Which Trucks to Buy
Dateline: 08/15/00
Trucks are the axles on which the wheels reside. You can't grind without them. But more importantly, you can't skate without them either. With the exception of maybe practicing some tricks on a blank with no wheels (which is rather effective) you're going to need to acquire some.
Several points must be taken into consideration regarding the purchase of trucks. In order to make the right decision one must consider width, weight, turning and durability factors.
Width
The width of the truck can make for a vastly different feel and therefore a different kind of ride. For example, some of the companies currently involved in the creation of alternative kinds of skateboards are varying the width of the trucks with the purpose of emulating other kinds of sports such as snowboarding. The skinnier the truck is, the more the mass is put toward the middle of the board. Skinnier trucks mean easier flip tricks while wider trucks mean more stability.
If you're going to pursue street skating it's probably better to stick with something smaller and pick a size that's close to congruent with the board. Typically a 126mm will accommodate a 7.5 inch deck and so forth. The sizes are incremented by quarter inch, 136mm is considered standard and only the very large boards would require a size in the realm of 215mm.
As with all things, to each his own.
Weight
If you want pull tricks in the air you're going to want your board to be as light as possible. However, it is crucial to strike a proper balance regarding the weight of the trucks. Lighter trucks make for a lighter setup but also mean more breakage and axle slippage. Heavier trucks on the other hand will tolerate a great deal more abuse and will no doubt outlast other competitors. The choice is yours.
In general, look for something that is durable and lightweight and key for your personal kind of skating. If you're really into flip tricks and don't give a lick about grinding go ahead and get something light. But don't get anything plastic, that's crap and it'll break regardless of the types of tricks you're trying to pull.
Your style is what counts on this.
Turning
Trucks act as the turning mechanism for the skateboard. They determine how well a skateboard turns, and the geometry of the truck's design determines the turning radius. In general, the faster the trucks turn, the better.
Some trucks will turn easier than others. They can also be adjusted by varying the bushings. Obviously something softer is going to be easier to turn. Something harder is going to be more difficult to manage but it will also last longer. If you want to carve, loosen up your trucks and go at it.
Durablility
The harder you skate the more damage your set will need to endure. As previously mentioned, more grinding and like means more abuse for the trucks, so know what you're going to skate before you decide what to buy. Some trucks are guaranteed so check with the companies that make them. Also, another thing to keep in mind is that some parts, such as the kingpin, can be replaced upon breaking.
When in doubt, ask someone who knows. If you're not sure about which trucks to get, go to a specialty shop. A skate shop that caters to serious skateboarders will have employees that know what they're talking about. Ask which ones they recommend, which are strongest, and what size you need. They'll be glad to help you out.
