Are aluminum trucks good for a skateboard? (Quick Answered!)

Skateboarding is an incredible activity enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

From the high adrenaline of a competition to the leisurely joys of rolling around your neighborhood skateboarding offers something special that’s hard to replicate in other activities.

While there have been many advancements in technology over time, one part of a skateboard has remained unchanged for almost fifty years: the trucks.

The question remains: are aluminum trucks good for a skateboard? In this article, we’ll dive into different aspects related to this query including durability, maneuverability, cost efficiency and more.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been skating for decades, this article will provide invaluable insights on whether aluminum trucks should be used when assembling your perfect set-up.

Quick Info: No, aluminum trucks are not the best choice for a skateboard. While these may provide a light weight alternative to traditional steel trucks, their rigidity and lack of shock absorption make them ill-suited to skateboarding. Aluminum trucks also have inferior durability when compared with steel and can suffer from wear much faster.

Are aluminum trucks good for a skateboard?

Skateboarders have always looked for trucks that provide the flexibility and responsiveness they need to complete tricks.

When it comes to aluminum trucks, however, many skaters feel it does not offer the same stability and cushioning as other types of trucks.

In addition, some skateboarders say aluminum trucks make it more difficult to balance due to their lightweight nature – making them a poor choice for someone looking for a reliable setup.

If you’re serious about skateboarding and want something that won’t let you down, considering investing in another type of truck that is known for providing the performance and responsiveness you desire.

Pros & Cons of Aluminum Truck:

Most recently, aluminum trucks have been appearing on skate decks. The lightweight design offers a number of advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of aluminum trucks in skateboarding.

Pros:

✅ Durability –

Aluminum is known for being a strong and durable metal, making it ideal for skateboards that are prone to wear and tear from regular use. Aluminum trucks can withstand more abuse than traditional steel or plastic models. 

✅ Lightweight –

Aluminum trucks are much lighter than other types, which makes them easier to maneuver and control while skating. This is especially beneficial for those who want to perform tricks or grinds without feeling weighed down by their board setup. 

✅ Improved Performance –

Because they are so lightweight, aluminum trucks provide a more responsive ride than other types of trucks do, which can help improve overall performance on the board. 

✅ Reduced Vibrations –

Aluminum absorbs vibrations better than steel or plastic does, which means less feedback when riding over rough terrain like gravel or dirt roads. This can make your ride smoother overall and reduce fatigue while skating longer distances. 

✅ Price Point –

Aluminum trucks tend to be more affordable than other types of truck setups due to their popularity among skaters; this makes them accessible to all levels of riders on any budget.

Cons:

⛔ Corrosion –

While aluminum is durable, it is susceptible to corrosion if exposed to saltwater or acidic environments for extended periods of time; this could lead to weakened structural integrity over time that could put you at risk while riding your board!  

⛔ Unnatural Feel –

Some skaters feel that aluminum trucks don’t offer the same natural “feel” as traditional steel or plastic setups do because they are so light; this could affect how comfortable you feel while skating your board if you aren’t used to the difference in weight distribution on your feet.

⛔ Easily Bent –

Unlike steel or plastic, aluminum is softer and easier to bend if hit with too much force; this could lead to needing frequent repairs or replacements if you ride hard enough often enough.

⛔ Expensive Replacement Parts –

Due to the popularity of aluminum truck setups among skaters, replacement parts tend to be more expensive than those made from other materials; this can add up quickly over time.

⛔ Heat Sensitivity –

Aluminum expands when heated up by friction (such as during grinding), which means it will not return back into its original shape when cooled down; this could lead to problems with keeping your board balanced correctly depending on how hard you ride it.

Final Words:

In conclusion, buying an aluminum truck for a skateboard is something that you should be skeptical about before making a purchase.

Aluminum trucks are cheaper than traditional steel options and can provide an interesting aesthetic if desired, but the lack of durability and difficulty in fine-tuning make them poorly suited to long term use as part of a skateboard setup.

Ultimately, if you need strong trucks that are ideal for grinding rails or popping off transitions then you’re far better served with a set of traditional steel trucks.

However, if you just want something different in your park setup or personal collection then it’s worth considering the possibility of purchasing an aluminum option.

Either way, make sure to do some research and find out what will work best for you.

FAQs

Are aluminum trucks good for a skateboard?

No, aluminum trucks are not the best choice for a skateboard. While these may provide a light weight alternative to traditional steel trucks, their rigidity and lack of shock absorption make them ill-suited to skateboarding. Aluminum trucks also have inferior durability when compared with steel and can suffer from wear much faster.

Are aluminum trucks good for grinding?

No, while aluminum trucks do provide a lightweight option they are not ideal for grinding. Aluminum trucks have less rigidity than steel and can bend or warp easily when exposed to too much force. This could cause your skateboard to become unbalanced which could lead to dangerous riding conditions.

Are aluminum trucks durable?

No, aluminum trucks are not very durable and may need to be replaced more often than steel ones. Because of their softer nature, they can bend or warp easily when under too much pressure during grinding or other high impact maneuvers.

What material should skateboard trucks be?

The best material for skateboard trucks is steel, as it offers the strongest and most durable construction while still being light weight. Steel trucks are more resistant to bending or warping when compared with aluminum, meaning they can last longer and provide a better overall riding experience.