The Best Truck for Longboard Skating: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right longboard trucks is crucial for enhancing your skateboarding experience. This guide delves into the key factors to consider, common types of trucks, and top recommendations for various longboard styles and uses.

Understanding Longboard Trucks

Longboard trucks are metal T-shaped axles that attach the wheels to the longboard deck. Designed to hold the wheels and connect them to the deck, they play a vital role in your skateboarding performance. Selecting the right type of trucks means prioritizing factors such as width, kingpin type, and flexibility, among others.

Common Types of Longboard Trucks

Longboard trucks have a distinct design compared to standard skateboard trucks, primarily due to their wider hangers. The trucks are commonly measured in millimeters (mm), with two main sizes: 150mm and 180mm. Additionally, longboards use various types of kingpins, such as traditional kingpin (TKP) and reversed kingpin (RKP).

Kingpin Types Explained

The key difference between traditional kingpin (TKP) and reversed kingpin (RKP) trucks lies in the positioning of the kingpin. RKP trucks offer more flexibility, making them more suitable for carving and general longboarding. TKP trucks, on the other hand, are a more affordable and traditional option, commonly found on entry-level boards.

Choosing the Right Truck

Whether you're focused on carving, downhill riding, or general longboarding, selecting the right trucks means understanding your specific needs and style. Here, we recommend several options across different price ranges.

Indy Trucks: A Classic Choice

Indy trucks are a popular choice for skateboarders who prefer a traditional kingpin setup. These trucks are versatile and suitable for everyday use, such as cruising and commute. The Paris Street is a taller option that can accommodate larger wheels, and the Mini Logo Bones have recently introduced a Lift Kit with pre-assembled components, simplifying the truck setup process.

Paris 180 trucks: Versatile Performance

For the all-around longboard enthusiast, the Paris 180 with a 50-degree baseplate is highly recommended. This truck strikes a balance between flexibility and stability, making it ideal for carving and general longboarding. The Paris 180 in a 43-degree baseplate is also noteworthy, as it receives praise from many skaters for its excellent performance. A video showcasing its prowess, including its ability to outperform more expensive CNC trucks, further solidifies its popularity.

Downhill and Freeriding: Bear Grizzly 852

If your focus is on downhill and freeriding, the Bear Grizzly 852 is an excellent choice. Out of the box, these trucks come equipped with double barrel bushings, enhancing their performance. Furthermore, years of refinement and strengthening of the truck and baseplate have made them a reliable option for high-speed rides. For pure downhill, the 840 model is a great alternative.

Higher-End Options: Aera and Ronin

At the premium end of the spectrum, trucks like the Aera K5 and Ronin Precision represent the pinnacle of performance. Aera trucks are designed to be the best, often performing well in competitions and providing a robust skateboarding experience. Ronin Precision, on the other hand, focuses solely on speed and winning, making them a top choice for competitive skaters. While Aera offers a balanced experience, Ronin is optimized for racing.

Surf Skate Trucks: An Alternative Solution

For those who wish to replicate the surfing experience on land, surf skate trucks are a great option. The Carver C7 is a standout in this category, delivering a seamless and easy carving experience. However, these trucks are not as suitable for high-speed skating, as they tend to wobble at faster speeds. They excel in scenarios where precise turns are necessary, such as navigating steep roads or maintaining control during carving.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best longboard trucks ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. Whether you're looking for affordability, flexibility, or top-tier performance, there's a truck model out there that suits you. Whether you opt for the traditional Indy, the versatile Paris 180, or the premium offerings from brands like Aera and Ronin, the right trucks will significantly enhance your longboarding experience.