The 10 Best Skateboard Trucks

Beloved by novices and hardcore riders alike, the Independent Stage 11 (about $40) are an ideal choice for upgrading or replacing a worn-out set of axles. They're highly versatile, too, with a neutral shape that will have them feeling as much at home at the park as out on the streets.

Beginners on a budget should check out the 5.0 52mm Package (around $28), which comes with a full complement of equipment necessary for getting started. This includes axles, spacers, risers, and hardware, not to mention a decent set of all-purpose wheels.

The Thunder Polished Team (appx. $42) are high, meaning they put more clearance between your deck and the ground. That allows you to pair them with larger wheels and to turn more aggressively, making them great for casual riding or ripping around bowls or the empty neighborhood pool.

Want to ride like a pro? Then you need the Tensor Rodney Mullen Mag Light (around $69), which are backed by the godfather of street skating himself. They feature interlocking bushings and reinforced steel in key areas, giving them an unbeatable strength-to-weight ratio.

If the crazy square design of these Bennett Vector (about $29) s don't sell you, then their performance out on the street probably will. The retro-inspired axles are the perfect addition to any slalom and LDP setup, since they can help increase your carving and pumping power.

The Krux Trucks Standard (about $50) come with a shiny, red chrome finish that will look great as they flash from under your board during tricks at the local park. But they're likely to improve your performance, too, as they boast one of the most lightweight designs on the market.

While there may be some debate as to whether longboarding and shortboarding belong in the same category, anyone into the former will appreciate the Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder II (around $55). They feature a nifty double kingpin setup, which helps tighten your turning radius.

Even if their sub-par quality leaves something to be desired, it's hard to argue with the sheer value of these Owlsome 5.25 (about $28). For the price of some other trucks alone, you get a whole set of equipment for building out a blank deck, including wheels and hardware.

With four bright colors to choose from, you're sure to find a pair of Havoc 5.25 (around $19) to match your deck. Their aluminum alloy construction helps cut down on their overall weight, though larger riders will likely want to replace the soft stock bushings with stiffer ones.

These CCS 129mm (appx. $23) are a decent option for anyone looking to build their first board or replace an old set of axles on their current one. They probably won't satisfy more experienced riders, but they're affordable enough and come in three sizes and two finishes.