Are you looking to purchase a new skateboard truck? If so, you may be wondering if loose or tight trucks are the better option.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of each type of truck and help you decide which one is best for you. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of each type of truck and show you which one is stable and faster. Let’s get started!
Loose vs Tight skateboard Trucks: Which One Is Stable and Faster?
When it comes to skateboard trucks, you have two main options:
Loose or Tight. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one for your skating style and needs is important.
Tight trucks are the way to go if you’re looking for stability. They’re less likely to wobble or move around while you’re skating, which makes them ideal for beginners or those who are still learning how to skate. Tight trucks are also great for doing tricks that require more balance, such as manuals or nose manuals.
Loose trucks, on the other hand, are better for speed and agility. They’re easier to turn, so they’re great for street skating and getting around quickly.
What are skateboard trucks and what do they do?
Skateboard trucks are the metal axles that attach to the wheels of your skateboard. They come in a variety of sizes, but most trucks are either 7.75 inches or 8 inches wide.
The width of your trucks should match the width of your deck (the part of the skateboard you stand on). Trucks also have different heights, which are measured by the distance between the top of the truck’s hanger and the bottom of its baseplate.
Skateboard trucks are what allow your wheels to turn. They do this by attaching to the bearings in your wheels and turning along with them. Trucks also provide stability and support for your deck, which is important when you’re skating.
The difference between loose and tight truck setups.
- A loose truck is one where the kingpin nut is not tightened all the way. This leaves a small gap between the hanger and baseplate, which allows the trucks to turn more freely.
- A tight truck is one where the kingpin nut is tightened all the way, leaving no gap between the hanger and baseplate. This makes the trucks less likely to turn, but also makes them more stable.
- The main difference between loose and tight trucks is how much turning resistance they have.
- Tight trucks have less turning resistance, which means they’re easier to turn.
- Loose trucks have more turning resistance, which makes them harder to turn.
- The other difference between these two types of trucks is stability.
- Tight trucks are generally more stable than loose trucks because they have less movement overall.
How to tighten or loosen your skateboard trucks?
Here we explain the stepwise procedure to tighten or loosen your skateboard trucks.
- Start by unscrewing the kingpin nut with a skate tool or an Allen key.
- If you’re loosening your trucks, stop once the nut is loose enough that you can move the hanger from side to side.
- If you’re tightening your trucks, screw the kingpin nut until it’s tight, but don’t over-tighten it.
- Replace the wheels and check that they’re spinning freely before you start skating.
- To make sure your trucks are tightened correctly, try standing on your board and wiggling it from side to side. If it feels stable, you’ve got it right!
Benefits of a tight truck setup.
There are several benefits to having a tight truck setup.
- The first benefit is that tight trucks are more stable than loose trucks.
- Tight trucks are also great for doing tricks that require more balance, such as manuals or nose manuals.
- Another benefit of tight trucks is that they’re easier to control at high speeds. This can be helpful if you’re doing tricks that require precise movements, such as slides or grinds.
Benefits of a loose truck setup.
- The first is that they’re easier to turn. This can be helpful if you’re doing tricks that require quick, sharp turns, such as street skating or getting around tight corners.
- Loose trucks are also better for grinding and sliding, so they’re a good choice if those are your favorite tricks.
- Finally, loose trucks tend to provide a smoother ride overall. This can be helpful if you’re skateboarding on rougher surfaces or going over a lot of bumps.
Which truck is better for stability and speed – loose or tight?
If you want a stable truck that’s easy to control at high speeds, then tight trucks are the way to go. However, loose trucks are the better choice if you’re looking for a truck that’s easier to turn and provides a smoother ride. It really comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a truck.
Tips for beginners on how to use loose or tight trucks.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with tight trucks. Tight trucks are easier to control and will help you learn the basics of skateboarding. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can try loose trucks and see if you prefer them.
Here are some tips for using tight trucks:
- Start by unscrewing the kingpin nut until it’s loose enough that you can move the hanger from side to side.
- Screw the kingpin nut back in until it’s tight, but don’t over-tighten it.
- Replace the wheels and check that they’re spinning freely before you start skating.
- To make sure your trucks are tightened correctly, try standing on your board and wiggling it from side to side. If it feels stable, you’ve got it right!
- Practice skating on different surfaces and going over bumps to get used to the way tight trucks handle.
FAQs
Do loose trucks make tricks harder?
No, loose trucks make some tricks easier because they’re easier to turn. However, loose trucks can also make certain tricks harder because they require more balance and control to keep the board stable.
For example, a trick like a kickflip may be easier with looser trucks because it allows for quicker and smoother rotations. On the other hand, a trick like a manual or nose manual may be more difficult because loose trucks can cause the board to wobble and make it harder to maintain balance.
Is it easier to manual with loose trucks?
No, it’s easier to manual with tight trucks because they’re more stable. Tight trucks have less movement and are easier to control, making it easier to balance on the back wheels of your skateboard.
In addition, tight trucks also provide better responsiveness and precision when performing tricks. This is because there is less play in the trucks, allowing for more accurate movements. Loose trucks may make it difficult to maintain control and execute tricks properly.
What happens if your trucks are too small?
If your skateboard trucks are too small for your board, you may experience a lack of stability, making it harder to balance especially for beginners. This mismatch can also affect your turning radius, requiring more effort to make sharp turns. Furthermore, too-small trucks can lead to wheel bite, where the wheels make contact with the board during turns, potentially causing accidents.
Does truck size Matter in a skateboard?
The size of trucks on a skateboard significantly influences both its performance and suitability for various skateboarding styles. Properly sized trucks align directly with the width of your skateboard deck, ensuring stability, balance, and precise control during tricks and turns.
Too narrow trucks may cause the skateboard to feel unstable, while too wide trucks can make it difficult to execute tricks effectively. Therefore, selecting the right truck size is crucial for optimizing your skateboarding experience, whether you’re cruising, performing tricks, or riding in skate parks.
How tight should the truck be on a longboard?
Trucks should be tight enough that they don’t wobble, but not so tight that they’re difficult to turn. You might need to experiment to find the perfect setting for your trucks, as different riders prefer different levels of tightness.
One way to test if your trucks are too loose is to stand on your board and gently push the nose or tail down. If the board wobbles side-to-side, your trucks are probably too loose.
In the end, it was found that loose trucks were faster but less stable. Conversely, tight trucks were stable but slower. It is important to know what you are looking for in a skateboard before making your purchase.
If speed is your top priority, go with loose trucks. If stability is more important to you, choose tight trucks.
Whatever option you decide on, make sure you take the time to practice and get comfortable riding with them before hitting the streets or skatepark.
