These skateboard trucks are available in two types. These are kingpins and reverse kingpins.
Standard Kingpin
The standard kingpin is the most flexible type available for skateboarding. You can adjust it by loosening or tightening it, which changes your board’s turning sensitivity according to your preferences.
Reverse Kingpin
The reverse kingpin’s best use cases are for cruising, carving, and skating downhill. This type is longer and taller than the standard type but is more customizable to suit different riding styles.
Brands
Several manufacturers sell trucks to people who need them. No one style fits everyone because it depends on your skateboarding style. These can be all-around or specialize in skateparks, bowls, or streets.
Independent
Independent sells durable but heavy parts with the exception of the Titanium and Stage 11 Hollow series. Their parts are excellent for both transitions and street skateboarding. They also have a fantastic turn.
However, not everyone likes the bushings that come with it out of the box. Some do not have issues with it, while others think it takes time to break in.
The metal that Independent uses feel softer, making it easier to grind. They are also high, with the Hollows and standard series at 55mm and the Forged, Tensor, and Venture, at 53.5mm.
They sell it in varying sizes, which you can check on the manufacturer’s website. The width ranges from 6.2 inches to 10 inches.
Pros
- Easy on the pocket
- Available in variety of sizes
- Available in varying levels of hardness
- Great for both street and transitions skateboarding
Cons
- Slightly heavier due to their durability factor
Thunder
Founded in 1986, Thunder is one of the most renowned brands in the market. The brand is one of the favorites of several skateboarders because of its durability, grinding ability, and responsiveness to turns. It will last many years, so paying a premium price should be worth it.
We recommend Thunder if you like grinding and doing flip tricks. It performs well on the street, and it skates parks. They are also versatile. Thunder also offers a quick break in bushings. Their deck widths start from 7.4 inches.
Pros
- Responsive turning
- Best in street skating
- Wider turning circle makes them more stable than Independent trucks
- Great for tricks
Cons
- Wear down faster since they have less metal to shred
Venture
Venture manufacturers are the most stable trucks you will find in the market. It is most noticeable when transitioning. Their high models are best for:
- the mini ramp
- vert
- bowl
- and pool.
It’s while the low models are excellent for the street.
They have less sensitivity to turns than Independent but help you achieve more balance. We recommend Venture to most beginners.
The bushings you will find in Venture will break in as fast as 30 minutes. They provide a great pop and have snappy trucks.
Tensor
Rodney Mullen owns Tensor, a reputable company famous for its ultra-lightweight trucks. You will find the benefit around the shins not hitting often. It also allows you to ollie higher, which benefits some skaters.
The baseplate’s geometry makes slides and grinding more achievable. Tensor products have a low clearance, becoming a problem with bigger wheels. Tensor wears out fast, which you should avoid if you want to refrain from switching components often.
The following are the key points worth considering:
- Ultra-lightweight design
- They are not the most durable
- Low kingpin
- Excellent for tricks and grinding, but not so much with the transition
- Lifetime guarantee against defects
Grind King
Looking at their design makes you want to skate them. You could consider it a small company offering only sizes 8, 8.25, and 8.5. The bushings with washers take time to break in because they are very hard.
Here is a detailed steps list of how to take your truck’s measurement. Ensuring the correct size goes a long way, so accurate measurements are important.
