Best Longboard Trucks of 2024

JUMP TO: PARIS V3  |  PARIS V2  |  CALIBER II  | BEAR GEN 6  |  PARIS STREET  |  GULLWING CHARGER  |  CALIBER III  |  GULLWING SIDEWINDER II | BUYING ADVICE | COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Brent Herman | Updated: Jan 28, 2024
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The Short Version

The Long Version

Longboard trucks are not flashy. They usually do not come with unique artwork printed on them, there are generally only a few colors to choose from, and there is little creative freedom on how to install them. Although they may not seem very exciting, trucks are essential for bringing the feel of surfing to the streets, and longboarding would be nothing like what it is today without them.

Choosing the right trucks for your setup is crucial to your longboarding experience. Are you the type of person who wants to have maximum stability as you go tearing down a mountain road? Are you looking to arrive in style to classes across campus? Or are you looking for something that can do a little bit of everything?

The goal of this article is to inform your decision on your next pair of trucks, whether it is your first pair or your tenth. We will explore some of the most popular trucks available and highlight their best features while suggesting how to get the most out of their unique designs and functions. However, one of the many great things about skateboarding/longboarding is that there is no one correct way to do something. Just because a pair of trucks is good for downhill riding doesn’t mean you can’t use them for cruising an empty parking lot or that you can’t perform tricks on cruising trucks.

If you love reading this review of the best longboard trucks, then you'll likely love reading some of our other skateboarding and longboarding content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Whether you are shopping for your first pair of longboard trucks or your tenth, there are a few things that you need to pay close attention to to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. Things like truck size, kingpin orientation, and other details make huge differences in performance. The buying advice at the bottom of this article will go into more detail about these variables and more.

However, one thing that is especially important to pay attention to when purchasing trucks is whether or not the trucks are sold individually or in a set. If you think you are getting an incredibly good deal on a pair of trucks, just be sure to make sure you are in fact getting two. I’m not sure why, but some retailers price their trucks per individual truck instead of by the pair. The prices on the trucks on this list are all for a pair of the trucks listed.

 

Best Overall: PARIS V3

SIZE: 180mm

KINGPIN: Reverse

BASEPLATE ANGLE: 50 degrees

STYLE: Freeride/downhill/cruising

PRICE: $

PROS: Versatile, durable, lifetime guarantee

CONS: The stock bushings could be better

Paris is one of the most well-known companies in longboarding and for good reason. They have been putting out products since 2005 that continue to set industry standards for cast truck performance. Their V3 trucks have taken the best of other versions and improved upon both performance and durability.

These trucks come in 180mm, 165mm, and 150mm widths to fit virtually any longboard setup. The Paris V3s also come in either 50 degree or 43 degree baseplate angles. This is common among many trucks on this list, but a really cool feature about these is the fact that the ride height is the same for the 50 degree and the 43 degree trucks, so you can mix and match for ultimate personalization without the need for riser pads.

The unique manufacturing process of the Paris V3 is what sets it apart from other truck companies and even older offerings from Paris. They combine techniques from casting, forging, and extrusion in order to make the strongest cast truck available. These boasts are backed up with a lifetime guarantee.

These trucks are durable, versatile, and affordable — a combination that makes them the best overall truck and ideal for a variety of skill levels and riding styles.

Best Value: PARIS V2

SIZE: 150mm

KINGPIN: Reverse

BASEPLATE ANGLE: 50 degrees

STYLE: Freeride/downhill/cruising

PRICE: $

PROS: Great price, responsive turning, supports different riding styles

CONS: Do not feature the improvements that the V3s have

The Paris V2 is an excellent budget-friendly alternative truck to the V3. They lack some of the “latest and greatest” innovations on display in the V3, but the V2 still far outperforms most budget trucks on the market. 

The V2scome in either 150mm or 180mm and are “raked” trucks. This means that the angle of the axle is slightly offset from the angle of the pivot making for a more fluid and divey carving experience. While this makes them slightly less stable for extreme speeds, they are going to feel more responsive and fun for dancing, cruising, and carving. 

