Fingerboarding may look simple from the outside, but anyone who rides regularly knows how technical it really is. Every small setup detail matters, and one of the most important parts of any fingerboard is the fingerboard trucks. The right trucks can completely change how your board feels, how clean your tricks look, and how much control you have.
If you’ve ever struggled with balance, pop, or consistency, your fingerboard trucks might be the reason. Let’s break everything down in a simple way so you can choose the right trucks and improve your tricks.
What Are Fingerboard Trucks and Why Do They Matter?
Fingerboard trucks are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the deck. They allow your board to turn, balance, and land tricks properly. Just like in real skateboarding, trucks control how stable or loose your setup feels.
Good fingerboard trucks help with:
- Better balance during tricks
- Smoother grinds and slides
- More control on manuals
- Cleaner landings
Poor-quality trucks can feel stiff, unstable, or unpredictable, making tricks harder than they need to be.
Choosing the Right Truck Size
One of the first things to consider when buying fingerboard trucks is size. The most common sizes are 32mm fingerboard trucks and 34mm fingerboard trucks.
32mm Fingerboard Trucks
These are best for:
- Narrow decks
- Technical tricks
- Street-style riding
They feel lighter and more responsive, making flip tricks easier for many riders.
34mm Fingerboard Trucks
These are ideal for:
- Wider decks
- Better stability
- Ledges, rails, and transitions
If you like smooth grinds and solid landings, 34mm fingerboard trucks are a popular choice.
Always match your truck size with your deck width to avoid wheel overhang or poor balance.
Weight and Balance Make a Big Difference
The weight of your fingerboard trucks plays a huge role in how your board performs. Heavier trucks usually offer more stability, while lighter trucks feel quicker and more responsive.
- Heavier trucks help with control and smooth grinds
- Lighter trucks make flip tricks feel faster
There’s no “best” option here—it comes down to personal preference and riding style. Many pro fingerboarders prefer slightly heavier trucks for consistency.
Kingpins, Bushings, and Tuning
Not all fingerboard trucks feel the same out of the box. Small details like kingpins and bushings matter more than most beginners realize.
Bushings
Bushings affect how loose or tight your trucks feel.
- Soft bushings = more turning and flexibility
- Hard bushings = more stability and control
Changing bushings is an easy way to customize your setup.
Kingpins
Low-profile or inverted kingpins reduce snagging during grinds. This small upgrade can make a big difference, especially if you love ledge tricks.
Are Pro Fingerboard Trucks Worth It?
Many riders wonder if upgrading to pro fingerboard trucks is really worth the money. The answer is simple: if you’re serious about fingerboarding, yes.
Professional fingerboard trucks are usually:
- Made from higher-quality materials
- Better balanced
- More durable
- Smoother for grinds
They also feel more consistent, which helps you land tricks more reliably. While beginner trucks are fine for learning, upgrading can take your skills to the next level.
Matching Trucks With Your Riding Style
Your riding style should guide your choice of fingerboard trucks.
- Street riders often prefer responsive trucks with smooth grind performance
- Park riders usually go for stable trucks that handle transitions well
- Technical riders benefit from precise turning and lighter setups
Think about the tricks you enjoy the most and build your setup around that.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many fingerboarders make simple mistakes when choosing trucks. Avoid these to save time and money:
- Buying the wrong size for your deck
- Ignoring weight and balance
- Using low-quality bushings
- Never tuning or adjusting trucks
Taking a little time to fine-tune your fingerboard trucks can dramatically improve your performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fingerboard trucks isn’t just about looks—it’s about control, comfort, and progression. The right trucks help you ride smoother, land cleaner tricks, and enjoy fingerboarding more overall.
Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to ride like a pro, investing time in your setup makes a huge difference. Match your truck size to your deck, experiment with bushings, and don’t be afraid to upgrade when you’re ready.
With the right fingerboard trucks under your deck, better tricks will naturally follow.