When it comes to trucks on a skateboard, buy the very best you can. These are your axles, but unlike those on a car, they're also your contact when you're grinding obstacles. You want to know you've got serious steel that's up to the task. You also want to know that you've got the right size trucks for the board you're riding.

Most skateboard truck widths range from 4.75 to 5.5 inches and weigh from 10 to 13 ounces. In general, the wider the trucks, the more stable the ride, but your deck will partially dictate the width of your trucks. For street skaters, for instance, obstacles require a narrower board and therefore narrower trucks. Transitional, or tranny, skaters, on the other hand, have more leeway since they're riding fatter boards.

There's a wide range of truck sizes, styles, and colors to choose from and as mentioned above, some of these choices will be dictated by your deck size. For all the other variables, it helps to have a look at them. If you can, ride on friends' boards to get a good feel for a particular brand.

Several online sites help you make a choice by giving you comparison charts. These can help you at least narrow down your choices by helping you eliminate the brands that don't specialize in making the type of trucks you should be on. Good trucks are key, so try not to scrimp when it comes to your purchase. Go for the strongest, lightest ones in their class that will help you grind with the best.