Hey guys! Ever wondered how to take your Tech Deck skills to the next level? It all starts with the right trucks and wheels! Upgrading these components can dramatically improve your fingerboard's performance, making tricks smoother and your overall experience way more enjoyable. Let's dive into everything you need to know about choosing the best trucks and wheels for your Tech Deck. Ready to ollie like a pro?

Why Upgrade Your Tech Deck Trucks and Wheels?

Okay, so you might be thinking, "Why even bother upgrading?" Well, the stock trucks and wheels that come with most Tech Decks are, let's be honest, pretty basic. Upgrading them offers a ton of benefits:

• Improved Performance: Better trucks mean smoother turning and grinding. High-quality wheels offer better grip and roll, making tricks easier to land.
• Enhanced Durability: Stock parts can wear out quickly, especially if you're practicing a lot. Upgraded components are typically made from more durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of intense fingerboarding sessions.
• Customization: Let’s face it, half the fun is making your Tech Deck your own! Swapping out the trucks and wheels allows you to personalize your setup to match your style and preferences. Different colors, designs, and materials can make your board stand out.
• Better Feel: Upgraded trucks and wheels simply feel better under your fingers. The improved responsiveness and control can make fingerboarding more intuitive and enjoyable. You’ll notice the difference right away when you start landing tricks more consistently.

Think of it like upgrading the tires and suspension on a real skateboard. Sure, you can ride it with the stock parts, but better components will always give you a smoother, more controlled, and ultimately more satisfying ride. For tech decks, it's all about that fine control and responsiveness, which premium trucks and wheels provide in spades. So, if you're serious about improving your fingerboarding skills, upgrading your trucks and wheels is a no-brainer!

Understanding Tech Deck Trucks

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of Tech Deck trucks. These little guys are responsible for a lot of your board's performance, so understanding what to look for is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

• Material: Most upgraded Tech Deck trucks are made from metal, like aluminum alloy. Metal trucks are far more durable than the plastic ones that often come standard. They can handle more abuse and provide a more realistic feel.
• Shape and Design: The shape of the trucks affects how your board turns and grinds. Some trucks have a lower profile for better stability, while others are taller for more responsive turning. Experiment with different shapes to see what feels best for you.
• Bushings: Bushings are the small rubbery (or urethane) rings that sit around the kingpin. They control how easily your board turns. Softer bushings make it easier to turn, while harder bushings provide more stability. Many aftermarket trucks allow you to replace the bushings to fine-tune your board's turning response. Aftermarket bushings are a cheap and easy way to drastically improve the feel of your tech deck!
• Kingpin: The kingpin is the bolt that holds the trucks together. A high-quality kingpin is essential for durability. Look for trucks with a strong, well-made kingpin that won't break easily.
• Width: Ensure the trucks you choose are the correct width for your Tech Deck. Trucks that are too wide or too narrow can negatively affect your board's performance. It's usually best to stick with trucks that are specifically designed for Tech Decks.

When choosing trucks, consider your riding style. If you prefer technical tricks and precise movements, look for trucks with responsive turning and a stable feel. If you're more into grinding and sliding, prioritize durable trucks that can withstand a lot of abuse. Remember, upgrading your trucks is one of the best ways to level up your fingerboarding game. They add weight and stability, which is so important in fingerboarding.

Choosing the Right Tech Deck Wheels

Now, let's roll into the world of Tech Deck wheels! Just like with trucks, upgrading your wheels can make a huge difference in your board's performance. Here’s what to consider:

• Material: Most upgraded Tech Deck wheels are made from urethane, the same material used for real skateboard wheels. Urethane wheels offer excellent grip and roll, making tricks easier to land. Avoid plastic wheels, as they don't provide nearly as much grip or durability.
• Size: The size of the wheels affects your board's speed and acceleration. Smaller wheels accelerate faster but have a lower top speed, while larger wheels have a higher top speed but take longer to accelerate. For Tech Decks, smaller to medium-sized wheels are generally preferred for their maneuverability.
• Hardness: Wheel hardness is measured on the durometer scale. Softer wheels (lower durometer) provide more grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels (higher durometer) are faster and more durable. For Tech Decks, a medium hardness is usually a good balance between grip and speed.
• Bearings: Bearings are the small metal rings that allow the wheels to spin freely. High-quality bearings can significantly improve your board's speed and roll. Look for wheels with smooth, fast bearings for optimal performance.
• Shape: The shape of the wheel affects its contact with the ground. Rounder wheels are better for sliding, while flatter wheels provide more grip. Experiment with different shapes to see what feels best for you.

