Skateboard truck guide – choosing the right shape and size
Don´t know which skateboard trucks are right for you? Read this easy and quick brush-up of the basics of the skateboard truck.
The Anatomy of a Skateboard Truck
A skateboard truck consist of the following hardware:
- Kingpin Nut
- Top Washer
- Bushings (top and bottom)
- Axle Nuts
- Speed Rings
- Axle
- Kingpin
- Base Plate
A skateboard truck consists of a base plate, a hanger (The t shaped part where you grind), the kingpin and kingpin nut which holds the truck together. In between the crucial part, you will find a rubber material called bushings. A skateboard truck also has washers between the kingpin nut and the top bushings.
The small ends sticking out from the hanger (where your wheels are attached) is called the axle. The washers on the axle are called speed rings. They reduce friction between the bearing and axle nut and hanger.
Skateboard truck Size Guide
Skateboard Truck Width
The width of your trucks should be the same as the width of your skateboard deck. If the skateboard truck is too narrow, your skateboard will feel stiff, but If your deck is a little wider than your trucks, that’s ok. If the trucks are too wide your shoe can get stuck in your wheels while you are pushing, and the board will be less responsive.
Typically skateboard trucks are measured in ‘hanger’ width, but it is often easier to choose a good skateboard truck based on the size of the axle width, as this corresponds to the measurement of your skateboard deck. A margin of +/- 0.125″ can work. A deck that is 8″ wide, uses skateboard trucks that range between 7.875″ – 8.125″.
Here is a general skateboard trucks size guide:
- 6″-7.25″ truck axle width – 6.5″ to 7.25″ skateboard decks
- 7.5″ truck axle width – 7.25 to 7.5″ skateboard decks
- 7.75″ truck axle width – 7.5” to 8″ skateboard decks
- 8.0″ truck axle width – 8” to 8.5″ skateboard decks
- 8.5″ truck axle width – 8.5” to 9″ skateboard decks
- 9.0″ truck axle width – 9” to 10” skateboard decks
- 10.0″ truck axle width – 10” wide and above skateboard decks
Skateboard Truck Height (Profile)
The height of a skateboard truck is also known as the truck profile (low, medium, and high). Mid-sized trucks are suitable for most types of skateboarding, but it really depends on the preference and style of skateboarding.
A “low” truck has a shorter kingpin, which means that your skateboard is closer to the ground. These trucks are made for smaller wheels, and also gives a lower center of gravity. As the trucks are also lighter your kicks and pushes are faster. The lower center of gravity, stability, and grind clearance offered by low trucks are often loved by street skaters.
A “high” truck has a kingpin that is about 0,5 cm longer than a low truck, are great for carving, cruising, and longboarding. A higher truck gives you a higher turning radius but it also offers more space between the skateboard deck and the skateboard axle, making it ideal for larger skateboard wheels.
Now you know how to choose skateboard trucks in the right shape and size. If you need to buy skateboard trucks you can shop them directly from HVS Boardshop.
