What are the best skateboard trucks?
The Best Skateboard Trucks: Our Top Picks
When buying new trucks for your skateboard, it's important to consider the terrain and type of skating you'll be doing. Below, we look at five of the best skateboard trucks, comparing their geometry, responsiveness, and turning speed.
These recommendations come from over 30 years of skating experience, listed from most to least responsive .
Ace Trucks
Ace Trucks are highly responsive and suitable for all types of terrain. They're designed for quick, precise turns—perfect for maintaining balance while carving or pumping in transition and pool skating. Even with stiffer cushions, your turning ability stays sharp.
The AF1s are available in a range of colours and in a Hollow version for skaters looking to keep things light.
Independent Trucks
Independent Trucks, currently at Stage 11, might be the most versatile trucks on the market. With over 50 years of experience, Indy has consistently been one of the top two truck brands in skateboarding.
Different companies have claimed the number-one spot over the years, but Indy has never lost its reputation for reliability. These trucks work great for beginners and pros alike, especially skaters who ride multiple types of terrain. You can switch from parks to bowls to ramps in one session and maintain steady control.
Indy also offers the widest range of styles, pro models, colourways, and tech options—such as Hollow and Titanium versions.
Thunder Trucks
Thunder Trucks have a slower turning radius and provide excellent stability. Their low profile makes them ideal for flip tricks since they sit closer to the ground, offering quicker pop and spin.
Thunder Trucks currently hold the top spot in market popularity. They're a great choice for street and park skating, keeping you steady when setting up tricks or positioning your feet.
Built with simplicity and strength where it counts, Thunder Trucks use less material in non-essential areas, keeping them light. They're also available in multiple colours and lighter Hollow versions .
Venture Trucks
Venture Trucks offer the mellowest turn of all, making them the most stable skateboard trucks available today. They shine on mini-ramps—earning their reputation as the King of the 90s —and remain a top pick for street and park skaters.
Their ultra-stable design makes foot placement easier when setting up tricks. A unique recessed yoke feature helps prevent hang-ups on rocks and disaster tricks by allowing the wheels to hit before the truck does.
Venture Trucks are known for buttery grinds and unmatched stability, though they tend to drift more than carve.
Krux Trucks
Krux Trucks offer a medium-responsive turn but still feel surprisingly carvy. They give off classic 90s vibes—a mash-up between Indy and Thunder.
They perform well on both street and park terrain and excel for cruising or higher-speed skating. Their slightly sluggish turn helps reduce speed wobbles, while their geometry is similar to Indy's but with less material, making them lighter.
Krux Trucks are also recognizable by their signature oval hole in the hanger and come in plenty of colours and fun patterns.
Final Thoughts
Any of these trucks will serve you well, especially if you're a beginner. Once you've mastered one style of riding, it's worth experimenting with other setups to expand your skills.
If your friend rides a different type of truck, ask to give it a try—you might discover something that transforms your skating. Many skaters keep multiple setups for different disciplines, each with its own ideal truck.
For even more customization, you can adjust wheel size and hardness —but that's a topic for another article.