inch from the deck’s edge. It’s synonymous to the fact that axle nuts shouldn’t extend outward beyond the deck’s edges. Plus, not rest more than ¼ inch the deck’s edge. Now, in terms of the truck’s height, you’ve got two options: high and low with little difference in performance. If you’re a street rider, go for the low because it provides better stability, grind clearance and response. On the other hand, a high truck is perfect for transition skaters due to its ability to accept larger wheels, make sharper turns and cruise smoothly around town. Notice that while considering, if you don’t find the truck is specified high or low, it’s equivalent to a high truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best brand of skateboard trucks?

Based on my years of experience, here are some recommendations from me:

1. Independent Trucks
2. Royal
3. Venture
4. Thunder Trucks
5. Krux Trucks
6. Tensor Trucks
7. Silver Trucks
8. Theeve Trucks
9. Grindking Trucks
10. Destructo Trucks

2. What kind of trucks do I need for my skateboard?

To answer this question thoroughly, you need to consider the width and height of the truck. About the functions of each option in height, I already mentioned above. You just need to remember one more thing: the higher truck is generally 5mm taller than the lower. Next is the truck’s width, this is really important because it should match properly to the deck’s width. To cut a long story short, take a look at this table:

3. What size trucks are good for an 8.25 deck?

Based on the above table, an 8.25 deck is perfect to go with a 139mm truck.

4. What is independent trucks size chart?

5. What is thunder trucks size chart?

6. Are slant trucks good for tricks?

Well, it’s a yes from me. Due to its great quality, especially the board, trucks, and shelf, they are considered to be the best choice as a step-up from a complete to stick with you for years. Importantly, they won’t flex or bend, which is perfect to learn some tricks.

Conclusion

Yup, that’s for today, guys! I hope that this article assisted you to pick out the best skateboard trucks for your board. Or, at least, guiding you which features to consider when it comes to choosing one. I’ve honestly spent many hours in searching and analyzing to make it as handy as possible to avoid selecting any bogus products. Now, it’s your turn! Good luck!