Our TOP PICK
If you have great skills, then you definitely want the best longboard truck you can get to show your friends what you really can do.
Yes mate, I’m talking about those groves and moves you capable off !
This is why I thought of reviewing the Best Longboard Trucks , so stick around to find out which one will suit you.
Let's begin !
Best Longboard Trucks Comparison
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Top 9 Best Longboard Trucks Reviews
In the world of longboarding, the performance level of a rider depends on the equipment he’s using. So grabbing the right truck is crucial for a great ride.
1. Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard Truck Review (Top Pick)
When you're keen to improve your skills with your longboard, there is no doubt that this Gullwing will do the job.
This truck will increase your maneuverability and makes turning smooth, making it easy to get around tight corners.
What makes the Gullwing Sidewinder II exceptional is its 'double kingpin' setup.
Smooth cruising, tight turning radius, converting to single kingpin – this truck has it all! Giving two separate points of turn, it’ll get you not only the perfect height for diving but also cool surfing feeling. It's one of the best cruising trucks too.
In case you're worried whether this truck will be best suited for your longboard, then I have good news for you. There're are many sizes to choose from and well as different colors to keep that cool look you desire for you board!
The only criticism we can offer is the fact that the bearings are quite averagely spun when compared to the very top end longboard trucks. At top speeds you might notice it slowing you down a little.
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2. Caliber Trucks Cal II Longboard Trucks
If you’re not a new kid on the block when it comes to longboarding, you probably heard the name Caliber. The board manufacturer has released the Calliber II with amazing updates.
One of the best updates is the enhanced inner-step to give you an increased contact area with the bushing, which gives you higher rebound and responsiveness.
Reverse kingpins offer increased stability at high speeds and generally provide more strength when compared to traditionally mounted trucks. The reverse nature of the kingpin makes the truck higher and usually heavier, giving you the best controlled turns for downhill bombing.
As for durability, you can't go wrong with this one!
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3. Yocaher Longboard Trucks
Are you searching for something sturdy but also smooth when cruising on your longboard?
For ultimate performance and adjustment capabilities, the Yocaher Longboard Trucks provide a great combo set for pushing your board to its limits. The use of plastic risers ensures that you won't experience any chipping from rough terrains and the durable wheels help keep things running smoothly on even uneven surfaces like pebbles or twigs.
However, there could be some improvements made in terms of bearing speed which might slightly hinder overall performance but still provides an excellent ride quality nonetheless.
Over all this is a very well priced truck, for the price you have all you need and this is a good choice for the casual boarder.
It would've got full marks as a high-end longboard truck, only if they could've improved the bearings. While riding on it, it slows the rider down.
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4. Paris V2 Longboard Trucks
It’ll be unfair if I don’t keep the Paris V2 longboard truck near the top of my list.
Ready for an unparalleled ride? This 180 mm 50° truck guarantees a fluid and smooth run with the highest grade of quality.
Engineered to withstand whatever you throw its way, this piece is crafted from virgin aluminum (grade 8 steel axles & pressed-in kingpins included). The Paris 90a urethane bushings also ensure maximum response and rebound while offering universal mounting options via 6 hole baseplate.
If you don't mind a set of trucks which gets a little squeaky when carving - then the Paris V2 might the right set of longboard trucks for you.
As an added bonus, the manufacturer guarantees that this truck will last a lifetime.
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5. Vanpro DIY Electric Skateboard Trucks
A convincing candidate would be the vanpro DIY Electric Skateboard Trucks 7.25-inch Long Skateboard Trucks. These trucks are suitable for both professionals and beginners, and they can be assembled on almost any type of longboard.
These trucks are especially popular amongst beginner skaters with cruising longboards and given their construction, it’s easy to see why.
Once assembled, skaters can enjoy high accuracy, more precise turning points, and above all - excellent speed. They're also a perfect choice for DIY electric skateboards, and most of their advantages regarding speed and turning will shine with those types of boards.
As for the size of this model, the measures are as follows:
They are 9.6 inches long, with a frame size of 7.25 inches and a height of 2.8 inches. The tilt angle is 50°.
Of course, before buying, make sure that these dimensions will actually fit your longboard.
As for the materials, vanpro’s trucks are made of aluminum-magnesium alloy and feature a metal rod, so they’re generally pretty durable.
However, you should be careful when exposing them to high temperatures. It’s better not to use these trucks in extreme conditions.
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6. Bear Trucks 180 mm 50° Gen 6 Longboard Trucks
With dimensions of 6.3 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches, and weighing almost 2 pounds, our 6th pick for the best longboard trucks is none other than the Bear Trucks Gen 6, which includes all the latest features in truck technology.
