Hey there, fellow fingerboard fanatics! Ready to kickflip your Tech Deck game into high gear? You've come to the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Tech Deck trucks and wheels, the unsung heroes that can make or break your shredding sessions. Upgrading these components can completely transform how your fingerboard feels and performs, allowing you to land those sick tricks with more precision and style. We'll explore everything from the different types of trucks and wheels available to how to choose the right ones for your riding style. Get ready to level up your game, guys! Let's get started!

The Lowdown on Tech Deck Trucks

So, what exactly are Tech Deck trucks? Well, they're the metal or plastic pieces that connect your deck to the wheels, allowing them to spin and providing the steering mechanism for your fingerboard. Stock Tech Deck trucks are generally made of plastic or a soft metal alloy, and while they get the job done, they often lack the performance and durability that more advanced riders crave. Upgrading your trucks is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your Tech Deck, and it's a great starting point for improving your setup. When looking at trucks, the most important factors are their material, the baseplate, the kingpin, and the bushings. These all play a huge role in how the trucks perform. Let's break it down:

Materials: Metal vs. Plastic

Most stock Tech Decks come with plastic trucks. They're cheap, lightweight, and perfect for beginners. However, plastic trucks lack the responsiveness and durability of metal trucks. Metal trucks, typically made of aluminum or alloy, are the way to go for serious riders. They offer better stability, smoother turns, and can withstand the wear and tear of intense fingerboarding sessions. They also feel much more realistic, closely mimicking the feel of a real skateboard. The weight difference is also important, as metal trucks offer a better feel and help with the overall balance of your board.

The Baseplate: The Foundation of Your Trucks

The baseplate is the part of the truck that screws into your deck. It affects the stability and turning responsiveness of your board. Some baseplates have a standard design, while others feature more advanced designs for improved performance. The quality of the baseplate's connection to the deck is critical, as a loose connection can negatively affect your control. When upgrading your trucks, be sure the baseplate is compatible with your deck. Check out the screw holes on the deck. If they are not compatible you can use a file, drill, and new screws to make it compatible.

Kingpin: The Steering Mechanism

The kingpin is the bolt that runs through the center of the truck, holding the bushings in place. It allows the trucks to pivot and steer. The kingpin design can affect the turning radius and stability of your fingerboard. Some trucks have a standard kingpin, while others feature a more advanced design for smoother turns. A loose kingpin might give you more maneuverability but at the cost of stability, while a tight one will give you stability at the cost of maneuverability. Finding the sweet spot is key to your perfect setup!

Bushings: The Suspension System

Bushings are the small rubber or urethane pieces that sit on either side of the kingpin. They cushion the turns and affect how the trucks respond to pressure. Different hardness levels of bushings can affect your turning, so it's all about preference! Softer bushings offer a looser feel and allow for sharper turns, while harder bushings provide more stability but require more effort to turn. Experimenting with different bushing hardnesses is a great way to fine-tune your setup and find what works best for your riding style. Bushings are one of the most overlooked components of Tech Deck trucks, but they have a huge impact on the feel of your board. If you want a setup that's easier to control, you'll need to use bushings that are appropriate for your skill level.

Wheels: The Rolling Foundation of Your Tech Deck

Alright, let's roll onto the wheels! Tech Deck wheels are another critical component that significantly impacts the performance of your fingerboard. The wheels determine how smoothly your board rolls, how well it grips surfaces, and how easy it is to perform tricks. Stock Tech Deck wheels are often made of hard plastic, which is fine for beginners, but they don't offer the best grip or roll speed. Upgrading to urethane wheels can make a world of difference.

Material Matters: Urethane vs. Plastic

Like trucks, the material of your wheels has a massive impact on performance. Urethane wheels are the gold standard for fingerboarding. They offer superior grip, a smoother roll, and better durability than plastic wheels. They also provide a more realistic feel, mimicking the performance of real skateboard wheels. The added grip helps you to land tricks with more control, while the smoother roll lets you maintain speed and flow. Plastic wheels, on the other hand, are slippery and don't provide much grip. This can make it difficult to control your board and land tricks. For serious fingerboarders, urethane is the only way to go!

Wheel Size and Shape: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Tech Deck wheels come in different sizes and shapes, each offering a unique feel. Smaller wheels are more stable and easier to control, which is great for beginners and for performing technical tricks. Larger wheels provide a faster roll speed and are better suited for cruising and maintaining momentum. When it comes to shape, you'll find conical, flat-faced, and rounded wheels. Each offers a unique feel. Experimenting with different wheel sizes and shapes is the best way to determine what works for you. Different shapes will affect how your board handles rails and ledges. You'll have to try out a few different shapes and see which ones you like the best.

Bearings: Smooth Sailing or Rough Ride?

Some high-end Tech Deck wheels feature bearings, which are tiny ball bearings that help the wheels spin more smoothly. Wheels with bearings offer a faster and more consistent roll, allowing you to maintain speed and flow more easily. While not essential, wheels with bearings can significantly enhance your fingerboarding experience, especially for advanced tricks and smooth riding. If you're serious about your fingerboarding, wheels with bearings are a great investment.

Choosing the Right Trucks and Wheels for Your Riding Style

So, how do you choose the right Tech Deck trucks and wheels for your riding style? Here's a quick guide:

For Beginners:

• Trucks: Metal trucks are a great upgrade over stock plastic trucks, offering better durability and a more realistic feel. Look for trucks with a standard kingpin and bushings. But stick with the basics until you get the hang of it.
• Wheels: Urethane wheels are a must-have for beginners. They provide better grip and a smoother roll than plastic wheels. Start with a medium wheel size and a rounded shape to get a good balance of stability and maneuverability.

For Intermediate Riders:

• Trucks: Explore different truck designs, such as inverted kingpin trucks, for improved performance. Experiment with different bushing hardnesses to fine-tune your turning. Consider trucks made of higher-quality metal alloys.
• Wheels: Try different wheel sizes and shapes to see what works best for your style. Experiment with wheels with bearings for a faster roll.

For Advanced Riders:

• Trucks: Fine-tune your truck setup with different baseplates, kingpins, and bushings. Consider trucks from a variety of manufacturers to find the perfect fit. Try out new materials and designs as they come out.
• Wheels: Experiment with different durometers (hardness) of urethane wheels to fine-tune your grip and roll speed. Use wheels with bearings for maximum performance. Consider high-end wheels from brands that focus on performance.

Where to Buy Tech Deck Trucks and Wheels

Alright, you're pumped up and ready to upgrade your setup, but where do you find the goods? Luckily, there are plenty of places to buy Tech Deck trucks and wheels! Here are a few suggestions:

• Online retailers: Amazon, eBay, and specialized fingerboarding websites offer a wide selection of trucks and wheels from various brands. This is a great place to start your search, especially if you know what you're looking for.
• Local skate shops: Many local skate shops carry Tech Decks and aftermarket components. This is a great way to support your local scene and get advice from experienced riders.
• Tech Deck manufacturers: Directly from the source! Check out the official websites of Tech Deck and other major fingerboard brands for their latest products.

Final Thoughts: Rolling Towards Success!

There you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to upgrading your Tech Deck trucks and wheels. Remember, the right setup can make all the difference in your fingerboarding experience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different components to find what works best for you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, upgrading your trucks and wheels is a fantastic way to elevate your game and unleash your inner fingerboard beast. So go out there, hit those rails, and shred it up! Now get out there and start creating the ultimate fingerboard setup, and happy shredding!