So, you’re just getting into skateboarding and wondering what’s the best beginner skateboard truck to strap onto your board? Let me tell you, the right set of trucks can make or break a killer session. This post will break down the top five skateboard trucks for beginners. We’re talking Venture Trucks, Thunder Trucks, Indy’s, and others. Here’s to hoping this rundown scores a set of trucks to help you shred and become a local skate park legend!
What are skateboard trucks?
Skateboard trucks are T-shaped metal pieces that mount onto the underside of your skate deck. They hold your wheels and bearings in place; you nailed it. But hold on, they do more than just that! Your trucks influence how well you turn, how stable your ride is, and how swiftly you can pop an ollie or flip your board.
They’re like the ‘steering wheels’ of your skateboard, not to be overlooked or underestimated! A set of quality skate trucks can truly shift your learning curve from sketchy to steady. Here’s why skateboarders, particularly beginners, should care:
- Stability: Good-quality trucks ensure stability, letting you learn and execute tricks more comfortably.
- Turn and carve: You can easily control your ride by shifting your weight and maneuvering your trucks.
- Durability: Well-made trucks don’t easily give up, no matter how hard you bash or grind them!
What are the top 5 skateboard trucks for beginners?
Picking the right skateboard truck as a beginner can seem big. Especially when there are so many brands out there! But don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the five best skateboard trucks for beginners. Each is a killer choice for its own reasons; let’s investigate the details!
1. Venture trucks
Venture trucks are a total steal for beginners. They offer great balance and control at a reasonable price. The unique geometry of Venture trucks means a longer wheelbase, so you won’t find yourself wobbling or tipping over. But what does this mean for a newbie skater? Simple: fewer wipeouts!
Pros
- Stable ride.
- Reasonably priced.
- Beefy enough to withstand learning mistakes
Cons
- Doesn’t turn sharply.
- Requires an angled skate tool for front-bolt adjustments.
2. Thunder trucks
These trucks are my champions. True to their name, Thunder Trucks provide a smooth, stable ride and killer landing that’s no less than electric! You’ll be surprised by how nice these trucks feel on everything from mini ramps to parks to streets.
Pros
- Consistent turns.
- Great for mini ramps and street skating.
- It is balanced for manuals and scoop tricks.
Cons
- Wears down quickly on concrete.
- Slightly higher chance of wheel bite.
3. Independent trucks
Dubbed Indys, these trucks are loved by many for their durability and tight turning radius. They’re especially popular among bowl, ramp, and park riders who love the adrenaline of quick turns and more speed.
Pros
- Durable.
- Sharp turns.
- There is less chance of a wheel bite.
Cons
- Heavier, potentially doing tricks like the ollie more challenging.
- A taller height might not suit all board styles.
3. Paris street trucks
Paris is well-known for selling Carvy V2 and V3 longboard/cruiser trucks, but they also make Paris Street trucks ideal for beginners. They don’t excel in anything, but like Tensor, they’re jacks of all trades.
Pros
- They turn easily and don’t take long to break in.
- Provide a lot of stability
Cons
- It’s less durable than Indys or Thunder trucks.
- Locking in grinds is a bit more challenging.
4. Tensor trucks
Rodney Mullen’s firm is Tensor Trucks. If you don’t know who he is, I recommend you look him up and read about the man who founded contemporary street skating and invented nearly every trick in the book.
Pros
- It is among the lightest trucks on the market, with superb all-around geometry.
- Good all-around truck
Cons
- It isn’t the greatest or most durable on this list.
Additional truck-choosing tips
Are you just starting your skate journey and looking for the best beginner skateboard trucks? Here are some additional tips to bear in mind:
- Learn about truck details: understanding the basics, like hangers, baseplates, and bushings, can be useful.
- Consider the type of skateboarding you’re into. If you’re more into the street or park style, mid or low trucks may benefit transition skateboarding, where speed and stability matter; high trucks might be more suitable.
- Remember, your comfort is crucial! A truck that feels good to ride is always the right kind of truck.
My skateboarding experience
From a casual street skater’s point of view, choosing the right trucks was a bit of a bumpy ride in my initial skateboarding days. Skateboarding for me was catching up with friends for some fun sessions, and back then, I was always more focused on the decks and styles. Classic newbie mistake, right?
“Skateboard trucks influence how well you turn, how stable your ride is, and how swiftly you can pop an ollie or flip your board.”
However, as I slowly started focusing on upgrading my setup, my fascination with skateboarding got more serious. This mere fascination grew into an essential part of my life! I’ve learned that finding the right set of skateboard trucks isn’t just about brands or aesthetics. It’s about finding the right fit for your style, deck, and skateboarding ambition.
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Starting to learn about skateboard trucks can often feel like you’re trying to decode a secret language. So, here are some commonly asked questions to help make sense of it all.
What type of skateboard truck should a beginner choose?
As a beginner, you’ll want something stable and durable, tolerant of a few bumps and scrapes. Mid-height trucks are often recommended as they offer a good balance of stability and versatility. Consider choices like Thunder Trucks, Venture Trucks, or Independent Trucks, mentioned in our best skateboard trucks for beginners list.
How do I know what size truck to get for my skateboard?
The width of your skateboard deck will determine the right size for your trucks. Generally, the width of your trucks should match the width of your deck as closely as possible. Remember, too-wide or narrow trucks could lead to an unstable ride.
How often do skateboard trucks need to be replaced?
The durability of skateboard trucks greatly depends on how often and hard you skate. High-quality trucks from top brands can typically last several years. However, if your trucks are damaged or you feel a decline in performance, it might be time to get new ones.
What are the most important parts of a skateboard truck I should know about?
At a bare minimum, beginner skateboarders should familiarize themselves with the basic parts of the truck: the axle, hanger, kingpin, and bushings. These components directly affect your skateboarding experience, influencing everything from turning ability to overall board control.
Final thoughts
Growing from a newbie to an experienced skater is always a wild ride, fraught with new challenges and intense learning. But with the right gear, every challenge transforms into an unending thrill. So here’s wishing you the right truck, an inspiring ride, and a bag full of sick tricks. Let me know your questions in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and happy shredding!
Key takeaways
This article covered the best skateboard trucks for beginners. Here are some key takeaways:
- Skateboard trucks are vital in skateboarding, influencing turning, control, and stability.
- Companies like Venture, Thunder, and Independent deliver top-notch trucks that are excellent for beginners.
- Choosing the right trucks requires consideration of your skateboarding style and your board.
- Even though different brands offer various advantages, choosing what feels right for you is essential rather than just sticking to popular options.
