Looking to find the best skateboard trucks on the market? Or maybe just settle a debate with your friends?

Either way, there's a lot of talk about which trucks are the best. The battle is mostly between Thunder and Independent, but there are a lot of good (and bad) skateboard truck brands out there. Which one's are the best for you?

In this article, we will take a look at the best skateboard trucks from some of the top brands out there like Thunder and Independent Trucks. We will discuss in detail what makes each truck unique and how it can benefit your skating style.

The best trucks for you will most likely come down to personal preference and budget. All of the best skateboard trucks that we'll mention will be a good option based on your needs.

QUICK SUMMARY

Do Skateboard Trucks Really Matter

YES! Skateboard trucks play a significant role in the performance of a skateboard. And the difference between a set of no name trucks and a quality brand name set of the best skateboard trucks will be very noticeable.

High-quality skateboard trucks will provide a stable ride, be durable and withstand wear and tear, and allow for precise turning. If you're serious about skating, it's worth investing in a good set of trucks.

What Size Skateboard Trucks Do I Need

The size trucks you'll need greatly depend on the size deck you're riding. Each truck brand has different ways of sizing their truck axle width. See the chart below of the most popular and best skateboard truck brands and match it to your deck size.

For example: If you want a set of Thunder trucks and you're riding an 8.25 size deck, the truck size would be 148.

How We Choose The Best Skateboard Truck Brands

It can be tough to find good information on skateboard trucks, especially when most of the reviews you read are rarely from real skateboarders.

Not to mention that there are so many different brands and models out there.

Here at Skate Nerd we've actually tested most (soon to be all) of the skateboard truck brands on this list. Our reviews are a culmination of 30+ years of personal experience as well as reading through and analyzing the thousands of consumer reviews out there.

See Our Favorite Skate Trucks
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Skate Nerd is an informative blog for readers. Each product was independently selected by editor's and all opinions in this article are our own. We may receive a small commission if you purchase through one of our links at no cost to you (that's how we keep rollin').

#1 Best Overall

Independent Skateboard Stage 11 Trucks

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Our Thoughts

Independent Trucks are one of the most reputable brands in skateboarding. And probably the best skateboard truck brand there is. These durable trucks are built to last (and Built To Grind! as they say) and can handle the toughest skateboarding you can throw at them.

They have been around since 1978, and their skate trucks are used by many of the top professional skateboarders, including The Boss, aka Andrew Reynolds.

If you're looking for a durable, reliable, and high-quality trucks, then we can confidently say that Independent Trucks could the brand for you and your street skating.

The Details

Independent Trucks are made from cast 356 aluminum which makes them extremely strong and resistant to breakage.

They also claim a lifetime guarantee, which is a sign that they are confident in the quality. So you should be too.

All in all, you can't go wrong with choosing Independent Trucks for your new complete.

#2 Skater Favorite

Thunder Team Edition Trucks

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Our Thoughts

There's no doubt that Thunder trucks are one of the best skateboard trucks out there. I skated Thunder's for the majority of my career with zero complaints.

They do take a day or two to break in. But once they are dialed in to your specs, you won't have to adjust anything thereafter.

The Details

Thunder Trucks are a popular choice for skateboarders due to their light weight and durability. These trucks are made of chromoly, which is a strong and lightweight metal.

The chromoly axle and kingpin make the Thunder Quick Turn Response truck durable and able to withstand hard landings. In addition, these trucks are designed to be agile and responsive, making it easy to perform tricks.

If you're looking for a pair of one of the lightest trucks out there, you can check out Thunder's Polished Hollow Lights. They include hollow axels, hollow kingpins, and lightweight forged baseplates.

Check Out Thunder Polished Hollow Lights

#3 Best For Tech Skaters

Venture Polished Low Skateboard Trucks

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Our Thoughts

Venture Trucks are a household name in the skating world, and for good reason.

They are well known for their lower trucks. Lower aluminum trucks are the usual preference for more technical skaters. Best for flipping in and out of ledge and manual tricks.

Paul Rodriguez (P Rod) knows these types of tricks best, and has been skating Venture's since 2012. You can also find their hollow trucks like their Deluxe counterpart, Thunder

The Details

Venture Trucks are known for their quality construction and attention to detail. This model includes a polished hanger and baseplate.

These trucks are made from lightweight and very durable materials, and they do have solid bushings that make them great for turning.

They can be more on the tighter side, which is good technical skating. If you like Venture and prefer a looser truck, they do offer a bushing converter kit to make your trucks looser. All you need to do is switch out the bushings.

If you want to skate like Bobby Worrest or Kader Sylla then pick a pair of these up asap.

