Skateboarding is a ​thrilling sport ​that requires the ​right equipment ​to ensure a ​smooth and ​safe ride. One ​crucial component ​of a skateboard ​setup is ​the trucks. Choosing ​the correct ​size of skateboard ​trucks is ​essential for optimal ​performance and ​stability. However, understanding ​how to ​measure skateboard trucks ​can be ​a bit confusing, ​especially for ​beginners. In this ​comprehensive guide, ​we will walk ​you through ​the process of ​measuring skateboard ​trucks step by ​step, providing ​you with the ​knowledge you ​need to make ​the right ​choice for your ​board.
Why ​Measure Skateboard Trucks?
​Measuring skateboard ​trucks is crucial ​because choosing ​the wrong size ​can have ​a significant impact ​on your ​ride. Ill-fitting trucks ​can affect ​your balance, stability, ​and maneuverability. ​Trucks that are ​too wide ​or too narrow ​for your ​deck can throw ​off the ​center of gravity ​and cause ​imbalance, making tricks ​difficult to ​perform. On the ​other hand, ​trucks that are ​too narrow ​may result in ​your wheels ​being visible outside ​the deck, ​affecting the aesthetics ​of your ​skateboard. By measuring ​your skateboard ​trucks accurately, you ​can ensure ​a proper fit ​and enhance ​your overall skateboarding experience.
Understanding Skateboard Truck ​Measurements
Before ​diving into the ​process of ​measuring skateboard trucks, ​it’s important ​to understand the ​different truck ​measurements. Skateboard trucks ​are typically ​measured in terms ​of width, ​axle length, and ​height. Let’s ​break down each ​measurement to ​give you a ​better understanding:
​Truck Width: The ​truck width ​refers to the ​overall width ​of the hanger, ​which is ​the part of ​the truck ​that holds the ​axle. It’s ​crucial to match ​the truck ​width to the ​deck width ​for optimal performance ​and stability. ​The width of ​the trucks ​should be proportional ​to the ​width of the ​deck.
Axle ​Length: The axle ​length is ​the distance between ​the two ​points where the ​wheels attach ​to the truck. ​Choosing the ​right axle length ​ensures that ​your wheels align ​perfectly with ​the deck, preventing ​any interference ​or imbalance.
Truck ​Height: Skateboard ​trucks come in ​different heights, ​including low, medium, ​and high. ​The truck height ​determines the ​distance between the ​hanger and ​the baseplate. The ​choice of ​truck height depends ​on your ​riding style and ​preferences. Low ​trucks provide stability ​and are ​suitable for technical ​flat ground ​skating, while high ​trucks are ​ideal for carving ​and cruising.
How to Measure Skateboard Trucks?
​Now that we ​have a ​clear understanding of ​skateboard truck ​measurements let’s move ​on to ​the step-by-step process ​of measuring ​skateboard trucks accurately.
Gather the Necessary ​Tools
Before ​you begin measuring ​your skateboard ​trucks, gather the ​necessary tools ​to ensure accurate ​measurements. You ​will need:
- A ​ruler or ​tape measure: For ​measuring the ​width and axle ​length of ​the truck.
- A ​skateboard tool: ​Optional but useful ​for more ​precise measurements.
- Calipers: ​Optional but ​recommended for the ​most accurate ​measurements.
Having these ​tools ready ​will make the ​measurement process ​easier and more ​efficient.
Measure the ​Width of ​the Truck
Start ​by measuring ​the width of ​the truck ​hanger. This will ​give you ​an idea of ​the appropriate ​truck width for ​your deck. ​Use a ruler ​or tape ​measure to measure ​the hanger ​width from inside ​edge to ​inside edge or ​outside edge ​to outside edge. ​Make sure ​to measure in ​millimeters for ​more precise measurements.
Measure the Axle ​Length
Next, ​measure the axle ​length of ​the truck. This ​measurement determines ​how far apart ​your wheels ​will be on ​the skateboard ​deck. Measure from ​the center ​of one axle ​to the ​center of the ​other axle. ​Again, use a ​ruler or ​tape measure and ​measure in ​millimeters.
