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Best Longboard Trucks in 2024: Review & Buying Guide

Here we’ve thoroughly reviewed the best longboard trucks so you can easily make the right buying decision.

Longboarding is a game that attracts people of diverse ages and cultures because of the exceptional display of tricks by the riders. Like every other sport, your ability to put up a thrilling performance depends on the quality of equipment at your disposal. You may have a good board with reliable grips and flexibility, but you can only make a fantastic show if the trucks are perfect.

Finding the best longboard trucks is rewarding for any player as it allows you to turn while keeping the wheels fixed on the board. In this article, we will review the most outstanding seven boarding trucks on the market. Also, we will look at the factors to consider when shopping for these products so that you can make the right decision.

Top 7 Best Longboard Trucks Review

01 Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Trucks (Top Pick)

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Trucks

The Sector 9 Gullwing Truck is the perfect contender by the smoothness of turns and ease of riding. It is the product to buy when desirous to unlock your longboarding potentials. As opposed to other models on this list, it features a double kingpin build, which delivers more turning radius and maneuverability.

We found that adjusting the kingpins would improve their functionality when swapping from one riding style to another. Besides, you can convert it to a standard kingpin truck by removing the middle joint resulting in the broader truck for use on more extensive decks.

The Gullwing model is an excellent choice for cruising through crowded areas, but you should keep it tight to prevent the deck from striking the ground. Carving with this item becomes tremendous and exciting when combined with big wheels.

This item is available in black, silver, and blue colors for easy customization. Also, you can opt for a 159mm or 185mm axle depending on your deck’s size. It is well-built and looks good on the board.

You’ll notice that these features are affordable at a price range that is fewer than $55. After comparing its rating with the products on this list, we discovered that it scored the highest (4.7 stars out of 174 reviews).

Pros

  • High quality and affordable
  • Impressive appearance
  • Double kingpin setup
  • Excellent maneuverability
  • More turning radius
  • Great adjustability

Cons

  • Truck to wheel attachment hardware sold separately

Our Verdict

This is by far our most favorite truck that is ideal for anyone desiring an adventurous carving experience. It feels stable, and the double kingpin allows for more adjustments depending on your feel when longboarding. They delivered better turns and had more positive features than any model we tested, making it a must-have at this price. If you’re looking for the best trucks for longboarding, here’s the one you can go for.

02 Paris v2 180mm 500 Longboard Skateboard Trucks (Also Great)

Paris v2 180mm 500 Longboard Skateboard Trucks

The most amazing thing about the Paris V2 trucks is its solid build and durability, making it an excellent choice for taking all kinds of rides. It is from a combination of steel and aluminum which have been treated with heat to prolong its life. It has a 50-degree radius that enables you to turn smoothly irrespective of the surface.

You’ll appreciate its 6-hole baseplate that allows its use with old or newer deck models, which further enhance its versatility. Its only negative is that it produces a noise when riding, but you can minimize it by applying lubricants on the pivot cups. It comes in tons of colors to choose from, even at a little lower price than our first choice.

Its score on Amazon was also impressive compared to other models on our top list, having received 4.4 stars out of 147 reviews (at the time we last checked). 

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Highly stable
  • Relatively affordable
  • Durable

Cons

  • Makes unwanted sound

Our Verdict

This product is relatively affordable and the right choice for both professionals and beginners alike. It’s also one of the best-rated models on our list. The turn is smooth, which is excellent for longboarding. It is durable, especially that it is from high-quality metals. So, it is worth considering.

03 Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Combo Set (Top Combo Set)

Yocaher Longboard Skateboard Trucks Combo Set

Next on the list is another set of trucks that will take you to the expected level in the game. This set from Yocaher is merely amazing as it comes with both trucks and wheels along with the necessary mounting hardware. Looking at the content of the package, you’ll know that what you are getting is beyond its price tag.

The wheels are from plastic, though durable; they are hard, so you can expect to have a little rough ride when compared with other models with the softer set. Besides, this product has riser pads that enable you to prevent wheel bites though you will experience a little drag as well.

The bearings are fast, and we discovered that they work as high as the expensive ones. The screws did hold well though they were not long enough for thicker boards. Also, while the wheels come in different colors, the trucks are only available in black.

