You may hesitate while buying a skateboard truck if you don’t know what material your skateboard truck should be made of. If you ask some of your friends – are aluminum trucks good for skateboarding? Are they worth buying? you will get various suggestions from them. That will make you even more confused.
In this content you and I are going to reveal the easiest way to plan which material is best for your skate truck.
Performance of an aluminum skateboard truck is not that satisfactory. There are some better options like steel truck, Titanium truck, carbon truck that can provide you with a better riding experience.
Things To Consider While Buying a skateboard Truck
The best way to choose your skate truck is to know the characteristics of the material. Keep in mind that the material selection depends on several factors like-
- How much experience on skating you have
- What types of technical tricks you like to do/ your skating style
- How frequently you do the tricks
Different parts of a skateboard truck are composed of different materials. Aluminum or aluminum alloy is most commonly used in truck hangers, base plates and hardware (nuts and bolts). It consists of metal or non-metal wheels.
Aluminum skateboard trucks
Aluminum trucks consist of an aluminum hanger and a steel axle. The steel axles may be solid axles or hollow axles. Sometimes the trucks consist of an aluminum base plate too. A truck also consists of metal washers and non-metal pivot cups, softer bushings (normally made of polyurethane) or harder bushings.
Advantages Of Aluminum Trucks
The main advantage of aluminum trucks is that they have a very light weight. It allows the skateboard to flip easily.
They are cheap skateboard trucks compared with the other types of trucks.
Disadvantages Of Aluminum Trucks
You may ask “Are Aluminum Trucks Good For Skateboarding?”
Not really.
Because, when you use this truck, there are chances of cracking. There is also a big possibility of the truck hanger to be dented. Besides, as it is lightweight, it is difficult to land on wheels after a flip.
As per my riding experience, an aluminum truck is not that convenient. You can try some other options. Apart from aluminum, a skate truck hanger may be of steel, plastic, carbon or titanium.
Steel skateboard Trucks
Steel truck is the strongest and heaviest type of truck. You can use it for a long time as steel hangers don’t crack or dent readily. Steel trucks are the most popular trucks.
Advantages Of Steel Trucks
- Their heavyweight facilitates landing after a flip.
- Steel trucks are strong and durable.
Disadvantages Of Steel Trucks
- Flipping is not easy because of its heavy weight.
- They are comparatively expensive trucks.
If you are a beginner, I highly recommend you to buy steel trucks.
Titanium skateboard Truck
Advantages Of Titanium Trucks
- Ultra Lightweight trucks
- Easy to flip
- Stronger trucks with excellent durability
Disadvantages Of Titanium Trucks
- Though flipping is easy, landing is difficult
- They are highly expensive.
If you are a professional skate rider, titanium trucks can be one of the best options for you. It is better to buy titanium trucks with steel axles. Titanium axles are also available.
Carbon skateboard Truck
Advantages Of Carbon Trucks
- These are the lightest trucks
- Very easy to flip
- Outstanding strength and durability. It ensures even lifetime warranty.
Disadvantages Of Carbon Trucks
- Landing is difficult due to its lightweight
- They are the most expensive trucks.
These trucks are a must try for experienced skaters to enjoy a pro level ride.
Plastic skateboard trucks
Metals or alloys are the best materials for a skateboard truck. Plastic trucks are not good at all. They are-
- They are lighter trucks but their Strength is too low to withstand flip tricks
- Comfortable ride and landing is not possible
- They have only one advantage that they are free from rusting.
Selection Of The Right Skateboard Trucks
Finally, the below table will guide you to select the perfect skateboard truck.
| Type of Truck | Eligibility |
| Steel Truck | If you are a beginner, this one is perfect for you as it ensures a balanced ride. |
| Titanium Truck | It is recommended for experienced users |
| Carbon Truck | This high quality truck is the best choice for professional users though It is not budget friendly. However, you have to spend money to buy quality products. |
| Aluminum Truck | It is cheaper but not recommended. |
| Plastic truck | Cheapest and worst. |
You may ask for the best skateboard truck brands.
Here are some names best quality trucks:
- Gullwing Sidewinder
- Havoc 5.0
- Caliber Trucks
- Independent Trucks
- Krux Trucks standard silver polished skateboard trucks
- Tensor Trucks
- Thunder Trucks
A review on the products of different brands are given in the link below.
Have you decided what type of truck you are buying? If so, check the prices of your chosen truck!
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