Choosing the right skateboard trucks is crucial for street skating. It affects your board’s responsiveness, stability, and overall performance. While personal preference plays a significant role, certain trucks are better suited for specific styles. This guide explores the best street skateboard trucks, breaking down what makes them great and how to choose the right ones for your needs.
Top Street Skateboard Trucks
Assortment of skateboard trucks from various brands
Selecting the ideal street skateboard truck involves considering the deck size and the truck’s ability to withstand impacts. Most trucks will perform basic tricks like ollies, slides, grinds, and turns effectively. However, higher-end trucks generally offer superior durability compared to budget options, although there are exceptions. While some brands like Independent and Thunder have a reputation for longevity, others like Krux and certain Tensor models provide good value for their price.
1. Independent Truck Co.
Independent skateboard trucks
Independent Trucks are a benchmark for quality street skating trucks. Their robust design makes them extremely durable and capable of handling the intense wear and tear of street skating. Available in both low and high versions, they offer a slightly narrower wheelbase, enhancing control for manuals and balancing during grinds. The standard 55mm height allows for using slightly larger wheels, ideal for rougher street surfaces and increased speed.
Close-up of Indy trucks
While known for their heft, Independent also provides lighter alternatives such as the Indy Hollows and Forged Titanium options across various sizes. These options cater to skaters seeking the performance of Indy trucks without the added weight.
Reasons to Buy:
- Unmatched durability, ideal for intense street and transition skating.
- Easy part replacement.
- High-quality stock bushings.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Standard models can be heavy, adding to the overall setup weight, especially for wider boards.
- Higher price point, although their longevity often justifies the cost.
2. Thunder Trucks
Thunder skateboard trucks
Thunder Trucks are renowned for their stability and responsiveness, crucial for the demands of street skating. They offer quick, precise turning, facilitate easy grinds, and ensure stable landings. With a larger wheelbase compared to Independent, Thunder trucks offer a distinct feel. Their standard 50mm height is relatively low.
Thunder Trucks Team Edition
The low profile is great for boards with steep kicks but may cause wheel bite with wheels larger than 53mm. However, the Team Hollow edition features a slightly taller baseplate for added clearance. Thunder trucks come in various weights, from the heavier Team Editions to the lightweight Titanium Lights, making the Thunder Hollow Lights 2 a highly recommended option.
Reasons to Buy:
- Durable construction, suitable for both street and transition skating.
- Enhanced pop due to unique geometry.
- Excellent stock bushings.
Reasons to Avoid:
- More expensive, but their durability can justify the investment.
- May not be the best choice for beginners.
3. Grind King Trucks
Grind King skateboard trucks
Grind King Trucks are notable for their innovative designs, particularly the inverted kingpin. This feature provides maximum kingpin clearance, preventing hang-ups on grinds, especially Smith and Feeble grinds. After a period of absence, Grind King re-emerged with the Disruptor model in 2019.
Grind King trucks close up on the smooth kingpin
The Grind King Disruptor incorporates a washerless system, extremely low kingpin height, and bushings with integrated aluminum sleeves. The “Anti Focus” baseplate is hollow and rounded to reduce the risk of board damage. The aggressive design and the newer GK Sparks, which have spark plugs for nighttime grinds, make these trucks very visually striking.
Reasons to Buy:
- Unique design and standout aesthetics.
- Exceptional strength and grindability.
- Inverted kingpin for smooth coping tricks.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Very responsive turning, not ideal for those who prefer tighter trucks.
- Softer stock bushings.
4. Venture Truck Co.
Venture skateboard trucks
Venture Trucks focus on lightweight, responsiveness, and high-quality performance for street skating. Endorsed by professional skaters like Stevie Williams and P-Rod, they are a well-respected brand. Despite their light weight, Ventures have a durable hanger. They are available in three heights: Low, Mid, and High, and several weight classes, from Team to V-Titanium.
Venture truck assembly
Venture offers a wide range of colors and options, making it easy to find the perfect trucks. However, they can be difficult to install with only a skate tool. The 8.25″ size is a popular choice for many skaters.
Reasons to Buy:
- Very stable, suitable for beginners, with good stock bushings.
- Durable construction comparable to Thunder and Independent trucks.
- Variety of heights to suit different skating styles.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Low trucks may reduce pop; medium or high trucks are preferable for more pop.
- Difficult to attach due to the hanger’s design.
5. Krux Trucks
Krux K5 skateboard trucks
Krux trucks were previously known for their lack of responsiveness, but the introduction of the K5 model in 2021 brought significant improvements. The K5 features an updated baseplate and hanger to enhance overall responsiveness, offering smooth grinds and unique color schemes.
