Best Longboard Trucks Buyer’s Guide

Best Longboard Trucks

Longboarding gets more and more attention lately.

To provide the best riding qualities, it’s important that every element suits your longboard.

This applies to trucks as well.

They are responsible for connecting the deck to all the other parts and creating a nice, smooth longboard.

The choice of trucks has to be done based upon certain knowledge. It might be difficult, especially for beginners, that’s why we decided to help.

Here you can find a full buyer’s guide that will walk you through the most important truck-connected topics and bring you naturally to the best result.

We have also prepared a great TOP-5 with the best longboard tracks for you to make sure you pick a reliable manufacturer!

Top Pick

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II

  • Dual Pivot Hanger
  • Elevated Angle
  • Dual Kingpin

Longboard Trucks Comparison Chart

PhotoProductFeaturesPrice

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder IIHanger Width: 185 mm
Axle Width: 10"
Weight: 595.5 g
Check Price

Paris V2 180mm

Paris V2 180mmHanger Width: 180 mm
Baseplate Angle: 50°
Weight: 470.2 g
Check Price

Caliber Cal II

Caliber Cal IIHanger Width: 184 mm
Baseplate Angle: 50°
Weight: 2 pounds
Check Price

Bear Archery Grizzly 852

Bear Archery Grizzly 852Hanger Width: 181 mm
Baseplate Angle: 52°
Weight: 2 pounds
Check Price

Yocaher HD7 Combo Set

Yocaher HD7 Combo SetHanger Width: 175 mm
Axle Width: 9.675"
Bearings: ABEC 7 Chrome
Check Price

5 Best Longboard Trucks (as of March, 2024):

1. Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard Truck Review

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II

The Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Longboard truck is the TOP choice for carving.

It’s elements provide twice as much rebound from your pumps and carves.

By mastering this set, you’ll be able to get your performance to a new level with tight lines and great feel of the road.

The set is also great for cruising, providing enough stability and flexibility to the ride.

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II Review, Pros and Cons

Features

By getting these trucks, you’re earning the following benefits:

  • Dual pivot hanger for the best carving and cruising suitability;
  • Dual kingpin to make every road your surfing wave and being able to manage the tightest turns;
  • Elevated angle for better responsiveness, therefore better turns with less effort;
  • Soft bushings for cruising every day, friendly for beginners;
  • Compatibility with almost all risers, excluding Paris.

These trucks combine sufficient stability and lots of opportunities for movement. You won’t need a lot of effort to master speedy turns with them because not much effort is needed to get a great response from the board.

Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II
Via: @cannibal_clone

The manufacturer recommends using the Sector 9 “Sidewinder Series” longboard decks for the best setup and discovering all the benefits of the trucks. But you can use them on any board that suits by size to make sure there’s no wheel bite.

Sufficient clearance allows for flawless riding with no forced stops.

It’s not the best option for downhill riding since it’s very responsive, so be sure to keep that in mind when considering these trucks. This style needs a more stable set of trucks.

Main Features

  • Ideal For Carving & Cruising
  • Stability & Flexibility
  • Dual Pivot Hanger
  • Dual Kingpin
  • Double Stacked Conventional Geometry
  • 89a Cone & Barrel Combo Bushings
  • Compatibility With All Risers, Excluding Paris

Pros:

  • Dual pivot hanger and kingpin
  • Elevated angle
  • Double the response
  • Best for carving and cruising
  • Great ratio of stability and turnability
  • Soft bushings for everyday use

Cons:

  • 4-inch increase in the wheelbase
  • Not suitable for downhill riding

2. Paris V2 180mm Longboard Truck Review

Paris V2 180mm

Paris V2 180mm longboard truck is a great universal choice for those who don’t know what kind of trucks they need.

They are suitable for all styles and any kinds of terrain.

Their size is suitable for most longboard decks and will provide enough stability for cruising and downhill riding, enough turnability for carving and freeriding.

The set absorbs vibrations so that any crack and bump is not feeling like a huge pit.

Paris V2 180mm Review, Pros and Cons

Features

With this set, you get:

  • Versatility of use so that you don’t need to buy several sets for different purposes;
  • 356.2 virgin aluminum molded into high-quality hanger and baseplate. It goes through a secondary heat treatment for better strength and longevity;
  • Open urethane bushings with a formula that won’t you feel any excess shaking;
  • Branded kingpins for the best fit and durability;
  • Full-tilt bushing seat which is great for carving of almost any difficulty;
  • Refined looks that will suit your style and improve the overall aesthetics of the look;
  • ⅛” riser pad for the times when you need a bit more response and turnability;
  • 50-degree baseplate to get the most out of the turns on your longboard;

Paris V2 180 trucks are some of the best for cruising since it can handle “a bit of everything” terrain-wise.

