Wake2o Truck Chat:
Paris Trucks
Paris Trucks
When it comes to longboarding, your trucks are one of the most crucial components to get right. They dictate how your board handles, turns, and carves, making them key to your riding experience. Paris Trucks, a brand known for smooth turns and durability, offers some of the best options in the game. Today, we’re diving into the specifics of Paris Trucks—breaking down their size range, baseplate angles, and the ever-debated topic of reverse kingpin trucks vs. traditional kingpin trucks.
Paris Trucks Sizes
Paris Trucks come in three main sizes: 150mm, 165mm, and 180mm. Each width offers a different feel, control, and turning radius. Let’s explore the pros of each size to help you find the best fit for your setup.
150mm Paris Trucks
Best for: Slalom, techy riding, and smaller decks.
If you’re running a narrower deck or into quick, precise turns, the 150mm Paris Trucks are your go-to. These longboard trucks provide a tight turning radius, which makes them perfect for technical riding or even slalom longboarding. You’ll feel more control on narrow decks with this size, allowing for sharper turns and more agility when weaving through obstacles.
Pros:
- Tight turning radius
- Best for smaller decks and technical riding
- Increased control for slalom and freestyle
165mm Paris Trucks
Best for: Versatile, all-around riding.
For those who like to dabble in a bit of everything—cruising, carving, even some freestyle—the 165mm Paris Trucks strike the perfect balance. They offer more stability than 150mm trucks while still allowing for responsive turns. If you’re riding decks narrower than 9” wide, this is the size for you. It’s ideal for those who you want all the play and responsiveness of a Paris truck in a narrower package
Pros:
- Versatile, balanced feel
- Great for cruising, carving, and light downhill
- Increased stability without losing turn response
180mm Paris Trucks
Best for: Downhill, freeride, and wider decks.
The 180mm Paris Trucks are the largest in the lineup and are best suited for wider decks (9" - 10”) and high-speed riding. If you’re into downhill or freeride, this size provides excellent stability, reducing the chance of speed wobbles while bombing hills. These trucks offer a wider turning radius but are still responsive enough for big carves and smooth, controlled slides.
Pros:
- Maximum stability, perfect for downhill
- Best for wider decks (9" - 10”)
- Great all round trucks
Baseplate Angle
Paris Trucks offer two baseplate angles: 50° and 43°. What’s the deal with these angles? It’s all about how the truck affects your turning ability and stability.
50° Baseplate
Best for: Carving, cruising, and general riding.
The 50° baseplate provides a sharper turning angle, making your trucks more responsive and giving you that surfy, flowy feel that many longboarders love. It’s great for carving, commuting, and cruising, and provides the best all round performance.
Pros:
- More responsive turns
- Great for carving and commuting
- Surfy, flowy feel
Cons:
- Less stability at high speedsribe a new promotion.
43° Baseplate
Best for: Downhill and speed-focused riding.
If you’re looking for more stability, especially at high speeds, the 43° baseplate is the way to go. With a lower angle, it provides a wider turning radius, which helps maintain control when bombing hills or doing technical downhill runs. The reduced responsiveness makes it less twitchy, so you can stay focused on maintaining your line and avoid those speed wobbles.
Pros:
- Increased stability at high speeds
- Perfect for downhill and freeride
- Smoother, more controlled turns
Cons:
- Less responsive for quick, tight turns
Reverse Kingpin Trucks vs. Traditional Kingpin Trucks
Now that we’ve covered size and baseplate angles, let’s look at the differences between reverse kingpin trucks (RKP) and traditional kingpin trucks (TKP).
Firstly, what is a kingpin? A kingpin is a bolt that connects hanger of the longboard truck to the baseplate to hold it all together. It also where you put the bushing.
Reverse Kingpin (RKP)
Reverse kingpin trucks (like the Paris Trucks V3's) are the standard for longboarding. Their unique design places the kingpin (the big bolt) facing outward, away from the deck. This allows for deeper turns and a more responsive, stable feel—perfect for carving, cruising, and downhill riding. RKPs are known for their versatility, offering both turnability and control, especially at lower speeds.
Pros:
- Better for carving, cruising, and downhill longboarding
- Deeper, smoother turns
- More stability at lower speeds
Cons:
- Less ideal for skatepark or street-style tricks
Traditional Kingpin (TKP)
Traditional kingpin trucks, like the Paris Street Trucks, are the classic choice for street skaters. The kingpin is placed inward, closer to the deck, giving the trucks a more compact feel. This makes TKPs more responsive for tricks, grinds, and quick, sharp turns. However, they aren’t as stable at higher speeds and are generally less used in longboarding setups.
Pros:
- Best for tricks and street skating
- Compact and responsive
- Ideal for skateparks and technical riding
Cons:
- Less stable at high speeds
- Not as turny or smooth for longboarding
Choosing the right Paris Trucks can make or break your longboard setup, whether you’re into high-speed downhill, smooth cruising, or technical freeriding. Understanding the size, baseplate angle, and truck style (RKP vs. TKP) will help you dial in the perfect ride.
Need help deciding? Swing by our shop, or drop us a line—we’d be happy to steer you in the right direction!
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