Independent Titanium 149 Review

[@itzzleftyy]

I just wanna say Ben, thank you for what you are doing and please keep doing what you are doing

[@Z33dott]

I agree with this guy ^

[@kristopherstegavik3741]

For real tho

[@Yetieddie]

Titanium Indy's have really changed the game when it comes to flip tricks on bigger boards. I ride an 8.38 with Indy 149 Titaniums and it rides like an 8 with the stability of an 8.4. I love them!

[@rosscauvel8481]

Have you ever tried 144's on the 4.38? I was thinking about doing that.

[@benpollard9854]

@@rosscauvel8481 personaly I would stick to size ratings from the manufacturer u can find them from just looking it up if you didn’t know

[@idmhead0160]

@@benpollard9854 @Ross Cauvel Indy's website says 144 is for decks from 8.0 to 8.5. The axel width is 8.25. Or, you could go with 149 which is 8.5 axel width and recommended for 8.25 to 8.75 decks. 8.375 is 8 and 3/8. So, you are only 1/8 inch + or - on either one you pick. If you do a lot of grinds, my thought is that you're better off width the 8.5 trucks. Better stability, like Ben said in the video. Maybe 144s are better for flip tricks. Also, if you think you may be moving up or down deck sizes in the future, that may help you decide.

[@benpollard9854]

@@idmhead0160 if your going for a 8.25 deck and bigger just get 149mm or if you are wanting to get smaller go with 144 (I’m getting a 8.25 deck and 148 trucks

[@idmhead0160]

@@benpollard9854 I currently have 3 Mini Logo decks. 8" with Indy 139s. 8.25" with Indy 144s. 8.5" with Indy 149s. I also have an Element 7.75" deck from about 20 years ago with Indy 129s. And a 9.5" Ray Barbie deck from around 1990 with ancient Thunders. I just ordered some Indy 159 hollows for that board. So, I pretty much have most sizes to experiment with. I used to skate back in the 80s. Back then the boards were around 10". At the time I didn't really know there even were different size trucks. I think I mostly skated Thunders back then. Though, I would get other random hand me downs. I think I may have had some Indys and some Ventures. Currently, I'm skating the 8.25 which is decent. I got the 8 first after having the 7.75. I don't like either of those. Too damn small. I'm hoping to settle on the 8.5 with the 149s. I haven't touched that one yet though. I want to beat up the 8.25 some more. Skate One's inventory is for the most part non-existent at this point. So, I want to make what I have last. At this point, I don't really care that much about flip tricks, which is pretty much the only reason I would want to skate a smaller deck. I was able to ollie over 5 boards interlocked vertically on a 10" board back in the 80s. So, if I can't ollie on an 8.5, the problem isn't the board. It's the fact that I'm old over the hill #$%^. The main reason I got the 159s is to test ollies on a legacy board and compare to the new. My favorite board from the 80s was a Kele Roscrans board, which I saw the re-released. So, I may get one of those at some point just to see what I can do ollie-wise with it, because I know for a fact, I was able to ollie well on that setup. I don't think I was ever too impressed with the old Ray Barbie deck. I lost the Roscrans deck when it got away from me while skating on the lake front in Chicago. Flew into Lake Michigan in early spring. Wasn't willing to go in after it and go into shock.

[@waynebarnette1435]

I ride Indy 149s and a 8.5 deck... and I absolutely love the 149s🤘🤘

[@SosaInk]

Wayne Barnette same!

[@ArkhamDrifter]

Me three.

[@scrumfy.7069]

im getting an 8.25, think theyd be too big for it?\

[@medievalshadows2836]

@@scrumfy.7069 yeah.. i ride 8.5 with 159s indys titaniums

[@scrumfy.7069]

MedievalShadows i just bought 149s and put them on my 8.18 deck, so far much better than my thunder 144’s!

[@somguy5035]

6:18 The aural and haptic feedback from grinding is what I always miss most about skating There's nothing else like it

[@unamarmotta2]

Ben I genuinely appreciate what you are doing. I'm half your age and don't nearly improve as much as you do in one year. Truly inspirational, keep it going man!!!!!! Much love from italy

[@shin7623]

i don't know why but when i saw you skate that perfect concrete qp with those carpenter pants on, I was so stoked you looked like a true og! haha with the tricks to boot

[@JaxBeach2NewportBch]

Shin agreed!!!