#4 Best For Skating Bowls & Transition

Ace Skateboard Trucks AF1

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Our Thoughts

I just recently started skating Ace trucks and fell in love with them right away. They are well know for their extreme turning capabilities so they are great for carving bowls and transitions.

When I first put them on I tightened them all the way down and they still turned beautifully. Haven't had to adjust them since.

If you're used to a tighter truck, Ace trucks might take some time to get used to. But once you do, they might be the only trucks you ride from then on. I think they might be my go-to from here on out.

The Details

The Ace AF1 features game-changing performance without deviating from the original Ace design. The AF1 is carefully manufactured using a proprietary casting process.

The ACE AF1 has a 70% increase in the aluminum's structural integrity, making it the strongest cast truck on the market.

Ace Trucks are also designed to be lightweight and agile, making them perfect for street or park skating.

Whether you're looking for speed and agility or raw power, Ace Trucks has you covered.

#5 Krux

KRUX K5 Standard Trucks

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Our Thoughts

When I think of Krux I immediately think of wild and crazy designs and colors. To me, Krux is a skateboard company that understands that skateboarding should be fun and not taken too seriously.

For that, I love these trucks. A brand all about humor, with a team of skaters to fit that style as well.

While fun and quirky, they do offer a quality truck that will last and skate great. The pros that continue to skate them can attest to that.

KRUX Size Chart

The Details

Krux Trucks are designed for skateboarders who want the best possible performance out of their trucks.

The pivot cup shape provides a more responsive feel, while the re-designed hanger gives the trucks a lower center of gravity for improved stability.

In addition, Krux Trucks are hang-up free, meaning that the kingpin won't catch while grinding.

As a result, Krux Trucks offer skateboarders a smoother, more enjoyable ride.

#6 Tensor

Tensor Alloys Skateboard Trucks

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Our Thoughts

Tensor Trucks are the product of one of the most influential skateboarders to ever do it. His name is Rodney Mullen and he needs no introduction.

With Rodney's name attached to it, you can rest assured that you'll be getting a quality product.

And if Daewon Song skates them, you know they have to be good.

Tensor Size Chart

The Details

Tensor Trucks are the Self-Proclaimed - Best Grind. Best Turn. Best Truck. Tensor Trucks are made with Traditional Aluminum Alloy and they come with a Guarantee for Life.

They also feature a lowered kingpin for more clearance, redistributed weight for a stronger lightweight truck, and a slimmed down redesign for a lighter weight than most trucks.

Tensor also makes the lightest trucks on the market called the Mag Light. The Lo comes in at just 231.0 grams and the regular at 252.0 grams.

Check out the Tensor Mag Light

#7 CCS

[CCS] Skateboard Trucks

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Our Thoughts

Looking for the best skateboard trucks on a budget? While not known as one of the top skateboard truck brands, they are one of the top well know skateboard brands overall.

I've personally skated a lot of CCS products, especially when I was just getting started. I've always found them to be of quality and especially easy on the wallet.

These trucks are no exception. If you're a beginner or on a budget, these trucks will not disappoint.

The Details

CCS Trucks are made with high-quality components, including a sturdy steel base plate, premium high-rebound bushings, and a quality no-slip kingpin.

They also come with 1" Phillips hardware for mounting, which is a plus!

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these trucks are designed to take the abuse their intended for.

#8 Best Trucks For Longboards

Paris V3 180mm 50° Longboard Skateboard Trucks

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Our Thoughts

Longboarders need trucks too! You won't be doing much grinding on a longboard, but you will still need a solid set of trucks to handle those downhill missions.

Paris Trucks are known for their strength and durability, and the Paris V3 trucks are no exception.

Paris reverse kingpin trucks are built for the speed and turns you'll need to make while bombing those hills.

The Details

Utilizing a proprietary alloy-forming process, the Paris V3 trucks use techniques derived from casting, extrusion, and forging. The result is a baseplate that is 50° angle and a hanger that has an open bushing seat.

This combination offers a fluid transition between deep, diving turns. In addition, the Paris V3 trucks have broadened hanger shoulders and reinforced baseplate support beam to reduce stress and increase overall strength.

For the best response and rebound, the Paris V3 trucks come with a redesigned top conical bushing and hand-poured urethane pivot cups for an ultra-smooth turn.

#9 Honorable Mention

Grind King Truck Co. Disruptor Black Skateboard Trucks

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Our Thoughts

If you skated in the early 90's, then you've heard of Grind King. While not a huge name these days, Grind King was one of the top skateboard trucks at that time. Which is why they deserve an honorable mention.

I think Gullwing might have been my first set of trucks, but Grind King was definitely my second. And I grinded them all the way down to the axel!

