Looking for the best skateboard trucks in 2022? Look no further. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, knowing what to look for in a skateboard truck is very important and can make the difference between your board being stable and being a nightmare to ride.
I've been riding skateboards for almost 30 years and I'm familiar with a lot of these trucks. Let me save you the time and money so you can get on the board and shred right away.
The best trucks will help you to turn faster, control your speed, make your board more agile, and they will feel more solid and "trustworthy" under your feet.
Here are the 4 best skateboard trucks in 2022.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Independent 169 Stage 11 Standard Skateboard Trucks Polished Silver 9.125" Axle | Best Overall |  |
| INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks 129mm Silver Raw STAGE 11 7.75 in PAIR | Budget Pick |  |
| Thunder – Polished Skateboard Truck | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Independent 169 Stage 11 Standard Skateboard Trucks Polished Silver 9.125" Axle
Pros:
- Not just for skateboards, can be used for other boards
- Lighter at 15 lbs
- Pressed in bushings for more longevity
- Medium size with 11.8" baseplate…
- 11.8" hangars, which are the most common and provides a harder turning radius
- Not too tall and sitting at just over 31.5", which means the board will be more stable
- Made with heat treated aluminum that can be collated with Independent's Stage 8 trucks
Cons:
- Just hang it from the wall without any trucks
- So if you want to tighten the wheels you need to use a skate tool
2. INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks 129mm Silver Raw STAGE 11 7.75 in PAIR
Pros:
- i) durable
- ii) strong
- iii) Low maintenance
- iv) Affordable
- v) stronger than most stock skateboard trucks available commercially
Cons:
- i) May not be ideal for beginners
- ii) may need a lot of tuning to keep them in good condition over time
- iii) Not as good as other trucks meant for half pipes and bowls (trucks like Earthwing TGM trucks or Paris trucks)
- iv) may not grind as well as other trucks out there
V) May feel harder to turn and may lack as much resistance as trucks with bigger bushing seats.
3. Venture Polished Low Skateboard Trucks
Pros:
- Very affordable pricing
- Good for cruising, riding down hills, and light tricks on smooth concrete
- Suitable for beginners
- Works well on hills
Venture Skateboard Trucks are an affordable skateboard truck that has a nice weight to it with some smooth turning capability. The finish on the decks and trucks will start to wear down in about a month with daily skating, giving it a nice vintage look. Another upside with these stock trucks is the price. They are cheaper than some of the others on the market but they still roll and turn perfectly fine. All in all, this is the perfect set of skateboard trucks for a beginner rider or somebody that does not do much skating and does not want to break the bank.
4. Thunder – Polished Skateboard Truck
The Thunder Polished skateboard truck is amazing and might work best for a street skater who can afford to spend a little more for a good set or beginner skaters that want to get everything at once. This truck is two things – tough and fast.
Trucks are the most important part of your skateboard. They determine how stable your board will be. If you go with Thunder, you will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know what size trucks I need for my skateboard?
Choosing the right size of skateboard trucks is an important part of your skateboard because it impacts performance, tricks, and most importantly, your safety. Unfortunately, there’s no right size that’s best for all skateboarders just because everyone’s style is different. The main things you need to consider when determining the right size truck for your daily skateboarding needs are wheels size and deck type.
How do you determine wheel size? Well, the size you choose also depends on the deck you have, so you have to know the size of the deck. If you’re buying a new skateboard deck, you can measure it and match it with a particular truck size. Alternatively, you might consult a sales representative in your skateboard store to make sure you get the right fit.
What trucks are best for skateboards?
By far the most popular skateboard trucks are the standard kingpin (also called RKP) trucks. These are relatively lightweight and also more responsive than most other options. They’re available in a wide range of sizes to suit every skateboard.
As a general rule, harder skateboards are more popular with smaller wheels, while softer boards are characterized by larger wheels. As such, RKP trucks paired with softer decks tends to result in a skateboard that’s more responsive and easier to control, while RKP trucks with harder boards result in increased stability when riding.
Another important consideration is the size of the truck. This is the measurement of the length of the truck from end to end, and the size you should choose depends on your skateboard deck, the wheel size, and your weight.
What's the size I need to look for in a truck?
What size trucks do I need for a 7.75 skateboard?
Size wheels are the most important consideration if you’re buying an entire board, but truck size is important to detailed customization. A few factors are involved in truck size:
- Wheel Size – You may be in the market for a standard 7.75” or a 7.6” (an inch smaller) or a 6.1” (an inch bigger) board. Check your wheels first to make sure they’ll fit the trucks you choose.
- Deck Length – This is another important factor to consider before buying longboard truck parts. Skateboard decks are always measured as length in inches (a 7.6” is about 22.9 inches, a 7.75” is about 23.625”, and so on).
Will 7.75 Trucks fit 8.0 deck?
The answer is yes, unless you are using smaller wheels, in which case, they would fit better at 7.250. Bigger trucks will fit on smaller wheels. The only downside is blunter turning.
The weight of the deck, wheels and rider will determine if your board feels too long, too short, too lose or too tight. Experiment with several different combinations to see which is best.
This is a big part of the art and science of skating. Once you find the right fit, your board will be most stable and controllable. So don’t feel like you need to lock into one setup and never change.
Conclusion
Choosing the right truck can be difficult especially for someone new to the skateboard community. So we compiled this guide to help you along. If you are just buying a skateboard, this should allow you to head straight into the best skateboard with the right trucks to get started on the right foot. If you are looking to upgrade your current skateboard setup, this should help you understand how different trucks are designed for different types of skating and riding styles. Either way, you should be able to make a better decision around picking out a skateboard that is perfect for you!
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Independent 169 Stage 11 Standard Skateboard Trucks Polished Silver 9.125" Axle | Best Overall | |
| INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks 129mm Silver Raw STAGE 11 7.75 in PAIR | Budget Pick | |
| Thunder – Polished Skateboard Truck | Upgrade Pick | |