When the world hit pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to hobbies or creative outlets to pass the time. For Mike Sinclair—a longtime skateboarding team manager and industry insider—that downtime sparked something bigger. Faced with the choice between learning Japanese or launching a new skateboard truck company, Sinclair chose the latter. Thus, Slappy Trucks was born.
Slappy Trucks officially began development in 2020, right in the thick of global lockdowns. Sinclair, who had spent decades working with top-tier skate brands and skaters, saw an opportunity to create something that addressed long-standing issues in truck design. He dove deep into R&D, experimenting with every component imaginable—hangers, baseplates, bushings, kingpins, turning radii, and grind clearance. The result was a line of trucks that offered uncompromised turning ability and superior grind clearance.
The company operates independently, with Sinclair running things out of his garage. There’s no corporate backing, no flashy headquarters—just a skater making gear for skaters.
Slappy Trucks quickly gained attention for their thoughtful engineering and rider-focused design. Here’s what sets them apart:
Three distinct models:
ST1 Standard: Solid axle and kingpin for maximum strength.
ST1 Hollow: Lighter version with hollowed-out components.
ST1 Hollow Inverted: Premium model with inverted kingpin for even more grind clearance.
Ultra Low Profile Options: Recently, Slappy introduced ultra-low inverted hollow kingpin trucks, pushing innovation even further.
Durability & Performance: Riders report smooth grinds, stable manuals, and impressive wear resistance—even under heavy use.
Slappy Trucks isn’t just about hardware—it’s about community. The brand has built a solid team of riders, most notably:
Cordano Russell: Olympic skateboarder and street powerhouse. His addition to the team in early 2025 marked a major milestone for Slappy, signaling their commitment to supporting elite talent.
“Never Heard of Em” Video Series: Slappy has showcased a diverse crew of up-and-coming skaters in their video content, including Abner Pietro, Curtis Fontenot, Christian Hall, and many more. These videos highlight raw talent and the inclusive spirit of the brand.
Slappy Trucks continues to evolve and expand. Here’s what they’re up to:
New Product Drops: The brand recently launched ultra-low profile trucks and teased a collaboration with Toy Machine—Cordano Russell’s board sponsor.
Growing Distribution: Slappy is working with distributors like Nineteen76 to get their trucks into more shops globally.
Community Engagement: Through social media, video content, and direct communication, Sinclair keeps the brand grounded and connected to skaters.
Slappy Trucks isn’t trying to dethrone the giants of the truck world. Instead, it’s carving out its own lane—one built on authenticity, innovation, and a deep love for skateboarding. Whether you’re a curb crusher or contest killer, Slappy offers something fresh, functional, and fun.
As Sinclair himself put it: if the company ever runs out of money, it’s not going out of business—it’s just on pause. That kind of resilience and honesty is exactly why Slappy Trucks is more than just another brand. It’s a movement.
SLAPPY Trucks Presents “SPICY”
Aaron Pike for SLAPPY trucks
Abner Pietro for SLAPPY Trucks
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