Being one of the lightest non-precision trucks in the market, it is specially designed to prevent slop and speed wobbles. With the plug-barrel bushings, these trucks have little to no slop and are suited well for skating fast and pushing your limits. They are also super lightweight and are not prone to bending.
The plug-barrel bushings allow them to skate almost as well as precision trucks – and yes you can use the Venom HPF plug bushings on them.
Altogether, the Bear Gen 6 are one of the best cast trucks available right now.
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7. Paris V3 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks
Paris V3 Longboard Skateboard Trucks have received stellar reviews and are highly popular among customers at the moment - and it’s no surprise, really.
The trucks are considered the gold standard - and they're certainly priced that way. Although they come in two sets, the price tag on these longboard trucks is a bit higher.
Regarding this model, in particular, buyers are paying for innovation, though.
Paris V3 trucks come in a wide range of colors - including jet black, matte black, pearl white, polished, sage green, and scarlet red. So, if you want trucks that match your style, here they are.
Moreover, they’re made using an innovative manufacturing process that includes technology derived from forging, extrusion, and casting. Besides durable construction, the advantage of this manufacturing method is the 50-degree baseplate angle that makes it easier to turn and get your longboard going in general.
Paris V3 Trucks are made of durable material, including virgin aluminum, making this model one of the strongest on the market. If you’re looking for the best response and performance, you should know that these trucks come with a hand-poured urethane cup and a redesigned top conical bushing.
And that means ultra-smooth turning.
Paris V3 trucks provide plenty of stability and reliability, whether going at higher speeds - or riding downhill.
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8. Independent Skateboard Stage 11 Trucks
This truck has a rather simple yet elegant look, and you have two options you can choose from, silver or the black trucks. Independent trucks are known for their superior build and performance, and this truck doesn’t disappoint.
The hangar and baseplate are made from 356 aluminum, the axle is made from 4140 Chromoly (steel alloy with mainly chromium and molybdenum) and you have a Grade 8 Kingpin.
Skating and grinding performance are terrific, and durability is fantastic. This will surely last you for many years.
This is actually the first product in the line of trucks made in collaboration with Thrasher Magazine. The looks are certainly eye-catching, with red cushions, polished silver hardware, a baseplate in matte black, and a pad print logo (“Thrasher Time to Grind”).
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9. Thunder Polished Team Skateboard Trucks
This truck have kingpins and axles made from solid Chromoly, and that means it’s tough and can last a long time. In fact, it is guaranteed for life so if you have a problem with a manufacturer’s defect, you can contact their customer support even after many years.
Its not only strong, but it’s lightweight as well. It can respond very quickly to slight leans, and you can turn sharp corners with this set of trucks. The quickness of your turns can be rather startling, which should appeal to pros and experienced longboard fanatics.
The bushings won’t wear out. The holes in the baseplate will never strip. These trucks just won’t break, and you can also easily lock them into grinds.
This truck can work for all styles of longboarding, and it is the best combo if you require durability and performance. Thankfully it’s not expensive despite all these features.
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Verdict: What is the Best Longboard Truck for You?
There's no way to deny the thrills and excitement that comes with the Longboarding, however, there is no denying that having the best longboard trucks can make a huge difference in overall performance.
However, if you a newbie you can start with the Yocaher Longboard Trucks. This set comes with everything you need for a DIY job.
But if you want it all and nothing but the best, then Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II is the best choice. This truck will suit most longboarders.
Now, it’s your call, mate.
Best Longboard Trucks Buying Guide
So you’ve chosen the kind of boards you need, but still confused about the best longboard trucks that will go with it?
There are a few things that you need to consider when buying the perfect trucks to optimise your boarding experience and for maximum comfort. To help you pick the best trucks, I have compiled a buyers guide for you.
SO WHAT EXACLY ARE LONGBOARD TRUCKS
Longboard trucks are metal pieces, shaped like a T, that mount onto the underside of the longboard deck and attach to the wheels. They are a necessary component if you want to build a custom skateboard. There are some things you need to consider before buying longboard trucks.
For example: Truck hanger & axle width, bushing, standard kingpin design, reverse kingpin truck, bushing seats, hanger height, stock wheels, grid pattern, bushing style, metal alloy finish, truck height, turning radius, base plate, grip tape, wrist pads, knee pads, hardness, the center of gravity etc.
1. Longboard Truck Hanger & Axle Width
Every longboard requires two trucks. These can be measured using a hanger width or axle width. Although they have similar purposes, the trucks are extremely different from standard skateboard trucks.
Truck hangers are usually wider to accommodate the differences in deck size. Choosing a wide truck would be better for most longboarders. Most of the trucks are commonly either 150mm or 180mm reverse kingpin trucks. There is a huge difference in the sizes of skateboard trucks and longboard trucks, which is why they can't be used interchangeably.