This truck combo costs a little less than $40, making it an excellent piece for building a longboard. It had many positive reviews on Amazon, though not as high as our top pick at the time of the writing. So, with four stars from 370 users, it means other people also tested and proved its worth.

Pros

  • Extremely affordable
  • Risers to improve its performance
  • Comes with wheels and screws
  • Wheels spin smoothly

Cons

  • Hard wheels

Our Verdict

We’ve good reasons to put the Yocaher model on our list of best longboard trucks. We found this cool model to be cheap, considering that it came with both trucks and wheels. With this, you will not need to buy extra parts to complete the installation. However, for the money, it offers good value and you can’t really go wrong buying it.

04 Cal 7 180mm Trucks with Wheels, Bearings, Hardware

Cal 7 180mm Trucks with Wheels, Bearings, Hardware

If you are ready for a good longboarding outing, then this Cal 7 truck will make an ideal companion. This brand boasts of several years of experience, and this model is made to satisfy the needs of the genuine skater.

Like our Yocaher model, this one also comes in a complete package containing trucks, wheels, mounting hardware, and bearings. Talking about wheels, they measure at 70 x 51mm and has a durometer value of 78A. All these means it’s neither too big, soft, or hard but simply what you will need for longboarding.

This model has a 50-degree baseplate, which is ideal for making quick turns when carving at high speeds. The axle is 9.75 inches wide with a 180mm hanger with a guarantee of delivering a stable and secure ride.

This set comes with 8 ABEC bearingswhich are strong offering smooth and quick spins. It also has spacers to stabilize the bearings and also prolong the board’s life.

We found that the wheels did make loud sounds when riding on tougher grounds, but it was not a deal-breaker for us since a little adjustment could set things straight.

Its price is under $40, and it is the lowest on our list of top 7. Its score of 4.1 stars out of 85 buyers was commendable, indicating that the users were not disappointed with the purchase.

Pros

  • High-quality bearings
  • Sturdy wheels
  • Easy to install
  • Comes with trucks, wheels, and bearings

Cons

  • Makes noise

Our Verdict

There is no question why this truck has been featured as one of our top 7 models. It has plenty of positive features at an affordable price, so it’s one of the best models you should use on your deck. It’s an excellent product for sale and we highly recommend it.

05 Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks

Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks

This is another set of trucks with extreme power to withstand all manner of abuse and riding styles. Cal II is much stronger than the earlier Cal I version, making it an excellent choice when desiring to upgrade your truck.

The bushing seat is sturdy, minimizing excessive movements for better weight distribution and convenience when making a turn. In comparison with our Yocaher model, the truck of the Cal II is available in different colors though at varying prices. Also, you have the option of buying with or without the bearings. The kingpin is made of steel for extra durability, though the bushings can be loud. But replacing them can solve the issue.

It is sold between $30 to $54, depending on the option you choose. It was also trendy on Amazon with a surprising score of 4.4 stars from an average of 136 reviews at the time of the writing.

Pros

  • High-quality bushings
  • Available in many colors
  • Ideal for cruise and freerides
  • Superb responsiveness

Cons

  • Noise

Our Verdict

This is a great pair, well machined with precise mounting points that match any board of its size. It delivers a stable ride, and the bushings are highly responsive. Everything about this Cal II works fine except the little noise from the bushings.

06 Bear Grizzly 852 520 181mm Gen 5 Longboard Skateboard Trucks

Bear Grizzly 852 520 181mm Gen 5 Longboard Skateboard Trucks

Bear Grizzly trucks are one of the most versatile on the market. So, with a brand like this one, you can always brace up for the best. One of its strongest points is the uniquely shaped hanger, which enables you to adjust the turning radius to suit your style. Besides, you can alter its mounting position to enjoy the option of going with cruise or downhill rides.

The bushings of this GR852 are tight, making it more stable and more comfortable to control when riding at high speed. Besides, it has a broader base than our top pick making it easier for sliding since friction is low. However, you might experience a little unwanted sound from the wheels, which you can reduce by lubing the bearings.

It costs around $40 and an excellent choice for beginners as it gives you more options for the money. It was provided 4.3 stars by 87 users, which is indicative that it met their needs in a lot of ways.

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Lightweight and versatile
  • Less restrictive bushing seat

Cons

  • Did not come with wheels

Our Verdict

This original model played out to be a great downhill truck with a restrictive bushing for better stability and responsiveness. It offers a pleasant feel compared to other models we have listed and a good upgrade against the plastic trucks on the market.

