Street Skateboard Trucks: Shop Top Brands Now!

Choosing the right skateboard trucks is paramount for any street skater. They are the unsung heroes of your setup, directly influencing how your board feels, responds, and performs during grinds, flips, and landings. Unlike downhill or cruising setups where stability might be prioritized, street skating demands agility, responsiveness, and the durability to withstand constant abuse.

The perfect trucks will feel like an extension of your feet, allowing you to focus on your tricks rather than fighting your equipment.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about skateboard trucks specifically for street skating. We’ll cover the essential components, critical sizing considerations, different heights, materials, and how these factors translate into performance on the street. Whether you’re a seasoned street skater looking to fine-tune your setup or a beginner trying to make your first informed purchase, understanding your trucks is a fundamental step towards progressing your skating.

Key Takeaways

Truck Size is Crucial: The width of your trucks should match your deck width for optimal performance and to prevent wheel bite.
Height Affects Stability and Pop: Lower trucks offer more stability and control for flip tricks, while higher trucks provide more clearance for grinds and smoother terrain.
Kingpin and Bushing Stiffness Matter: The kingpin nut’s tightness and bushing hardness determine how easily and how much your trucks turn.
Materials and Durability: Lightweight alloys are common, but consider the trade-off between weight and strength for street skating’s demands.
Brand Reputation and Personal Preference: While brands offer different features, personal preference and feel are key to finding your ideal truck.

Credit: www.warehouseskateboards.com

Understanding Skateboard Truck Anatomy

Before diving into selection, it’s essential to understand the components that make up a skateboard truck and how they function. Each part plays a role in the overall performance and feel of your ride.

The Hanger

The hanger is the main T-shaped metal piece that holds the wheels. It pivots on the baseplate. For street skating, the width of the hanger is a key factor, directly correlating to the overall truck width. A wider hanger generally means a more stable board, but can make flip tricks slightly harder to control. The angle of the hanger also influences turning.

The Axle

The axle is the rod that runs through the bottom of the hanger. The wheels are mounted on the ends of the axle, secured by nuts. The total width of the truck is measured from axle end to axle end. This measurement is critical for matching trucks to your deck width.

The Baseplate

The baseplate is the part of the truck that attaches to the skateboard deck using kingpin nuts and bolts. It houses the pivot point for the hanger and is where the kingpin protrudes from. The baseplate’s design can affect the truck’s overall strength and how it interacts with the deck.

The Kingpin

The kingpin is a bolt that passes vertically through the baseplate and hanger. It holds the bushings and the kingpin nut. Tightening or loosening the kingpin nut is the primary way to adjust how easily your trucks turn. A tighter nut makes for stiffer trucks (less turn), while a looser nut allows for more responsive turning.

Bushings

Bushings are the urethane rings that surround the kingpin, located on either side of the hanger. They are crucial for shock absorption and controlling the truck’s turning radius. Bushings come in various hardness levels (durometers), typically ranging from soft (around 85a) to very hard (99a+). Softer bushings allow for easier turning, ideal for lighter skaters or those who prefer a very responsive feel. Harder bushings offer more stability, which can be beneficial for heavier skaters or for preventing wheel bite at higher speeds or during aggressive turns.

Pivot Cup

The pivot cup is a small, cup-shaped piece of plastic or urethane that sits in the baseplate where the hanger pivots. It reduces friction and wear, contributing to a smoother turn and preventing the hanger from grinding against the baseplate.

Sizing Your Trucks: The Golden Rule Of Width

Perhaps the most critical aspect of choosing skateboard trucks for street skating is getting the width right. An improperly sized truck can lead to a host of problems, from wheel bite (where the wheels rub against the deck during turns, causing you to stop abruptly) to an unstable or unwieldy board. The general rule of thumb is to match your truck’s axle width to your skateboard deck’s width.

Deck Width Vs. Truck Width

Skateboard decks are measured in inches, typically ranging from 7.5 inches to 9 inches or wider. Truck manufacturers usually list their truck sizes based on the axle width. For example, a 5.5-inch axle width truck will generally fit a deck that is 8.0 inches wide.

