Best Longboard Trucks for Carving and Cruising (2026)
Four reverse-kingpin longboard trucks, and how hanger width, baseplate angle and bushings change the ride.
What Makes Longboard Trucks Different
Longboard trucks are wider and taller than standard skateboard trucks, and most use a reverse kingpin (RKP) design where the kingpin faces outward. That gives a smoother, deeper carve and better stability. Choosing the right trucks comes down to hanger width (match your deck), baseplate angle (turn vs stability) and bushings (feel). Here are four popular trucks from Paris, Caliber, Randal and Bear.
Paris V3 180mm 50°
Best for carving
- 180mm hanger
- 50° baseplate
- Reinforced design
Caliber II 184mm 50°
Best all-rounder
- 184mm hanger
- 50° baseplate
- Includes 89a bushings
Randal RII 180mm 50°
Best classic
- 180mm hanger
- 245mm axle width
- Grade 8 kingpin
Longboard Trucks Compared
| Truck | Hanger | Baseplate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris V3 | 180mm | 50° | Carving, cruising |
| Caliber II | 184mm | 50° | All-round |
| Randal RII | 180mm | 50° | Classic, longer wheelbases |
| Bear Gen 6 | 180mm | 50° | Cruising and freeride |
The Best Longboard Trucks
1. Paris V3 180mm 50°
Paris says its V3 trucks use a proprietary alloy-forming process, with a 50° baseplate and open bushing seat for deep carves, plus broader hanger shoulders and a reinforced baseplate for strength.
Good to Know
- Fluid, deep carving
- Strong reinforced design
Watch Out For
- Turny for high-speed downhill
2. Caliber II 184mm 50°
A pair of Caliber II trucks with 184mm hangers and a 50° baseplate. They come with Caliber's Blood Orange 89a bushings, and Caliber says its in-house treatment process strengthens each truck by as much as 40%.
Check Price on Amazon3. Randal RII 180mm 50°
Randal lists a 180mm hanger, 245mm axle width, a lightweight hanger design and a Grade 8 kingpin. The 50° baseplates are designed for boards with longer wheelbases.
Check Price on Amazon4. Bear Gen 6 180mm
Bear's Gen 6 trucks in black, with a 180mm hanger and a 50° baseplate.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose Longboard Trucks
Hanger Width
| Deck Width | Typical Hanger |
|---|---|
| About 8.5–9" | 150–160mm |
| About 9–10" | 180mm |
| About 10"+ | 180–184mm |
Your wheels should sit roughly under the edges of the deck.
Baseplate Angle
- 50°: more turn, great for carving and cruising.
- About 44–45°: more stable for downhill and speed.
Bushings
Softer bushings make turning easier for lighter riders and carving; harder bushings add stability for heavier riders and speed. Swapping bushings is an easy way to tune your ride.
Reverse vs Traditional Kingpin
| Reverse Kingpin | Traditional Kingpin | |
|---|---|---|
| Used on | Most longboards | Skateboards, some cruisers |
| Turning | Smooth, deep carves | Quick, responsive |
| Grinding | Not designed for it | Yes |
Setup Tips
- Mount with the kingpins facing outward toward the nose and tail.
- Use risers if you run big wheels on a top-mount deck.
- Tighten the kingpin nut for stability, loosen for turn.
Pair them with longboard wheels and a deck from our longboard picks. Learn the basics in how to longboard. Want a surf feel? See surfskates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trucks for a longboard?
Match the hanger to your deck width. Many longboards around 9 to 10 inches wide use 180mm hangers.
What's the difference between 50 and 44 degree baseplates?
A 50-degree baseplate turns more and suits carving. A lower angle (around 44°) is more stable at speed for downhill.
What are reverse kingpin trucks?
The kingpin faces outward, toward the ends of the board. Most longboards use them for smoother turning and stability.
Can I put longboard trucks on a skateboard?
Not usually. They are wider, taller and designed for longboard decks and big wheels.
Do bushings matter?
Yes. Softer bushings turn more easily; harder bushings are more stable. Choose by your weight and riding style.