Longboard Trucks Vs Skateboard Trucks: How To Differentiate Between Them?
It might be challenging to compare longboard trucks vs skateboard trucks if you are new to them. In fact, both boards serve entirely different purposes.
The size sets them apart from each other. They also come with different hangers, bushings, kingpins, and baseplates.
We will tell the differences between these items right here. This side-by-side comparison will help you choose the better one for your needs.
What Are Longboard Trucks?
They are metal T-shaped components attached to the wheels and the bottom of the longboard board.
Every longboard needs two trucks. Hence, their sizes vary depending on the axle and hanger width.
Some skaters call this part "reverse kingpin" (RKP) as the axle stays on the other end of the kingpin, which is the opposite position compared to the traditional truck (TKP).
Longboard trucks have softer bushings to make turning and maneuvering smoother.
Those for downhill riding should have stronger bushings to keep the board stable at high speeds.
The board is wide
What Are Skateboard Trucks?
They are also the metal T-shaped parts attached to the bottom of the skateboard. They keep the bearings and the wheels tight on the deck.
They're an essential part of creating your skateboard, and they may affect how you ride it.
Axles, kingpins, hangers, and bushings are among the components of the trucks. All of these parts influence the performance of your skateboarding as well as the size and type of trucks you buy.
Wheel bite arises when the wheels push against the board and make you stop in contact during a turn. You can avoid this incident by choosing the appropriate size.
All the parts matter to your performance
Longboard Trucks Vs Skateboard Trucks – The Winner?
Trucks in longboards are wider than ones in skateboards. The gap in their width leads to differences in other features, such as the axle size or bushing.
Even a slight change in size can make your riding better or worse in skateboarding. As a result, with all the variations in the components of these models, you can expect that they will affect your performance.
Each choice is suitable for your game to some extent. One may help you with stability, while others boost your speed.
We will compare the difference between longboard and skateboard trucks and explain how they affect your riding style.
Hanger width
The size of the hanger should fit its deck. So, boards with bigger decks will have bigger hangers.
Hangers of the longboards are often 150 to 180 millimeters wide. These larger units require more space to move. As a result, you may often see the 180-mm model going with the 9-inch deck.
150- to 160-mm models are more common in longboard cruisers. They can help you with a more stable and speedier ride as well as a larger grinding space.
On the other hand, the ones on skateboards are often 100 to 145 millimeters wide. You can quickly notice the gap in width between these two pieces.
If you ride a 7.5-inch deck, a 120-mm hanger can assist you with more freestyle tricks, making you adequately centered.
Axle width
The truck's width matches the width of the axle, and the axle should be as large as the deck.
The axle of a longboard truck is as wide as the deck. This layout ensures a more stable ride but less maneuverability.
On the other hand, skateboard trucks usually employ axles that are narrower than the deck. This layout allows for optimum control and maneuverability but with less stability when doing freestyle.
The axle and hanger may not have the same size
Kingpin
As discussed, there are two kinds of kingpin: RKP (reverse kingpin) and TKP (traditional kingpin). Each comes with its set of benefits.
In longboards, the RKP faces outward. The higher stability makes it better for cruising, carving, and freestyle than TKP.
The skateboards come with the TKP positioned on the same side as their axle. This idea allows you to complete control over your carving, sliding, and park gameplay.
Bushings
The bushing has rubber cushions whose primary task is to regulate your ride's balance and stability. Longboard and skateboard trucks have preferred sides.
Trucks of longboards have a stiffer downward bushing, a lighter carving bushing, and a moderate cruising bushing. It would be best to look for the one that is neither too hard nor too soft.
Your choices are more straightforward regarding skateboard ones since they can fit the little firm and tight bushings for better stability.
Baseplate
The baseplate connects the truck and the deck at an angle. With its angles and the enclosure of the pivot cup, it aims to control the board's movement.
Longboards have a higher angle, ranging from 48 to 50°. This range provides the most excellent carving power and aids in cruising and downhilling, making it popular among beginners.
On the other hand, skateboards have angles spanning from 40 to 45°. As a result, they offer greater grip and steadiness at faster speeds.
Material
The material, which determines the movement, is the unit's core. Manufacturers may choose different materials to construct it.
Trucks of longboards are a combination of metals, such as steel, brass, and aluminum, which provides them better grip.
Furthermore, these materials can improve the strength and endurance of the item, making them an excellent idea for practice sessions.
Manufacturers employ hollow axles and kingpins to remove the excess weight associated with heavy metals. Their products then become lighter and helpful to all types of riding.
How about the ones on skateboards? They don't have to be so hard. Hence, they often come with aluminum base plates and steel axles.
These light materials help riders do their tricks perfectly, making them excellent for them to work on their new skills.
Metal is the best material for this job
Comparison table
We have compared longboard vs skateboard trucks side by side. Now, let's summarize their differences:
Criteria | Longboard Trucks | Skateboard Trucks |
|---|---|---|
Hanger width | 150 to 180 millimeters | 100 to 145 millimeters |
Axle width | Same as the deck | Narrower than the deck |
Kingpin | Reverse kingpin | Traditional kingpin |
Bushings | Neither too hard nor too soft | Firm and tight |
Baseplate | 48 to 50° | 40 to 45° |
Material | Hard metals | Softer metals |
Skateboard trucks Vs Longboard trucks: What Should You Choose?
It's not an easy question to answer because both trucks have their own distinct characteristics.
Ones in longboards are typically wider because of the reverse kingpin. As a result, they are the ones that work for the larger boards.
These units provide a comfortable ride and are perfect for carving, skating, cruising, and downhill riding. Furthermore, they are beneficial to a beginner.
Ones in skateboards have the traditional kingpin. They are often thinner, which is why they work well on narrower and shorter boards.
These models are better for skateboarding in skateparks and bowls on the street. Additionally, making a sharp turn with these tools requires a high level of skill and stability.
Closing Points
After reading this complete comparison, you can easily tell the difference between longboard trucks vs skateboard trucks.
Now that you've gotten a better understanding of both sorts, it's up to you to pick which one to choose.
Remember to think about what you expect from your skating experience. Try the tricks from this video and choose which board fits you better.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. For any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