[@loveasapologetics]

I love your videos man. I'm a 29 year old veteran trying to skate again so it's nice to see older guys! Also you're just so dang pleasant to listen to! Love your demeanor man. Look forward to the next video!

[@laurentlethien]

Goals! Im 39 and getting back at it after a 20 year break. Really wished i never stopped. Great motivation! Damn I wish Montreal had west coast winters 😅

[@kelsangpadrosa8159]

Same here!!! 😅

[@vancouverbill]

@@kelsangpadrosa8159 you guys have much better and more indoor parks though. Vancouver is milder but it sure does rain a lot!

[@robleymcdonnell]

Sleeper amazing tricks in this one: noseblunt in the middle of the ledge and a switch smith which is VERY rare. I set myself up a christmas complete and have been skating a granite ledge ONLY for butchness and crook marks.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Last week was amazing! I went for a skate every day, something I haven't done in far too long.

[@Dieozam]

Your videos are really enjoyable to watch! Full in depth reviews with a good attitude? What more can you ask for!

[@jjpoltergeist]

I recently bought a pair of 149s forged hollows, I can’t wait for my current trucks to be toast so I can get the new Indies on! Great video as always :)

[@spenserak]

"How easy they are to skate, for a 149" - exactly. I always liked skating 8" indys, but want 149s for larger boards. Titaniums are the best I've had (technically, since '92!).. Especially love them on "cruisers," which I still skate like normal. Used to ride 61/62mm 78a on those, which were fine in terms of weight, but not always ideal for many things. Switched to rough rider 56s when they came out & love them. They're already lighter, but paired with titaniums, my roughly 9" deck has never been easier to skate. I've always liked Thunder too, and have indy hollows that are great, but there's something about these that really do it. after almost 10 years, they completed my most ideal regular skate/cruiser hybrid to date. Always pair with bones bushings :)

[@dylanvandervelde7087]

That front nose blunt was really awesome

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

My Indy Titanium 169’s are my favorite truck right now. I can skate a 9.5 board in the streets like it’s a 8.3 with 144” Indy’s it’s almost the same weight maybe lighter. Love the strength of a Titanium Axel

[@alexandergoldman]

Nod of approval from the dude in the background @ 3:40.. nicely done sir

[@Viniskates]

Your skateboarding is so fluent and smooth, super jealous! great video as always!

[@matthewoshaughnessy]

Vini d

[@warhammer1]

fluid?

[@crispymemes9114]

@@warhammer1 you could also say that

[@Synathidy]

I just got a new set-up with these trucks, an 8.5 Pizza board with slightly wider length and 14.38 wheelbase, and some Ricta 54 mm 86a wheels Love the set-up, and the forged titanium indys are cool in that they are so light.

[@playpronerd]

Did you have to use risers pads?

[@GregAdamsEternal]

Just ordered 139 Titanium forged with red bushings (soft). Haven't skated in a good few years, really hyped to get back into things! Skate or Die :D

[@MirageTMNT80sOG]

Just a sweet suggestion but snowboard youtubers put details for their set ups in their video descriptions for all the gear used in the video. Would love to see you do that!

[@gaara10122]

I reference u in conversations almost every time I skate. Ur the man bro.

[@mulldriftyr]

you looked like clint eastwood at the end of the video. just needed a cigarillo and a spit and you were the true cowboy haha

[@bendegros]

:)

[@ozempictm5866]

😂 I agree

[@tristan3089]

I just got some independent 144s titaniums and before I skated thunder team 148s at first skating the independent trucks it felt horrible but now I love them more than the thunder trucks.

[@DouglasThompson]

Hey man! I dig your content and personality. I dont skate but I do ride bmx. I first saw your channel when it was in my recommendations for concrete ledge builds. Anyway, I enjoy your vids! :)

[@ArkhamDrifter]

Such a great review, thank you. I've been on the fence trying to decide between Thunder Ti vs. Indy Ti as a skate-anything truck for my 8.5" deck. After seeing this review I'm leaning towards the Indy's.

