The Valkyrie Voxter MK3 precision downhill trucks are a unique design departure from traditional RKP trucks, sparking curiosity and debate within the longboarding community. Priced at $429, these trucks warrant a closer look to determine if their innovative design justifies the investment or if a more conventional downhill truck offers a better value. This review delves into the specifics of the Voxter MK3, examining their performance and suitability for various riding styles.
Specifications:
- Baseplate Angles: 45/45
- Hanger Width: 160-170mm
- Rake: 2mm
- Pivot: Riptide WFB Pivot
- Price: $429
Note: The MK3 series offers a range of hanger and baseplate options. Further details can be found on the Valkyrie website.
Valkyrie Voxter Review: Unpacking the Hype
Initial impressions of the Voxters might not be immediately overwhelming. While many riders passionately endorse their stability and performance, the nuances of these trucks become apparent only after extended use.
Valkyrie Voxter MK3 precision trucks
The Voxters don’t exhibit a dramatic difference in feel initially. However, subtle yet significant improvements emerge with time. After several months of riding, their stability, smooth lean, sharp turning capabilities, and consistency at the edge of the lean become undeniable. These trucks have proven instrumental in building confidence for attempting faster stand-up slides.
While not without drawbacks, particularly in the initial setup process, the overall performance of the Valkyrie Voxter MK3 justifies the hype. These trucks are a testament to Valkyrie’s innovative design and commitment to quality.
Prism Cole Trotta Pro Model with Valkyrie Voxter MK3 precision trucks
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that the reviewer typically prefers narrower trucks with low-angle rear baseplates for hands-down skating. This review primarily focuses on their performance in freeriding and stand-up slides.
What Sets the Voxter Apart?
The Voxter’s unique design, with its distinct baseplate and hanger, is unlike any other truck on the market. This innovative design is even patented, raising the question: does the unique design equate to superior performance, or is it merely a marketing gimmick?
Valkyrie Voxter truck baseplate
Having been aware of these trucks since 2017, there was anticipation to test if they truly live up to their reputation. Ultimately, firsthand experience is essential, and this review seeks to answer if the Voxters are a gimmick, and if their performance justifies the hype.
Voxter trucks with bushings
Turning Dynamics
The Valkyrie Voxters don’t offer an excessive degree of turn, which can be noticeable at slower speeds. However, this characteristic proves beneficial at higher speeds, providing ample turning for downhill runs.
Riding Voxter precision trucks
These trucks emphasize lean over turn, requiring a significant lean to access their full turning potential. This lean-heavy characteristic feels closer to a 40-degree truck than a 45-degree one, and using a riser can increase the turning responsiveness. The reduced turning also contributes to the truck’s notable stability.
Stability at Speed
The Voxters are inherently stable and feel exceptionally solid at speed. They feature a center point, but it does not feel restrictive. Instead, it offers a stable base that is easy to transition from, making it easier to initiate turns without feeling locked in.
The balance and weight distribution are still crucial, but the forgiving nature of the center point allows riders to feel confident at speed. The center can also be enhanced with specific truck setups, allowing for a customizable riding experience.
Longboard tuck on Valkyrie Voxter trucks
The Unique “Center” Feel
Unlike other trucks that use inserts or queen pins to create a defined center, the Voxter’s center is inherent to its design. This allows for a more natural feel, where the truck isn’t forced into position.
The transition off the center is very smooth and controlled. This lack of resistance at the initial point of lean is a key characteristic that sets the Voxters apart from other precision trucks. The return to center is entirely managed by the bushings, without assistance from inserts or queen pins.
Voxter trucks baseplate
The center of the Voxters feels like a smoother, less rigid version of a spherical insert. This design makes the truck a good choice for riders who value a stable center and the ability to smoothly transition into turns.
Leaning Capabilities
The Voxters offer exceptional lean, allowing riders to access a deep lean without feeling limited. However, controlling this extensive lean is essential. Without proper setup, the lean can feel excessive and impact the ability to execute stand-up slides effectively.
Valkyrie Voxter review – 160-170mm MK3 precision trucks
Traditional Lean Control
Most trucks use bushing seats, urethane inserts, or low-rebound pivots to control lean, offering support and resistance.