​Determine the ​Truck Height
Now ​that you ​have measured the ​width and ​axle length, it’s ​important to ​consider the truck ​height. Determine ​whether you prefer ​low, medium, ​or high trucks ​based on ​your riding style ​and preferences. ​Low trucks are ​closer to ​the ground and ​provide stability, ​while high trucks ​offer more ​clearance for larger ​wheels and ​are suitable for ​cruising and ​carving.
​Consider the ​Recommendations and Guidelines
​To ensure ​a proper fit, ​it’s helpful ​to consider the ​recommendations and ​guidelines provided by ​experts and ​manufacturers. These recommendations ​take into ​account the deck ​width and ​suggest suitable truck ​sizes based ​on that measurement. ​Here are ​some general recommendations:
- ​For a ​deck width of ​7.5″ to ​7.75″, an axle ​width of ​around 194mm is ​recommended.
- A ​deck width of ​7.875″ to ​8.125″ may require ​an axle ​width of 203mm.
- ​For a ​deck width of ​8.125″ to ​8.375″, an axle ​width of ​209mm is suggested.
​Keep in ​mind that these ​are just ​general recommendations, and ​personal preferences ​may vary. It’s ​always a ​good idea to ​try different ​truck sizes to ​find the ​one that suits ​your riding ​style and preferences ​best.
Measure the ​Other Truck
​After measuring the ​first truck, ​it’s important to ​measure the ​second truck as ​well. Both ​trucks should have ​the same ​width, axle length, ​and height ​to ensure balance ​and stability. ​If the measurements ​differ, it ​can create an ​imbalance and ​affect your overall riding experience.
Conclusion
Measuring skateboard ​trucks is ​an essential step ​in building ​the perfect skateboard ​setup. By ​following the step-by-step ​process outlined ​in this guide, ​you can ​ensure that your ​trucks are ​the right size ​for your ​deck. Remember to ​consider the ​width, axle length, ​and height ​of the trucks, ​as well ​as any recommendations ​from experts ​or manufacturers. Finding ​the perfect skateboard ​truck size will ​enhance your ​ride, improve your ​performance, and ​ensure a safe ​and enjoyable ​skateboarding experience. So, ​grab your ​ruler or tape ​measure, follow ​the steps, and ​get ready ​to hit the ​streets with ​confidence!
FAQs
How ​do you ​measure skateboard truck ​size?
To measure skateboard ​truck size, ​use a ruler ​or tape ​measure to measure ​the width ​of the hanger ​and the ​axle length. Measure ​in millimeters ​for more accurate ​measurements.
What is the ​standard size ​for skateboard trucks?
The ​standard size for ​skateboard trucks ​varies depending on ​the deck ​width. It is ​recommended to ​match the overall ​truck width ​to the deck ​width for ​optimal performance and ​stability.
What are the ​different types ​of skateboard trucks?
​There ​are various types ​of skateboard ​trucks, including standard ​trucks, reverse ​kingpin trucks, drop-through ​trucks, mini ​trucks, and longboard ​trucks. Each ​type offers different ​features and ​benefits.
What ​are the ​parts of a ​skateboard truck?
​The main ​parts of ​a skateboard truck ​include the ​hanger, axle, kingpin, ​bushings, and ​baseplate. These components ​work together ​to provide stability, ​maneuverability, and ​control.
Howdy is the CEO of SkatingHouse, a prominent online platform that serves as a hub for skating enthusiasts around the world. With years of experience in the industry, Howdy has established himself as a respected figure in the skating community. Under his leadership, SkatingHouse has become a go-to resource for skaters of all levels, providing valuable information, tips, and resources to help them improve their skills and stay up to date with the latest trends in the sport. Howdy’s dedication to the sport of skating and his passion for helping others has helped skatinghouse.com become one of the most trusted and reputable sources for skating-related content online.
