Buying Guide: Choosing Your Skateboard Trucks
Note: Trucks are sold in pairs. The prices indicated therefore correspond to the complete set needed to equip your complete skateboard.
The History of the Truck: From Innovation to Legend
In the 1950s, the function of a truck was artisanal. It wasn't until 1975 and the innovation of "Tracker trucks" that the modern truck was born. On May 23, 1978, in Newark (California), Independent Trucks was born to meet the demands of the most committed riders. Today, Independent is THE essential reference in our culture.
RIDE THE BEST, FUCK THE REST!
How to Choose the Right Truck Size?
Size is the essential element to get the most out of your equipment. It is imperative to adapt the width of your trucks to that of your skateboard deck. Here is our compatibility guide to help you choose among the best brands like Thunder, Venture, Tensor or Slappy.
| Board Width | Independent | Thunder | Slappy | Venture | Bullet | Tensor | Krux | Mini Logo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7' to 7.4' | 109 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7.13 |
| 7.4' to 7.75' | 129 | 145 | 7.5 | 5.0 | 130 | 5.0 | 7.6 | 7.63 |
| 7.75' to 8.1' | 139 | 147 | 7.75 | 5.25 | 140 | 5.25 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 8.1' to 8.3' | 144 | 148 | 8.0 | 5.6 | 145 | 5.5 | 8.25 | 8.38 |
| 8.3' to 8.7' | 149 | 149 | 8.25/8.5 | 5.8 | 150 | 5.75 | 8.5 | 8.75 |
| 8.7' to 9.0' | 159 | 151 | 8.75 | 6.1 | 160 | 6.0 | 9.0 | - |
| 9.0' to 9.6' | 159/169 | - | 9.0 / 9.25 | - | 180 | - | - | - |
| 9.6' and + | 215* | - | 9.5 / 10 | - | 180 | - | - | - |
HI (high), MID (medium) vs LOW (low) Trucks: Which Height to Choose?
The height of your trucks directly influences your center of gravity and the responsiveness of your skateboard. Here are the three available standards:
- Low Trucks (approx. 4.8 cm): They offer maximum stability and are perfect for technical street skating with small wheels (50-53 mm).
- Mid Trucks (approx. 5.2 cm): The ideal compromise. They offer total versatility, suitable for both street and skatepark, while avoiding wheelbite with standard wheels (53-56 mm).
- Hi Trucks (approx. 5.5 cm): They promote better maneuverability in deep turns. Essential for bowl, carving, and for mounting large wheels (56 mm and up).
Maintenance and Customization
Trucks are the most customizable elements of your setup. Don't hesitate to consult our tips on bushings to adjust the responsiveness of your turn. In case of wear, you can easily replace your bushings, your kingpin or your hardware.
Need a refresh? Explore our entire range of accessories and spare parts in our section dedicated to skateboard trucks.