Here’s a common guideline to help you match deck width to truck axle width and size:

Deck Width (inches)	Recommended Axle Width (inches)	Common Truck Size (Brand Specific)
7.375 – 7.75	5.0 – 5.25	775, 5.0, 5.25
7.75 – 8.25	5.375 – 5.5	5.375, 5.5, 139mm
8.25 – 8.75	5.625 – 6.0	5.625, 5.8, 147mm, 149mm
8.75 – 9.25	6.0 – 6.5	6.0, 6.125, 159mm
9.25+	6.5+	6.5, 169mm

*Note: Truck sizes can vary slightly between brands. Always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart for the most accurate recommendations.*

Why Exact Sizing Matters For Street Skating

For street skating, precise sizing is crucial for several reasons:

Flip Trick Control: When your trucks are the same width or slightly narrower than your deck, it provides a more manageable surface area for your feet to flick the board for ollies and other flip tricks. If trucks are too wide, your feet might not get enough leverage to pop and spin the board cleanly.
Grinding Stability: Trucks that are too narrow can lead to instability when grinding ledges or rails, as the edge of the deck might catch. Conversely, trucks that are too wide can make it harder to lock into grinds consistently. The ideal width ensures your wheels are aligned with the edges of your deck, providing a balanced platform for grinds.
Preventing Wheel Bite: As mentioned, if your trucks are too narrow for your deck, or if you use wheels that are too large for your truck height, the wheels can touch the deck during deep carves or when leaning hard. This is wheel bite, and it can be dangerous, stopping your board suddenly. Matching truck width to deck width is the first step in avoiding this.

The Influence Of Hanger Width Vs. Axle Width

It’s important to distinguish between hanger width and axle width. Most manufacturers use the axle width for sizing. However, the hanger width is also a factor. Generally, the hanger width is about 1-1.5 inches narrower than the axle width. For street skating, a hanger that is roughly aligned with the shoulders of your deck is often considered ideal for a balanced feel.

Credit: concrete-visionary.com

Truck Height: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Skateboard truck height refers to the distance between the bottom of the deck and the center of the axle. Trucks are generally categorized into three main heights: low, mid, and high. Each height offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, particularly for street skating.

Low Trucks

Description: Low trucks have the shortest distance from the deck to the axle. They typically measure around 50mm to 53mm from the axle center to the baseplate.
Pros for Street Skating:
Lower Center of Gravity: This increases stability, especially at lower speeds, and makes it easier to control flip tricks.
Easier Ollie Pop: Because the board is closer to the ground, it requires less effort to get the tail to pop for an ollie.
Enhanced Control: The reduced leverage makes the board feel more nimble and responsive for intricate footwork.
Cons for Street Skating:
Increased Risk of Wheel Bite: Requires smaller wheels (typically 50-53mm) to avoid the wheels hitting the deck.
Limited Clearance for Grinds: The smaller gap between the deck and the ground can make it harder to lock onto ledges and rails, and increases the chance of scraping your deck.
Less Stable on Rough Surfaces: Not ideal for skating on rougher pavement or transitions where you might encounter pebbles or unevenness.

Mid Trucks

Description: Mid trucks offer a balance between low and high trucks. They typically measure between 54mm and 58mm from the axle center to the baseplate.
Pros for Street Skating:
Versatile: A good all-around choice for street skaters who do a mix of flip tricks and grinds.
Good Balance: Provides a decent center of gravity for stability while still offering enough clearance for most street obstacles.
Can Accommodate Slightly Larger Wheels: Allows for wheels up to around 54-56mm without significant risk of wheel bite, offering a slightly smoother ride.
Cons for Street Skating:
Compromise: While versatile, they don’t excel in the extreme stability of low trucks or the grind clearance of high trucks.

High Trucks

Description: High trucks provide the most clearance between the deck and the ground, typically measuring 59mm or more from the axle center to the baseplate.
Pros for Street Skating:
Excellent Clearance for Grinds: The increased height makes it easier to lock into grinds on ledges and rails, and reduces the chance of scraping.
Smoother Ride on Rough Terrain: The extra height helps absorb imperfections in the pavement and lessens the impact of small debris.
More Leverage for Turning: Can feel more responsive for carving and turning, especially for heavier skaters.
Cons for Street Skating:
Higher Center of Gravity: Can make flip tricks slightly harder as there’s more distance for the board to travel and more leverage for the board to wobble.
Increased Risk of Wheel Bite: Requires larger wheels (56mm+) to compensate for the height, or riser pads to further increase clearance.
Less Stable at Speed: The higher profile can feel less stable for technical flip tricks.