It won’t drive you through deep wet gravel for hours or sand, but small puddles, a bit of gravel, and a bit of dirt/sand won’t become a serious obstacle.

Paris V2 180mm
Via: @kanekimon

The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty for the products to cover all kinds of damage done due to manufacturing issues.

Main Features

  • For All Styles & All Terrain
  • Strong & Durable
  • 356.2 Virgin Aluminum Gravity Molded
  • Secondary Heat Treatment Process
  • Grade 8 Steel Axles
  • Branded Kingpins
  • Paris 90a Urethane Bushings
  • 6-Hole Baseplate
  • Available In Multiple Colorways
  • Lifetime Warranty

Pros:

  • High-quality virgin aluminum
  • Durability due to secondary heat treatment
  • Branded kingpins
  • Open urethane bushings
  • Great response
  • All-terrain use
  • Lifetime warranty
  • All-style use
  • Multiple colors available

Cons:

  • The coat of paint is too light an can come off after a slight damage
  • Might get squeaky fast

3. Caliber Cal II Longboard Truck Review

Caliber Cal II

Caliber is a respected company that popularized lower-angle trucks.

They create durable, all-around-use products that suit most longboards.

Their Cal I was a major hit, but this Caliber Cal II upgraded model is 40% stronger.

It’s a high-angle set of trucks that can serve as an almost universal since it fits most standard longboards.

Some of their parts are reinforced, so one could say the set is damage resistant. This adds to the capabilities of the trucks terrain-wise.

Caliber Cal II Review, Pros and Cons

Features

With this set, you also earn:

  • Reverse-kingpin for more movement possibilities;
  • Pivot with a higher tolerance level than Cal I and a lot of other trucks;
  • 50-degree baseplate also for turnability improvement;
  • Brushed high-quality aluminum that combines lightweight and durable qualities;
  • Grade 8 hex head kingpins for more reinforcement and damage-resistance;
  • Higher rebound and responsiveness of the longboard;
  • Ultra-HR bushings that also work on the responsiveness improvement;
  • 40% as much strength and durability as the Cal I model;
  • A number of colors to choose from to complete your image;
  • All-around riding capabilities, which is great for cruising.

These trucks are great for a drop-through longboard. It’s very versatile in use as you can ride almost any terrain without major losses in riding quality.

The baseplate has been reinforced to provide premium durability.

Main Features

  • Higher Rebound & Responsiveness
  • 50 degree Reverse Kingpin
  • Ultra-HR Bushings
  • Pivot with Tighter Tolerances & Updated Chamfer
  • Circular Kingpin Hole with Updated Diameter
  • Truck Strength Increased by 40%
  • Pressed-in Grade 8 Hex Head Kingpin
  • Beefed Up & Reinforced Baseplate
  • Thinner Paints Used for Tighter Tolerances

Pros:

  • High-quality material
  • Tolerant pivot
  • Reinforced baseplate
  • Solid, sturdy structure
  • Lots of color options available
  • Great maneuverability
  • Most styles use
  • Most terrains use

Cons:

  • Not soft enough for perfect cruising
  • No hardware included

4. Bear Archery Grizzly 852 Review

Bear Archery Grizzly 852

If you’re looking for a set of trucks that will improve the performance of your longboard and won’t destroy your wallet, Bear Archery Grizzly 852 trucks may become a great choice.

They are flexible, can be customized to your favorite riding style.

There are also a lot of colors to choose from to fill the aesthetic looks gap.

They are very durable and can handle uneven roads, getting you on long distances.

Bear Archery Grizzly 852 Review, Pros and Cons

Features

With these longboard trucks, you’re getting:

  • Reduced weight of only 2 pounds to make your longboard lighter;
  • Strong, durable material that will resist a lot of uneven terrain riding;
  • A selection of 8 colors to match your interest and style;
  • 181-degree flip hanger for more flexibility of use;
  • All-style use in different conditions: regular hanger for carving, cruising; flipped hanger for downhill riding.

Bear Grizzly 852 Longboard Trucks are some of the most versatile options.

If you’re a beginner, they can become a great training pair that will make you familiar with installation, hanger flipping, and riding in different styles. Make sure the board is wide enough for these trucks.

Bear Archery Grizzly 852
Via: @deathbygirl

The manufacturer offers all kinds of replacements and refunds. So if there’s a problem with your set, don’t hesitate to contact the company. All this, in combination with affordability, creates a top-notch pair of trucks for your longboard.

One con, though, is that the kingpins aren’t removable or changeable, so be careful not to damage them.

