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Fingerboard Trucks
Fingerboard trucks are the small, but important, components that connect the wheels to the deck. Much like the trucks on a real skateboard, they determine how the fingerboard handles, turns, and feels when performing tricks. Here's a breakdown of the key elements of fingerboard trucks:
1. Material
- Aluminum: Most high-quality fingerboard trucks are made from aluminum, which provides a good balance of strength, weight, and responsiveness. Aluminum trucks are common because they’re lightweight, durable, and provide a realistic feel.
- Steel: Some trucks may have steel parts, particularly the axle or kingpin, to increase strength and durability. Steel trucks can be heavier but may offer more stability.
- Plastic: More affordable or beginner trucks are sometimes made from plastic. While plastic trucks are cheaper and lighter, they may not offer the same performance or longevity as metal trucks.
2. Size
Fingerboard trucks are designed to match the width of the fingerboard deck, so choosing the right size is important for balance and control.
- Standard-sized trucks: Typically range from about 26mm to 34mm in width. The size depends on the type of tricks you want to perform and the type of setup you're going for.
- Low trucks: These trucks are shorter in height and provide a more stable and responsive feel. They're popular for technical street setups where you need fast pop and precise control.
- High trucks: These trucks offer more height, making them ideal for park or vert-style fingerboarding. They allow for bigger grinds and transitions, giving more clearance for tricks over obstacles.
3. Kingpin
The kingpin is the bolt that holds the trucks together and allows the hanger to pivot (turn). It’s one of the most important parts when it comes to controlling the turning and responsiveness of the truck.
- Standard kingpin: Typically a larger, bolt-like piece that controls the turning angle.
- Reverse kingpin: These are more commonly found in high-performance fingerboard trucks, offering smoother, more controlled turns.
4. Bushings
Bushings are the rubber or urethane components that sit on the kingpin and provide the "give" that allows the truck to turn when pressure is applied. The quality and hardness of the bushings significantly affect how the truck turns.
- Soft bushings: These allow for easier turns and more flexibility, providing a smoother feel for park or vert-style fingerboarding.
- Hard bushings: These provide more stability and control, making them ideal for street or technical setups where you need precision.
You can often customize the bushings in your trucks to adjust the responsiveness of the board to suit your personal preferences.
5. Hanger
The hanger is the part of the truck that connects to the wheels. It’s the long, horizontal piece of metal that pivots around the kingpin and affects how the board turns.
- Standard hangers: Most fingerboard trucks come with a simple hanger, which provides a good mix of performance and control.
- Raked hangers: These are slightly angled to improve the turning radius, making them a great choice for more technical tricks or smoother turns.
6. Axles
The axle is the part that the wheels are mounted on. Most fingerboard axles are made of steel or metal, and the size (length and diameter) can affect the width of the deck and the stability of the board.
- Standard axles: Are designed to fit most fingerboard wheels. The axles should be long enough to mount the wheels but short enough to avoid excessive wobbles.
7. Brands
Some well-known fingerboard truck brands include:
- Berlinwood: Known for offering high-quality trucks made with precision and durability.
- Blackriver: A popular brand with top-of-the-line trucks that come in a variety of sizes and designs.
- Teak Tuning: Offers premium trucks and parts with customization options.
- Flatface: Another reputable brand known for their high-performance fingerboard trucks.
8. Customizing Trucks
Like other parts of a fingerboard, trucks can be customized with different colors, designs, and materials. Many brands allow you to switch out bushings, kingpins, and even the hanger to create a setup that suits your style of fingerboarding. You can also experiment with different combinations of trucks and wheels to see what works best for you.
9. Performance
Fingerboard trucks are all about giving you the right balance between turning, stability, and control. Lighter trucks tend to be more responsive for quick turns and technical tricks, while heavier trucks provide more stability for bigger, more controlled moves. The trucks' geometry (height, width, angle) will also influence how the board feels under your fingers.
Choosing the Right Trucks
- For technical street setups: You'll want low trucks with responsive bushings and a narrow hanger for precision in tricks like flip tricks, slides, and grinds.
- For park/vert setups: High trucks are the way to go, providing extra clearance for big airs and transitions.
Overall, the trucks you choose will significantly influence your fingerboarding experience. The right combination can make all the difference in terms of performance and comfort. It’s always fun to experiment with different setups until you find the one that feels best!