How to Choose Your HST Longboard Truck Setup

Finding your perfect ride...

This is a draft blog and we'll update it with learnings and new (better) ways to communicate.  We've invented this system to give people a way to seek and find their perfect ride...  Confusing customers with facts/options is completely "ass-backwards" of what the sales quants advise to promote and sell a brand/product.  We are ok with that.  We want to educate and enable you to find your stoke, but you'll have to think... make mistakes... learn... then adapt and thrive.  One of the greatest gifts that an athlete can receive is for a gear-head to listen to them and deliver...  That's our mission.  DS

Every Hamboards® longboard can be transformed by simply swapping out your HST® truck configuration. But with four distinct setups to choose from, how do you know which one will unlock your board's full potential? The answer lies in understanding your board size, riding style, and what kind of experience you're seeking on the pavement.

The Quick Decision Framework

Start with your skill level, then consider your board length and riding goals:

Beginner to Longboarding?

• Start here: HST 40/0 (lower rear angle = more stability)
• Next step: HST 40/20 "Cruise and Flow"
• Then choose: HST 40/40 or HST 55/20 based on your preferred style

Coming from Surfskating?

• Want similar pumping power with authentic board sport feel? → HST 55/20 "Pump and Glide"

Experienced Riders - Short Boards 60" and Under

• Want that classic Hamboards feel? → HST 40/40 "Dig and Carve"
• Seeking flow and style? → HST 55/20 "Pump and Glide"

Experienced Riders - Long Boards Over 60" (Logger, Pinger, Classic)

• Want that classic Hamboards feel? → HST 40/40 "Dig and Carve"
• Prefer smooth, graceful carving? → HST 40/20 "Cruise and Flow"

Using a Skate Paddle

• Need to pump while resting your arms? → HST 55/0 "Cross-step Noserider"

Understanding Skill Progression

Why beginners struggle with certain setups:

Many beginners find the HST 40/40 "too wobbly," but the real issue isn't wobbliness - it's that rear turning takes time to master. When both front and rear trucks turn equally, new riders feel unstable because they haven't yet developed the balance and technique to coordinate both ends of their board.

The secret? Start with less rear turning and progress gradually:

The Natural Progression Path

Step 1: HST 40/0 (Not in our main lineup, but available)

• Locked rear end gives maximum stability while you learn
• All turning happens up front where you can feel and control it
• Perfect confidence builder for new riders

Step 2: HST 40/20 "Cruise and Flow"

• Introduces controlled rear turning in a manageable way
• Builds your skills while still feeling stable and predictable
• Many riders love this setup so much they never need to progress further

Step 3: Choose Your Style

• HST 40/40 "Dig and Carve" for maximum performance and versatility
• HST 55/20 "Pump and Glide" for flow-focused, surf-inspired riding

This progression lets you build skills gradually rather than being overwhelmed by too much rear turning from day one.

For Surfskate Riders: A More Authentic Experience

Coming from surfskates? You'll find the HST 55/20 offers something unique in the market.

While surfskates use dual pivot systems (two axes in the front) that let you turn without much leaning, Hamboards HST® trucks coordinate your lean and turn together through a single pivot system. This means with the HST 55/20, you can achieve the same forward force vectors and pumping efficiency you're used to from surfskating, but with a crucial difference: fully coordinated lean and turn with more board lean.

Why does this matter? To highly skilled board riding enthusiasts, this coordinated lean-and-turn system feels dramatically more like actual surfing, foiling, snowboarding, and slalom skiing. Instead of just turning your trucks, you're engaging your entire body in the authentic biomechanics of board sports.

The result: You get the pumping power you expect, but with a more genuine connection to real board sport techniques. It's surfskating evolved - taking the efficiency you love and adding the authentic feel that transfers directly to other board sports.

The Four Configurations Explained

HST 40/40 "Dig and Carve" - The Classic Choice

The Performance All-Rounder

This is the legacy Hamboards setup - what most people expect when they step on a Hamboards longboard for the first time. Equal front and rear turning delivers that signature balanced feel that's made Hamboards famous. Whether you're on a 26" Twisted Fin or a 74" Classic, this configuration gives you maximum versatility and that authentic Hamboards DNA.

Best For: Anyone wanting the traditional Hamboards experience
Works Great On: All board sizes, especially if it's your first Hamboards setup

HST 55/20 "Pump and Glide" - The Growing Favorite

The Flow Specialist

Here's something interesting: this setup has the same turning radius as the 40/40, but the center of turning shifts under your rear foot, completely changing the ride feel. Instead of balanced power, you get that swimmy, flow-focused experience that prioritizes style over aggression. Sales have been growing significantly, especially on boards 60" and under where that flowy, surf-inspired feeling really shines.

Perfect for surfskate riders: You can achieve the same forward force vectors and pumping efficiency you're used to, but with fully coordinated lean and turn that feels more like actual surfing. Unlike dual-pivot surfskates, the HST system requires more board lean and engages authentic board sport biomechanics - creating a more genuine connection to surfing, snowboarding, and other lean-based sports.

Best For: Riders focused on flow, style, surf-like carving, and surfskate riders seeking more authenticity
Works Great On: Boards 60" and under where the flow character dominates

HST 40/20 "Cruise and Flow" - The Smooth Operator

The Graceful Cruiser

This is where longer boards truly come alive. Less aggressive than the 40/40 but more dynamic than pure flow setups, the 40/20 delivers smooth, controlled carving that feels completely manageable. It's become the favorite among riders who love their Pingers and Classics, offering that perfect balance of performance and grace that longer boards were born for.

Best For: Riders seeking controlled performance without aggressive snap
Works Great On: Boards over 60", especially the Pinger and Classic models

HST 55/0 "Cross-step Noserider" - The Specialist

The Traditional Log

This is the most specialized setup in our lineup, primarily designed for skate paddle users who want to pump efficiently while giving their arms a rest from paddling. The locked rear end provides maximum stability and the most efficient pumping platform when you need it. While it can certainly be used for traditional longboard riding, its sweet spot is really in the skate paddle world.

Best For: Skate paddle users needing efficient pumping capability
Works Great On: Any board when paired with skate paddle technique

Making Your Decision

New to longboarding? Don't jump straight into the HST 40/40, even though it's our classic setup. Start with the HST 40/0 to build confidence, then progress to HST 40/20 as your skills develop.

Coming from surfskating? The HST 55/20 gives you the pumping efficiency you expect while adding that authentic lean-and-turn coordination that transfers directly to surfing and other board sports.

Experienced with longboarding but new to Hamboards? The HST 40/40 delivers that signature Hamboards experience, but if you prefer a more controlled feel, the HST 40/20 is an excellent choice.

Have a board 60" or under and love flow? The HST 55/20 is experiencing huge growth for good reason - it transforms shorter boards into surf-inspired flow machines.

Riding a longer board and want something smooth? The HST 40/20 has developed a passionate following among Pinger and Classic riders who appreciate its graceful, controlled character.

Using a skate paddle? The HST 55/0 is purpose-built for your needs, giving you efficient pumping when you need a break from paddling.

Easy Upgrades and Experimentation

The beauty of HST trucks is their complete compatibility. You can upgrade by purchasing different baseplates to change your angles, or buy complete truck sets for the easiest swap. Many riders start with one configuration and gradually build a collection as their skills and preferences evolve.

Complete trucks are the simplest way to experiment - just swap them out and experience an entirely different board personality. Individual baseplates are perfect for fine-tuning your existing setup as you progress.

Your Setup Journey Starts Here

Remember, choosing your HST setup is often a journey, not a destination. Most riders progress through different configurations as their skills develop and they discover their preferred riding style. The modular design means you're never locked into one choice - you're building a system that can grow with you.

Ready to find your perfect setup? Whether you're starting with that confidence-building HST 40/0 or jumping straight into the flow-focused HST 55/20, your ideal configuration is waiting to transform your ride.