How to Choose Skateboard Trucks - Get yourself a pair and start riding

Skateboard trucks are fairly easy to choose. You'll need two to ride. There are numerous brands, colors, graphics, and that choice is really up to your own tatse and style. Generally the axle's width on the truck should be within 1/4" of the deck's width.

The height of the skateboard truck is also a key when selecting what trucks are right for you. The reason you would want to choose a higher skate truck is based upon your style of riding and selection of wheels. Once you start selecting wheels over 56mm, you should consider purchasing high trucks.

High trucks allow for more clearance from the bottom of your board to the surface of the wheel. "Wheelbite" is something you definitely want to avoid. This is when a wheel comes into contact with the board stopping you dead in your tracks, most likely resulting in a painful digger.

Skateboard Decks - How to choose

If you want to skateboard you need one, but the question is, which one is the right for you? Well the good news is that you have many options. Size should definitely be taken into consideration when making your selection.

Before you make your decision, determine what type of riding you do, or plan on doing. This is very important. If you skate streets or do more technical tricks, you're going to want to look for a board in the size range of a 7.5" to 7.87". If you mostly skate pools and parks with heavy transitions, then you may want to consider looking for a board in the size range of 7.87" to 8.25". You also have to take into consideration you own size. If you are 5 feet tall, and weigh 80 pounds, you are not going to want an 8" deck. The deck will be hard to do flip tricks on. This scenario can also be reversed. Don't purchase something too small for you.

Many manufactures have a specific concave for their deck shapes. Concave is basically the mold or the press that shapes skateboard decks. Predetermined steeepness on the nose and tail, along with the body of the deck can be deep, mellow or anywhere in between. This again reflects personal preference and experience.

The graphic also may be an influence in your deck decision. Be sure not to base it all on the art because you may become frustrated or have a hard time skating if you get a board that is not sized right for you.