Main Features

  • All-Style Use In Different Conditions
  • Ideal For Beginners
  • Weight Only 2 pounds
  • Very Durable & Flexible
  • 8 Colors To Choose
  • Adjustable Baseplate Angle
  • 181-degree Flip Hanger
  • Easy To Install

Pros:

  • Suitable for carving, freeriding, cruising, etc.
  • Adjustable baseplate angle
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Great option for beginners
  • Strong, durable materials
  • 8 colors to choose from

Cons:

  • Non-replaceable kingpins

5. Yocaher HD7 Combo Set Review

Yocaher HD7 Combo Set

This Yocaher HD7 Combo Set of trucks comes with wheels and is a suitable choice for beginners.

It consists of a pair of wheels, bearings, and trucks, with a pleasant addition of plastic risers that will help you avoid wheel bite.

Features

By buying this set, here’s what you get:

  • Durable aluminum alloy trucks that will last through all the fails and damage;
  • Easy adjustability by loosening the kingpin;
  • Great wheels for beginners in the package that are medium-soft – just enough for the first rides until you figure out what you like;
  • 90A polyurethane bushings that aren’t as hard as the ones used in skateboards and are quite durable and wear-resistant;
  • Plastic risers for more convenient customization.
Yocaher HD7 Combo Set Review, Pros and Cons

This option has a great price to quality ratio. You get wheels, bearings, risers, and trucks for a reasonable price. Even though the set might not be as durable as high-end, expensive sets, it’s nice to have a lower-budget option on hand.

Yocaher HD7 Combo Set
Via: @southernduhmbass

The trucks are of great quality and highly adjustable, so you can use them in the future with different wheels, bearings, and other elements.

They will suit for carving, cruising, even downhill riding. Loosening and tightening kingpins isn’t that difficult, but if you’re a newcomer, it will be great training.

One con in this set is a rather slow bearing choice. While it’s still enough for beginners, if you’ve been riding for some time, consider buying a pair of additional bearings like Bones Reds.

The wheels aren’t too hard, but some might find them inconvenient. If you like very soft wheels and maximum grip, consider investing in a different pair.

Main Features

  • Heavy Duty Polished Trucks
  • Durable Aluminum Alloy
  • 90A Polyurethane Bushings
  • Speed Cruiser 70x52mm Wheels, 78A Hardness
  • Bolts & Nuts With Black Coating
  • Plastic Risers
  • ABEC-7 Chrome Bearing
  • Quite Durable & Wear-Resistant
  • Easy Adjustability

Pros:

  • A combo set with trucks, bearings, risers, and wheels
  • Reasonable price
  • Great for beginners
  • Highly adjustable
  • Strong, durable materials
  • Medium-soft wheels for most styles

Cons:

  • Rather slow bearings

Best Longboard Trucks Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider Before Making the Final Choice

Longboard trucks are relatively small metal elements in a T-form that are attached to the bottom of the deck and create a base for the wheels.

It is an essential component that plays a big role in your overall riding experience. So, it’s very important to choose a type suitable for your board and riding style.

There are special trucks for downhill riding, cruising, carving, etc. They differ in certain qualities we’re going to talk about right now. These are also the things you should consider before making the final choice.

Truck Hanger & Axle Width

For every longboard, you need two trucks that are different from standard skateboard ones. You can determine a longboard truck by finding out their hanger/axle width.

The major difference between a skateboard and longboard trucks is that the latter is wider in order to accommodate a longer deck.

The most suitable trucks for long decks are usually 150mm or 180mm reverse kingpin ones (on that later). And while some wheels might be used interchangeably with skateboards and longboards, the trucks cannot.

Reverse Kingpin Trucks

Reverse kingpin trucks are called so because their kingpin is on the opposite side of an axle, comparing to standard skateboard trucks.

They turn much better than regular trucks, providing more capabilities for carving. They also tend to have softer bushings for even better turns and more space for maneuvers.

Caliber longboard trucks
Via: @daddiesboardshop

If you use your longboard for downhill riding or cruising, consider stiffer bushings. They will provide you with more stability, which is much appreciated when riding down a hill or going for a long-distance ride on your longboard at high speed.

Longboard Truck Size

Before choosing a set of trucks, measure the width of your longboard deck. The size you need has to be suitable for the board if you want proper mount and great stability.

For instance, if you use the board for downhill riding, freeride, or cruising, 10” or 180mm trucks are recommended. If your goal is carving, 9” or 150mm trucks will work fine.

Make sure you keep the difference between the width of your board and the truck size within ¼”.

Also, check the manual for your board. A lot of manufacturers specify what kind of gear would go best with it and what sizes you need.

It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations unless you construct your own board or need a non-standard build for some reason.

Truck Bushing Seat

The truck’s turns partly rely on the bushing seat. It’s a pocket of sorts located in the hanger that holds the bushings. If the seat is tight, this means it cradles the bushing well and helps achieve more controlled turns.

This seat also provides more stability, which is great for cruising and downhill riding. On the downside, it blocks the responsiveness of the board when you’re riding at lower speeds.

