Best Skateboard Trucks [Expert Picks + Sizing Advice]

Running some good skateboard trucks is essential for your setup. Not only are they a vital component of a skateboard (they hold the wheels to the deck), but they allow you to turn and carve, perform certain grinds and slappys and even dictate the stability of your setup to some extent.

Before you grab the cheapest trucks you can find on Amazon, you should know that many distinct features vary from truck to truck; each of which will change the skateboard ride drastically. Today, we're gonna dive into our recommendations for the best skateboard trucks along with some general buying advice from our 16+ years in the game. 🛹 🤙

It's worth noting here that this article only talks about skateboard trucks. If you are looking for the best longboard trucks click here.

Table of Contents

1. Best Skateboard Trucks
2. Which Size Skateboard Trucks do I need?
3. Frequently Asked Questions
4. The Bottom Line On The Best Skateboard Trucks

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Best Skateboard Trucks

Independent Stage 11

🤩 Best overall

Independent Stage 11 skateboard trucks are widely regarded as one of the best options on the market, and for good reason. These are made from forged and heat-treated aluminum. They are durable and lightweight, providing excellent performance and stability for all types of skating. The mid-height profile design allows for great turnability and stability. The grade 8 kingpin claims to never bend or break, but if you are a super hard skater, you can definitely end up breaking one...

Independent trucks come with 90A stock bushings (aka cushions) and are designed to work with wheels 56mm and under (without the need for risers). For those looking for a lighter truck, they do a stage 11 with hollow axles too, but we prefered the standard ones.

If you're looking for new wheels + bearings too, check out this set

ACE Trucks AF1

⭐ Staff Pick

We love the new design of the AF-1 truck. They got our "staff pick" for their versatile performance and solid construction. These are marketed as the strongest trucks on the market, but we found they are pretty comparible to the Indys (Above).

The AF1 are durable, snappy, responsive and you get a cool little re-threader thrown in for when you damage the end of the axle.

They come in either standard or low profile options that provides excellent stability and control, making them ideal for technical skateboarding and street skating. They are made from high-grade alloy steel and come with grade 8 kingpins for added durability.

Paris Truck Co. Street Trucks

🤑 Best Value

You may have heard of Paris Truck Co. from your longboarder friend, but did you know they make some solid street trucks too? Paris are known for their exceptional value, durability, and sleek design. They have been imitated many many times. You'll likely recognize their RKP silhouette.

The Paris Street trucks are made from high-strength gravity molded virgin aluminum to and come with 93a high-rebound urethane bushings for a smooth, flow-y ride.

These trucks do sit a little taller than the others on this list, which may be a dealbreaker for those wanting more low-profile trucks. This means that you'll get trucks that carve better than others on this list (you'll actually find these on all our Stoked house builds), but are a little less stable. It also allows you to throw on wheels up to 60mm without the need for risers.

Thunder Trucks

Thunder skateboard trucks are designed for speed and are popular among skaters for their lightweight construction and quick response. They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and come with Thunder's exclusive 'quick turn geometry' for improved maneuverability (basically allows you to turn and carve much easier than most).

Venture Trucks

Venture skateboard trucks are known for their versatility and solid construction. They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and come with high-rebound urethane bushings for added responsiveness. They have a mid-range profile that provides a good balance between stability and maneuverability.

Mini Logo Trucks

Mini Logo are a great choice for beginner skaters who don't want to spend a lot of money. The Mini Logo brand is from the guys behind Powell Peralta, with more focus on affordability.

They are made in China, from high-quality aluminum and come with medium-hardness bushings for a stable ride. We'd probably recommend upgrading the bushings.

Grind King Trucks

Grind King trucks are designed specifically for grinding and sliding, making them a popular choice among skaters who focus on technical street skating. They were hugely popular back in the early 2000's as one of the few decent truck brands that did graphic painted baseplates. In the past few years the company was bought out and reborn. You can't get the same rad designs you could before, but the quality is still up there.

They have a unique design that allows for easy grinding and sliding, and are made from high-strength alloy steel for added durability. Due to their design, we found they didn't turn as well as other trucks.

[Everything to know about grip tape.]

Which Size Skateboard Trucks do I need?