07 Atlas Truck Co. Reverse Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks

Atlas Truck Co. Reverse Kingpin Ultralight Longboard Trucks

If you are yet to try the Atlas Trucks, then you are still missing out. These perform better than most models in its price range, including the high-end types. But what we appreciate most in this unit is material construction and strength. They are made from high-grade aluminum making it one of the most reliable and lightest trucks we have tested.

They feature thick hanger that is resistant to bends, ensuring accurate load transfer when riding. This means you can twist with confidence, knowing you have a reliable support mechanism. The design of the bushing seat is also great, ensuring zero contact with the kingpin, which, in turn, saves you from any potential harm.

However, they were unstable when riding at high speeds but was excellent for making deep carves. One of the things we rated most on this Atlas Truck is its unique appearance, which was essential to a lot of the users.

It was the least trendy among the products on this buying guide. Having scored 4.3 stars from 7 users, we are convinced of its high-quality performance.

Pros

  • Many color options
  • Perfect for carves and freerides
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Impressive look

Cons

  • Unstable at high speeds

Our Verdict

Here is a cheap longboard truck option for those who want a cheaper model without compromising on the quality. It is lightweight, well-constructed, and convenient for anyone looking for a reliable truck. We have all the reasons to put it on our list of the best longboard trucks.

Best Longboard Trucks – Buying Guide

Longboard Trucks Buying Guide

1. Riding Style

There are four outstanding riding styles. Though they have a few similarities, they still differ in many ways, making it difficult for a single board to function in all aspects. These include:

  • Cruising – It is the most popular, offering smooth and slow rides to any destination of your choice. A drop through longboard deck is ideal for cruising. While choosing the truck for this style, try to pay attention to its width and kingpin.
  • Downhill – This involves descending from the top of the hill at high speed. Unlike descending downhill on a road cycle,  you need to hover close to the ground a little to deliver a splendid performance when you are on a longboard.
  • Freeriding – the rider needs a few turns and less speed to maintain the pace.
  • Freestyle or Carving – Here, you will attempt a lot of tricks that will put much pressure on the trucks, which requires you to buy one that is built to last.

2. Truck Width

Unlike skateboards, longboards are large in size. To avoid unnecessary regrets, put trucks on a longboard correctly and ensure that the trucks’ size matches your board’s width before buying. You will be unstable if your truck is too narrow for the deck. But you will feel safer and stable when riding on a truck that is relatively larger than your deck. However, their differences in size should not be higher than ¼ inches.

The 5.9 inches (150mm), 10 inches, 12 inches and 7 inches(180mm) are the trendiest truck sizes on the market. The former is ideal for a board that is less than 8.5 inches by width while the latter is for sizes above 8.5 inches. 150mm widths are perfect for rigorous downhill and freestyle riders, while 180mm is great for taking a cruise and freeriding styles. There are extra-wide models with 200mm and even 300 mm in width for better stability.

3. Kingpin

This piece of iron holds the other parts of the truck together. It is cheap and easy to replace. You will either find trucks with reverse or standard kingpins.

  • Reverse kingpin – Most freestyle and downhill riders uses the reverse kingpin trucks because of their flexibility and ease of maneuverability.
  • Standard kingpin – They are on skateboards with kicktails, which allow you to perform tricks with ease.

4. Riser

This may not be among the most crucial parts of your truck, but it works by allowing you to alter the board’s clearance from the ground. It also helps to curb the level of shock that travels from the deck to your body.

The riser comes in handy when taking long treks as it improves your comfort during the ride and also increase the board’s responsiveness. Though they are inexpensive and easy to fix, it is never compulsory to have them.

5. Baseplate Angle

This rectangular piece fixes the entire truck to the deck. Its relative angle to the kingpin plays a role in the sharpness of your turn. It is mostly available in indexes of 50 degrees and 44 degrees. If you add a surf adapter to this, you’ll get even more versatile feedback.

The former is perfect for cruising and downhill rides, while the latter works most in downhill rides or competitive shows. However, 50-degree index trucks offer better response to turns; but beginners would have a little difficulty with speed control.