Gullwing Sidewinder II longboard trucks
Via: @jsamdal_longboarding

More open seats provide the ability for carving and sudden turns without a lot of pressure applied. This seat is great for general commute and freestyle.

Most of the longboard trucks you can find in the shops have bearing seats that fall between the two extremes. This provides the most universal, versatile riding opportunities and a chance for customizing.

You can change the properties of your bushings to compensate for the seat by choosing a different shape and durometer.

Baseplate Angle

Baseplate angle is responsible for the moving abilities of your longboard:

  • High-degree trucks.
    50-degree baseplates are the most common type that comes with most reverse kingpin trucks. It helps you get a lot of movement with minimal effort, which is great for carving and regular commute. Slower-speed freeride for beginners will also be more enjoyable with high-degree baseplates on their trucks since there will be a lot of responsiveness from the deck.
  • Low-degree trucks.
    This type is great for freeride at high speeds and downhill riding since it provides a lot more stability and less turn. You’ll be surprised when comparing a 50-degree baseplate and, say, a 42-degree one. High speed makes every move times sharper and wider, and you don’t want that when going downhill. Besides, the longboard with a lower baseplate degree doesn’t get affected by uneven terrain, therefore you don’t get shaky.
  • Split-degree trucks.
    For a longboard, you need two trucks. In split-degree setups, the back truck is lower, and the front one is higher. This provides the best of both worlds: you get stability from the rear part and great responsiveness from the front. This is a universal option that is mostly used for downhill riding.

Precision Trucks

If you’re after custom trucks made specifically for your board to enhance your performance and bring it to the best point, then precision trucks should be your choice.

Most elements are made by casting or pouring into molds, these are made by cutting a perfect shape out of a single piece of metal. CNC machines are used for that.

Such manufacture allows you to create an ideal design that would fit your board and goals. The smallest details are worked on manually to provide the best final result.

You get a pair of super-strong trucks that are 100% predictable in their work. You know exactly how much force to apply to make a perfect turn and what degree of stability your longboard provides.

Precision trucks are quire an investment since a lot of effort is needed to create a pair. However, it’s justified by the result such trucks provide. They are precise, stable, more durable, and very high-quality.

Other Things to Check for When Choosing Longboard Trucks

Here are other things to pay attention to:

  • The material your trucks are made of. Also, consider researching every possible material to make sure what you need;
  • Warranty, lifetime, or at least for several years. It’s not that common nowadays, but some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty for all their products;
  • Reviews, preferably from several months ago. Some users update their reviews with time to provide more information on the work of the trucks in several months;
  • Manufacturer’s policies. Review the website of the manufacturer to find out more about the materials they use, whether they are eco-friendly, whether their products are approved by reliable institutions.

Frequently Asked Question About Longboard Trucks

Here are some of the most asked questions about longboard trucks and answers you can get a lot of knowledge from.

Reverse kingpin vs traditional trucks: what’s the deal?

The deal is turning capabilities. Traditional kingpins offer less of that and are better for kick-turning.

Caliber longboard trucks
Via: @alexdazzles

Reverse kingpins are located on the opposite side of the axle and offer more flexibility in turns, which works great for carving and lean-turning. They are also taller, so your longboard becomes a bit taller as well.

What does flipping hangers mean?

The hanger on reverse-kingpin trucks is quite versatile in use. You can flip them 180 degrees and adjust the riding characteristics of the board. By flipping it, you lower the deck a little bit and change the way the hanger works with the bushings.

This will make the board a bit less responsive to your “commands,” which might be useful sometimes. But in most cases, you don’t need to do that.

How do I fix the squeaking truck’s problem?

Usually, the squeaking comes from the friction between the hanger and the pivot bushing. The place is called a “pivot cup.” There’s no need to go to an expert to fix the issue.

Simply loosen the hanger a bit or take it off the setup and put some wax, graphite, or soap (without water) on it. This will create a safe barrier that won’t allow for so much friction.

If you still have the squeaking noises after that, it might be time for some serious maintenance.

Get Proper Longboard Trucks to Make the Most Out of Your Ride

Choosing a truck is as important as the choice of any longboard element, including shoes and even movies that inspire you. Every small detail of the setup can dramatically change your experience, get more flexibility, and use out of your longboard.

First of all, you have to decide what kind of riding you will do. Will it be downhill or cruising? Or maybe regular commute on uneven terrain? Think about it and then find out about the features a certain element will provide.

Choosing the right elements might be difficult, especially if you’re a beginner, that’s why gaining language on the topic is so important.

Several degrees of baseplate angle might change the game completely, and so does the ratio of widths of your trucks and the longboard itself. This buyer’s guide provides all the basic information that should influence your choice!

Best Longboard Trucks

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