These cast longboard trucks have 6 holes for mounting making them compatible with old school or more contemporary longboards. Compared to other trucks available near this price point, good luck finding a better option that also comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Best For Cruising: CALIBER II

SIZE: 184mm

KINGPIN: Reverse

BASEPLATE ANGLE: 50 degrees

STYLE: Cruising/carving

PRICE: $$

PROS: Great turning and maneuverability

CONS: Complaints about stock bushings and pivot cups

In the world of longboarding, Caliber trucks are usually associated with being great for downhill racing and great stability at high speeds. However, these 50 degree baseplate Caliber IIs make great cruising trucks. They have all of the stability and strength that the lower angle offerings have, but with the added leverage of the sharper angled baseplate that adds to the ride height.

These trucks benefit from Caliber’s in-house strengthening treatment that, when combined with the stock Blood Orange high rebound bushings, offers a ride that is great for commuting, dancing, or getting some serious sidewalk surfing sessions in. If you want to use your own bushings, these trucks can accommodate many different options. The same goes for the deck you choose, as the Caliber IIs have a 6 hole mounting baseplate.

Best For Commuting: BEAR GEN 6

SIZE: 180mm

KINGPIN: Reverse

BASEPLATE ANGLE: 50 degrees

STYLE: Cruising/freeride

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable, versatile, various versions

CONS: Some may want to upgrade bushings

Bear is a very well known and recognized longboard truck brand out of Canada. They are a faction of the even more well-known Landyachtz company. Bear trucks come standard on most Landyachtz completes you will find, but you do not have to buy a complete to get the proven quality ride and customizability offered by the Bear Gen 6.

The cool thing about the Gen 6 truck in particular is the fact that these trucks benefit from the technologies used in Bear’s downhill and freeride trucks. These cast trucks boast to be the “best performing cast trucks on the market today.” Excellent steering geometry is engineered into their strong and durable design.

Another fantastic feature of these trucks is the fact that they are so readily available in three different sizes as well as three different baseplate angles, so no matter what the route of your daily commute entails, the Bear Gen 6 longboard truck has you covered.

Best For Tricks: PARIS STREET

SIZE: 129mm

KINGPIN: Traditional

BASEPLATE ANGLE: Not listed

STYLE: Street/park

PRICE: $$

PROS: Easier grinds and street tricks

CONS: Nowhere near as good at carving or hill riding

Yet another Paris truck? You bet. However, Streets are starkly different from the V2 and V3. In fact, as the only traditional kingpin truck featured, they are unique from all of the others on this list.. This non-reverse kingpin may be less responsive when it comes to turning, but if you are looking to do grinds or stalls on the nose or tail of your board, you do not want your kingpin getting in the way!

Besides being the only traditional kingpin truck on this list, the Street’s  are also considerably smaller. However, if you want to do flip tricks and grinds, these trucks are more conducive to the style of deck you will likely prefer. They come with 6 hole mounting base plates that reflect their hybrid nature, making setup easy on a variety of decks.

The Paris Street truck is for skateboards or longboards: if you are looking for a great truck that can turn and cruise but also grind, then look no further.

Best For Learning: GULLWING CHARGER

SIZE: 160mm

KINGPIN: Reverse

BASEPLATE ANGLE: 50 degrees

STYLE: Freeride/cruising

PRICE: $$

PROS: Great price, versatile, several colors

CONS: Not the best for high speeds

Gullwing is another very well known company largely due to the success and ubiquity of its parent company, Sector 9. If you have even considered becoming a longboarder, then you have likely heard of Sector 9. Gullwing trucks are made by Sector 9 and are commonly seen on many beginner setups. That is because they are fairly inexpensive and perform well enough to keep people interested in longboarding.

The Gullwing Chargers have 50 degree base plates for sharper turns. Their reverse kingpin is offset resulting in a great compromise between maneuverability and stability. The end result is super carving turns that won’t throw off the uninitiated (as easily). 

The Chargers have larger and softer stock bushing than others for a responsive yet stable feeling for when you take your fledgling flight on your first hill. A unique non-performance-based attribute of this truck is the fact that it comes in several interesting colorways as well as two different sizes for 9” or 10” decks.

Best For Downhill: CALIBER III

SIZE: 158mm

KINGPIN: Reverse

BASEPLATE ANGLE: 44 degrees

STYLE: Downhill/freeride

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Great stability, designed for speed, durable

CONS: Pricey

As mentioned in the Caliber II review above, Caliber trucks are known for their high-speed capabilities and these trucks are their latest and greatest in downhill expertise. The Caliber IIIs flaunt strengthened hangers and redesigned bushing seats that add to their overall durability and performance.

