Ollieblocks Vs Softrucks

Practice skateboard trucks are a great way to learn technical tricks like the Ollie or Kickflip, and also great for experienced skaters to get year-round practice and build muscle memory. They attach to the bottom of your skateboard where your regular trucks would be, and simulate your skateboard trucks so that you can practice tricks without having to think about falling or rolling. There are two main practice truck companies out there: Softrucks by Garage Mfg and Ollieblocks by Flowlab. These two practice skateboarding trucks act similar in some ways, but totally different in others. So which are the best practice skateboard trucks?

Here is a summary of the basic differences:

• Softrucks are made from a rubbery material that grips the ground (even tile), prevents sliding and absorbs shock
• Ollieblocks are made from hard plastic that allows for slipping and pivoting, and practicing kickturns

• Ollieblocks are built with a rounded profile
  
• Softrucks are built with "spikes" that represent the wheel's contact on the ground

• Being made from rubber, softrucks are relatively quiet - only the tail slapping makes sound
• Ollieblocks are plastic, so on wood, concrete or tile they make a loud clacking sound along with the tail slap

• Softrucks won first place at the largest new sports products industry trade show in the world
• Ollieblocks have been around longer, are more proven and are easier to find in shops

• The Softrucks complete comes with an established brand skate deck
• Ollieboards come with a lower-grade deck, made just for practicing with Ollieblocks

• At the time I write this article the complete Ollieboard costs less than half of what a complete Softrucks setup costs

So which set of practice skateboarding trucks are best for you? That's up to you. Both offer plenty of unique strengths. For more info, read the Ollieblock review, or read the Softruck review. Try out a set, and see what you think. Either way, I belive that practice skateboarding trucks should help out anyone trying to learn to skateboard better.