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Today, the brand offers different geometries for cruising, carving, freeride and other longboard and skateboard disciplines.
L’s story of Paris Truck
L’s story of Paris Truck begins with Joey Pulsifer.
A passionate skater and maker, he set out to develop a truck that combined strength with smooth turning.
This ambition led to the first Paris Truck in 2006.
Why Paris Truck?
The brand is built around an essential part of skateboarding: the truck.
Its geometry directly affects how a board turns, responds to the rider's movements and stays stable at different speeds.
Paris therefore develops its trucks with a particular focus on turning performance.
Paris trucks at HawaiiSurf
HawaiiSurf stocks Paris Truck products to complete a range of setups.
Models and sizes may vary depending on availability.
Before choosing, consider the deck width, mounting type and intended riding style.
Check out all our skateboard trucks.
Paris V3
The Paris V3 is one of the brand's main Reverse Kingpin truck generations.
It retains the signature Paris approach while updating several design elements.
The hanger, kingpin and various components have all been redesigned compared with previous generations.
The Paris V3 hanger
The hanger is the crosswise part of the truck that the wheels are mounted on.
Paris redesigned the V3 to improve its strength and performance.
Its width should be chosen to match the deck’s width.
The Paris V3 kingpin
The kingpin is the central axle around which the bushings work.
On the V3, Paris uses a kingpin reinforced compared with previous generations.
It plays a direct role in assembling and adjusting the truck.
Paris V3 bushings
Paris V3 trucks come with bushings that directly affect how the truck performs.
Paris uses 90A bushings on several V3 setups.
As they compress, the truck can lean and gradually return to its center position.
What are bushings for?
Bushings are urethane parts fitted around the kingpin.
Their hardness, shape, and tightness affect the truck’s resistance when turning.
They’re therefore one of the main ways to fine-tune a setup’s feel.
Paris Truck Reverse Kingpin
Paris is especially well known for its Reverse Kingpin Trucks, often abbreviated as RKP.
With this geometry, the kingpin is oriented differently than on a traditional skateboard truck.
This design is widespread in longboarding.
What is an RKP truck?
RKP stands for Reverse Kingpin.
This geometry is especially appreciated for its ability to create a progressive, fluid feel through turns.
It’s commonly used for carving, cruising, freeride, dancing, and various styles of longboarding.
RKP or TKP?
The RKP and TKP trucks use two different designs.
The Traditional Kingpin is historically associated with classic skateboarding and street skating.
The Reverse Kingpin is especially common on longboards and setups designed for carving, stability, or long turns.
Paris Street Trucks
Paris also develops Street Trucks using geometry that’s closer to traditional skateboarding.
They meet different needs from V3 Reverse Kingpins.
The choice therefore depends first and foremost on the type of deck and riding style.
Paris Truck for longboarding
Longboarding is the historic domain of Paris Truck.
The brand's RKP geometry makes it possible to get a truck suited to long turns and weight shifts.
The width and angle should then be chosen based on the deck and riding style.
Paris Truck for cruising
A cruiser should stay maneuverable and enjoyable for getting around.
Paris trucks suited to the deck width can deliver a smooth, progressive feel.
Wheels and bushings also play an important role in the overall comfort of the setup.
Paris Truck for carving
Carving means linking turns using significant weight shifts.
The truck's behavior then becomes central.
Paris Reverse Kingpin trucks are particularly well suited to this smooth riding style.
Paris Truck for pumping
Pumping means generating and maintaining speed with body movements, without constantly pushing with your foot.
The geometry and setup of the trucks have a strong influence on this ability.
A responsive enough truck makes it easier to turn weight shifts into movement.
Paris Truck for dancing
In longboard dancing, the rider moves around on the deck while linking different steps and moves.
The setup should remain predictable as your weight shifts on the board.
The deck width and truck width need to work together.
Paris Truck for freeride
Freeride combines turns, speed, and slides.
The truck must allow the rider to control their lines precisely.
Choosing the width, angle, and bushings becomes especially important.
Paris Truck for downhill
In downhill, stability becomes more important as speed increases.
Some Paris setups can be suitable for this riding style.
A downhill setup requires taking a more holistic approach to angles, bushings, deck, wheels, and rider skill level.
Paris V3 180 mm
The Paris V3 180 mm is a very popular size for longboards.
This width works particularly well with many relatively wide decks.
It offers a stable platform and suits different riding styles depending on the baseplate angle and setup.
Paris V3 165 mm
The Paris V3 165 mm offers a narrower width.
It may be better suited to narrower decks or riders looking for an alternative to the traditional 180 mm setup.
Lhe goal is still to ensure the deck and truck widths are a good match.
Paris V3 150 mm
Some Paris setups are also available in 150 mm.
This width can work with even narrower decks.
Width shouldn’t be chosen just to make the setup more maneuverable: the deck width is still the first thing to consider.
How do you choose the width of your Paris Trucks?
The truck width should be close to the deck width at the wheels.
Trucks that are too wide make the wheels stick out.
Trucks that are too narrow also affect how the setup rides and can position the wheels too far under the deck.
Trucks and deck width
The stated width of a truck does not always exactly match its total axle-to-axle width.
So be sure to check the specifications of the model in question.
Lhe ultimate goal is to ensure proper alignment between the wheels and the edges of the deck.
Lhe angle of a Paris Truck
RKP trucks use a baseplate whose angle has a significant impact on how they ride.
Paris offers different setups depending on the model.
A higher angle generally improves turning ability, while a lower angle provides more stability.
Paris Truck 50°
The 50° is a highly versatile angle for a Reverse Kingpin.
It provides good turning ability.
This setup is especially popular for cruising and carving, as well as for many versatile setups.
