Longboard Trucks Vs Skateboard Trucks: How To Differentiate Between Them?
When it comes to riding on wheels, the difference between longboard trucks and skateboard trucks might be significant. Both of these important components of these popular board sports have significant advantages and cater to different riding styles.
In this blog, we will look at the fundamental distinction between longboard trucks and skateboard trucks, guiding you through the thrilling world of board configurations while revealing the aspects that influence your skateboarding or longboarding experience.
What Are Longboard Trucks?
Longboard
Longboard trucks are the vital metal T-shaped elements that connect your longboard’s wheel to its deck. Essentially, for the board’s stability and maneuverability, longboards require two trucks, with their sizes varying according to axle and hanger width.
What sets them apart from traditional skateboard trucks is the “reverse kingpin” design, where the axle is positioned on the opposite end of the kingpin, promoting greater turning capabilities and fluid maneuvering.
These trucks typically feature softer bushings, enabling smoother turns, but for those going on downhill adventures, stringer bushings are essential to maintaining stability at high speeds.
What Are Skateboard Trucks?
Skateboard
Skateboard trucks, much like their longboard counterparts, are also the important T-shaped components that attach to the skateboard’s underside. These unassuming elements play a crucial role in maintaining the wheels and bearings securely affixed to the deck.
Compromising axles, kingpins, hangers, and bushings, skateboard trucks come in various sizes and types, each significantly impacting your skateboarding experience. Wheel bite, an unwelcome encounter where your wheels grip the board during a turn, can be mitigated by selecting the right truck size.
See also: Are Aluminum Trucks Good For Skateboarding
Longboard Trucks vs. Skateboard Trucks – The Winner?
Longboard vs skateboard trucks have distinct causes. The winner depends on your unique and personal riding style and preferences. It is not possible to answer this question straightforwardly.
If you are wondering whether longboard trucks or skateboard trucks are the winners, the truth is that there are only so many winners. It all comes down to your riding style and personal preferences. In the world of wheels, size matters, and longboard trucks are wider than their skateboard counterparts.
This difference in width is not just a cosmetic change; it has a significant impact on your ride. Longboard trucks often sport larger axles and bushings, enhancing stability and making them perfect for cruising and downhill riding.
Skateboard trucks, on the other hand, are narrower and more agile. They are designed for tricks, flips, and tight maneuvers, making them the top choice for skateboarders who want to conquer the skate park with style and finesse.
Your choice should be based on what you want from your board.
If you are looking for a relaxed, smooth cruise, longboard trucks are your jam. For those craving adrenaline-packed flips and Ollie, skateboard trucks are the way to go.
Hanger width
Hanger width is a crucial factor in tailoring your skateboard or a longboard to your preferred riding style. Larger decks naturally call for bigger hangers to ensure an optimal fit.
In the world of longboards, hangers typically range from 150 mm to 180 mm, with the border 180mm option finding compatibility with 9-inch decks, offering enhanced experience and grinding space.
For longboard cruisers, 150 to 160-mm hangers are the go-to choice, delivering stability and speed. Skateboard hangers, on the other hand, typically span from 100-145 mm.
When matched to the right deck, like a 7.5 inch with a 120mm hanger, they enable freestyle-centered a centered balance points, showcasing how hanger width directly influences your ride.
Axle width
Axle width is a critical component that should align with your deck’s dimensions, impacting your ride’s stability. Longboard trucks often feature axles that mirror the deck width, yielding a stable yet less maneuverable experience.
In contrast, skateboard trucks frequently employ narrower axles than the desk’s width, optimizing control for freestyle tricks while sacrificing some stability. The axle width choice is a balancing act, where riders must consider their preferred riding style and the deck’s dimensions to strike the right balance between control and stability on the board.
The axle and hanger may not have the same size
Kingpin
The kingpin, a crucial component in truck design, comes in two main varieties: RKP ( reverse kingpin) and TKP (traditional kingpin), each offering distinct advantages.
In the world of longboards, the RKP setup positions the kingpin facing outward, prioritizing stability. This configuration excels in cruising, carving, and freestyle riding, providing the rider with a smoother and more controlled experience.
On the flip side, skateboard trucks predominantly feature the TKP configuration, with the kingpin situated on the same side as the axle. This design grants skateboarders unparalleled control over the carving, sliding, etc. The choice of kingpin plays a big role in tailoring your trucks to your chosen riding style.
Bushings
Bushings are essential rubber cushions in skateboard and longboard trucks, responsible for maintaining balance and stability during your riding period. Longboard trucks typically have a combination of stiffer downward, lighter carving, and moderate cruising bushings, striking a balance between firmness and softness.
Skateboard trucks offer simpler choices, allowing riders to opt for firmer, tighter bushings for enhanced stability during tricks.
Baseplate
The baseplate is the truck part that angles and connects the truck to the deck through the pivot cup, affecting how your board moves. In the longboarding world, it often has a higher angle, around 40 to 50 degrees, giving excellent carving power for cruising and downhill, which is great for beginners.
Skateboards typically have lower angles, around 40 to 45 degrees, offering better grip and stability at higher speeds, perfect for shredding and advanced tricks.
Material
The core material of trucks plays a pivotal role in determining their performance. Manufacturing employs various materials to craft these essential components, tailoring them to specific riding styles.
Longboard trucks often combine materials like steel, brass, and aluminum, offering a balance of grip, strength, and endurance. Hollow axles and kingpins are utilized to shed excess weight, resulting in lighter and more versatile products suitable for a wide range of riding styles.
Skateboard trucks, on the other hand, favor lightweight materials. They commonly feature aluminum base plates and steel axles, optimizing agility for performing tricks and enhancing the learning experience for riders as they hone their skills.
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?
Choosing between skateboard trucks vs longboard trucks can be a challenging decision for anyone, as each possesses distinct characteristics for a specific riding experience.
Longboard trucks are typically wider due to the reverse kingpin design, making them a suitable match for larger boards. These trucks prioritize comfort and are perfect for activities like carving, cruising, and downhill riding, making them a valuable choice for beginners.
In contrast, skateboard trucks feature the traditional kingpin and are often narrower, making them ideal for narrower and shorter boards. They shine in skate parks and street skateboarding, offering agility and control.
However, executing sharp turns with skateboard trucks demands a high level of skill and stability, making them a popular choice among seasoned riders. The choice, however, ultimately comes down to you and your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between longboard trucks vs skateboard trucks is far from one-size-fits-all. Each type offers different features, and you have the opportunity to find your fine tune.
Longboard trucks excel at providing stability, making them perfect for cruising and carving, while skateboard trucks prioritize agility, suiting street and park skateboarding. The material section also plays a big role in the overall performance, with lightweight options enhancing control.
Ultimately, the winner in the longboard trucks vs skateboard trucks debate is you, the rider. Get your own thoughts and choices into the choosing game. The right selection will give you the experience you are looking for. Happy riding.
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