When it comes to skateboarding, there is no right or wrong answer to whether you should ride a loose or tight truck. It depends on your skating style and preferences.
However, some people prefer a tighter truck because it provides more control and stability.
On the other hand, loose trucks can be more responsive and provide a better feel when skating.
Loose vs tight trucks, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I will show you which truck setup is best for you. Without further do, let’s discuss it in detail.
Loose Trucks Explained
Loose trucks offer more stability at high speeds and are better for tricks that require more spin. They can also help you maintain control when riding over rough terrain.
Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of loose skateboard trucks
Benefits (pros) of Loose Trucks
- Loose trucks are more rideable and responsive.Â
- loose trucks will provide better control over your board.
- Less stress on the bearings.
- Better turning radius.
- Loose trucks allow for better wheel rotation and tracking.
Drawbacks (cons) of Loose Trucks
- The first drawback of loose trucks is wheel bite.
- It could cause speed wobbles at high speed.
- Loose trucks are more likely to cause injury.
Tight Trucks Explained
Tight trucks help you maintain control of your board, which is especially important when riding down hills or in crowded areas.
Tighter trucks mean that there is no wobble in the wheelbase of your deck when you ride it. This will make for a more stable ride, which is especially important if you’re going on flat ground or over bumps or potholes.
The tightness of the trucks can be adjusted using a wrench, but if you’re not sure how much adjustment is needed you can always just tighten them until they feel right.
Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of tight skateboard trucks
Benefits (pros) of Tight Trucks
- Ideal for technical tricks
- Better control over the board.
- Tight trucks offer more pop to your tricks.
- You’ll get a better grip, less wheel bite, and greater stability.
Drawbacks (cons) of Tight Trucks
- Tight trucks are harder to push.
- Harder to grind.
- The trucks are a little harder to turn.
- Your board will be harder to maneuver.
Also Read: How Long Do Skateboard Trucks Last? – Trucks Lifespan
How To Adjust your Skateboard Trucks?
It’s actually pretty simple, all you have to do is tighten or loosen the bolt in the center of your truck that holds the kingpin and your bushings.
To make adjustments to your skateboard trucks, you’ll need either a T-tool or a 9/16 wrench. To tighten the center bolt, turn it clockwise. To loosen the bolt, turn it counter-clockwise.
After doing this, now get on your board and see how it feels. Does it turn easily? Is it comfortable to ride?
How Tight Should Your Trucks be on a Skateboard?
There is a lot of debate among new skaters about skateboard truck tightness.
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the tightness of skateboard trucks depends on a variety of factors, including the weight and height of the rider, the type of skating being performed, and the preferences of the skater.
It’s important to find a “sweet spot” between tight or loose skateboard trucks, so that the truck is tight enough to make turns without wobbling, but not so tight that it becomes difficult to turn.
Skaters often adjust their trucks several times during a single skating session to find the right setting.
How Loose Should your Skateboard Trucks be?
Ideally, your trucks should be loose enough that you can easily move around obstacles while skating. This means that your trucks should be able to turn easily without getting stuck.
However, you don’t want them to be too loose, as this can also lead to problems. If your trucks are too loose, it’ll be harder to control your speed and turns, which could lead to serious injury.
The best way to test this is by putting your finger in between the truck and the deck and wiggling it back and forth. If there is too much resistance, then the trucks are too tight and need to be loosened.
Loose or Tight Trucks for Beginners?
Are you new to skateboarding and wondering if you should get loose or tight trucks?
Here is some information that may help you decide. Loose trucks are better for beginners because they allow the board to turn more easily. This makes it easier to learn how to ride and stay on the board.
Tight trucks are better for more experienced riders because they provide more stability and allow for sharper turns.
If you are just starting out, it is a good idea to start with loose trucks so that you can learn the basics of riding without having to worry about your truck’s tightness.Â
The best thing to do is to maintain a balance between tight and loose trucks.
If your trucks are too loose it can be difficult to control, On the other hand, If your trucks are too tight it can make your board harder to turn.
By finding a balance between the two, you’ll be able to go on both ways without having too much trouble.
Loose or Tight Trucks for Street Skating?
Street skaters prefer loose trucks, they offer more flexibility and maneuverability, which are essential for street skating tricks.
On the other hand, tight trucks are better suited for traditional skateboarding because they provide more stability and control, but they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
If you’re just starting out, it’s best to stick with loose trucks until you develop a better understanding of how street skating works.
Tight or Loose Trucks For Tricks?
A tight skateboard truck is a good choice for doing tricks. A loose skateboard truck is more comfortable to ride, but it’s not as good for doing tricks.
A good rule of thumb is that tight trucks will make your skateboard easier to handle and more responsive, while loose trucks will make it easier to ride, but harder to handle and less responsive.
If you want to learn how to do tricks, then I would recommend tight trucks are best for doing tricks.
When your trucks are tight, it makes it easier to pop the board off the ground and flip it. Loose trucks can still do tricks, but it takes a bit more practice and coordination.
Conclusion: Loose vs Tight Trucks
In conclusion, loose trucks offer more stability, while tight trucks are more responsive and are better for technical tricks.
If you are just starting out, it is best to go with loose trucks, as they are more forgiving.
However, if you are already experienced with skateboarding, you may prefer tighter trucks for their responsiveness. Whichever type of truck you choose, make sure to practice safe skating techniques to avoid injuries.
