The Aera P2 trucks present a seemingly simple design, but don’t let that fool you. These precision trucks pack a punch in performance. This review will delve into their specs, on-road feel, and why they stand out in the market.
A Deep Dive into the Aera P2
Key Specifications
- Baseplate Angles: Available in 50°, 46°, 42°, and 30° options
- Width Options: 120mm, 124mm, 130mm, and 140mm
- Material: Precision CNC cut Aluminum
- Rake: 5mm
- Price: Approximately $500
What Makes the P2s Unique?
In the realm of precision trucks, narrow widths are becoming increasingly popular. Many companies have gravitated towards designs around 120mm, often incorporating slop-stopping systems like urethane inserts or queen pins, and often pairing them with a trailing link rear hanger or asymmetrical rake designs.
The Aera P2, however, takes a different approach. While they are narrow, they lack the extra “slop-stopping” systems or asymmetrical designs. They resemble a standard RKP truck but in a narrower form. This begs the question: why has Aera chosen this less-is-more approach?
This review seeks to determine if Aera’s design choices lead to a high-performing truck that rivals others in the market and addresses user experience.
Performance Summary
The Aera P2 is a standout performer within its narrow width category. These trucks offer a stable ride with a strong center, eliminating unwanted slop due to a tight bushing seat, thick pivot cup, and thin pivot. The P2s facilitate smooth, direct, and consistent turns, enhancing the overall riding experience.
These trucks are excellent for carving, providing a secure feel and delivering the rider awesome lines, smooth slides, and controlled stand-up slides.
Aera P2 on rocket micro
It’s important to note these trucks are not designed for slalom-style downhill setups with extremely short wheelbases. The Aera P2s are intended to provide a narrower truck option, allowing the wheels to sit more directly under your feet and board. This design makes them suitable for riders looking to bridge the gap between freeride and downhill, accommodating both wide downhill and narrower freeride wheels.
Although the P2s are expensive, they are a worthwhile investment for those seeking a narrow truck that does not require commitment to a specific style of riding, like the slalom DH category. The addition of adjustability would make this truck a true bridge between downhill and freeride.
Setup Configuration
The Aera P2s were tested on a Landyachtz Freedive deck, paired with a variety of DH and freeride wheels.
Aera P2 on Landyachtz freedive
Here’s a breakdown of the specific setup:
- Deck: Landyachtz Freedive
- Wheelbase: 23.5 inches
- Grip tape: 60 grit Lokton
- Trucks: Aera P2
- Front Baseplate Angle: 46°
- Rear Baseplate Angle: 30°
- Bushings:
- Front: 78a/78a Venom
- Rear: 93a/93a Venom
- Washers:
- Front: No BS/Flat small washer RS
- Rear: No BS/Copper washer RS
- Wheels: Various
Stability Analysis
The Aera P2 trucks provide a very stable ride, exhibiting a strong center that resists turning without direct input from the rider. This stability is particularly noticeable at higher speeds. While comparable in stability to trucks like the Rogues and Smokies, the trailing link systems on those trucks do provide an added layer of stability.
aera k5 30* plate with 10* dewedging
The P2s are exceptionally stable but do not quite match the rock-solid feeling of Smokies or Rogues when those are dewedged to 20 degrees.
Slop-Stopping Design
Despite not having an explicit “slop-stopping” system, the Aera P2 eliminates slop through its design; the large pivot cup, long pivot, and tight bushing seat work in tandem to provide a direct and responsive feel.
A close up of the Aera P2 hanger showing the roadside.
The lack of slop contributes to a solid center and a direct feel when engaging the trucks, though it should be noted that return to center is primarily dictated by the bushings.
A close up of the Aera P2 hanger showing the boardside.
Bushing Performance
The Aera P2s have a notable impact on the feel of bushings. Bushings, like Venoms, might feel like they have less rebound compared to other trucks. The P2s can make bushings feel softer, with a quicker and easier lean, and less return to center. This is not a major issue for general use, but riders might notice that the trucks respond a bit slower when going over road imperfections.
