Best Truck and Wheel Sets for Skateboards
If you’re building a ready-to-skate setup or upgrading your board, these five truck and wheel sets offer reliable performance for different rider levels. They’re best suited for beginners seeking a complete starter kit, street skaters needing responsive trucks, and cruisers aiming for a smooth ride. Below is a quick comparison to help you choose the right combo for your deck size and riding style.
| Product | Deck Fit | Wheels / Bearings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jizmo Starter Black | 7.75–8.0 in | 52 mm, ABEC-9 | Beginners; all-around cruising |
| TLHB Starter Black | 7.5–8.0 in | 52 mm, ABEC-9 | Budget-friendly entry; balanced feel |
| Jizmo Starter White | 7.75–8.25 in | 52 mm, ABEC-9 | Versatile; doubles as street and park |
| Jizmo 60mm Cruiser Blue | Standard cruiser fit | 60 mm, ABEC-9 | Higher speed cruising; smooth duo |
| Independent Mids + Wheels | 8.0 in mid trucks | 52 mm wheels, Amp ABEC-5 | Street skating; reliable control |
Jizmo Starter Black: 7.75–8″ Deck Set
Includes two 139 mm trucks, four 52 mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, T-tool, riser pads, and hardware. Aluminum trucks offer durability for cruising and tricks. The 90A bushings and 5-inch hangers provide a balanced ride on standard double-kick concave decks.
Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious skaters who want a complete entry-level package.
Caution: The set uses 52 mm wheels; if you prefer larger wheels for cruising, consider a 60 mm option.
TLHB Starter Black: 7.5–8″ Deck Kit
Aluminum alloy construction with die-casting and hardening delivers solid weight support. The 95A hardness and 60% rebound suit skaters who want a strong, responsive feel, though very hard wheels may slip a bit on rough surfaces. Features ABEC-9 bearings for smooth rolling.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate skaters seeking durable hardware and reliable performance.
Caution: Higher wheel hardness may reduce grip on uneven pavement; consider softer wheels if you ride rough terrain.
Jizmo White: 7.75–8.25″ Deck Set
This starter kit mirrors the Black version with 139 mm trucks, 52 mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, and essential hardware. The wider 7.75–8.25″ deck compatibility offers flexibility for various user preferences. Durable aluminum trucks support cruising and tricks.
Best for: Riders who want a neutral color option with the same balanced performance as the Black version.
Caution: The 52 mm wheels are optimized for street skating; switch to larger wheels if you prioritize cruising comfort.
Jizmo 60mm Cruiser Blue Set
Two trucks and four 60 mm wheels with ABEC-9 bearings provide a smoother ride at higher speeds. The larger wheel diameter makes it better suited for cruising and rougher pavement. The 5-inch hanger and 7.6 inch axle maintain stability during quick turns.
Best for: Cruisers and riders who want a faster, smoother ride on varied terrain.
Caution: Bigger wheels may be less maneuverable for technical street tricks on tight spaces.
Independent Mids 8.0″ with 52mm Wheels
Includes Independent Mid Trucks, 52 mm wheels, Amp ABEC-5 bearings, hardware, and risers. The lower-profile 52 mm wheels and rigid baseplates aim for precise street performance. Independent’s design emphasizes durability and a stable stance for urban skating.
Best for: Street skaters who want dependable control and a familiar setup in a trusted brand. Avoid this if you prefer higher ABEC ratings for advanced speed running.
Core Hollow 8.0″ Trucks + 54mm Spitfire Burners
Core hollow trucks reduce weight while maintaining strength. The 54 mm Spitfire Burners wheels in 99A offer a balance of grip and speed. Includes Amp ABEC-5 bearings, hardware, and risers. The USA-made components emphasize high-quality build and consistent performance.
Best for: Skaters who want a lightweight, responsive setup with proven wheel performance. Consider other sets if you need a higher ABEC rating for aggressive downhill runs.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Trucks And Wheels
Deck compatibility matters. Most sets suit 7.5″ to 8.25″ boards; verify hanger width and axle length to fit your deck and mounting holes.
Wheel diameter and durometer influence ride feel. Smaller wheels (52 mm) are nimble for street skating, while larger wheels (60 mm) glide smoother on rough ground. Durometer around 90A–99A balances grip and speed; softer wheels grip better on rough pavement, harder wheels slide more on slick surfaces.
Bearings affect speed and smoothness. ABEC ratings indicate precision; focus on overall build quality and seal type rather than rating alone. Higher-quality bearings usually offer smoother rotation with less maintenance.
Hardware and risers matter for durability. Riser pads reduce wheel bite and impact on decks. Ensure hardware length matches truck mount holes and deck thickness.
Purpose and ride style. Beginners often benefit from all-in-one starter sets for convenience. Street skaters may prioritize low-profile trucks and precise bearings. Cruisers might choose larger wheels for a smoother ride and higher speeds.
Brand familiarity and warranty. Reputable brands typically provide consistent parts fit and replacement options. Read component notes to understand compatibility with your existing grip tape and deck hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trucks should I choose for a 8.0″ deck?
Look for trucks with hanger widths around 139 mm to 150 mm. The goal is a balanced stance that aligns with the deck width for stable turning.
Are ABEC ratings important for beginners?
ABEC ratings indicate tolerance in bearings; for beginners, focus on reliable bearings and seals. A good-quality ABEC-5 to ABEC-9 bearing set works well for most riding styles.
Should I pick 52 mm or 60 mm wheels?
52 mm wheels are nimble and good for street tricks; 60 mm wheels are smoother and faster for cruising. Choose based on terrain and riding goals.
Do starter sets include hardware?
Yes. Most sets feature hardware, risers, and a T-tool to help beginners assemble the board.
Is a lighter truck beneficial?
Lightweight hollow or high-strength aluminum trucks improve maneuverability and acceleration, especially for street skating.