Jason Mitchell, Seismic Nationals 2007, Hybrid Slalom.  Photo by Greg Fadell Northern California Downhill Skateboarding Association
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Truck Reviews (15215 Posts)
Truck Review
Further discussion on angles
On 12/25/1998 Rich @Soul Carve wrote in from ()

We may be at cross purposes here. The angle i am referring to is the angle made by the axle to the baseplate at full crank not the angle of the kingpin. Thus if a unweighted truck has its axle straight across then this is 0 degree, 45 degree is the angle of the axle in relation to this base point when fully weighted in a turn.
So the things that affect this angle in normal trucks are the angle of the kingpin (usually the closer to vertical the kingpin is the less turning radius it has, (look at old indies which were almost vertical). Another thing that will affect it in normal trucks is the use of a wedge riser which effectively puts the kingpin at a more acute angle. So where does this leave us, well the trucks will start disagreeing if the angle of the turn on the axle in relation to the base point is more than 45 degree as the back truck will no longer 'follow' the path of the front, I suppose it is akin to a semi trailer jack knifing !
As Adam says the flex/twist of your board can also affect this turn as it can steepen the kingpin angle. Now this flex/twist is different from programmed flex but would point to the fact that 45 degree turning angle trucks (Exkate, Kapu and Seismic) may suffer disagreement on a real twisty deck and torsion trucks especially are better on a stiffer board to avoid this. Now the guy that blitzed the slalom on a stiff flat board was I believe riding Seismics with soft springs and thus had the 45 degree angle. So it makes sense he didn't need the twist to increase the turning capacity of the truck (remember it is different with programmed convex boards which may assist pumping, but I don't think it does). Another thing i am investigating is the notion (borne out by the slalom guy) that with trucks that can't turn any more because they have the magic angle already may actualy be more responsive when using a stiff board as the weight transference action form feet to trucks is quicker and more direct.
The original complaint about the action of the trucks tipping big boards over too much is just something you have to adjust to when riding torsion type trucks. Don't expect to jump on them and be off on a new adventure, they are very different with softer bushings so be careful. Sorry Adam I know you know all this but a few people have mailed me about it. Anyway merry christmas fellow carvers !

 
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Quick turning
On 12/25/1998 Adam wrote in from ()

I wonder what Randal would have to add to this debate, considering his company (www.randal.com) sells several trucks with 50 and 60 degree kingpins, albeit in a non-traditional design. I'll also add that each decks' torsional twist should be taken into consideration whenever a "scientific" analysis of truck geometry if undertaken. If you don't think your board twists when you crank a turn, just check some photos of a long deck during a hard carve-- there's considerable twist which must affect the two trucks' alignment. For serious downhill and slalom riders, these could be important factors (a recent European slalom champ rode a hardwood "slab", i.e. zero twist). For recreational riders I doubt it would be very noticable.

 
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45 degree angle !
On 12/24/1998 Rich @ SOUL CARVE wrote in from ()

The trucks only start disagreeing when they exceed the 45 degree angle.So this means that YOU MUSTNOT use wedge risers with torsion type trucks as they would then exceed 45 degrees, it also means that you will never get a sharper turning truck that works ! This was well explained by some engineer at Tas uni, my mates did their electrical thesis building a all terrain skate which used video to monitor the surface ahead and adjust the trucks accordingly (bit of a wank but we found some interesting stuff out). Anyway it shouldn't make any difference what length the board is as to whether they are out of synch. But the longer the board the less the turning radius as the back end has to follow. So a longer board 55" plus will be more likely to slide out the tail when fast carving which is enjoyable. So my advice to turner is to get with the times and get real.

 
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Re: quick turning
On 12/24/1998 TC wrote in from ()

I think I understand the point about turning too quickly at speed, but I'm not sure about "placing the trucks far apart" stuff. I have 6 foot board (12" width) with Exkate 101's on it and it rides great. I took it down a 30 mph hill the other day and it felt stable, didn't turn too quick and I didn't notice them"disagreeing". the rear even slid out with decent control. Can you elaborate?

 
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quick turning
On 12/24/1998 turner wrote in from ()

45 degree turning angle is too much. Wedge risers are a joke. Horizontally turning trucks like this "push water", meaning that the turn exeeds the projection angle in a fast hard turn. For light weight riders and super narrow boards, this could be desireable, but true rail cranking turns the 45 degree system too much and throws the rider over the board. This is true if your wheels are slip resistant, if you have a harder thinner wheel you will slide. All must be considered, do you want to slide?, do you like low speed "carves"?, then this may be good for you. Just remember, the more you separate quick turning truck, the more the two turning angles will disagree. Have fun!

 
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eXkate
On 12/23/1998 tyler wrote in from ()

well adam, looks like you won yourself"a room on the best spot of French riviera" have fun.......

 
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eXkate
On 12/23/1998 Adam wrote in from ()

RIKOU,

The eXkate spacer (really a shock pad) is on their web site at http://www.exkatestore.com/trucks.html (look for TRUCK CUSHIONS 1/16"). To tune the trucks you have to change the truck's bushings. eXkate offers four different durometers ranging from 82A to 88A for $12.50 per pair. I recommend the red bushings.