Grind King was one of the first skateboard truck brands I can think of to use an allen bolt kingpin instead of the standard hex bolt.

This came in clutch back in the day when all other street trucks would grind down the king pin and strip the bolt, making it impossible to tighten or loosen.

The Details

Grind King Trucks are known for their ultra low kingpin and quick break-in time on the bushings.

The Disruptor, is an updated design offering the lowest kingpin clearance with the classic Grind King inverted kingpin design.

These stable trucks will take your grinds to the next level by providing smoother and longer grinds without kingpin hang ups. The curved edge on the inside baseplate will help keep your board from breaking.

Best Skateboard Trucks For You

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article discussing different skateboard trucks, how they work and what solid brands are available.

We hope that this information has been helpful to you in determining which kind of skateboard trucks fit your style best.

After all, there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to choosing the right skateboard trucks for your personal style of skating.

You can check the prices on the best skateboard trucks by clicking or tapping the buttons!

See Our Favorite Skate Trucks

RECAP

Best Skateboard Trucks FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best skateboard trucks:

Can any trucks go on any skateboard?

For the most part, yes. Any standard trucks and will most always fit on traditional skateboard decks.

There are some circumstances where standard trucks won't fit a certain skateboard. Some longboards are shaped and fitted for a different style skateboard truck.

While you most likely won't have a problem finding skateboard truck brands that will fit your skateboard deck, it's wise to make sure they'll fit your specific deck prior to purchasing a new set of skateboard trucks.

Are low or high skateboard trucks better?

There is no definitive answer to this question because it depends on your personal skating style and preferences. Technical skaters prefer low trucks because they feel like they offer more control and precision.

Others prefer high trucks because they provide a faster and more smoother ride. Ultimately, it's up to you to experiment with different truck heights and see what works best for you.

Is it easier to skate with loose trucks?

There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some skaters prefer loose trucks for a more responsive skating experience, while others find them harder to control and prefer tighter trucks.

If you're a beginner, you'll likely like a tighter truck until you get your balance dialed in. A more experienced skater may prefer a looser truck. However, I know professional skateboarders like Manny Santiago who skate the tightest skateboard trucks. So it really comes down to personal preference.

Do heavier skateboard trucks make a difference?

Heavier skateboard trucks do make a difference. Heavier trucks tend to be more stable and provide more control. However, they also require more effort to turn and can slow you down.

A heavy skateboard truck will take more effort to get you board off the ground, so a more technical skater might go for a lighter truck. So it's important to find a truck weight that works well for your style of skating.

What is the most popular skateboard truck?

This is a bit of a loaded question and you'll get a variety of answers across the web. But the two most popular skateboard trucks have to be Independent and Thunder in my eyes.

They are both staple brands and most skaters either skate Independent or Thunder. If I had to pick just one, I would pick Independent. Even though I skate Thunder and Ace mostly. Venture and Ace trucks are also up there in popularity as well.

Are Thunder trucks good for beginners?

Thunder trucks are one of the best skateboard truck brands for beginners. They're a bit more stable and easier to control than some other skateboard truck brands, which makes them perfect for those just starting out. They do take a day or so tho fully break in but they're worth it in the long run.

If you're new to skateboarding or just looking for a new set of skate trucks, Thunder is a great option. All the options above are good options for beginners except for maybe Ace. If any skateboard trucks are advanced it'd be Ace based on super good turning they provide.

Are loose or tight trucks better for beginners?

There isn't really a right or wrong answer to this question – it just depends on what the beginner balance is like. Loose trucks tend to be a little bit more responsive, but can be unstable for a beginner. While tight trucks are a little more stable, but don't offer the turning abilities looser trucks will.

All in all I would recommend starting with tighter trucks and loosening them over time as you get better. But it really comes down to personal preference. Experiment with both types and see which one you prefer!

What trucks do pro skaters use?

Independent Trucks are the most popular choice for pro skaters. Other brands that are favorites include Thunder Trucks, Royal Trucks, Venture Trucks, and Ace Trucks.

Are low trucks better for street skating?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question since street skating is so broad. Personal preference plays a big roll here, but if you are a more technical skater low trucks may be your best bet.

If you're jumping down big stairs and rails, you may want to go with a higher truck. But try not to look to deep into it if you're just starting out. Over time you'll find what works best for you.

How do you stop a wheel bite?

There are a few things you can do to stop a wheel bite on a skateboard. First, try tightening your trucks. This will help reduce the amount of play in your wheels and keep them from hitting your board when you turn.

Riser pads will also help, but they aren't used as much on street boards these days. You can also try skating higher trucks.

Pro tip: Wax the bottom part of your skateboard deck just under the wheels. When the wheel tries to bite, the wax will help it keep rolling!

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