Paris Truck 43°
A lower angle, such as 43°, changes the relationship between lean and turning.
The truck generally turns less at the same lean angle.
This response can be desirable when stability becomes more of a priority.
43° or 50°?
The choice depends on how you ride.
For a versatile longboard geared toward carving and cruising, an angle around 50° offers plenty of maneuverability.
For riding styles that prioritize stability, a lower angle can be a good choice.
The role of the baseplate
The baseplate connects the truck to the deck.
Its angle directly affects the overall geometry.
Changing the baseplate can therefore significantly change how the truck rides, even if the hanger stays the same.
The pivot
The pivot guides the hanger’s movement inside the baseplate.
It’s constantly at work when the rider leans their skateboard.
Its fit contributes to the truck’s precision and smoothness.
The pivot cup
The pivot cup houses the pivot.
This small part plays an important role in how smoothly the hanger moves.
Over time, wear can cause play or change how the truck feels.
Adjusting your Paris Trucks
Tightening the kingpin lets you fine-tune the ride to some extent.
Tightening the kingpin compresses the bushings more.
A looser setup generally lets the truck lean more easily.
Should you tighten your trucks a lot?
Tightening them too much isn’t always the best way to get more stability.
When bushings are compressed too much, their performance can be affected.
If the setup still feels too soft, choosing harder bushings may be a better option.
Choosing bushing hardness
The right hardness depends in particular on the rider’s weight and riding style.
A lighter rider may find it harder to compress very hard bushings.
Conversely, a heavier rider may find very soft bushings too unstable.
Bushings and rider weight
Weight directly affects bushing compression.
So two riders using exactly the same truck can have very different riding experiences.
Your setup should be adjusted to suit you.
Bushings and carving
For carving, bushings should allow smooth transitions from one side to the other.
Riders generally want a good return to center without restricting lean.
The choice then depends on the rider’s weight and the desired responsiveness.
Bushings and freeride
For freeride, more support may be desirable.
Stability during speed runs and slides should remain predictable.
The shape and hardness of the bushings can therefore be adjusted.
Paris Trucks and wheels
Trucks should be chosen to match the wheels.
A very wide wheel or one with a particular offset changes the setup’s actual width.
Its diameter also affects the risk of contact with the deck.
Paris Trucks and wheelbite
wheelbite happens when a wheel touches the deck during a turn.
The risk depends on the wheel diameter, deck shape, truck height, and bushing setup.
It should be checked before riding the setup hard.
Using risers
Risers go between the deck and the baseplate.
They increase the distance between the wheels and the deck.
They can be useful with certain large wheels, but they also increase the height of the setup.
Paris Truck and top mount setup
With a top mount, the baseplate is mounted directly under the deck.
The rider is then positioned relatively high above the axles.
This setup generally provides more leverage on the trucks and is particularly well suited to carving.
Paris Truck and drop-through
Some longboard decks allow for a drop-through mounting style.
The baseplate is mounted through a cutout in the deck.
This setup lowers the deck and changes the feel and the leverage on the trucks.
Top mount or drop-through?
The choice depends on the deck and how you ride.
A top mount generally offers more leverage and responsiveness.
A drop-through brings the rider closer to the ground and can make long pushes more comfortable.
Paris Trucks and longboard deck
A truck should never be chosen independently of the deck.
Width, wheelbase, mounting style, and deck flex all affect how the setup rides.
Paris offers different sizes to suit several types of boards.
The wheelbase
The wheelbase is the distance between the trucks.
A short wheelbase generally makes the setup more responsive.
A long wheelbase creates wider turns and affects overall stability.
Building a carving setup with Paris
For a carving setup, look for a good match between a deck that allows for solid weight shifts and trucks that are responsive enough.
50° Paris RKP trucks are a common setup.
Bushings let you fine-tune the ride feel.
Building a cruiser with Paris
A cruiser generally prioritizes maneuverability and comfort.
Pair the trucks with wheels that are soft enough for your terrain.
The width should be compatible with the deck for a balanced setup.
Building a versatile longboard
A versatile longboard should let you ride comfortably while still feeling fun in the turns.
The Paris V3 trucks are particularly well suited to this approach.
The exact setup depends on the deck width and the feel you’re after.
Maintaining your Paris Trucks
Trucks require relatively little maintenance.
Regularly inspect the kingpins, nuts, bushings and pivot cups.
Unusual noise or excessive play may mean a part needs checking.
Checking your nuts
Repeated vibrations can gradually loosen some nuts.
So check your truck and wheel nuts regularly.
They need to be held securely without stopping the moving parts from working properly.
When should you replace bushings?
Bushings can be replaced when they’re cracked, badly deformed or no longer return to their original shape properly.
They can also be swapped out simply to change how your setup rides.
It’s one of the easiest truck adjustments to make.
When should you replace a pivot cup?
A very worn pivot cup can cause play or noise.
If the hanger no longer moves properly in the baseplate, inspect this part.
Replacing it can make the truck more precise.
Paris Truck to upgrade your setup
Changing trucks completely transforms how a board feels.
Geometry affects your turning radius, stability and how the board responds to your movements.
Paris Truck lets you build a very different setup depending on the width, angle and bushings you choose.
Paris Truck in a complete setup
Trucks are just one part of a skateboard.
Deck, wheels, bearings, bushings and hardware all need to work together.
Explore our full range of skateboards to complete your setup.
Paris Truck at HawaiiSurf
Find Paris Truck at HawaiiSurf and choose your trucks to match your deck and riding style.
Since 2006, Paris Truck Co. has been developing trucks known especially in the longboarding world, with setups suited to cruising, carving, freeride and a range of other board sports.
Explore our world of skateboards and compare our selection of skateboard trucks.
