8 Best Skateboard Trucks and Wheels of 2026

Dominates street performance with surgical precision and unshakable stability, the Independent Mid 144 trucks redefine what mid-sized hardware can achieve. Boasting a 52mm tall hanger and an innovative Shaft Nut baseplate design, these trucks eliminate lateral play that plagues most kingpin systems, delivering razor-sharp turning response and bulletproof durability. For skaters who demand control during flip tricks, grinds, and high-speed pushes, this 8.25″ setup offers the perfect balance of agility and stability—ideal for modern street skating where precision is non-negotiable.

In real-world testing across concrete parks, stair sets, and urban terrain, the Independent Mids hold up like forged steel. The lower hanger profile improves nose and tail contact, making ollies and ledge tricks feel more connected to the board. Paired with the included 52mm 99A TGM wheels and reliable Amp Abec 5 bearings, the package rolls smoothly and resists wear even after repeated slapbacks and hard landings. While the wheels are best suited for park and street, they lack cushion on rough pavement—something cruiser lovers should note. Still, for technical riders, this kit delivers consistent, predictable performance where it matters most.

Compared to budget all-in-one sets, the Independent 144 stands leagues ahead in build quality and engineering intent. It’s the clear upgrade from entry-level kits like the TLHB or FREEDARE, offering pro-tier responsiveness without requiring aftermarket swaps. Ideal for intermediate to advanced skaters building a high-performance street deck, this package justifies its premium positioning. While it shares DNA with the 139 and 149 models, the 144 hits the sweet spot between maneuverability and deck coverage on 8.25″ planks—offering more precision than wider versions without sacrificing stability.

Packs pro-level specs into a wallet-friendly package, the TLHB starter kit surprises with its ABEC-9 bearings and reinforced alloy trucks—making it a standout for beginners who refuse to compromise. With a 95A wheel hardness and 60% rebound rate, the ride stays snappy and responsive, ideal for learning ollies and kickflips without the stickiness of softer urethane. The die-cast aluminum trucks feel sturdier than typical budget builds, resisting flex during landings and offering decent turning control for park and sidewalk sessions.

On smooth pavement and skatepark bowls, the TLHB combo shines—especially with the ABEC-9 bearings spinning fast and smooth, maintaining momentum longer than expected at this price. The 52mm wheels match perfectly with 7.5–8″ decks, giving new skaters a balanced feel underfoot. However, on cracked concrete or rough streets, the hard wheels transmit every bump, and the truck’s bushings can feel vague during sharp carves. While not built for heavy-duty street abuse, it handles beginner-to-intermediate tricks with reliability.

When stacked against the Core or VJ kits, the TLHB trades some refinement for affordability—but delivers where it counts. It’s not as lightweight or finely tuned as Core’s setup, nor as polished as Independent’s, but for first-time builders on a tight budget, it’s a smart gateway to real skate performance. Best suited for rookies and casual riders, this kit offers exceptional value without sacrificing safety or core functionality. It doesn’t match the precision of higher-end trucks, but for half the cost, it clears the bar with room to grow.

Engineered for skaters who crave featherlight control, the Core 5.0 Trucks deliver a race-car-tuned feel underfoot, thanks to their aerospace-grade aluminum and USA-made bushings. At just 5.0″ wide, these trucks are perfect for technical street work, offering lightning-fast flicks and minimal rotational inertia—ideal for flip-heavy skaters who prioritize agility over stability. The full kit includes 99A 52mm wheels, Amphetamine Abec 5 bearings, and grade 8 steel kingpins, making it a top-tier choice for building a lightweight, competition-ready setup.

In real skating scenarios, the Core trucks respond instantly to micro-tilts and lean adjustments, giving experienced riders surgical board control during manuals and ledge stands. The lightweight hanger reduces wheelbite risk while maintaining strength, even after repeated hard landings. The Amphetamine bearings, though Abec 5 rated, perform beyond their class—running smooth with synthetic oil lubrication and serviceable rubber shields. Paired with the hard 99A wheels, the setup excels in skateparks and street sessions but struggles on bumpy terrain where grip is key.

Compared to the heavier Independent Mids, the Core package is built for speed and flick, not brute durability. It’s the go-to for street specialists and contest skaters who want a nimble, responsive ride—similar in intent to the VJ 5.0 but with superior bushing quality and material integrity. While not ideal for beginners or wide-deck riders, it’s a secret weapon for pros building custom lightweights. It doesn’t offer the all-terrain versatility of Jizmo’s cruiser setup, but for pure agility and precision, it’s unmatched in its class.

Delivers pro-grade components at a price that shocks, the FREEDARE 5.25″ truck and wheel kit is a hidden gem for freestyle and street skaters who want performance without the premium tax. With 139mm (5.25″) trucks, 92A 52mm polyurethane wheels, and pre-installed ABEC-7 bearings, this set strikes a rare balance between lightweight agility and durable function. The slightly softer 92A durometer offers more grip than typical 99A street wheels, making it easier to slide smoothly while still resisting flat spots.

On smooth runs and trick-focused sessions, the FREEDARE setup feels lively and responsive—perfect for learning shove-its, kickflips, and technical rail work. The installed bearings spin reliably, maintaining speed on transitions and coping, while the riser pads and shock absorbers help dampen impact from landings. Trucks fit snugly on 7.5–8.5″ decks and show minimal wobble, even during aggressive carves. However, the bushings lack the refinement of top-tier brands, and turning can feel slightly stiff until broken in.

