Paris trucks have long been a staple in the longboarding world. Their cast trucks have been a go-to for riders seeking a reliable and responsive setup at an accessible price point. In 2015, Paris introduced the forged Savant trucks, aiming to deliver precision performance with the familiar feel of their cast counterparts. But do the Paris Savant trucks live up to the hype, and are they worth the investment? This review dives deep into the Savants, exploring their differences from the cast versions, their performance, and whether they’re the right choice for your riding style.
Specs
- Available baseplate angles: 43° and 50°
- Available widths: 165mm and 180mm
- Construction: Forged
- Ride Height: 43° – 62.5mm and 50° – 65mm
- Rake: 3mm
- Included: Precision tophat washers, 96A slop stoppers, pivot cup, 90A urethane bushings, and machined speed rings.
Key Differences from Cast Paris Trucks
- Tighter bushing seat for enhanced stability
- Race-inspired cylindrical pivot pin for smoother turning
- Forged construction for increased strength and durability
- CNC finish for precise fit and minimal slop
Paris Savant Performance Analysis
Initial Impressions
Switching to the Paris Savants, the immediate difference was noticeable. The trucks offered precise turning, smooth slide initiation, and consistent hook-up. They felt stable at speed and significantly reduced twitch compared to standard cast trucks, especially when encountering road imperfections. The Savants inspired confidence, making transitions between sliding and gripping more defined and controllable, which led to faster stand-up slides and longer slide duration. This quick progression was remarkable, surpassing previous experiences with other trucks.
Paris Savant trucks
Stability
These trucks are exceptionally stable. They have been tested at speeds up to 80kph/50mph and remained remarkably solid and comfortable. This stability is due to the tighter bushing seat, slop stoppers, cylindrical pivot, and the precision CNC finish. The CNC finish ensures a precise fit between all parts, eliminating slop that can cause twitching and wobbling. This precision means less effort is needed to maintain control at high speeds, which is crucial for safety. While wobbles are still possible, the Savants are more forgiving, making it easier to skate fast with confidence.
The combination of a tighter bushing seat, slop stoppers, and the cylindrical pivot ensures that the truck operates as a cohesive unit, minimizing dead zones and slop, which are essential for stability at high speeds.
Turning Performance
Despite a 43° baseplate, these trucks turn remarkably well, even outperforming 44° Caliber trucks in responsiveness. The turn is smooth, consistent, and doesn’t feel twitchy or resistant. The responsive nature of the trucks is enhanced by the cylindrical pivot and the rake, which work together to provide a unique turning experience.
Rake’s Effect on Turning
The rake, or the forward bend in the hanger, changes the turning characteristics of the truck. Unlike rakeless trucks that lean and turn at a 1:1 ratio, raked trucks turn less initially and then turn more significantly as you lean further. This allows for accessible turning through rake, a significant advantage over rakeless trucks, where you might need to compensate with higher truck angles for better turning. While rakeless trucks offer more stability, the raked Savants provide better control and maneuverability.
The Impact of the CNC’d Pivot
The pivot pin plays a crucial role in how a truck steers. The Paris Savant’s race-inspired cylindrical pivot design ensures better contact with the pivot cup. This results in a smoother, more consistent turn and precise steering control. The cylindrical pivot pin reduces twitching and wobbling during turns, enhancing the overall confidence in the ride. Compared to the teardrop shape found in many cast trucks, the cylindrical design improves the contact area between the pin and pivot cup, leading to a more fluid experience.
Paris Savant bushing seat
Slide Performance
The Savants offer a linear feel during slides, providing a controlled and predictable experience. They don’t twitch, making it easy to maintain slides for extended periods. The trucks strike an ideal balance between grip and slip, allowing for controlled slides when desired and reliable grip when needed. The forgiving nature of these trucks helps you push your limits without fear of high-siding or low-siding, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.
Ideal Riding Styles
- Downhill: The stability, precise turning, and smooth slide performance make these trucks ideal for downhill riding at speeds exceeding 40mph/75kph.
- Freeriding: The Savants excel at initiating slides and maintaining control during long slides, providing excellent feedback and responsiveness.
- Dancing: The trucks turn quickly and smoothly, and their strength ensures long-term reliability for dancing and freestyle maneuvers.
- Cruising and Carving: Despite being a premium option, the Savants offer exceptional turning and responsiveness for a superior cruising and carving experience.
Durability
The forged construction of the Savants ensures they are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They are more robust than most CNC-machined precision trucks and are likely to withstand heavy use, including being run over by a car. With proper maintenance, including replacing bushings and pivot cups when needed, these trucks are an investment that will likely last the duration of a skater’s career.
Recommended Setups
For freeriding, a symmetrical setup with an 87a barrel bushing on top and an 87a barrical bushing on the bottom is recommended. For downhill, a 43/28 setup with 85a bushings in the front and 93a bushings in the back, with flat washers all around, provides excellent stability, turning, and slide performance. Paris Savant trucks are also compatible with Randal baseplates, offering additional customization options.
Who Should Consider the Paris Savant?
If you consistently skate around 40mph and seek to push your speed limits, the Paris Savants are an ideal choice. They provide the performance and stability necessary for consistent high-speed skating. Advanced beginners looking to improve their skills will also appreciate the enhanced performance and control these trucks offer, helping them safely explore new challenges.
However, complete beginners are better off starting with the more affordable cast versions of the Paris trucks to learn the basics before upgrading to a premium truck like the Savants.
Final Verdict
The Paris Savant trucks are a worthwhile investment for serious longboarders. Despite their higher price, they offer an exceptional blend of precision, stability, and durability. They bridge the gap between cast and precision trucks, delivering high-end performance at a relatively reasonable cost. The Paris Savants perform exceptionally well across various disciplines, from downhill to cruising. If you’re seeking an upgrade that will elevate your skating experience, these are the trucks to consider.
Paris Savant trucks on a board
You can find them on the Loaded Boards website here.
