An In-Depth Look at Grind Trucks for Skateboarding - Design, Brands, Maintenance & Tips

An Introduction to Grind Trucks

Grind trucks have become an integral part of skateboarding culture and progression over the past few decades. As skateboarding pushed boundaries and evolved into a recognized sport, grind trucks were developed to allow skaters to perform grinds, slides, and stalls along ledges, handrails, and other urban obstacles.

Grind trucks differ from standard skateboard trucks in a few key ways. They incorporate design features that facilitate grinding, sliding, and increased control. This enables skaters to execute technical tricks and transition smoothly between grinds, stalls, manuals, and flip tricks during street skating sessions.

Key Features of Grind Trucks

There are several components to grind truck design that set them apart from regular trucks:

• Hanger - The hanger is wider and features a groove down the middle to lock onto rails and ledges during grinds.
• Baseplate - An extended baseplate provides more surface contact area for stability.
• Bushings - Soft bushings allow for deep leans and enhanced turning ability.
• Axle - A hollow axle removes excess weight without compromising durability.
• Locknut - This secures the hanger and helps reduce vibration.

Together, these features optimize grind trucks for street skating and technical tricks. The grooved hanger, in particular, is the key innovation that facilitates grinds. The truck can slide along rails thanks to minimal friction within the groove.

History and Origins

Grind skating first emerged during the 1980s as skateboarders sought new ways to manipulate their boards and interact with street obstacles. Some of the earliest predecessors to grind trucks involved modifying regular trucks to enhance grinding capability.

Eventually, skate brands recognized the need for trucks designed specifically for grinds and slides. Independent Truck Company is often credited with creating the first grind truck in 1989. Their Truck Model 159 incorporated a grooved hanger to lock on to rails. Other iconic brands like Venture Trucks soon followed suit with their own grind truck models.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, grind truck technology continued advancing to meet the demands of evolving skate styles. Hanger shapes, baseplate designs, bushings formulas and weight reduction techniques have all improved over time. Today, grind trucks allow skaters to perform at the highest levels.

Popular Grind Truck Brands

While many skateboard truck manufacturers now produce grind truck options, certain brands stand out as favorites among street skaters:

• Independent - The original grind truck creator, renowned for durability and responsive turning.
• Venture - Legendary brand popular for lightweight, versatile grind trucks.
• Destructo - Features innovative axle and hanger tech for ideal street grinding.
• Tensor - Grind trucks with softer bushings for advanced leaning and steering.
• Thunder - Makes hollow-axle grind trucks for reducing weight.

Less mainstream brands like Krux, Silver, and Grind King also produce quality grind trucks for niche riders. No matter what brand you prefer, modern grind trucks are engineered for optimal sliding and locking on.

How to Choose the Best Grind Trucks

When selecting grind trucks, there are several factors savvy skaters consider to get trucks that match their style and skill level:

Hanger Width

Wider hangers offer more surface contact area during grinds for enhanced stability and control. But they are also heavier. Thinner hangers are lighter and allow for quicker flip tricks. Most street skaters prefer hangers between 5.0-5.5 inches wide.

Hanger Shape

The shape of the hanger impacts grind and slide capabilities. Lower profile hangers lock in easier while taller hangers provide more clearance. Some are rounded while others are more angular. Try out different shapes to find your optimal grinding groove.

Baseplate Style

A longer baseplate increases leverage for turning and deep leans. It also delivers more grind traction. Shorter baseplates make it easier to flip the board and reposition feet. Choose based on your skill level and preference.

Bushing Formula

Harder bushings restrict motion for stability at high speeds. Softer bushings encourage maneuverability and deep turns. Bushings around 87-90a durometer provide a versatile blend of control and carving ability for most street skaters.

Weight

Lighter grind trucks allow for quicker rotation and height on ollies and flip tricks. But durability sometimes suffers from excess weight reduction. Find the ideal balance based on the tricks you want to perform.

Truck Height

Higher trucks provide extra clearance when grinding high ledges and rails. Lower trucks bring your center of gravity closer to the board. Mid-height trucks around 5.25-5.5 inches are recommended for well-rounded use.

Axle Style

Solid steel axles offer maximum durability, while hollow axles shave weight off. Both can be effective. Just ensure the axle is sized properly to avoid wheel bite issues.

How to Maintain Grind Trucks

Taking proper care of your grind trucks ensures buttery sliding, extended product lifespan and optimal performance:

• Regularly clean grime off truck components using a brush and skate-safe cleaning solution.
• Inspect parts for damage after sessions - replace components as needed.
• Check kingpin nut tightness and retighten if loosening occurs.
• Lubricate pivot cups and bushings with skate lube to prevent squeaking.
• Avoid overtightening kingpin nut to allow free truck motion.

With proper maintenance and care, a quality set of grind trucks should grind smoothly for years before needing replacement. Keep components clean and tightened to get the most out of your investment.

Grind Truck Skating Tips

It takes practice to master the unique nuances of grinding and sliding with grind trucks. Here are some tips to quickly improve your skills:

• Start on small ledges and rails to learn balancing and sliding techniques.
• Bend knees deeply and stay centered over the board when approaching obstacles.
• Go at moderate speeds - too slow or fast makes it harder to lock on.
• Use your shoulders to guide the direction of slides and stalls.
• Commit fully to tricks to avoid hang-ups and high-side falls.
• Sliding wax reduces friction for longer, controlled grinds.

Grind trucks enable a dynamic street skating experience and expand trick possibilities once you get comfortable. Choose the right gear for your style, learn proper technique, and most importantly - have fun progressing!

FAQs

What exactly are grind trucks?

Grind trucks are a type of skateboard truck specifically designed to facilitate grinds, slides, and stalls along rails, ledges and other street terrain. They incorporate features like a wider, grooved hanger to lock onto obstacles during tricks.

How do grind trucks differ from normal trucks?

Grind trucks have wider hangers, extended baseplates, softer bushings, hollow axles and other optimizations for grinding. Standard trucks are made for basic turning and stability.

What brands are known for making good grind trucks?

Top grind truck brands include Independent, Venture, Thunder, Destructo, Tensor, Silver and Grind King. Each brand offers something unique.

What size grind trucks should I get?

For street skating, a hanger width around 5.0-5.5 inches usually works best. The axle should be long enough to avoid wheel bite. Truck height is personal preference but 5.25-5.5 inches is a good middle ground.

Any tips for learning how to grind with them?

Go slowly at first, bend knees, stay centered over the board, moderate speed, use shoulders to steer, commit fully to tricks, and use sliding wax to reduce friction.