How do you choose your trucks?

The choice of skateboard trucks is often overlooked, in favor of more visible criteria such as board design and wheels. Yet it's an essential element in ensuring good balance, stability and maneuverability of your skateboard. In this article, we'll give you the keys to making the best possible choice according to your needs and level.

Criteria to take into account

Truck width

The first thing to check when buying skateboard trucks is their width. There are several sizes available, and it's vital to choose the right width for your skateboard deck. A truck that's too narrow or too wide can make your skateboard unstable and difficult to control. Here are some guidelines:

< 7.5" : Ces trucks sont idéaux pour les skateboards étroits mesurant jusqu'à 7.5 pouces de large.

7.5" - 7.99": The trucks are compatible with skateboards measuring from 7.5" to 7.99", making them perfectly suited to urban skateboarding.

8.0" - 8.49": Our trucks are perfectly suited to skateboards between 8.0" and 8.49" wide, making them the ideal choice for dominating skateparks.

Over 8.5": We recommend these wider trucks if you're bowl skateboarding with a board at least 8.5" wide.

What is the ideal height for skateboard trucks?

When we talk about the size of a skateboard truck, we're essentially referring to the distance between the base and the hanger, or in other words, the distance between your wheels and the board.

When it comes to skateboard trucks, there are three different heights: low trucks designed for 50 to 53 mm wheels, medium trucks for 53 to 56 mm wheels, and high trucks for larger wheels.

Trucks Low: Low-profile trucks are the key to stability, particularly important for skateboarding in urban environments and skate parks. They minimize the risk of 'wheelbite', an incident where the board comes into contact with the wheels, resulting in a sudden stop. In the event of wheelbite, opting for smaller-diameter wheels can reduce this risk. In addition, the use of riser pads with low trucks can allow the addition of larger wheels.

Trucks Medium: Medium-height trucks are the epitome of versatility. They combine the stability of low-profile trucks with the possibility of using wider wheels for an enhanced gliding experience on uneven surfaces. What's more, medium trucks can be combined with riser pads to fit wider wheels, giving you greater flexibility in customizing your skateboard.

Trucks High: Opting for high trucks amplifies the power of your ollies, thanks to greater distance from the ground. If you're looking for a helping hand to perfect your ollies, taller trucks are an excellent option. What's more, these trucks allow you to use wider wheels without fear of wheel bite, giving you added versatility in your skateboarding.

Skateboard truck components

Skateboard trucks play a key role in the way your board behaves during skateboarding. The main components of a skateboard truck include the kingpin, baseplate, hanger and bushings.

The Kingpin

The kingpin is an essential component of the skateboard truck. It's a large screw that holds the hanger and baseplate together, playing a crucial role in performance. By adjusting the tightness of the nut at the end of the kingpin, you can modulate the firmness of the steering. For a more relaxed feel, loosen the nut, and feel free to experiment with different settings to personalize your skateboarding experience.

The baseplate

The baseplate is the surface on which the truck's components are securely fastened. It attaches to the skateboard with screws, while the hanger remains housed in the pocket of the base pivot.

The Hanger

The hanger connects to the kingpin and rests securely on the baseplate. At the end of the hanger is the stem where the wheels attach, while the nut at the end secures the wheels physically.

Erasers

The rubber components surrounding the kingpin, combined with the clamping adjustment, are essential in influencing the direction of your skateboard. Harder rubber compounds (96A) offer greater responsiveness, while softer compounds (81A) provide a more forgiving feel to suit your riding style.

Accessory options for skateboard trucks

Various pads and screws are available to customize your skateboard's assembly according to your preferences. Additional pads will require longer screws.

Riser Pads

Riser pads, plastic pads located between the trucks and the board, are not usually included in either complete skateboards or naked boards. However, they can be essential if you want to fit larger wheels, as they raise the height of your trucks. Riser pads are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different wheels. There are two types of riser pad: