The History of Professional Fingerboarding Trucks

Описание: In this video, we're going to look at the history of professional fingerboard trucks. We'll see how the trucks have evolved over the years, and discuss the different types of trucks that are currently in use.

If you're interested in fingerboarding and want to know more about the history of this popular activity, then this video is for you! We'll discuss the different types of trucks that are currently in use, and explore the history of fingerboarding to learn more about the origins of this sport.

0:00 Introduction
2:10 Start of History of Pro Fingerboard Trucks
2:36 Tech Deck
5:24 Blackriver Trucks and Y-Trucks
9:20 Woody Wood / Undead Fvcker Trucks
9:46 2Kr
10:02 Dynamic Trucks
10:40 Caramel
11:06: UAG
11:30 Vortex
11:54 SB
12:08 Obsius
12:26 Eureka

Fingerboard trucks in the earliest times were one of a few things: whatever your skateboard keychain came with, whatever your skateboard toy used, or were DIY’d. One of the most popular DIY trucks were to take the axels out of a toy car, such as a Hot Wheel, and glue them to the fingerboard.
In 1998, xConcepts released Tech Deck, which revolutionized fingerboarding.

Almost immediately, fingerboarders began to customized these trucks.

One common issue with Tech Deck trucks were that the nuts would regularly become loose and even fall off the truck. Prior to using lock nuts – fingerboarders would glue the nut to the axle or kingpin, preventing them from loosening unintentionally. Locktite was a popular componenet in a fingerboarders arsenal.

In the summer of 2009, two revolutionary trucks were released. Y-Trucks made by Yellowood and Blackriver Trucks made by Blackriver. There were similarities - Both options offered features that greatly improved the experience of riding a fingerboard.

Blackriver Trucks kingpin and hanger were held together by a nut. The truck utilized a single axle, and the trucks were made of high quality aluminum.

Blackriver released the 2.0 in 2010 featuring 7 colors, and design optimizations. In 2022, Blackriver released the 3.0 truck, featured reinforced steel axles.

Y-Trucks innovated as well, with the most noticaeable being the inverted kingpin, allowing the hanger to have more clearance over the kingpin for a smoother grind. This kingpin utilized a Torx head to prevent wear of allen keys compared to traditional keys.

Additionally, unlike Blackriver Trucks, the length of their single axles allowed both dual and single bearings. They also utilized an anti-loose nut system (locknuts), and their bushings were made from Viton (a material used in aerospace and automotive use cases).

Blackriver and Yellowood unlocked the final piece of the puzzle. It was in summer of 2009 that a fingerboarder could finally have a 100% professional-caliber fingerboard setup, over 10 years after Tech Deck released.

Woody Wood Fvcker Trucks (later renamed Undead FVCKER TRUCK) out of Indonesia in 2011 with the goal of offering a more affordable professional fingerboard truck. These trucks were cast and shaped by hand.

2KR, founded in 2013 out of Slovakia, released trucks at least as early as early 2015, but most likely earlier. Another brand focused on providing quality fingerboard trucks at a more affordable price, 2KR trucks prove to be a popular option for fingerboarders.

In late 2015 Scott Biesboer released the Dynamic 3D Printed Fingerboard Truck, marking the first 3D printed professional fingerboard trucks. 32mm in width, the trucks initially included: 2 Truck Hangers, 2 Truck Baseplates, 8 Mounting Screws, 4 Viton O-Ring Bushings, 4 Axle Screws, 2 Kingpin Screws, and 2 Custom Made Pivot Cups. The 3D printed metal trucks, were most likely the first of its kind. Unfortunately, it wasn’t feasible to continue printing metal trucks.

Later, Dynamic revamped their design and manufacturing process. One important highlight is that Dynamic Trucks feature pre-threaded baseplate holes, and likely were the first to offer that feature!

Caramel trucks feature an inverted kingpin and can be used with both single and dual bearing wheels.

One note is that Caramel offers the ability to purchase custom sizes, even sizes that are outlandish proportions!

UAG was founded in 2019 in Japan. In 2021, UAG developed their original trucks. These trucks feature their iconic A-Frame hanger shape. Later, UAG released the A-Frame v2 shape. Featuring a unique hanger design and come in 33.5mm.

Vortex Trucks, created in Australia, with the goal of bridging the gap for affordable professional trucks. V2 Comes standard with an inverted kingpin. V3 offers adaptable baseplates, allowing both standard and inverted kingpin options.

SB Trucks out of Poland uses standard locknut kingpin.

The most recent addition to the pro truck mix is Obsius, which were released in 2022.

Eureka Trucks are a truck manufactured out of China. Offering an inverted kingpin in both 32mm Eureka I and 34mm Eureka II, they are also among the least expensive unique design out there.