Loose trucks save lives?

**soccerforlife** · 11-20-2009 12:14 PM

I know from being on silverfish that "loose trucks save lives". However, i cannot convince my friends of this. Whenever we get to a bigger hill they always stop and tighten their trucks because they think it makes them more stable. And i know this isn't true, right? Isn't it just all in your head/board&bushings? How can i convince them that they don't need to tighten their trucks?

**snozzboarder55** · 11-20-2009 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by soccerforlife

I know from being on silverfish that "loose trucks save lives". However, i cannot convince my friends of this. Whenever we get to a bigger hill they always stop and tighten their trucks because they think it makes them more stable. And i know this isn't true, right? Isn't it just all in your head/board&bushings? How can i convince them that they don't need to tighten their trucks?

find a run that requires you to turn, when they run off the side of the road because their board's turn is maxed out then they'll believe you.

or challenge them to not be a weeny and use their own ankle strength to get down the hill rather than their setup.

honestly though its a confidence issue, when they get more confident on a hill they will (hopefully) loosen their trucks and learn that way.

**soccerforlife** · 11-20-2009 12:25 PM

haha ill definetly try the second one. But yeah about the confidence thing, them tightening them trucks makes them more confident which makes it easier for them to handle speed.... so to them it seems like they're doing it right.

**snozzboarder55** · 11-20-2009 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by soccerforlife

haha ill definetly try the second one. But yeah about the confidence thing, them tightening them trucks makes them more confident which makes it easier for them to handle speed.... so to them it seems like they're doing it right.

tell them it takes more confidence in themselves rather than their gear.

i hate people relying on their setup instead of their skill.

**Bryant@BCLongboards** · 11-20-2009 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by soccerforlife

Whenever we get to a bigger hill they always stop and tighten their trucks because they think it makes them more stable. And i know this isn't true, right?

All that will lead to is blown out bushings.

Originally Posted by snozzboarder55

tell them it takes more confidence in themselves rather than their gear.

i hate people relying on their setup instead of their skill.

A good set up will lead to confidence. It takes a little more than just confidence.

**mateo** · 11-20-2009 12:33 PM

tell them to bomb the hill and each time loosen up their trucks a bit and eventually they will get the picture, this is what i had to do just a little bit at a time so you can get used to it

**snozzboarder55** · 11-20-2009 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Bryant@BCLongboards

A good set up will lead to confidence. It takes a little more than just confidence.

i know, but confidence in yourself is what enable you to grab your buddy's board and take it down a hill. even though it's not setup the way you would want it, you know it's nothing you can't handle.

**Bryant@BCLongboards** · 11-20-2009 12:43 PM

These guys are obviously just getting a taste of speed. A good setup that will remain stable at speed will allow them to develop confidence in themselves much faster. Then yes they can go grab their buddy's board and rip! Without tightening the trucks. or not

**snozzboarder55** · 11-20-2009 12:47 PM

you are right. confidence comes with learning.

**Cann0n** · 11-20-2009 12:49 PM

They don't have to listen to you. They probably wont. I don't blame them. I don't like it when people tell me how to skate... especially since I've been skating for 16 years...

So, as stubborn as you make them seem, step your game up and force them to follow by learning from their mistakes. Also, hide their tools and loosen their trucks...

**zprawn** · 11-20-2009 01:26 PM

Even the pros tighten their trucks for bigger hills.You guys should see what's the first thing the riders do after the first run in Teutonia.

**Mile_High_Mark** · 11-20-2009 01:28 PM

Tic-tac'ing kids at the skatepark led to the coining of that phrase.

**snozzboarder55** · 11-20-2009 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by zprawn

Even the pros tighten their trucks for bigger hills.You guys should see what's the first thing the riders do after the first run in Teutonia.

ha i doubt the op and his buddies are hitting teutonia. yes some runs call for tighter trucks, but every run calls for confidence in skill.

**zprawn** · 11-20-2009 01:40 PM

**snozzboarder55** · 11-20-2009 01:50 PM

**UltyHuck13** · 11-20-2009 01:53 PM

**jsweriduk** · 11-20-2009 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by zprawn

Even the pros tighten their trucks for bigger hills.You guys should see what's the first thing the riders do after the first run in Teutonia.

It's called tuning up your trucks. It's common to see before any races? Would you go that fast without checking to make sure your nuts and bolts are tightened correctly?

**Blix** · 11-20-2009 02:18 PM

There's nothing wrong with tightening your trucks some for fast runs, hey even teh K-Rimes says he runs his loose for freeride fun, and tighten them a little for more "serious" DH.
Buuuuut the "secret" is to use soft enough bushings. I have my trucks setup so they still turn great cranked down a bit, it just makes them "calmer".

Big difference from the typical "new to dh"-setup with something like bears with the no turning pumpkins...

But confidence is always what matters, staying loose and relaxed is key..