When compared to the TLHB or VJ kits, FREEDARE offers a more complete, thoughtfully spec’d experience—especially with the inclusion of spacers and shock absorbers. It’s not as refined as Independent or Core, but for the price, it’s an unbeatable starter-to-intermediate package. Ideal for skaters upgrading from cheap department store boards, this kit brings real skatepark credibility without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t match the precision of Core’s lightweight design, it offers better overall value than similarly priced alternatives.

The gold standard for 8.0″ decks, the Independent Mid 139 combines proven geometry with next-gen rigidity to dominate street skating with confidence. With a 52mm hanger height and patented Shaft Nut baseplate, these trucks eliminate side-to-side wobble, delivering buttery-smooth turns and rock-solid landings—exactly what technical skaters demand. At 8.0″ wide, they perfectly match today’s most popular deck sizes, offering optimal wheel alignment and pop control for ollies, kickflips, and ledge tricks.

Field-tested on urban concrete and skatepark transitions, the 139s provide a balanced blend of stability and flick—more agile than the 149, more planted than the 144. The lower hanger improves tail drag during manuals, while the rigid baseplate enhances feedback during grinds and slides. The included 52mm TGM wheels and Amp Abec 5 bearings are no-frills but dependable, rolling fast on smooth surfaces and holding up to repeated impacts. Like all Independent kits, they’re ready to ride straight out of the box—just add deck and grip.

Against other full packages, the 139 stands out as the ideal match for standard 8.0″ setups, outperforming budget kits in durability and precision. While the Core and VJ offer lighter or cheaper options, none match Independent’s legendary street pedigree and engineering refinement. It’s the top pick for serious skaters building a pro-level street deck—especially when compared to the wider 149 model, which trades some agility for stability. For 8.0″ decks, this is the benchmark—offering unmatched control and consistency.

Built for wide-deck warriors, the Independent Mid 149 is the ultimate foundation for stability and power in transition and street skating. At 8.5″ wide, these trucks are engineered for larger decks and aggressive skaters who need maximum leverage and control during high-speed runs, big drops, and deep carves. The 52mm low-profile hanger maintains Independent’s signature responsiveness, while the Shaft Nut baseplate locks out lateral flex, ensuring every lean translates directly into turn.

In real-world use, the 149s excel on vert ramps, deep banks, and wide-stance setups—where their enhanced leverage and axle spread prevent wobble at speed. They’re also ideal for taller riders or those running wider concave decks who demand bulletproof confidence during grinds and landings. The included 52mm TGM wheels and Amp Abec 5 bearings handle park duty well, though they’re better suited to smooth surfaces than rough city streets. While slightly slower to flick than narrower trucks, the trade-off is undeniable stability.

Compared to the 139 and 144 models, the 149 sacrifices a bit of street trick agility for superior control, making it less ideal for technical flatground but perfect for transition skaters. It outshines budget kits like TLHB and FREEDARE in structural integrity and long-term durability, justifying its place in pro-level builds. For riders running 8.5″ or wider decks, this is the go-to truck for no-compromise performance—offering more authority than any other model in the lineup, even if it costs the same as lighter, more agile versions.

A sleeper hit in the mid-range market, the VJ 5.0 Trucks blend classic geometry with modern reliability, making them a top pick for skaters who want pro-style performance without the pro price. With a 5-inch hanger and 7.6-inch axle, these trucks offer a nimble, flick-friendly feel perfect for street and park skating—especially on 7.5–8″ decks. The 90A bushings provide a balanced resistance, breaking in nicely after a few sessions to deliver smooth, controlled turns.

On the pavement, the VJ setup rolls impressively thanks to ABEC-7 bearings and 99A 52mm wheels, which offer excellent speed retention and pop for tricks. The hard wheels make ollies and flip tricks effortless, while the aluminum trucks handle hard landings without cracking. The included 2mm riser pads help prevent wheelbite, and the tight-fitting hardware ensures your setup stays locked in. Still, the bearings don’t match the longevity of Abec 9 models, and the wheels can feel overly rigid on rough sidewalks.

Stacked against the Core and FREEDARE kits, the VJ strikes a sweet balance between cost and quality—more refined than budget picks, less expensive than Independent. It’s not as lightweight as Core’s build, nor as feature-rich as FREEDARE’s, but it’s a dependable, no-nonsense choice for intermediate skaters or DIY builders. While it doesn’t have the engineering flair of top-tier trucks, it offers solid performance and compatibility at a fair price—making it a quiet standout in the mid-tier segment.

Built for smooth, effortless cruising, the Jizmo combo redefines urban mobility with plush 60mm 83A wheels that glide over cracks, pebbles, and sidewalk seams like a mini longboard. These high-rebound urethane wheels absorb vibration and maintain momentum, making them ideal for commuting, campus rides, or relaxed street sessions. Paired with ABEC-9 precision bearings, the setup rolls faster and longer than most entry-level kits—delivering a luxurious ride quality rarely seen at this price.

On real-world city terrain, the Jizmo shines where others struggle—rolling smoothly over rough pavement and eliminating the jarring feedback common with 52mm street wheels. The 5-inch aluminum trucks are durable and stable, though not optimized for rapid flick tricks. The included T-tool is a game-changer, letting riders adjust kingpins and wheels on the go—perfect for tuning ride feel mid-session. However, the larger wheels increase wheelbite risk on small decks, and the setup isn’t ideal for technical street skating.

Compared to the Core or Independent kits, the Jizmo trades trick precision for ride comfort, making it the best choice for casual riders, commuters, or beginners who prioritize fun over flips. It doesn’t compete with street-focused packages in agility, but for smooth, fast cruising, it outclasses every other option. While the FREEDARE and TLHB focus on hard-wearing street performance, Jizmo delivers a softer, more forgiving experience—offering the most comfortable ride in the lineup, even if it sacrifices some skatepark versatility.