Recommendation for Street Skating: Most street skaters opt for low to mid-height trucks. Low trucks are favored by those who prioritize flip trick precision and a stable, grounded feel. Mid trucks offer a more balanced approach, suitable for skaters who do a bit of everything. High trucks are less common for pure street skating unless a skater specifically needs the extra clearance for large wheels or particularly rough spots.

Credit: www.skatedeluxe.com

Bushing Hardness And Kingpin Adjustment: Dialing In Your Turn

The way your trucks turn is controlled by two main factors: the hardness of the bushings and the tightness of the kingpin nut. Fine-tuning these elements can dramatically change how your board feels and responds.

Bushing Durometer (hardness)

Bushings are rated on a durometer scale, typically Shore A. The higher the number, the harder the bushing.

Soft Bushings (85a – 92a):
Feel: Very responsive, easy to turn, and provide good shock absorption.
Best For: Lighter skaters, beginners who want an easy turning board, or skaters who prefer a very “carvy” feel.
Downsides: Can feel unstable at higher speeds, more prone to wheel bite, and may not provide enough support for heavier skaters, leading to “bushing compression” where the bushing deforms permanently.
Medium Bushings (93a – 96a):
Feel: A good balance of responsiveness and stability.
Best For: Intermediate skaters, average-weight skaters, or those who want a versatile setup.
Downsides: Might not be soft enough for very light skaters or responsive enough for those who like extreme carving, and not hard enough for very heavy skaters needing maximum support.
Hard Bushings (97a – 99a+):
Feel: Very stable, less turn, more resistance.
Best For: Heavier skaters, faster skaters, or those who prefer a very stable board for grinds and big gaps.
Downsides: Can feel stiff and unresponsive for carving, requiring more effort to turn.

In my experience, most street skaters find a sweet spot in the 93a to 97a range for their bushings. This offers enough responsiveness for flip tricks while maintaining stability for landings and grinds.

Kingpin Nut Adjustment

The kingpin nut is the nut that secures the bushings and allows the hanger to pivot.

Loosening the Kingpin Nut: Makes the trucks looser and easier to turn. This is great for carving and quick transitions but can lead to instability at speed and increased risk of wheel bite.
Tightening the Kingpin Nut: Makes the trucks stiffer and harder to turn. This increases stability, reduces wheel bite, and is beneficial for grinding. However, over-tightening can make the board feel sluggish and unresponsive for turning.

Pro Tip: Always leave enough threads showing on the kingpin after tightening the nut. If the nut is flush with the end of the kingpin, you risk damaging the kingpin itself and the threads. Aim for the nut to be snug, but not so tight that it bottoms out on the kingpin threads. A good rule of thumb is to tighten it until you feel resistance, then back it off a quarter to half a turn.

Bushing Setup Variations

You can also mix and match bushings to fine-tune your turning. For example, a common setup for a balanced feel is to use a slightly harder bushing on the bottom (closer to the baseplate) and a softer bushing on the top (closer to the hanger).

This provides stability while allowing for a responsive turn.

Materials And Durability: Built To Last

Street skating is inherently hard on equipment. Trucks take a beating from impacts, grinds, and constant stress. The materials used in truck construction play a significant role in their durability, weight, and overall performance.

Common Materials

Aluminum Alloys: The vast majority of skateboard trucks are made from aluminum alloys, often magnesium or a blend of aluminum with other metals to enhance strength and reduce weight.
Cast Aluminum: This is the most common and affordable method. Molten aluminum is poured into a mold. Cast trucks are generally heavier and can be more prone to breaking under extreme stress compared to forged or hollowed trucks.
Forged Aluminum: Forging involves heating aluminum and shaping it under high pressure. This process aligns the metal’s grain structure, making forged trucks significantly stronger and more durable than cast trucks, often at a slightly higher price point.
Hollowed Trucks: Some trucks feature hollowed-out axles, kingpins, or hangers to reduce weight. This is especially common in higher-end models. While lighter, the durability can depend on the specific design and the thickness of the remaining material.

Weight Vs. Durability For Street Skating

For street skating, there’s often a trade-off between weight and durability.

Lighter Trucks: Can make flip tricks feel easier and less taxing, especially during long sessions. You can flick the board faster, and the overall feel can be more agile. Brands like Venture, Thunder, and Independent offer various lightweight options.
Durable Trucks: Are essential for skaters who hit big gaps, stairs, or are particularly hard on their equipment. Stronger materials and construction methods (like forging) mean your trucks are less likely to bend, break, or have their kingpins snap.