 
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eXkate
On 12/23/1998 RIKOU wrote in from ()

I received and use 101 and 201 Xkate .
They do pretty well and really gave me new sensations on a board

To reach perfect perfection, I have two questions :
1) I experienced Rattle on One of the 4 trucks I have. You talk about spacer on NCDSA WEB . are they now with all trucks ? Is it anything else I can do .
Is it a flat spacer to put between the wheel and the truck or a small tube to put between the two bearings ?

2) How can I tune the flex of the trucks ? The bold at the bottom does not seem to be usable for that.
The 6 sides bold on top of the truck is not accessible once the truck is on the board . More over the size of the 6 sizes hole does not seem to be in milimeter , is it US/inches size ?

I provide a room on the best spot of French riviera for the first one to answer my questions !

 
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Independent
On 12/21/1998 John wrote in from ()

The Indy's that I use rode aright when I first got them, but after on late night hill bombing session where I got serious speed wobbles and almost waxed a cactus, I put on new bushings. I got a set of Blues bushings, and the difference they make is considerable. It makes the truck feel alot more stable, and it makes it more responsive. To all of you with Indy's the four bucks for new bushings might well be the best money you spent on your board.

 
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Randal II
On 12/17/1998 Tom F. wrote in from ()

I've been riding Randall II's on my Cloud 9 for several weeks now. They are light, stable and responsive. Terrific for carving down hills and loose 'n fun on the street. Just a great all around high performance longboard truck. Definitely worth checking out.

 
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eXkate Torsion Trucks
On 12/15/1998 Jason P. wrote in from ()

Longboarders! Let it be known to the longboard skateboarding world! We at eXkate Inc., have been informed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office that
a patent for our truck design, known to the public as the Torsion Truck, has been assigned Patent No. 5,853,182. Three cheers for the United States Patent Office. Stoked on that.
We hope this serves as proof to our claim that we are the inventors of the Torsion Truck's unique innovation in design.
Stay tuned for some new product from eXkate in 1999. Oh, btw all of you who have sent me mails for the bearing spacers they will get there soon.
Hey M. Brooke

 
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Truck tuning
On 12/15/1998 lee wrote in from ()

If you guys can't afford any torsion trucks, but love the feel they have there's a way to get a tighter turning radius. Get or make yourself some extreem wegded riser pads.(mine are 30°). If you make the riser pads out of hardwood you should have some padding cusions (like the ones that come with the torsion truck). With that setup you should be able to turn pretty well. I also had a pair of bushings made out of rubber. They where so soft, that after two weeks of riding they were half the size. I used a file to file them down even more and put them under the normal bushings. (the bigger one, closer to the board). With that setup I can do just a tight turn as my friend with torsion trucks (black bushing).
Have fun!

 
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Randal II Trucks are fuckin rad!!!
On 12/12/1998 b wrote in from ()

if you havn't rolled on a pair of Randal II trucks, you don't know what your missing. precise carving, stability on the bomb run, and built with quality in mind. a truck built for us longboarders.....
i have a set on my S9 pintail...no complaints here.
test carve a set at purple skunk on geary in SF.

b

 
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looking for...
On 12/9/1998 alex grass wrote in from ()

could you please tell me what kind of truck is the widest?

 
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bombing
On 12/9/1998 lee wrote in from ()

Generally the tighter the truck, the less speed wobbles.

 
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down hill
On 12/9/1998 Jay wrote in from ()

yah what is better for bombin a hill torsions or indys?

 
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down hill
On 12/8/1998 shea manning wrote in from ()

i was wonder if when bombing a hill,if tight or lose trucks are better.tell me for i want fractur any more bones.thanks.

 
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Seismics
On 12/7/1998 Evil Evan wrote in from ()

what ever happened to seismics. Before torsions became big they were the truck to beat. I remember when people would write term papers about Seismics v.s. Randalls. I guess it is because they didn't have a website and they cost too much. I still wish that they would get a website so I could get more info on them.

 
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INDEPENDENT STAGE 7 10' TRUCKS
On 11/29/1998 SHEA MANNING wrote in from ()

I ORDERED SOME INDEPENT TRUCKS FOR A 44" CALI. CLASSIC LONG BOARD.ARE THEY GOOD FOR CARVING???TEEL ME.THANX

 
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Randal Trucks
On 11/20/1998 Adam wrote in from ()

The new Randal Truck web site is up at www.randal.com.

 
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torsion 201 trucks
On 11/18/1998 Chris wrote in from ()

I just got the new trucks from exkates, and they are the best trucks ever! I have ridden the 101 trucks, and the wider setup does make a difference. I have the cushions on them and I have not noticed any problems. They are definetly worth the money. The make longboarding more like surfing than surfing itself

 
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trucks
On 11/16/1998 smalls wrote in from ()

hey looking for a good pair longboard trucks. Can anyone recomend any. Add the price.thanx.

 
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Help
On 11/7/1998 Demon wrote in from ()

I was looking around the web and saw a picture of some wierd looking trucks with shocks, i was wondering if any of you out there know where i could get some. thanx
PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\-.--.-

 
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Randal 2's
On 11/4/1998 Chris wrote in from ()

Can anybody tell me where I can get Randal 2's?? It would be great if you knew a place to get them in Europe if not, anywhere else.

 
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Exkate Torsions
On 11/3/1998 Adam wrote in from ()

bb,

I use the Exkate 1/16" "truck cushions" on my torsion truck board and I have not had the mounting screws loosen at all, nor have I experienced much shock or vibration. At $0.99 they're worth a try.

 
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