The best thing about skateboarding is that you can ride it any way you want, perform all sorts of tricks, and enjoy skating. However, there is one question that springs up in every skater’s mind now and then. It is ‘how tight should my skateboard’s trucks be?’ Let me tell you the truth. It is all a matter of preference.
Some skateboarders are comfortable with wobbly trucks while others like their skateboard trucks to be tightened when skating. The best answer is that your skateboard trucks should be tight enough that it does not hinder rotation and loose enough that you do not lose balance when rotating.
Still, confused between loose trucks vs tight trucks? Worry not, we have got you covered. Stay with me to find out which is better for you to have a wonderful skating experience.
Loose Vs Tight Trucks
Looking to compare Loose vs Tight trucks? Check out our comprehensive comparison table to see which one is right for you.
| Tight Trucks | Loose Trucks |
| Provide enhanced stability | Can be wobbly |
| Lack of flow makes manageability difficult | Come with easy manageability |
| Perfect for performing flip tricks | It makes the performance of flip tricks hard |
| Can damage bushings due to increased friction between the components | Does not damage bushings |
| Makes speed control easier | Skateboard can be difficult to control at high-speed |
| Skateboard can come to a sudden halt when taking a turn | Turns can be taken smoothly |
| Very meager chance of wheel bite | Increases the chance of wheel bite if riser pads are not used |
When Should You Tighten Skate Trucks?
The tight skateboard trucks undoubtedly provide more stability and make a skateboard easy to balance. On the other hand, very tight trucks will make a skateboard difficult to turn. This way, taking acute turns can be hard, and performing skating tricks that involve a lot of twists and turns will just take so much of your energy.
This should also be considered that tighter trucks provide high speed. Therefore, if you are a speed skater, you might find that tight trucks work best for you. Precisely, if you are a beginner, the one thing you need most is stability on the skateboard. This makes tighter trucks your best option. Besides, tighter trucks reduce the chance of falling on hitting an obstacle.
Pros Of Tight Trucks
- Enhanced stability
- Reduced impact on hitting an obstacle
- Perfect for beginners
- Suitable for flip tricks
- Speed adjustment is easier
Cons Of Tight Trucks
- Taking acute turns is hard
- Lack of flow and difficulty to manage
- Rigid on landing
- Hard to control the balance of manuals and grinds
- Chance of bushings getting damaged
When Should You Loosen Skate Trucks?
It is a common misconception that loose trucks will wobble and you won’t be able to ride well. However, it is not completely true. Although you cannot ride a skateboard in the very first place with very loose trucks as the wobbling will make balancing difficult. Therefore, there is a certain amount of looseness that makes it perfect for some riders.
As compared to tiger trucks, loose trucks provide less stability but they make twisting and turning easy. Therefore, if you are more into performing skating tricks that involve a lot of twisting and turning, it is advisable to go with loose trucks. Apart from providing good manageability, it also comes with ease of flow.
When it comes to rolling away quickly from an obstacle, loose trucks are the best option. These do not hinder movement in any way and produce no tik tok sound on turning the skateboard. Another advantage of the loose trucks is that they will not affect the bushes in any bad way.
The answer to how to loosen trucks on skateboards is to simply turn them anticlockwise.
Pros Of Loose Trucks
- Makes twisting and turning easy
- Do not damage the bushes
- Ease of flow and manageability
- The balance of manuals and grinds is easy to control
- No need to lift upper wheels while turning
Cons Of Loose Trucks
- Balancing can be hard
- Difficult to perform flip tricks
- Cause wheel bite unless riser pads are used
- May wobble while speeding
- High chance of injury
Guide To Tightening Skateboard Trucks
Tight skateboard trucks undoubtedly provide more stability than loose skateboard trucks. When tightening trucks, all you need to do is turn a few bolts and screws, and you are done. For further elaboration, you can read our guide to help you figure out how to tighten skateboard trucks.
Final Verdict
Trucks are the essential hardware of a skateboard. Choosing the right-sized trucks will only enhance your skating experience. Moreover, aluminum ones are highly recommended as they tend to last longer.
When it comes to loose or tight trucks, it is always a matter of personal preference and your capability to handle your skateboard. For beginners, tight trucks are recommended as they make balancing and speed control easy. Therefore, at the end of the day, it is all about how you enjoy your skating.
FAQ’s
1. Do professional skaters use loose or tight skateboard trucks?
Professional skateboarders usually go with loose trucks. This provides them an edge to twist and turn easily. Moreover, they are also able to handle loose trucks because they know how to balance themselves on the board, and hence, with loose trucks, they do not face the issue of stability.
2. Is it hard to perform ollie with loose trucks?
The loose trucks certainly make balancing the skateboard difficult. They will wobble a lot, leading to the rider ultimately losing stability. On the other hand, performing skating needs good balance. Therefore, loose trucks will certainly make the performance of ollies hard, especially if you are in the learning phase.
3. Should beginners use hard trucks?
The foremost thing a beginner skater needs to achieve is stability on the board. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use hard wheels if you are a beginner. Moreover, it will also help in controlling your skating speed.