These trucks are set at a lower 44 degree baseplate angle and feature reverse kingpins. The smaller angle makes the trucks ride a little lower than the 50 degree options which, in turn, lowers the center of gravity for the rider. This makes the board feel more stable, especially when bombing hills and sliding through hairpin turns at high velocity. The trucks are raked as well, which gives even more control and steadiness to the rider.

Designated downhill trucks usually sacrifice maneuverability for control at higher speeds, but Caliber IIIsare still great at turning and carving, which further justifies their higher price point. These trucks come with mounting hardware as well.

Best For Carving: GULLWING SIDEWINDER II

SIZE: 187mm

KINGPIN: Double

BASEPLATE ANGLE: Not applicable 

STYLE: Carving/cruising

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Very responsive, easy to turn, higher ride

CONS: Not stable at high speed, pricey

If you are trying to build the ultimate sidewalk surfing setup then the Gullwing Sidewinder IIs are the trucks for you. If you are unfamiliar with double kingpin trucks, you’d be forgiven for thinking a mad scientist turned longboarder was behind their striking design. Since they literally have twice the number of pivot points than any other trucks on this list, the Sidewinder IIs offer an unparalleled level of lively and divey turning that makes them ideal for carving.

The double kingpin on these trucks make the ride height considerably greater than others on this list. Having that extra height adds to the playful and exaggerated nature of the turning capabilities. However, these trucks are not designed for high speeds or downhill riding. 

Another thing to consider when it comes to these trucks is that if you are wanting to switch out bushings for harder or softer options, you will need to purchase enough bushings for 4 traditional longboard trucks.

BUYING ADVICE FOR LONGBOARD TRUCKS

TRUCK SIZE: The size  listed for trucks is almost always referring to the width of the axle from end to end. Generally, they will be between 150mm and 190mm. Most people want to match their truck axle width to the width of their deck. However, if it is slightly off you will probably not notice a difference. Some people prefer a slightly wider or narrower truck. The best way to find out for yourself is to experiment with different setups throughout your longboarding journey. 

KINGPIN: Not to be confused with the Marvel villain, the kingpin is the threaded bolt in the center of the truck upon which the bushings, hanger, and kingpin nut are placed. This is the central point that ultimately allows you to turn with the aid of the other listed parts. The Kingpin nut can be tightened or loosened to allow for less or more turning freedom respectively. Most longboard trucks are going to feature a reverse kingpin. 

It is called reverse because the kingpins face away from each other instead of towards each other as with traditional kingpin trucks. Without getting into the physics involved, it basically allows for more responsive turning. You may also see double kingpin trucks that have double the points of leverage resulting in the ability to make severe diving turns and maneuvers. Double kingpin trucks are less stable than other kingpin styles, especially at high speeds.

BASEPLATE ANGLE: The angle of your baseplate — the part of the truck that attaches to the board — has a direct impact on how much lean it takes to make your board turn. Most longboards feature trucks with a baseplate angle around 50 degrees. This angle is for your prototypical longboard experience of easy turning and carving. This makes them great for getting around campus or casually cruising.

For those with the need for speed, lower baseplate angles around 44 degrees will provide for a steadier ride for going over 50 km/h (around 30 mph). The lower angle results in it taking more lean to actually turn, which is ideal when going that fast. You do not want to make a slight foot adjustment and get bucked off your board because of overly responsive trucks for the situation!

Again, experimentation is ideal for finding what works best for you and your particular riding style. Some people have different angled riser pads that fit between the deck and baseplate. This could be an inexpensive way to play around with your setup.

RAKED TRUCKS: Trucks that are raked are intentionally engineered and built with the axle offset from the pivot. Here is an article with a great visual representation of what that looks like. Raked trucks are better at sharp turning like some might want for dancing, carving, or better simulating a surfing experience.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are the best longboard trucks? The best longboard trucks vary depending on riding styles, but we consider the Paris V3 as the best option for all around performance, and a great option for beginning and expert longboarders alike.

How do I choose the best longboard trucks for me? Start with considering your style and the type of longboarding you most often do. If you tend heavily towards a highly specific style, like bombing downhills, then specialized trucks like the Caliber III are worth the investment.

Are longboard trucks and skateboard trucks the same? Not quite. Longboard trucks are usually longer and wider than standard skateboard trucks. This adds stability, making them better for cruising and carving, where skateboard trucks typically prioritize tricks and overall agility.

MORE INFORMATION

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