6. Bushings

These are easily replaceable rings around the kingpin for the smooth turning of the board. You can opt for a soft or hard bushing depending on your riding style and the feel you desire to have. Hard bushings are tougher to turn, making it perfect for cruising rides. However, soft bushings are more responsive, allowing you to perform tricks and twists with ease.

7. Bushing Seat

Reverse kingpin trucks come with diverse bushing seats, which determines your overall feel during the ride. You will need more full bushing seats for more turns or freestyle rides, while the restrictive seat provides better stability for high-speed trails.

8. Deck Lean

This is a description of your longboard’s position when you are taking a sideward turn by applying pressure on the rails. The truck’s tightness, force applied, deck’s stiffness will determine the deck’s lean. For example, if the truck is loose, the deck becomes leaner. Deck lean varies by your skating style, which is the reason we recommend that you adjust it to your taste. It’s also necessary when building a skateboard.

9. Hanger Width

The hanger is the T-shaped alloy that links the wheels to the truck. It should be of the right size aligning correctly with the deck’s width.

10. Hanger Height

Like both truck and deck’s width, the hanger height should match with the size of the wheels. Riding large wheels on low trucks results in wheel bite, while high hanger height creates instability when cruising fast. The ideal height is between 2.3 to 2.5 inches. If you want, you can put a mountain board’s truck on a longboard.

11. Type (CNC Precision vs. Cast Trucks)

CNC Precision trucks are mostly from aluminum and barely have defects compared to cast trucks. They have accurate tolerance and are more suitable for off-road riding. You’ll pay more for each CNC precision truck than on a cast truck. They are most suitable for downhill rides because of their tight bushing seats, which restricts their ability to turn.

12. Material

Most common materials for building trucks are stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, alloy and carbon fiber.

13. Budget

Fix your budget first before heading to the store. Going through our list would help you have a clear idea. High quality models cost more, as usual. However, we’d suggest you to spend a bit more on quality than quantity. Again, if you have the right tools, you can make a custom DIY model that should cost less.

Final Words

Overall, choosing the best longboard trucks is never a big deal. If you know what you will use it for, you can easily select the perfect one for yourself. When taking downhill or cruise rides, you can tell which truck will suit the task. While these trucks make a huge difference in your performance, you should never compromise quality for the price.

We are hopeful that this buying guide will inspire you to buy the perfect product for your needs. If you can secure the right model it will help you explore the landscapes and nature better than ever. And most importantly, always wear a helmet and put on necessary protective gear before going out for a ride.

FAQ

1. How do I tighten my truck?

Ans. Start by loosening the big nut in the middle of the truck using a skate tool. Then, turn it in a clockwise direction to tighten the trucks. This bolt is found between the wheels and points downwards when you are riding.

2. What are Reverse Kingpin Trucks?

Ans. RKP trucks have their kingpins through the hanger. Most of them are ideal for all riding styles and are more stable than standard trucks since they sit lower.

3. How tight should your trucks be?

Ans. Loose trucks often pose little danger compared to tight trucks. The turning radius’s tightness is dependent on the tightness of the truck. This means you might find it hard to steer at most corners when the truck is too tight. It is preferable to keep a balance between tight and loose.

4. Which way should longboard trucks face?

Ans. Most of the trucks on the market are RKPs, meaning the top bushing will face the board’s nose and tail.

5. Can you put longboard trucks on a cruiser?

Ans. You can put longboard trucks on a regular skateboard, but you will have to deal with a few limitations.

6. How often should you replace longboard bearings?

Ans. Every three months is ideal. But inspect your bearings to see if it spins freely and replace them immediately once you notice any stiffness.

7. Can you do tricks on longboards?

Ans. Longboarding has its tricks, which you cannot apply on skateboarding. Ideally, you can do a simple 180/360 and other methods on a longboard.

8. Are BEAR trucks any good? 

Ans. It is all about your preference. But if you are engaging in cruise or downhill rides, you will enjoy the smoothness and stability of the BEAR trucks.

About the author

Colin Kint

I’m a professional skateboarder and have participated in most skateboarding competitions in San Francisco. I believe my innate passion for the sport drove me to pursue my career as a professional skateboarder.

Another reason I’ve got so good at it is because of my relentless practice sessions with my friends. As an environmental activist with an undergraduate law degree, I volunteer in different community awareness programs. I’m also into photography and do most of the photography for this site.

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