How tight should skateboard trucks be is not a new topic in the skateboarding world. Some might say that tight trucks are better, while others might say that loose trucks are. Since these components affect your movements, whether you’re cruising, riding downhill, or doing ollies, it’s important to set them up correctly. Read on to learn more.
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Loose Vs Tight Trucks
Some people swear that riding with incredibly loose trucks makes them feel more comfortable and allows them to ride more smoothly. On the other hand, some experienced skateboarders may advise you to thoroughly tighten your trucks for safety purposes.
When talking about skateboard truck tightness, keeping the truck tight is recommended for beginners because it is easier to handle the skateboard this way. Tighter trucks can also do greater ollies, since you have more control over your board.
On the other hand, loose trucks land better than tighter trucks. Although they might require getting used to, eventually, you’ll enjoy turning and carving with this setup. In general, experienced skateboarders prefer to have this type of truck adjustment.
Anyway, above are the usual recommendations. But if you ask me “how loose should my trucks be?” the answer is it depends on your inclination as a rider.
They should be loose enough that you will not struggle to move around obstructions while skateboarding. At the same time, they should not be too tight, or your bushings might burst at any moment.
Overall, it’s important to achieve balance in this area. Skate and tighten or loosen skateboard trucks as necessary to accommodate your movements.
What Is the Right Truck Adjustment for Cruising
The way you set up your board will have a big impact on your whole experience. Make sure the board is ready for you to use at your level before you start practicing.
If you are wondering if it is better to have loose or tight trucks for cruising, then here’s a brief explanation. For stability while cruising, medium tightness is preferable. This should keep the trucks loose enough for turning.
However, tighten the trucks if you tend to skate downhill or plan to do some practice rides on a steep slope or ramp.
Adjusting Skateboard Trucks
As I mentioned earlier, loosening or tightening skateboard trucks will depend on the kind of rider you are. If you are a fast rider, tight trucks are perfect for you. If you are into tricks and flips, these setups will also work best for you.
Unfortunately, skateboard trucks are often not pre-adjusted according to our needs when we purchase them. As a result, we will have to set them up according to our preferences.
If you want to tighten up or loosen up your skateboard trucks, you need a skate tool or a spanner. These items will help you adjust the truck’s kingpin. As I have mentioned in my previous articles, the kingpin is your truck’s largest nut.
By a quarter turn at a time, tighten your trucks by turning the kingpin clockwise and loosen them by turning in the opposite direction. Give your board a ride to determine if you’ve made the perfect adjustment and continue to make changes until you are satisfied.
Over time, the trucks might loosen on their own. So check them before skating to avoid any disruption during your ride.
Important Tip: To avoid any dangerous consequences, set your trucks up so that the deck and the wheels do not collide.
Can You Adjust Your Trucks on Your Own
Fortunately, the answer is yes. With the proper tips and guidelines, you can adjust the trucks on your skateboard with ease. It’s not as difficult as it seems to be, and you’ll be able to complete the task faster than you think.
Take some time to ride on your skateboard to properly determine the adjustment to make. And if you have problems, there’s always time to consult a professional.
Conclusion
How tight should skateboard trucks be? In general, both loose and tight trucks have their own advantages, and neither are completely terrible.
Consider your own preferences and experience while setting up your board, and you should be fine. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks for reading!
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.