Voxter’s Approach to Lean Control
The Voxters rely primarily on a small stepped bushing seat and a high-duro, low-resistance pivot (95a WFB Riptide pivot). The pivot contributes minimal feedback, making the bushing setup critical to managing the extensive lean.
Voxter trucks roadside bushing seat
The bushing seat on the MK3’s provides some support but the unique design requires the bushings to handle most of the lean control. Earlier iterations of the Voxter had shallower bushing seats, leading to riders using super hard bushings to compensate.
Voxter trucks boardside bushing seat
Because of this design, bushings play a crucial role in controlling support, resistance, feedback, and the return to center. Therefore, higher rebound or voluminous bushings are needed to get the best performance.
Setting Up the Voxters for Optimal Performance
To optimize the performance of the Voxter trucks, a departure from traditional downhill setups is often required. This may involve trying new and different setups to find the perfect feel.
Voxter trucks roadside bushing seat with an 87a venom bushing
Bushing Selection
Lower rebound bushings, like HPF Venoms, do not perform well in these trucks. They tend to flop over without providing adequate resistance or support. High-rebound bushings, on the other hand, excel in the Voxters.
Riptide Krank 90a barrel
Bushings from brands like Riptide (Krank), Venom (SHR), Powell-Peralta (Hardcore), and Ronin have all shown good results due to their higher rebound.
HPF Venoms can work if you use harder durometers or more voluminous shapes. For example, combining an HPF barrel with a Venom Keg on the boardside can provide a more gradual lean.
Venom 87a Keg bushings
Most riders prefer a combination of a tall barrel and a keg, for example, an 87a barrel roadside and an 87a keg boardside.
Short bushings, used with a bushing shim, can also be effective for a quicker end to the lean.
Valkyrie Voxter review – Voxter trucks with a keg bushing boardside and a barrel bushing roadside
Personal Setup
For the reviewer, higher rebound bushings like Ronins (92A fruit punch) are preferred. When using Venom HPFs, a Keg board side is required.
Sliding Performance
The consistency of the slide on the Valkyrie Voxters is remarkable. The predictability and consistent feel at the edge of traction are unique to these trucks.
Heelside slide on longboard
While rider skill and proper setup are still critical, the trucks offer a consistent feeling at the point just before breaking into a slide. This consistency is one of the characteristics that set these trucks apart.
Mounting Considerations
The Voxters do not perform well when flush-mounted. To experience their best performance, flush mounting needs to be avoided.
Drawbacks of the Voxter Trucks
Setup Complexity
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Voxters is the difficulty in dialing them in, especially for new users. The need to approach setup with a new mindset can make the process confusing and frustrating without the help of experienced Voxter riders.
Limited Pivot Options
The limited pivot options, specifically the Riptide 95a pivot, can also be a drawback. A 97a Venom pivot might offer a more gradual and controlled lean.
Voxter truck pivot tube
A modified Rogue pivot showed potential for a more gradual lean, suggesting that a wider variety of pivots could benefit the Voxters.
Rogue 93a pivot tube wrapped in duct tape
Voxter pivot pin
A Shift in Perspective
Initial rides on the Voxters did not impress the reviewer. However, with time, the subtle advantages of these trucks became increasingly apparent. The consistency in slides, stability, and smooth transitions off the center are key attributes that make them special.
Valkyrie Voxter review
The unique aspects of the Voxters manifest over time, leading to a greater appreciation for their design and performance.
Conclusion: Are the Valkyrie Voxters Worth It?
This review has been an in-depth exploration of the Valkyrie Voxter MK3 precision longboard trucks. While the Voxters have a steep learning curve and a challenging setup process, their unique characteristics and consistent performance make them worth the investment for serious riders. The subtle yet impactful improvements become more apparent with extended use.
Ultimately, the Valkyrie Voxter MK3 are more than just a set of trucks; they are a unique riding experience that demands attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. If you’re looking for something different and are willing to put in the time to dial them in, the Valkyrie Voxter MK3 might be the perfect choice for your riding style.