Example: Independent trucks are renowned for their durability, often being heavier than some competitors but built to withstand immense forces. Conversely, brands like Thunder often focus on a balance of lightweight design and reliable strength, making them popular for street skaters.

Maintenance And Care

To maximize the lifespan of your trucks:

Keep them Clean: Grit and dirt can accelerate wear on the bushings and pivot cups.
Check for Cracks: Regularly inspect your trucks, especially around the hanger and baseplate, for any signs of stress cracks.
Tighten Loosely: Avoid overtightening the kingpin nut, which can damage the kingpin and bushings.
Replace Bushings: Worn-out or cracked bushings should be replaced. This is a relatively inexpensive way to refresh your truck’s turning performance.

Popular Truck Brands And Features For Street Skating

The skateboard truck market is dominated by a few key players, each offering unique characteristics that appeal to different skating styles. While many brands produce excellent trucks suitable for street skating, some consistently stand out.

Independent Trucks

Reputation: Legendary for their durability and stability. Independent trucks are often considered the benchmark for strength.
Key Features: Known for their “Independent Geometry,” which provides a stable turning base. They tend to be a bit heavier than some competitors but are incredibly robust. Their Stage 11 line is a popular choice for street skaters.
Street Suitability: Excellent for skaters who prioritize durability and a stable platform for grinds and big impacts. They might feel a little less responsive for quick flip tricks compared to lighter options for some skaters. Check out Independent Truck Company’s official website for their full range.

Thunder Trucks

Reputation: Known for their quick turning and lightweight design. Thunders are a favorite among many street skaters for their responsiveness.
Key Features: Feature a hollow kingpin and often hollow axles in their higher-end models for reduced weight. They are designed for a quicker turn radius out of the box.
Street Suitability: Ideal for skaters who want a responsive board for flip tricks and quick adjustments. Their lighter weight can be a significant advantage.

Venture Trucks

Reputation: Offer a balance of stability and responsiveness with a focus on grindability.
Key Features: Known for their low profile and wide hanger, which provides a stable grinding surface. They are often praised for their consistent performance and durability.
Street Suitability: A solid all-around choice for street skaters, especially those who spend a lot of time grinding ledges and rails. Their width can be beneficial for locking into grinds.

Ace Trucks

Reputation: Gaining popularity for their unique turning geometry and classic feel.
Key Features: Ace trucks are known for their “true turn” geometry, offering a smooth and responsive carve. They often have a slightly lower profile.
Street Suitability: Great for skaters who appreciate a fluid turning experience and a clean, classic aesthetic. They offer a good balance for street skating.

Other Notable Brands

Krux: Known for their innovative features like “Krux Downhill” bushings and lightweight designs.
Tensor: Often associated with Rodney Mullen, Tensor trucks are known for being lightweight and responsive, with some models featuring unique technologies.
Paris Trucks: While more commonly associated with longboarding, Paris also offers skateboard trucks that are praised for their smooth turn and build quality.

Choosing a brand often comes down to personal preference. What feels responsive and stable to one skater might feel different to another. Many skaters will try different brands over time to find what best suits their style and board setup. When selecting, consider the types of tricks you do most often and the terrain you skate.

Truck Maintenance And Longevity For Street Skating

Street skating is tough on gear, and trucks are no exception. Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your trucks and ensure they perform optimally. Neglecting them can lead to poor performance, increased wear, and even potential breakage.

Regular Inspections

Check for Cracks: Periodically inspect your trucks for any visible cracks, especially around the hanger and baseplate where stress is highest. A cracked truck is a safety hazard and should be replaced immediately.
Inspect Bushings: Look for signs of wear, deformation, or cracking in your bushings. If they appear damaged or are no longer providing the desired turning feel, it’s time for a replacement.
Examine Pivot Cups: Ensure the pivot cups are intact and not excessively worn. A damaged pivot cup can lead to a sloppy feel and premature wear on the hanger.

Cleaning And Lubrication

Keep Them Clean: Dirt, dust, and grime can get into the bushings and pivot points, increasing friction and wear. Wipe down your trucks regularly with a dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but ensure they dry thoroughly afterward.
Pivot Cup Care: Some skaters apply a small amount of skateboard lubricant or even wax to the pivot cup and the contact point on the hanger to ensure a smooth turn and reduce squeaking. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt.