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Longboard Trucks vs Skateboard Trucks – What’s the Difference?

longboard trucks vs skateboard trucks
Written by Colin Kint

Are you curious about the skateboard you have owned for the past few years? Or planning to buy a new one?

You googled – skateboard buying guide and the first thing that came up was trucks and their different types. You got lost in their extensive details, but you didn’t really need to. This article is here to help!

If you’re trying to discover which truck your current skateboard has or which truck to buy, continue reading. We assure you this will guide you to pick the truck that caters to your needs well.

Longboard Trucks VS Skateboard Trucks – All The Differences

Anatomy of skateboard truck

  • Hanger width

The hanger width depends on the size of the deck.

Hangers of longboard trucks usually are 150mm to 180mm wide. These wider trucks need more room to move; that’s why with a 9” deck, a 180mm hanger is wielded. A longboard cruiser can utilize 150mm to 160mm. These wide trucks can assist you with a speedy, more reliable ride and greater grinding space.

In contrast, standard skateboard trucks have a 100mm to 145mm hanger. For a 7.5” deck, a 128mm hanger will allow for freestyle tricks. It makes you feel well-centered with excessive mobility.

  • Axle width

The truck’s width equals the axle’s width, and it is recommended to have an axle as wide as the deck.

Longboard trucks usually follow this recommendation and offer the same width as that of the deck. This gives a stable and durable ride with a little less maneuverability. These axles are great for cruising and fast downhill.
On the other hand, skateboard trucks commonly use an axle narrower than the board. This results in maximum maneuverability and excellent control while performing freestyle. However, these axles are less stable and don’t grip the surface effectively.

  • Bushings

The bushing is made up of rubber-cushions whose main job is to control the handling and stability of your ride. So, as usual, longboard and skateboard trucks have picked their sides.

Longboard trucks have a bit stiffer bushing for the downhill motion, a soft one for carving, and a medium one for cruising. A bushing that’s neither too soft nor too hard is great for a longboard truck.

On the other hand, the choice for the skateboard trucks is easier since they fit the little tight and stiff bushings to get more stability. However, this causes a little swerve problem.

  • Baseplate

The baseplate is an angled connector between the deck and truck. It controls the functioning of the board with its angles and the housing of the pivot cup.

Longboard trucks are usually of higher angle: from 48 to 50. Not only does this give the best carving power but also helps during down hilling or cruising. This angle is also beginner-friendly.

On the contrary, skateboard trucks have angles ranging from 40 to 45. Hence, they allow more grip and stability at higher speeds.

  • Kingpin

Another key difference is the type of kingpin. There are two types – reverse kingpin (RKP) and traditional kingpin (TKP).

Longboard trucks use the reverse kingpin, which sits a little higher. Unlike the TKP, the RKP faces outwards. It is preferable for carving, cruising, and freestyle, and provides more stability than TKP.

Skateboard trucks usually prefer the TKP that’s located on the same side as the axle. It’s placed lower than the RKP. Furthermore, it gives excellent control over the carving, tech sliding, and skate park gameplay.

  • Material

The material is the essence of the truck, which controls the ride. Different types of materials can be used to build up a truck.

Longboard trucks rely on several metals like steel and brass mixed with aluminum, which gives a stronger grip. Moreover, these materials increase strength and durability.

Hollow kingpins and axles are used to eliminate the extra weight due to heavy metals. Lighter trucks are usually beneficial to all types of skating.

Most of the skateboard trucks are not that hard: the hanger and the baseplate are made of aluminum while the axles contain steel. This mixture helps riders perform well in tricks and gives a skillful ride.

Longboard vs Skateboard Trucks – The Winner

Longboard vs Skateboard Trucks

It’s not a simple and straightforward answer since both longboard and skateboard trucks carry their unique individuality.

With the reverse kingpin, longboard trucks are usually wider. So, these are used for the wider boards. These trucks give a balanced ride, and are effective for carving, cruising, skating and downhill rides. Additionally, they’re equally beneficial for an amateur.

Skateboard trucks are commonly narrower with the traditional kingpin, that’s why these are used in shorter and narrower boards. These are better for street skating, bowls, and skate park gameplays. Furthermore, these trucks require great skill and balance to make a sharp turn.

So, the winner depends on your gameplay.

Conclusion

After going through this detailed article, you should be able to distinguish between the longboard and skateboard trucks clearly. With better knowledge of both types, now it’s up to you to decide which one to buy.

Tell us in the comments below which type you would personally prefer.

FAQs

1. Do trucks matter on a skateboard?

Ans. This valuable T-shaped piece holds the deck with the axle, bearings, hanger, wheels, and whatnot. Furthermore, all the components on trucks have a key role to play. A skateboard without a truck is like a man without legs; that ends the discussion.

2. What happens if your trucks are smaller than the decks?

Ans. The truck size plays a crucial role; the truck’s best size (measuring axle) should be the size of the deck.

Smaller trucks can go the extra mile with its reduced wheel bite, giving you a quick-moving response and an acrobatic ride. Being smaller and lighter, it’ll prove handy with flip tricks. However, you will have lesser stability.

3. Are low trucks better for street skating?

Ans. The length of the trucks is important for different gameplays. Street skating actually suggests lower and lighter trucks because of its constant restriction to the center of gravity. Therefore, your skate park and street skating skills become more effective.

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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