Use code PICKUPONLYfor 50% off all hardware when collecting from store. see terms.
Use code PICKUPONLYfor 50% off all hardware when collecting from store. see terms.
November 03, 2020 4 min read
Once you’ve chosen your deck, it’s time to pick your skateboard trucks. When choosing your skateboard trucks, there are a lot of options out there which can seem complicated to beginners. This guide explains how to choose the ones that are right for your board, including picking the perfect size and brand.
What are trucks?
Skateboard trucks are the t-shaped device underneath your board that keep your wheels and bearings attached to your deck. They help control your turns and tricks, so it is important to get the right size for your skateboard. Your board isn’t complete without them.
What width should I get?
Truck size is measured by axle width or hanger width. When choosing your trucks, the width you need is directly linked to the width of your skateboard. Skateboard decks are measured in inches, but truck measurements can vary depending on brand.
Use our table to help decide which trucks you should get. We've included general sizing as well as specifics for each brand:
Brand | Deck Width | Size Name | Truck Size |
General / Generic | 7.4" - 7.75" | - | 5.0" / 129mm Hangar |
7.75" - 8.125" | - | 5.25" / 139mm | |
8.125" - 8.75" | - | 5.5" / 149mm | |
8.75" - 9.0" | - | 5.75" / 159mm | |
9.0" - 9.75" | - | 6.0" / 169mm | |
Thunder | 7.4" and thinner | 143 | 7.125" Axle |
7.4" - 7.9" | 145 | 7.62" Axle | |
7.9" - 8.12" | 147 | 8.0" Axle | |
8.12" - 8.38" | 148 | 8.25" Axle | |
8.38" - 8.62" | 149 | 8.5" Axle | |
8.62 - 8.85" | 151 | 8.75" Axle | |
8.9" and up | 161 | 9.125" Axle | |
Independent | 6.25" - 7.6" | 109 | 6.9" Axle |
7.4" - 7.8" | 129 | 7.6" Axle | |
7.8" - 8.2" | 139 | 8.0" Axle | |
8.2" - 8.375" | 144 | 8.25" Axle | |
8.375" - 8.6" | 149 | 8.5" Axle | |
8.6" - 9.0" | 159 | 8.75" Axle | |
9.0" - 9.5" | 169 | 9.125" Axle | |
9.5" - 10.5" | 215 | 10.0" Axle | |
Krux | 7.25" - 8.0" | 7.6 | 7.6" Axle |
7.75" - 8.25" | 8.0 | 8.0" Axle | |
8.0" - 8.25" | 8.25 | 8.25" Axle | |
8.25" 9.0" | 8.5 | 8.5" Axle | |
8.5" - 10.5" | 9.0 | 9.0" Axle | |
Sushi | 7.5" - 7.8" | 5.0 | 5.0" Hangar |
7.8" - 8.125" | 5.25 | 5.25" Hangar | |
8.125"- 8.5" | 5.5 | 5.5" Hangar | |
8.5" - 9.0" | 6.0 | 6.0" Hangar | |
Ace | 6.5" and thinner | 00 | 3.87" Hangar / 6.5" Axle |
7.0" - 7.3" | 11 | 4.6" Hangar / 7.25" Axle | |
7.12" - 7.75" | 22 / 02 | 5.0" Hangar / 7.6" Axle | |
7.75" - 8.12" | 33 / 03 | 5.37" Hangar / 8.0" Axle | |
8.12" - 8.5" | 44 | 5.75" Hangar / 8.35" Axle | |
8.5" - 9.12" | 55 | 6.37" Hangar / 9.0" Axle | |
9.12" - 9.62" | 66 | 6.75" Hangar / 9.34" Axle |
Alternatively, we've made another table to help you choose which size trucks based on the most common board widths:
Board size | Truck Brand | Recommended Truck Size |
7.5" | Thunder | 145 |
Independent | 129 | |
Krux | 7.6 | |
Sushi | 5.0 | |
Ace | 22 / 02 | |
7.75" | Thunder | 145 |
Independent | 129 | |
Krux | 8.0 | |
Sushi | 5.0 | |
Ace | 22 / 02 | |
8.0" | Thunder | 147 |
Independent | 139 | |
Krux | 8.0 | |
Sushi | 5.25 | |
Ace | 33 / 03 | |
8.125" | Thunder | 148 |
Independent | 139 | |
Krux | 8.0 | |
Sushi | 5.25 | |
Ace | 33 / 03 | |
8.25" | Thunder | 148 |
Independent | 144 | |
Krux | 8.25 | |
Sushi | 5.5 | |
Ace | 44 | |
8.375" | Thunder | 148 |
Independent | 144 | |
Krux | 9.0 | |
Sushi | 5.5 | |
Ace | 44 | |
8.5" | Thunder | 149 |
Independent | 149 | |
Krux | 8.5 | |
Sushi | 5.5 | |
Ace | 44 | |
8.75" | Thunder | 151 |
Independent | 159 | |
Krux | 8.5 | |
Sushi | 6.0 | |
Ace | 55 | |
9.0" | Thunder | 161 |
Independent | 169 | |
Krux | 9.0 | |
Sushi | 6.0 | |
Ace | 55 |
What height should I get?
Unlike the width, truck height comes down to personal preference. You can choose between low, mid and high. Most skaters use mid height but, depending on your skating style, you may want high or low trucks.
Low trucks have a shorter kingpin, meaning your skateboard sits lower to the ground and is more stable.
Mid trucks are suitable for most beginners, providing a balance between stability and smoother cruising.
High trucks have a longer kingpin, meaning your skateboard sits higher and is better suited to cruising streets.
What skateboard truck brand should I get?
All the brands stocked at Aylesbury Skateboards have been chosen by experienced skaters for their high quality. That means you can choose your perfect trucks based purely on size and look.
If youre still not sure what trucks are right for you we always recommend Thunder trucks as a safe bet.
If you’re after something fun and vibey we recommend Krux Trucks as they come in a wider range of designs and colours.
Are trucks sold in pairs?
Yes, our trucks are sold in pairs so you only need to order 1 set per skateboard.
Should skateboard trucks be tight or loose?
The tightness of your trucks is your decision. Bear in mind that the looser your trucks are, the more your skateboard will wobble so if you’re a beginner, you want to start with tight trucks. As you build up your confidence, you may wish to loosen them to improve the flow of your skateboarding.
What are hollow trucks?
Some brands such as Thunder, Krux and Independent sell 'hollow' trucks which are lighter weight than standard trucks. The 'hollow' in the name refers to certain parts are made to be hollow to reduce weight and make the board easier to manouver. Depending on brand or style, the kingpin, axle, or both can be made hollow. In our experience, hollow trucks are just as strong as their solid counterparts, however come at a higher cost due to the weight reduction.