With help from our longboard guru, Cody, we’ve put together a longboard truck review of the best longboard trucks for 2013. We will break down some features from our 2013 longboard truck favorites and give you some good examples of what each style will ride like so you will be better equipped to pull the trigger on the right pair of trucks.
When it comes to longboards, the trucks play a big part in the overall ride of the board. They can drastically change the way the board feels and choosing the right truck is key to building your perfect setup. Most customers put all their energy into choosing the right deck, when in fact, the trucks are just as important. Various lengths, angles and bushing seat size can all play a part in the end result of how the board feels under your feet.
Before we dive in, take a look at the diagram below from Randal Trucks and familiarize yourself with the various parts of a skate truck. You can also checkout our guide on Understanding Longboard Trucks for a more in-depth explanation of how your longboard trucks work and Understanding Longboard Bushings to get a better idea on how different longboard bushings can transform your ride.
Paris V2 Trucks $49.99
Paris has been doing trucks years and this upgraded V2 is finely remodeled version of their original longboard truck. With a redesigned, stronger hanger, more durable pivot cups and a brand new super durable powder candy coating (hence all the sweet colors available). These trucks will also offer a very surfy feel thanks to the extra shallow bushing seat. This allows for better kingpin clearance, letting you carve hard in your turns with no restrictions. They come stock with 90a bushings which ride perfectly for these style trucks but can always be tweaked to your personal preference.
Gullwing Charger $46.95
For the fan of freeride and carving – the Gullwing Charger is a great option. For added stability, Gullwing has updated this truck with a larger bushing while still staying true to it’s carve-friendly feeling. Available in both 9″ and 10″ size options, you can find a perfect fit for any board width. The Charger comes stock with 89a double cone bushings and has a redesigned pivot for the ultimate in freecarve performance.
Gullwing Charger 2 $59.95
Gullwing’s offering for the downhill crowd – the Charger 2 is a beefed up version of the original, giving the rider more stability and responsiveness at higher speeds. With a stronger hanger and deeper bushing seat, the Charger 2 is what freeride and downhill enthusiasts have been waiting for from Gullwing. This version also offers an 8 hole mounting pattern to accommodate various wheelbases. The 2’s also come with a premium 90a double barrel bushing.
Gullwing Sidewinders $59.95
If you are looking to surf the sidewalks this summer, the Gullwing Sidewinders are the only way to go. The ultimate in super ‘surfy’ turns, smooth carves and 100% effortless cruising. The double kingpin construction allows the rider to turn sharper and faster than traditional trucks and is also why these are NOT recommended for downhill. But – for cruising around town – there is no better option. Available in both a 9″ and 10″ option and both sizes come stock with a 89a cone and barrel combo.
Koastal Revenge Alpha II $56.00
For those building a pumping or slalom board, the Revenge trucks might just be for you. With a ride all their own, these trucks feel so different from any other truck on the market that you literally have to try them to believe it. These trucks naturally want to move from side to side which makes them great for pumping and carving but not great for higher speeds so we do not recommend them for downhill. With a specially designed bushing, these trucks will feel more like your snowboard than your skateboard and make for excellent city cruising trucks thank to their extra tight turn radius.
Caliber 50 Trucks $51
Referred to as the ultimate longboard truck, the 50 Caliber truck is stable at high speeds but built to accommodate tight turns when adjusted properly. With a reversible hanger and symmetrical bushing seats, your options and customization possibilities are endless. The pivot cup in the baseplate is also self contained making it extra strong and sturdy which is excellent for faster riding conditions. These trucks come stock with the uber responsive 89a ultra-high rebound bushings but can also be swapped out for a more cruisey feel.
That wraps up our 2013 longboard truck review. Hopefully you learned a little something about this years selection and what longboard truck might work best for your riding style. Now go longboard. Better yet, head on over to our longboard trucks page and see what’s up. Then go longboard.