The kingpin is the long bolt that passes through a truck's bushings, securing the hanger to the baseplate and influencing how the truck maneuvers. In a standard (or "traditional") kingpin truck, the kingpin is angled inward, pointing towards the board's center. In an inverted (or "reverse") kingpin truck, it points outward, angled away from the center. This single geometric difference alters how the truck is positioned, how it turns, and the type of riding it is best for.
Standard kingpin trucks
Standard kingpin trucks (often abbreviated as TKP, for "traditional kingpin") are what most envision when they think of a skateboard truck. The kingpin is positioned high and angled inward, maintaining a low overall profile close to the deck. This results in:
- A lower center of gravity, aiding stability when landing tricks
- A tighter turning radius, ideal for quick, sharp directional changes
- Increased clearance for grinding, as the kingpin and hanger are positioned further from ledges or rails
- A shorter wheelbase, as these trucks are designed for standard skateboard decks
Standard kingpin trucks are the go-to choice for street and park skateboards, and for good reason: their geometry is focused on control, tight turns, and grind clearance rather than pure speed stability.
Popular standard kingpin brands include Independent, Tensor, Krux, and Royal. You can find all these in our skateboard trucks range.
Inverted kingpin trucks
Inverted kingpin trucks (commonly referred to as reverse kingpin, or RKP) switch up the geometry. The kingpin points outward and sits lower, slightly raising the truck's overall height but expanding its turning radius. This provides:
- Greater stability at higher speeds, as the wider turning arc discourages sudden, unstable directional changes
- A smoother, more "surfy" carving experience, with longer, more gradual turns
- Improved handling on rough or uneven surfaces, useful for cruising and commuting
- Less grind clearance, as the kingpin is closer to the hanger's edge
This geometry is the norm for longboards and cruiser setups, where stability and smooth carving are prioritized over tight, technical turns.
Paris Truck Co. is a well-known reverse kingpin brand and a popular option for longboard and cruiser setups; you can find their trucks, along with brands like Mindless, in our longboard trucks range.
Standard vs inverted: which should you choose?
The appropriate truck depends on what you're riding and how you want it to handle:
- Street and park skateboarding — standard kingpin trucks. You'll appreciate the tighter turning radius, lower profile, and grind clearance for technical maneuvers, ledges, and rails.
- Longboarding, downhill, and freeride — inverted kingpin trucks. Stability at speed and a smoother carving experience take precedence over tight turning in these activities.
- Cruising and traveling — inverted kingpin trucks, for the same reason: they provide a more relaxed and stable experience over long distances and uneven terrain.
- Mixing and matching — most baseplates have a common hole pattern, making it technically feasible to use either type of kingpin on any deck, but each is designed for specific riding styles. A standard kingpin truck on a longboard may feel unstable at high speeds, while an inverted kingpin truck on a street deck may feel sluggish and not accommodate grinds effectively.
If you're uncertain about which setup your board has, examine the trucks from above: if the kingpins face each other, they're standard; if they face away from each other, they're inverted.