Find the right longboard trucks for your setup

Looking to upgrade your longboard with new trucks? You’re in the right place! In the Titus Online Skateshop, you’ll find an awesome selection of longboard trucks from top brands. There are many differences between longboard trucks, but our big selection ensures you’ll find a fitting truck for you. To help you find the right truck for your board, this page will explain key features of longboard trucks, such as their geometry, height, and width. That way, you can make an educated decision about what truck is best for you!

If you’re looking to get your first longboard, complete longboards are an excellent alternative to assembling one from scratch. Check out our longboard completes, where you can quickly and easily find professional, pre-assembled setups. Also check out our cruiser skateboards if you’re looking for something a little shorter.

Longboard truck constructions: Inverted kingpin trucks vs. Standard kingpin trucks

There are two types of trucks used in longboarding: inverted kingpin trucks and standard kingpin trucks. The right truck for you depends on how you intend to ride your longboard. The ever popular inverted kingpin trucks have a quick and agile steering response, making them the first choice of many longboarders.

Standard kingpin longboard trucks feature the design of a standard skateboard truck, which is also used on many cruiser skateboards. Due to their design, these trucks are generally lower riding than inverted kingpin trucks and have a slightly slower steering behavior. These properties make them a popular choice for downhill and freeride longboarding.

Longboard truck widths

Basically, the width of your longboard trucks should fit the width of your longboard deck, but they may be slightly wider than the deck. Ideally, the position of your bearings inside your wheels should be in line with the edges of the deck. 

Does the width of your longboard trucks affect how the board skates? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a particularly agile steering response, narrower trucks are recommended. Their agile handling is a result of the shorter distance the wheels cover during turns. Narrow trucks with 150mm wide hangers are suitable for decks up to 220cm wide. With their high maneuverability, they are well suited for slalom, carving or cruising. Most other longboards are usually ridden with 180mm trucks. At high speeds, wider trucks offer a more stable ride. Trucks with a 200mm wide hanger are popular for downhill longboarding.

How height influences longboard trucks

The truck height classifications of Low, Medium or High make it easier for you to choose the right longboard truck. Depending on your riding style, a different truck height will suit you better than others.

Low longboard trucks tend to ride more smoothly. You are closer to the ground, which many longboarders find pleasant when pushing. This makes low trucks a good choice if you use your longboard for cruising or skating distances.

Higher trucks can take turns tighter and can be ridden with more loosely tightened trucks. They can be ideal for more control during slide tricks, making them popular for freeriding and downhill skating.

Longboard truck “rake” explained

Some inverted kingpin trucks also have what’s known as a “rake” hanger design. Rake allows you to influence the height of the truck and its riding behavior by flipping the hanger around. When the hanger is mounted with a positive rake, the truck feels more agile. With it flipped to a negative rake, the truck gets “flatter” and therefore rides smoother.

Image 1: A longboard truck with positive rake and without rake for comparison.

Trucks with different baseplate pivot angles

With inverted kingpin trucks, the baseplate pivot angle can differ. Below are truck models with a flatter baseplate angle (42 degrees) and a steeper angle (50 degrees). Differences in the angle are noticeable both in the height of the truck and in its steering response.

Trucks with a flatter baseplate angle, about 35 degrees, are lower and ride smoother. For beginners who like to ride downhill or freeride, these are often very suitable because they offer more stability at high speeds and are easy to control.

If you're not riding downhill or freeriding, trucks with around a 50 degree baseplate angle are ideal. Steep angle trucks are a good middle ground of stability and agility that’s a lot of fun for cruising or carving. Steeper baseplate angles give inverted kingpin trucks a much more maneuverable ride.

 Image 2: 2 Longboard trucks with different baseplate pivot angles: 42° and 50° compared.

Titus Longboard-Guide

Your thirst for knowledge is not yet satisfied? Then take a look at our longboard guide. Here we have summarized more detailed information about longboard axles and all other components of a longboard for you. We also go into the basics of longboarding. Learn everything about topics like "proper pushing", "braking with a longboard" or the "longboard assembly". Trick tips for beginners and advanced riders round off the Titus Longboard Guide.