how steep should my longboard trucks be

2 min read 15-04-2025

Choosing the right longboard trucks is crucial for your riding style and comfort. One of the most important factors is the truck's angle, often referred to as the rake or degree of lean. Getting this right significantly impacts your turning ability, stability, and overall riding experience. This guide will help you determine how steep your longboard trucks should be.

Understanding Longboard Truck Angles

Longboard trucks are available in a range of angles, typically expressed in degrees. A higher degree number indicates a steeper angle. This angle affects how much the trucks lean, impacting your turning response.

Lower Angles (e.g., 44°): These offer more stability at higher speeds and are ideal for cruising and downhill riding. They require more force to initiate turns.
Higher Angles (e.g., 50°+): These provide quicker, more responsive turning. Great for freeriding, dancing, and sliding, but can feel less stable at high speeds.
Standard Angles (e.g., 49°, 50°): These offer a good balance between stability and responsiveness and are popular among many riders.

Image: (Insert an image comparing different truck angles, ideally a side-by-side comparison of low, medium, and high angle trucks. Alt text: "Comparison of longboard truck angles: low, medium, and high.")

What Angle is Right for You? It Depends on Your Riding Style!

The "perfect" angle is subjective and depends entirely on your preferred riding style and skill level. Here's a breakdown:

1. Cruising and Commuting:

For relaxed cruising and commuting, a lower angle (44° - 48°) is generally recommended. This provides excellent stability at speed and makes for a smoother, less aggressive ride. You'll find it easier to maintain control on uneven surfaces.

2. Freeriding and Downhill:

Freeriding and downhill longboarding demand responsive trucks. A higher angle (49° - 50° or even higher) is preferred here. This allows for quicker turns and better control during slides and maneuvers. However, be aware that higher angles can feel less stable at high speeds, especially for beginners.

3. Longboarding Dancing:

Longboard dancing requires incredibly nimble trucks that respond instantly to your movements. A higher angle (49° - 50°+) is almost always the choice here. The quick response facilitates the intricate footwork needed for dancing.

4. Sliding:

Similar to freeriding, sliding calls for responsive trucks. A higher angle (49° - 50°+) offers the necessary agility for initiating and controlling slides.

5. Beginner Longboarders:

Beginners should opt for a lower to mid-range angle (44° - 48°). This provides more stability and makes learning to balance and control the board easier. As your skills improve, you can experiment with higher angles.

Beyond the Angle: Other Factors to Consider

While the truck angle is key, other factors affect your ride:

Truck Baseplate Width: Wider baseplates generally offer greater stability, while narrower ones increase maneuverability.
Hanger Width: This also influences turning responsiveness. Wider hangers provide greater stability.
Bushings: Bushings are the rubber components that control your truck's responsiveness. Harder bushings provide less lean and more stability, while softer bushings offer more responsiveness.

Experiment and Find Your Perfect Setup

Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal truck angle is through experimentation. Consider starting with an angle suitable for your intended riding style, and then adjust as needed. You might even find that a slightly different angle on your front and rear trucks feels better. Many riders find that adjusting bushings can further fine-tune their ride.

Don't be afraid to try different setups until you find the perfect combination of stability and responsiveness that suits your needs. Enjoy the ride!