Selecting the right skateboard trucks is crucial for your riding experience, and with options like Thunder, Independent, and Venture, it can be tough to decide. There isn’t a single “best” option, as each brand caters to different skating styles and preferences. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the perfect trucks for your needs.
The ideal truck for you depends heavily on where you skate, your personal style, and what feels best under your feet. It’s not about which brand is “better,” but rather which one aligns best with your unique skating. Let’s delve into the specifics to help you make an informed decision.
Independent Trucks: King of the Skatepark and Transition
Independent trucks compared
Independent trucks, often called “Indys,” are a top choice for skaters who frequent skateparks and transition areas. Their robust build and responsive turning make them ideal for technical skating, bowls, and ramps. If you’re looking for reliable trucks that can handle the demands of park skating while still being versatile enough for street sessions, Indys are a solid choice. Many skaters find their turning to be sharp and predictable once you get past a certain lean, making them great for carving and maintaining control.
Thunder Trucks: The Street Skater’s Responsive Choice
Thunder Trucks Team Edition
Thunder trucks have earned a reputation for their quick responsiveness and excellent grinding capabilities. They’re a popular pick among street skaters because of their ability to make fast, last-second corrections during technical tricks. However, this quick response comes at the cost of durability. Thunder trucks tend to wear down faster compared to Indys due to their lighter build and less material around the kingpin. If quick turns and flick tricks are your priority, Thunders might be the trucks for you despite the reduced longevity.
Venture Trucks: Stable and Reliable for Mini Ramps and Bowls
Venture Trucks
Venture trucks are praised for their stability, making them a great choice for skaters who prefer mini ramps, bowls, and verts. While they might not turn as sharply as Indys, they offer a solid, grounded feel, which is especially beneficial for older skaters who value stability and smooth transitions. Venture offers both low and high trucks, with high versions being better suited for transition skating. Compared to Thunder, Ventures are more durable, making them a good middle ground between the quick response of Thunder and the longevity of Independent.
Turning and Carving: How Do They Compare?
It’s commonly believed that Independent trucks turn better, while Thunders are less responsive. While there’s some truth to that, it’s more accurate to say that Indys offer a sharper turn once a certain threshold is crossed. Thunders are more responsive and allow for quicker adjustments. So, if you prefer immediate response, go with Thunders. If you favor more controlled, sharp turns, Indys might be your preference.
Stability: Which Truck Is Most Stable?
Many skaters find Ventures to be the most stable option, even when compared to Indys and Thunders. This added stability makes them great for mini ramps and those who prefer a more grounded feel. While preference is subjective, the general consensus is that Ventures offer a higher degree of stability, often because they are stiffer and have harder stock bushings.
Grinding Performance: Which Truck Is Best?
While Thunder trucks are known to grind well, they wear down faster than others. Ventures fall in the middle, and Independent trucks are the slowest to wear down due to having more metal. Indys are especially great for ledges because of the extra metal on the trucks, which creates grooves for locking in. While Thunders may be a top choice for many skaters for grinding, they often require replacement after those grooves become worn out.
Weight Difference: Does It Matter?
While some skaters claim that lighter trucks make flips easier, there’s no concrete evidence to back this claim. Most of this belief is simply confirmation bias. Generally, Independent trucks are the heaviest, and Thunder trucks are the lightest. If you prioritize a lighter setup, consider Tensor trucks as they are known for being the lightest skateboard trucks available.
Height Difference: Low vs. High Trucks
There is no standardization for truck heights, meaning a low Venture truck could be similar in height to a mid or high Thunder truck. Thunder typically has the lowest “high” trucks, and Venture has the highest, with Indys landing somewhere in the middle. Whether you prefer low or high trucks is subjective, so choosing between the two is a matter of preference and riding style.
Mounting Hole Durability: A Potential Issue
Aggressive skating, especially when grinding curbs and jumping stairs, can stretch the mounting holes on your trucks. When this occurs, it creates an unstable feel. Unfortunately, there isn’t a fix for this, and you’ll need to replace the trucks. Since Thunders wear down faster, their mounting holes are more prone to stretching, so this is something to consider.
Pricing and Overall Durability: What’s Best Value?
Venture trucks are the most budget-friendly option, with Independent trucks being the most expensive, and Thunder trucks falling in the middle. Independent trucks tend to last the longest due to their robust build. If durability is your top priority, investing in a pair of Independent trucks, especially titanium versions, could save you money in the long run. If you’re on a tight budget or you quickly wear out your trucks, Venture offers a good balance of stability and durability at a lower price point.
Alt text: A pair of new Independent Stage 11 polished standard skateboard trucks displayed on a white background, showcasing their classic design and robust construction.
Alt text: A new set of Venture polished skateboard trucks, 5.6 Hi, displayed on a white background, highlighting their high profile and sleek, reflective finish.
Alt text: A pair of polished Thunder Hi 147 skateboard trucks, shown on a white background, emphasizing their lightweight design and clean, reflective finish.
Stock Bushings: How Important Are They?
Most stock bushings require a break-in period to perform optimally. Many skaters immediately swap out stock bushings for their preferred ones. When you’re starting out, the type of bushings isn’t of major importance, but you’ll learn your preferences as you gain experience. In terms of hardness, Venture bushings are the hardest, Thunder bushings are the softest, and Independent falls in the middle.
Hollows and Titanium: Do They Really Make a Difference?
While hollow and titanium trucks are lighter, the difference in performance is negligible for most skaters. However, some skaters choose these trucks for aesthetic reasons or to support the brands they like. If budget is a concern, standard or hollow trucks are just as good as titanium, and you can use that money to upgrade your wheels, bearings, or deck.
Deck Type and Wheelbase: Often Overlooked
The type of deck you ride and your skateboard’s wheelbase can impact performance. The space between your mounting bolts and the curve of your nose and tail can affect how the board performs. For example, the wheel placement on Thunder trucks positions wheels further out, while Indys position wheels further in, with Venture again being in the middle. These minor differences can affect turning radius and overall feel. However, it’s important not to overthink these aspects. Focus on practicing and building muscle memory.
The Final Verdict: Personal Preference Rules
Choosing skateboard trucks is a personal decision. There’s no universal “best” brand, and it ultimately comes down to your unique skating style and preferences. It’s best to try out a variety of trucks, if possible, and see which ones feel the best for you. All three brands – Venture, Independent, and Thunder – offer high-quality products that will last a long time, depending on your skating style. Don’t feel pressured to conform to any one brand, experiment, and discover what works best for your needs.
Ruben vee