When choosing wheels, consider the surfaces you'll be riding on. If you're mostly riding on smooth surfaces like desks and tables, harder wheels may be a good choice for their speed. If you're riding on rougher surfaces, softer wheels will provide more grip and a smoother ride. Don't be afraid to try different wheel types to find what you like most. You can even mix and match colors to give your tech deck a unique and personalized look. Most importantly, better wheels equal a better ride and a better look!

Popular Tech Deck Truck and Wheel Brands

Okay, so you're convinced you need to upgrade. But where do you start? Here are a few popular brands known for producing high-quality Tech Deck trucks and wheels:

• DK Fingerboards: DK Fingerboards is a well-known brand in the fingerboarding community, offering a wide range of high-quality trucks, wheels, and other accessories. Their products are known for their durability and performance.
• Ywheels: Ywheels are a popular choice among fingerboarders for their realistic feel and high-quality construction. They offer a variety of wheel shapes and sizes to suit different riding styles.
• Blackriver: Blackriver is a premium fingerboard brand that produces some of the best trucks and wheels on the market. Their products are known for their exceptional quality and performance, but they come at a higher price point.
• Teak Tuning: Teak Tuning offers a balance of quality and affordability, making them a great option for beginners and experienced fingerboarders alike. They have a wide variety of parts and accessories, allowing you to fully customize your setup. Their wheels, in particular, are known for being durable and coming in a wide variety of colors.

These are just a few of the many brands that offer upgraded Tech Deck trucks and wheels. Do some research, read reviews, and experiment with different brands to find what works best for you. The fingerboard community is pretty vibrant, so check out YouTube for reviews and tutorials to make a really informed decision.

Installing Your New Trucks and Wheels

Alright, you've got your new trucks and wheels. Now it's time to install them! Don't worry, it's a pretty straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the Old Trucks and Wheels: Use a small screwdriver or the included tool to remove the nuts holding the old trucks and wheels in place. Carefully remove the trucks and wheels from the deck.
2. Attach the New Trucks: Place the new trucks onto the deck, making sure they're aligned correctly. Use the nuts to secure the trucks in place, but don't tighten them all the way just yet.
3. Install the New Wheels: Slide the new wheels onto the axles of the trucks. Make sure the bearings are properly seated in the wheels. Use the nuts to secure the wheels in place, but again, don't tighten them all the way just yet.
4. Adjust and Tighten: Once everything is in place, adjust the tightness of the nuts to your preference. Tighter trucks will provide more stability, while looser trucks will allow for easier turning. Experiment with different tightness levels to find what feels best for you. Once you're happy with the feel, fully tighten all the nuts.
5. Test and Fine-Tune: Give your Tech Deck a test run to make sure everything is working properly. If needed, make further adjustments to the trucks and wheels until you're satisfied with the performance.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, the nuts can be a little tricky to tighten. Using a small wrench or pliers can help you get a better grip and tighten them securely. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the trucks or wheels.

Tips for Maintaining Your Upgraded Tech Deck

So, you've upgraded your Tech Deck, and it's riding like a dream. Now, how do you keep it that way? Here are a few tips for maintaining your upgraded components:

• Clean Regularly: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your trucks and wheels, affecting their performance. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean them regularly. For more stubborn dirt, you can use a mild soap and water solution.
• Lubricate Bearings: The bearings in your wheels need to be lubricated to spin smoothly. Use a small amount of bearing lubricant to keep them rolling freely. Avoid using too much lubricant, as this can attract dirt and grime.
• Check for Loose Parts: Regularly check the nuts and bolts on your trucks and wheels to make sure they're tight. Loose parts can affect your board's performance and can even be dangerous.
• Replace Worn Parts: Over time, even the best trucks and wheels will wear out. Replace them as needed to maintain optimal performance. Signs of wear include excessive play in the trucks, cracks or chips in the wheels, and slow-spinning bearings.
• Store Properly: When you're not using your Tech Deck, store it in a safe place where it won't be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. This will help prolong the life of your components.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your upgraded Tech Deck in top condition for years to come. Treat your board well, and it will treat you well in return!

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your Tech Deck trucks and wheels is one of the best ways to improve your fingerboarding experience. Not only will it enhance your board's performance, but it will also allow you to customize your setup to match your style and preferences. With the right components and a little bit of practice, you'll be landing tricks like a pro in no time. So go ahead, take the plunge, and upgrade your Tech Deck today! You won't regret it. Now, get out there and shred, guys!