Trucks are an integral part of any skateboard, and aluminum trucks provide a lightweight option for riders who want to take their skateboarding to the next level. Aluminum trucks are becoming increasingly popular for both amateur and professional skateboarders, as they offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice. In this comprehensive overview, we'll look at the advantages of aluminum trucks, from the enhanced maneuverability they provide to the durability and affordability they offer. We'll also explore the drawbacks of using aluminum trucks, so you can make an informed decision about whether they're right for your style and riding needs. Aluminum trucks are an increasingly popular choice among skateboarders.
With their lightweight and durable construction, they provide an ideal combination of performance and value. While there are a few potential drawbacks to consider, such as cost, overall aluminum trucks offer a great option for many skaters. When considering aluminum trucks, it's important to understand the different types available. There are single-piece and two-piece designs, each of which offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
Single-piece aluminum trucks are designed to be lightweight and durable, but they can be more expensive than other options. Two-piece designs, on the other hand, are usually less expensive but may not offer the same level of durability as their single-piece counterparts. The design of aluminum trucks is also important to consider when making a purchase. Most of them feature an inverted “H” shape that allows for a greater range of motion and improved stability.
Additionally, some aluminum trucks feature a “drop” design that helps reduce wheel bite and gives riders more control over their boards. In terms of construction, aluminum trucks are typically made from extruded aluminum or cast aluminum. Extruded aluminum is lighter and more durable, while cast aluminum is more affordable but may not be as strong. It's important to consider the type of construction when choosing a truck since it can affect the overall performance and longevity of the product. Finally, maintenance is an important factor when considering aluminum trucks.
Most of them require regular lubrication to keep them running smoothly. Additionally, it's important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear or damage that could affect their performance. Overall, aluminum trucks are an excellent choice for skateboarders looking for a lightweight, durable option. They offer excellent performance and value, and with proper maintenance they can last for years.
When making a decision about which type of truck to purchase, it's important to consider factors such as design, construction, and maintenance.
Disadvantages of Aluminum Trucks
One of the main drawbacks of using aluminum trucks for skateboarding is their cost. Aluminum trucks tend to be more expensive than traditional steel or plastic trucks, making them less accessible to those on a tight budget. In addition, the customization options with aluminum trucks are generally more limited than with other types of trucks. Aluminum trucks are much heavier than their plastic or steel counterparts, which can make them difficult to maneuver for some skaters. They also tend to wear down faster and require more frequent maintenance.Some skaters may find that their boards don't perform as well as they would with lighter trucks. Finally, aluminum trucks are less responsive than other types of trucks, making them less suitable for tricks and other advanced maneuvers. This can be especially problematic for those who want to take their skateboarding to the next level.
Advantages of Aluminum Trucks
Aluminum trucks offer many advantages to skateboarders looking for a lightweight, durable option. The most obvious benefit of using aluminum trucks is their light weight. Aluminum is much lighter than other metals, such as steel, making it a great choice for skateboarders who want to reduce the overall weight of their board.In addition to being lightweight, aluminum trucks are also extremely durable. This makes them a great choice for skateboarders who need to withstand frequent impacts on the street. Aluminum is less prone to denting and bending than steel and other metals, making it a great choice for skaters who want a reliable truck that won't buckle under pressure. Aluminum trucks also offer excellent performance when used for skateboarding.
The lightweight design allows for more maneuverability and control, while the durable construction ensures stability on the board. Additionally, aluminum trucks are known to have excellent grip, allowing skaters to easily perform tricks and keep control of their board. Overall, aluminum trucks offer a great combination of lightweight, durability, and performance that make them an increasingly popular choice among skateboarders.
Maintenance & Setup
Properly maintaining and setting up your aluminum trucks is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. To keep your trucks in good condition, there are several steps you can take.First, it is important to clean your trucks regularly. This can be done by using a soft cloth and warm water or a mild detergent. After cleaning, you should apply a light coat of lubricant to the kingpins, axles, and any other moving parts on the truck. This will help reduce friction and keep the components running smoothly. Next, you should check the tightness of your trucks.
You can do this by using a wrench or screwdriver to tighten the kingpin nut. Make sure the nut is tightened properly, but not too tight as this can cause damage to the truck. Additionally, check the tightness of your axle nuts every couple of weeks. Finally, if you need to adjust the turning angle of your trucks, you should use a skate tool to loosen and tighten the kingpin nut. This will allow you to adjust how loose or tight your trucks turn.
When adjusting, make sure not to over-tighten or over-loosen the nut as this can affect the performance of your trucks.
Types of Aluminum Trucks
Aluminum trucks come in two main varieties: single-piece and two-piece models. Single-piece aluminum trucks are made from a single block of aluminum, making them lightweight and durable. These trucks are typically used for freeriding and downhill skateboarding, as they are able to withstand high speeds and sharp turns. Two-piece aluminum trucks are made from two separate pieces of aluminum, connected by a pivot.This design allows for more maneuverability and flexibility while skating, making them ideal for street skating or technical skating. Single-piece aluminum trucks are available in two main styles: standard and inverted. Standard aluminum trucks are designed with the baseplate, hanger, and kingpin facing downwards. This design is best suited for freeriding, as it provides more stability at high speeds.
Inverted aluminum trucks have the baseplate, hanger, and kingpin facing upwards. This design gives the rider more control when making turns at low speeds, making it ideal for street and technical skateboarding. Two-piece aluminum trucks are available in three main styles: regular, inverted, and reverse kingpin. Regular two-piece aluminum trucks have the baseplate and hanger facing downwards, while the kingpin faces upwards. This design provides the same stability as standard single-piece trucks.
Inverted two-piece aluminum trucks have the baseplate and hanger facing upwards, while the kingpin faces downwards. This design gives the rider more control when turning at low speeds. Reverse kingpin two-piece aluminum trucks have the baseplate facing downwards, while both the hanger and kingpin face upwards. This design provides maximum maneuverability and control when skating. In conclusion, aluminum trucks are a great choice for skateboarders looking for a lightweight and durable option.
With their lightweight construction and durability, they can handle tough terrains and provide excellent responsiveness. Additionally, they come in various sizes and styles, allowing you to customize your setup to meet your needs. However, it is important to consider all the factors involved in choosing the right type of truck for your needs. Proper maintenance and setup are essential for getting the most out of your aluminum trucks.