2. Longboard Kingpin Trucks Reverse
Longboard trucks can sometimes be "inverted" or "reversed" kingpins. A longboard truck is usually known as a " reverse kingpin trucks" because the axle is completely on the other side of the kingpin, which is actually in a reverse direction if it is compared to standard kingpin trucks. Good trucks also feature softer bushings to allow for turning easily and better maneuverability.
Downhill longboard trucks, on the other hand, need to have stiffer bushings to be able to control and stabilize the longboard at high speeds.
Now that you know a bit about the different parts of the longboards trucks, it will be easier for you to follow the guide.
The truck may be a very small part of the entire board that attaches the wheels of the skateboard to the deck. Nonetheless, the quality of the truck is very important as the longevity of an entire board depends mostly on the truck.
3. Longboard Truck Size
One of the first things that you should check is the truck height and truck width. The size of the truck can vary based on the size of the longboard deck. For instance, if you have a deck of 8 inches or 9 inches, you will need a truck of 139 mm to 169 mm to go with it.
Therefore, before you purchase a truck, first measure the deck of your longboard. High trucks vs low trucks is also a concern.
4. Baseplate
Next, look at the baseplate and standard kingpin as the second most important factor that should be taken care of. This is the flat part of the truck that gets attached to the deck. As for the standard kingpin trucks, the truck is attached to the deck with the aid of a standard Kingpin.
Depending on the deck, the baseplate comes with either four or six mounting holes. In case of any problems, kingpins are easily replaceable. Also, check the baseplate angle.
5. Bushing Seat
Furthermore, you should be concerned about the truck bushings. Bushings provide cushioning support to the other parts of the truck. A truck has two bushings. If you want to perform tricks with your board, then you will need a hard bushing.
However, if you want your skateboard to be more responsive when turning, then you will definitely need softer bushings.
6. Hanger
The hanger is another important part of the truck, being the T-shaped aluminum part of the truck that is attached to the deck, it is flat and extremely durable.
Also, it is light in weight, so it shouldn’t be more than 10 to 13 oz. Furthermore, the hanger should be at least ¼th of the size of the deck.
7. Risers
Last, of all, you should check truck risers, which are small, thick rubber pieces in a rectangular shape that can be added to the skateboard to either raise the height or reduce the height or the vibration. Again, risers are attached depending on the size of the trucks, so higher trucks do not need risers.
Whenever you'll be buying longboard skateboard trucks, you will be given two skate trucks that are necessary to assemble your longboard. It is important to keep in mind that the trucks themselves include several different parts which can be both replaced and purchased as separate pieces.
Namely, the parts are the hanger, the kingpin trucks, the bushings, and the axle. Trucks come in various sizes and colors and markets have a huge selection of each type. Longboard has various types too like pintail longboard, electric, traditional cruiser, freestyle, snowboard, surfboard, mini cruiser, drop down. Drop through longboard trucks, electric longboard trucks, longboard suspension trucks, cruiser board trucks.
Also, check if the longboard has a lifetime warranty. Not common but still some brands offer it. Hopefully, after reading the guide you can choose one that suits your personal preference.
Frequently Asked Question About Longboard Trucks
Question: My longboard trucks are squeaking at every turn, what could be causing it and how to fix it?
Ans: The squeaking sound usually comes from a part of the trucks called the “pivot cup”. It is usually caused by friction between the pivot bushing and the hanger.
In order to fix it, simply loosen the hanger from the baseplate and spread some soap shavings, graphite or wax around on the inside of the pivot cup. After that, use the hanger pivot to evenly spread it around. Finally, reassemble the truck and this will most likely fix the squeaking from your trucks.
Difference between a “Reverse Kingpin” and “Traditional” trucks
In the case of reverse kingpin trucks, the kingpin is on the exact opposite side of the axle, unlike the way they are positioned in the traditional skateboard trucks.
The placement of these kingpins is completely reversed, thus their name. When considering which one is better for riding, the reverse kingpin trucks seem to be the top trucks option since they turn much more than the traditional trucks and allow better carving and turning, as opposed to kick-turning.
However, reverse-kingpin trucks generally tend to be taller compared to the traditional skateboard trucks, and as a result, it raises the overall height of the board a little bit.
Here are the Best Longboard Trucks:
- Gullwing Longboard Truck
- Caliber Trucks Cal II
- Yocaher Longboard Trucks
- Paris V2 Longboard Trucks
- vanpro DIY Electric Skateboard Trucks
- Kodiak Forged Longboard Trucks
- Paris V3 180mm Trucks
Conclusion
So, hopefully, this article provided you with the insight you require should you want to buy longboard trucks.
Choosing the right truck for a beginner can be really tricky since it comprises of several different parts, but now that you know what to look out for, you can decide what you actually need to customize your own longboard.