The Aera P2 46 degree baseplate.
This means higher rebound bushings perform better with the P2s.
Bushing Recommendations
Higher rebound bushings, such as Hardcore barrels, tend to perform better in the P2s. These bushings provide a smoother lean and turn, and a nice return to center while also handling bump steer effectively. Riders have also found success with Riptide and Venom SHR bushings, though the reviewer preferred the performance of Hardcore bushings.
Hardcore barrel bushings.
Turning Characteristics
The Aera P2s turn well, giving a direct feel with no slop, but the turning isn’t as quick as some other trucks on the market. The trucks don’t react immediately to input, offering a gradual dive into turns. Using an aftermarket Riptide pivot will produce a faster turn, but the reviewer found the stock pivot provided better support.
The Aera K5 truck with a Riptide pivot.
While not the quickest at diving into turns, the overall turning performance of the P2s is good and doesn’t negatively impact the riding experience. When compared to the Bear Smokies, the P2s are still considered quite quick.
Sliding Capabilities
The Aera P2s perform exceptionally well for sliding. They offer smooth and consistent engagement and disengagement, which greatly enhances the overall sliding experience.
Ride Height
The P2s have a lower ride height, enhancing stability and making transitions into slides smoother. The lower ride height also means that wedging the trucks does not dramatically increase the height of your setup. A riser might be useful depending on how your deck is mounted.
Value Proposition
The Aera P2s are a solid investment for riders seeking the benefits of a narrow truck without committing to the slalom DH category. These trucks position the wheels directly under your feet for a better riding experience, making them a high-performance option.
The Landyachtz Freedive deck.
The Aera P2s are suitable for riders who prefer wider wheels, while the 140mm option is a good fit for those who want a narrower setup.
Short Bushing Performance
Despite using short bushings, the P2s do not suffer any negative performance impacts. While short bushings can lead to a quicker end to lean and less turn on some trucks, the Aera P2s do not lack turning ability or lean. The short bushings provide the necessary end to the lean and make for a better performing truck in this situation.
Low Angle Plate Considerations
The Aera P2s do not come with a low-angle baseplate, which means they can’t match the performance of trucks like Slalom Rogues on very short wheelbases (21-23 inches). However, the P2s are not primarily intended for such short wheelbase setups.
Stand-Up Slides
The P2s are also great for stand-up slides.
Racing Suitability
The Aera P2s are suitable for racing. Riders can ride aggressively with great control and don’t feel held back by the trucks. While some adapting is needed due to slightly less turn compared to other trucks, it doesn’t limit racing performance.
Versatility
The Aera P2s allow for a seamless transition between hands-up and hands-down riding. They support hard stand-up riding and can easily switch to a grippier setup, offering exceptional versatility.
The author also expresses that the P2s are the type of trucks that he was looking for in his personal search, specifically for their ability to push his riding ability. These trucks are designed with a narrow width that greatly enhances performance.
A Landyachtz Freedive deck.
P2s are Narrow Trucks
The Aera P2s should not be compared to specialized slalom DH trucks. They are narrow trucks designed to optimize wheel placement under the board, enhancing the riding experience.
Areas for Improvement
The Aera P2 lacks a 20-degree baseplate and any adjustability. The inclusion of an adjustable hanger would elevate these trucks to an all-around powerhouse.
Maintenance Tip
To keep your trucks performing their best, make sure to keep the pivot cup lubricated with soap shavings or a lubricant of your choice, this will ensure the smoothest lean possible, and prevent any squeaking from a dry pivot cup.
The Aera K5 pivot.
Final Thoughts
The Aera P2 is a high-performing truck that has a simple design, these trucks work really well, especially if you know how to use them. The author’s hope is that the reader should pay attention to their riding style and how the P2 can match that.
