Trucks are essentially the backbone of your board, affecting how you turn, grind, and feel on every session. Below, I’ve rounded up the best trucks of 2025.
Key takeaways
- If you want ultimate performance, you can’t go wrong with Independent Stage 11 for durability and versatility.
- For weight-conscious skaters who are big on flip tricks, Tensor Mag Light Lo trucks are insanely light.
- Those on a budget who still want reliability should check out Venture Polished Trucks—they’re affordable and durable.
Now, I know that you can buy these online, but I do recommend supporting your local skate shops. Oh, and one more thing: I will be updating this list regularly, so you will see a lot more trucks added to this list as the year rolls on (pun intended). Below is a quick reference table of these top picks, and then we’ll dive into the details.
Top three options
What are skateboard trucks?
Sounds like a stupid question, but you never know who is reading. Skateboard trucks are T-shaped metal pieces that mount onto the underside of your deck. They hold your wheels and bearings in place; you nailed it. But hold on, they do more than just that! Your trucks influence how well you turn, how stable your ride is, and how swiftly you can pop an ollie or flip your board.
They’re like the ‘steering wheels’ of your skateboard, not to be overlooked or underestimated! A set of quality skate trucks can truly shift your learning curve from sketchy to steady.
The best skateboard trucks of 2025
Oh, by the way, as far as beginner trucks go, there’s not really such thing as the best beginner’s truck; I will put that more in the budget-friendly category. So, if you’re a beginner, just look for a budget-friendly option.
1. Best premium option
Why I like it 👍
- Longevity & Durability – Indys are renowned for outlasting your deck and then some.
- Versatile Geometry – Perfect balance of turn and stability for bowls, street, or transitions.
- Legendary Brand – Independent has been around since 1978 and is a staple in skate shops worldwide.
Where It falls short 👎
- Weight – Slightly heavier than some other brands (especially the hollow or magnesium competitors).
- Price – They’re not the cheapest, but quality rarely is.
If you want trucks you can rely on for years—especially if you skate hard or are hitting bigger transitions—Indy Stage 11 is the gold standard. Just keep in mind they weigh a bit more than something like Tensors or Thunders.
2. Lightest trucks
Why I like it 👍
- Featherweight Construction – Hollow axles, hollow kingpins, and a forged baseplate slash unnecessary weight without sacrificing strength.
- Great All-Around Performance – Thunder’s geometry still delivers smooth turning and solid stability despite the lighter build.
- Durable – Engineered to take on street, transition, and more. Thunder’s been known for consistent quality for years.
Where It falls short 👎
- Adjusting to the Hollow Feel – Some skaters say that Hollow Lights feel slightly different underfoot, so expect a short break-in period.
- Higher Price Tag – Advanced manufacturing can bump up the cost, but the long-term performance may justify it.
If you’re constantly searching for ways to lighten your setup—without giving up the classic Thunder turn and grind—Thunder Polished Hollow Lights 2 are the perfect pick. Weighing in around 1.5 pounds (for the set), they’re among the lightest trucks on the market.
That said, be prepared for a brief adjustment period if you’re used to standard, heavier trucks. Once you break them in, these Hollow Lights shine, whether you’re flipping down sets or carving bowls.
3. Budget friendly
Why I like it 👍
- Wallet-Friendly – An excellent budget option without skimping on quality.
- Professional Grade Materials – Sturdy steel hangers and baseplates, plus no-slip axles for reliable performance.
- Smooth Turning – High-rebound bushings deliver responsive control for carving or street lines.
- Versatile – Classic geometry works for park skating, street, or just cruising around town.
- Mounting Hardware Included – Saves you the hassle of buying extra hardware.
Where It falls short 👎
- Stock Bushings – Some advanced skaters might want to upgrade to a higher-end bushing set for more custom feel.
- Brand Recognition – CCS trucks don’t have the same name prestige as Indys or Thunders, but they’ll still get the job done.
These are far from premium, but they will get the job done. No doubt about it. Just take a look at some of those reviews.
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How to evaluate skateboards
A video titled ‘RANKING SKATE TRUCKS BEST TO WORST‘ from the Matt DiGi YouTube channel.
You might be thinking, “Jedain, with so many skateboard trucks out there, how do you pick the ones worth your time?” Well, let me spill the beans on my evaluation process. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a keen eye and a bit of experience.
You might ask, “Can’t I just grab any truck and skate?” Sure, if you’re not picky. But if you’re serious about your skating experience, taking the time to evaluate your options is totally worth it.
How to evaluate skateboard trucks
- Size Matching
- Make sure you pick trucks that match your deck width. For example, an 8.0″ board usually pairs with a 139–147 mm hanger.
- Height & Geometry
- Low trucks = easier flips, closer to the ground.
- Mid/Hi trucks = bigger turning radius, better for transition or bigger wheels.
- Weight vs. Durability
- Magnesium and hollow components reduce weight significantly.
- If you grind a lot, sometimes a standard solid axle/baseplate lasts longer.
- Bushings & Turning Feel
- Stock bushings aren’t always great—if you’re picky, grab some Bones Hardcore or similar.
- Tighter bushings for stability; looser bushings for sharper turns.
- Price Point
- Premium trucks (Indy, high-end Thunder, Tensor Mag Lights) cost more but can last years.
- Budget trucks like Venture or CCS get the job done without breaking the bank.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Match your deck width. For 8.0″, go around 139–147 mm. For 8.25″, 144–149 mm, etc.
Depends on how hard you skate. Some Indys can literally last for years with regular upkeep.
Generally, yes. Companies like Independent, Thunder, Venture, and Tensor have consistent quality. Off-brand trucks can have alignment issues or weaker metal.
Check for axle slipping, cracked baseplates, or when the kingpin/bushings are so worn that performance suffers.
Only if you’re running larger wheels (56 mm+), or if you want extra clearance to avoid wheel bite.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re dropping in on a deep bowl or just rolling through the streets, truck choice plays a massive role in how your board feels underfoot. Premium picks like Independent Stage 11 deliver rock-solid performance, while the ultra-light Tensor Mag Light Lo are perfect if flipping the board is your priority. And if you’re skating on a budget, Venture Polished trucks offer a great balance of cost and durability.
In the end, the best trucks are the ones that fit your style, your budget, and make you feel unstoppable when you hit the skatepark. Try a few, see what works, and don’t be afraid to swap bushings or adjust tightness until they feel just right.
Now, go shred. You’ve got all the info you need to grab the best trucks and take your skating to the next level!
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