Skateboard Deck Size (inches)	Independent Stage 11	Ace AF1	Paris Street Truck	Thunder	Venture	Mini Logo	Grind King
7.0 - 7.5	129	44	109	145	5.0	7.13	5.0
7.5 - 8.0	139	44	129	147	5.25	8.0	5.25
8.0 - 8.25	144	44	149	149	5.25	8.0	5.25
8.25 - 8.5	149	44	159	151	5.6	8.5	5.6
8.5 - 9.0	159	44	169	151	5.8	8.75	5.8
9.0 - 10.0	169	44	189	151	6.1	9.0	6.1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best skateboard truck brand?<

If you ask almost anyone who skates they'll tell you Indy (Independent Trucks). They are the gold standard for skateboard trucks. The make great trucks that last.

Should I run steel or aluminum trucks?

Most skateboard trucks are cast from steel or Aluminum. Aluminum trucks are lighter and more nimble, but they can be more susceptible to damage. Steel trucks are much stronger and can take more abuse but tend to be heavier.

What Are The Best Cheap Beginner Skateboard Trucks?

If you don't have the cash to throw down on a pair of Indy's, we would recommend Mini Logo trucks. They're decent enough quality for a beginner or intermediate skater. Oh, and Andy Anderson rides Mini Logo trucks... Just perhaps look to upgrade the bushings. You can go with softer bushings or hard bushings depending on your personal preference.

What size wheels can I use?

You should check with the manufacturer, but in general with the standard height trucks listed above we recommend 56mm or smaller wheels, with the exception of the Paris Street Trucks which should take up to larger wheels, up to 60mm without risers.

What Are The Highest Skateboard Trucks?

Getting the right skateboard truck height is important because it dictates how high off the ground your skateboard will be. If you are a beginner, you will want to purchase low-profile trucks so that you have more stability on your board. Higher trucks offer improved turning radius, but are less stable. If you are looking for taller trucks, check out the Paris Street Trucks mentioned in our list above.

What Trucks Does Tony Hawk Use?

Tony Hawk is one of the most iconic skateboarders of all time. He's known for his death-defying tricks and his signature style. But what kind of trucks does Tony Hawk use?

Tony Hawk uses Independent Trucks. Independent Trucks are some of the most popular trucks on the market, and they're known for their durability and performance. They're also relatively affordable, which makes them a great option for beginner and intermediate skateboarders alike.

Do Good Trucks Matter On A Skateboard?

Ultimately, yes. The cheaper your truck is the more you will be replacing them, particularly if you are riding them hard and performing lots of flip tricks and grinds. In general, cheaper trucks have cheaper bushings (the urethane rubber parts that sit above and below the hanger on the kingpin). Cheaper bushings are less responsive and make a huge difference to your overall experience when skating. That said, bushings are very easily replaceable, and something we recommend testing out to see which ones your like best.

Do You Need To Use Risers With Trucks?

No, you don't need to use risers with trucks - but they can certainly make your ride more comfortable and can help to avoid wheel bite.

Risers come in a variety of heights and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your truck and riding style. If you're not sure what size or type of riser to get, ask your local skate shop or check out online forums for advice from other skaters.

What Do Trucks Do On A Skateboard?

Trucks are an essential part of a skateboard, providing the turning ability that allows for tricks and turns. Without trucks, a skateboard would be little more than a flat piece of wood with wheels attached. There are different types of trucks available on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

The most important factor in choosing the right truck is the size of the deck. A larger deck will require a wider truck, while a smaller deck can get away with a narrower truck. The width of the truck should be proportional to the width of the deck.

Taller trucks will provide less stability at high speeds, and they can also make it more difficult to perform certain tricks, but provide improved turning radius.

There is no one perfect truck for everyone. When it comes to trucks, it's all about personal preference. Once you've found the right size truck for your skating style, you'll be able to take your skating to the next level.

[Here is the incredible Shaun White.]

Other Factors To Consider<

Skate trucks are complex, and an underrated, important part of any skateboard. A longboard will also be very reliant on good trucks, so don’t just grab a cheap set from Amazon.

Brands like Independent Skateboard Trucks (Independent Stage 11 are particularly popular), or Venture Skateboard Trucks will always deliver high quality products, whether you need a hollow kingpin, pivot cups, low trucks, a hanger replacement, the lightest trucks you can get - or something else entirely.

You can shred skateparks if you have a nice set of trucks, and your maneuverability will also greatly improve. So don’t skimp, when it comes to buying a nice set.

The Bottom Line On The Best Skateboard Trucks

As we know, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best skateboard trucks. However, we hope that our guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect trucks for your skating needs.

Remember, we are always here to help. If you're in need of further advice, either drop a comment below or email help@stokedrideshop.com