Krux trucks require some time to break in and they might need some modifications to improve the turning. However, they are a great affordable option for beginners and skaters looking for a change. The Krux Chameleon and the standard chrome finish are visually appealing.
Reasons to Buy:
- Significantly improved turning response compared to older models.
- Lightweight and durable for grinds on harsh surfaces.
- Affordable price point, great for beginners.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Stock bushings might feel soft or medium and take time to break in.
6. Tensor Trucks
Tensor Maglight Trucks
Tensor Trucks, founded by Rodney Mullen, are known for their technological innovations and lightweight designs. They offer the lightest skateboard trucks available, using materials like magnesium. While the Mag Light Lo trucks are incredibly light, they might not increase your ollie height.
Snapped kingpin of Tensor skateboard trucks
Although Tensor pushes the boundaries of skateboard tech, some models have had issues. The Tensor Alloy trucks, however, are an affordable option that can withstand medium impacts, making them suitable for beginner skaters.
Reasons to Buy:
- Standard Tensor Alloy trucks are budget-friendly.
- Good choice for beginners starting to learn tricks like ollies.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Less responsive than high-end trucks.
- Not suitable for high-impact skating.
Street Skateboard Truck Buyers Guide
Choosing the correct skateboard truck size involves ensuring that the truck axles align with or slightly extend beyond the edges of your deck, improving the board’s predictability. Trucks that are too narrow can cause the “carpet riding” effect.
Recommended Skateboard Truck Size
For street skateboarding, decks typically range from 7.75” to 8.25”, and the trucks should match this width. Smaller riders might choose a smaller deck, while taller or bigger riders could opt for a wider one. An 8.25″ deck is generally a safe option, though personal preference is key.
How to Measure Trucks
Truck manufacturers use different measurement methods, leading to inconsistencies. Some measure in inches, others in millimeters, and some measure hanger width while others measure axle width. This makes sizing complicated, so it’s crucial to research sizing charts from individual truck brands.
The table below illustrates the recommended truck sizes for an 8″ board across a few popular brands:
| Deck width (Inches) | < 7.5″ | 7.5″ – 7.99″ | 8.0″ – 8.49″ | 8.5″ – 8.99″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | 109 | 129 | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Thunder | 143 | 145 | 147, 148 | 149, 151 |
| Tensor | – | 5.0 | 5.35, 5.5 | 5.75 |
| Venture | – | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.8 |
What About Height?
Illustration of skateboard trucks height and matching wheel sizes
Truck height affects your setup. Low or Mid heights are preferable for street skating, depending on your deck shape and wheel size.
- Low Trucks: 46-50mm tall
- Mid Trucks: 50-56mm tall
- High Trucks: 55-60mm tall
For street skating, smaller wheels (49mm-53mm) and a deck with a steep concave work well with low to mid trucks. High trucks and small wheels on a steep concave deck can increase pop but may feel less stable. Each manufacturer has its own interpretation of Low, Mid, and High, so research is necessary.
Does Skateboard Truck Geometry Matter?
Yes, truck geometry significantly impacts performance. Factors like wheelbase and hanger shape affect responsiveness, stability, and how trucks grind.
Wheelbase
Collection of various skateboard trucks
The angle of the hanger relative to the baseplate influences the wheelbase. A 90-degree angle results in a wider wheelbase, while a slightly inward angle creates a narrower one. A wider wheelbase offers more responsive turning but less sharpness and may affect balance for manuals. Thunder trucks have a wider wheelbase while Independent and Royal trucks have a narrower wheelbase. Select the wheelbase based on your skating style and needs.
Skateboard Truck Baseplate Length
The baseplate length, or how much the baseplate sticks out past the hanger, affects slides. A longer baseplate allows the baseplate to directly contact the ledge or rail. The wheels will contact the obstacle with a shorter baseplate, which changes the feel and speed of slides. Waxing can customize this experience.
Hanger Shape
The hanger’s shape is also a key factor. Chunkier hangers, like those on Independent trucks, last longer but require a longer break-in period. Thinner hangers, such as those on Thunder trucks, break in faster but may not last as long.
The Final Verdict
For street skating, Thunder Trucks and Independent Trucks are excellent options. They offer responsiveness, stability, and a smooth grind. Lighter versions are ideal for reducing fatigue. While Independent trucks are great for all-around skating, especially transition and bowls, their standard models are heavy. Other options in this article are suitable for street skating based on your personal needs.
Ruben Vee
I’m an experienced skateboarder, and still shred responsibly. I started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I’m passionate about skateboard gear and love sharing my experiences.
