Hi, this is my first post on here btw. So i have been looking around for mountain boards but i don't know what type of trucks would be best for kiting. Any comments on what you prefer and why? Also any particular board that isn't much over $200?

Welcome to PKF!

There really is no right or wrong choice it comes down to preference. I have three boards and they all have channel trucks and that’s what I like. Channel trucks are heavier than skate trucks. Channel trucks may be able to be adjusted a bit if they allow for different durometers to be inserted. Channel trucks tend to be more beginner friendly as they are less prone to speed wobble (but not immune). Skate trucks are lighter and therefore could be better for freestyle but because they are lighter they are more prone to bending if the board is dropped or banged about (when a jump or crash goes wrong). Skate trucks are cheaper and therefore make the overall cost of the board less expensive. Skate trucks tend to be a bit easier to carve with as they can be set looser than some channel trucks with hard durometers but because they are looser they are more prone to speed wobble (can be corrected by good technique – mostly). Channel trucks are usually more bomb proof based on their construction. Channel trucks and skate trucks require a different angle / degree of curve on the deck tips so they aren’t interchangeable without riser plates to adjust for the preconstructed deck angle.

If you just want to cruise or go fast I’d recommend channel trucks. If you want something loose and carvey and light I’d say skate trucks. No wrong decision – just preference based on riding styles.

hey B-Roc, out of curiosity, what brand of boards do you have??

I love skate style trucks they are lighter and the maintenance is a lot easier. however I think the channel style trucks are more durable in the long run.

In my experience the skate style trucks have quicker turning and maneuverability. I've had my trampa skate style trucks since 2010 and I havnt had a single issue with them yet. I used to have mbs channel trucks and the base of the truck broke within the first few months of having them.

I think channel trucks are sometimes better at absorbing impact after big jumps as well, but they are heavier.

It all comes down to your own preference.

Quote: Originally posted by lanceO

hey B-Roc, out of curiosity, what brand of boards do you have??

I have two ground industry boards (company is out of business) and one mbs board (which is older and no longer in production).

I should have also mentioned there are aluminum, steel and titanium skate trucks. The stronger the metal, the more durable the (hollow) skate truck .

Again, budget and preference is the only decision. One is not better than the other per se. Just depends on how much abuse you think the trucks will suffer and whether you want fast and stable or light and carvey.

What they said. I ride a Trampa board with skate trucks but if I were big into speed and money wasn't a big issue, I'd rock channel trucks.

As it stands, however, I like a lighter board because I can more quickly recover from mistakes in the air, so I save $$ on trucks and spend it on deck instead.

Also, check out flexboardz. I rode one at JIBE and it is one smooth cruising machine. Heavy, but super solid, predictable, and stable. Nice big round carves like a 6' surfboard. I kinda wish I owned one.

Last, buy used. You can get in under $200 that way and still have a decent deck. I personally would stay away from used scrub or way ancient boards, but to each their own.