[@usafan96soren20]

I might as well try Indys, 1 and an half year with Thunders, is it time to change? Anyway great as always, much love from Italy ❤️ keep killing it Ben.

[@SKEEZOTHEREALSKEEZO]

I agree about thunder trucks and how they lock in/pinch. I've been skating thunders for the last 2 year's.

[@crispcaddy3064]

Ben that little quarter pipe is so money. Perfect size plus pool coping! Man of man I want that in my backyard!

[@ancientwestonian]

I only just realized on this video that you are Vancouver Carpenter, which I watched first a couple years ago for drywall tips. My mind connected the dots when you said you're skating in Vancouver, then you said you had to go to work and had your paint pants on. Shout out from another PNW skater/carpenter here in Seattle!

[@jeffwalker5847]

just bought an entire new setup today with 8.25 alltimers and a pair of these trucks but 144's. I was worried they wouldnt break in from my old indies and my usual 8 inch deck but after one session im very happy with them. Would recommend

[@Bl4ck0r4ng3]

awesome review, bought this trucks a month ago for this summers fresh setup. cant wait to try them out... and thanx for the specifics on what the truck is made of, super interesting for me=)

[@FunTangent]

I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and anyone who can skate there really impresses me.

[@Dieozam]

I have 144s and 139s of the titanium hollows and I couldn't recommend them enough! Only complaint I personally have is I wish the mounting holes were set further up so the trucks are brought closer together in terms of wheelbase. Best feeling trucks I've ever had.

[@tesone6783]

I have these with a flight pro 8.43" andy anderson deck. I love skateboarding.

[@JJ-rp5ck]

Got some after riding standards for years. Love them.

[@catch2297]

Please could we get some footage of skating the strange oblong thing at that park !

[@petrnykl420]

I have standard 149 and I just love them

[@prodigaljess]

Grinding IS awesome! One of my all-time favorite tricks ever! Great review, as always, Ben.

[@sethnicholls7861]

So my new 159 Hollow forged have WAY better kingpin clearence than my standard stage 11 159's. I still love both sets, but totally enjoying the new lighter Indy's alot! Stay RAD Ben, cheers.

[@JustinNagel-o4v]

Go to for reviews. Great detail and attention 👌 well done! 🇨🇦 here as well.

[@_....J........................]

Ben, as an older skater than you I just have to say I admire that you can skate in the cold. Whenever I try that, I pull my achilles tendon, which takes weeks to heal up. I blame the three or four pairs of Vans shoes that had to last the early to mid 90's for screwing up my heels and tendons!

[@bendegros]

Bummer! I can get achilles problems too. If I don't warm up slowly they can flare up. I had tendonitis as a kid from running and its always been a little bit of an issue.

[@bartcasto2240]

I have such difficulty with bluntslides idk what it is . Guess they dont like me Haha!! Another solid video man. Back in the day I just rode whatever deck I could get with some classy Grindkings. Now I'm older I love finding the perfect set up for my tech street , and my park set up. Definitely improved my skating! So thank you kindly .

[@ramseybones2635]

I got these trucks in a 149 for 8.25 and they feel awesome. I switched from 148 thunder titaniums

[@burna803]

I dont buy into the titanium truck stuff but indy standard 149s work for me... the perfect height, the way they carve when they turn on top of how they grind even on crusty curbs/ledges makes indys the perfect trucks...

[@matthewhiner4318]

It looks like nice skating weather hope it keeps up for a while I have already been skating inside on slippery skate lite . Thanks for reviewing the 149 titanium I am interested in trying them now (lighter and a little lower) love those feeble grinds.

[@andrewwillson6362]

Hi again from Sydney Australia, I'm tired and hungry and in pain lol slammed hard 3 days ago, lost some skin and my ankle is a funky colour but that's enough of me lol thank for the information and video

[@resqjack2772]

I find cold weather affects the pinch alot!

[@anttik7966]

This is an old comment but as the bushings get harder as its gets colder its harder to turn and pinch

[@cloakedgod3026]

Gotta make this investment, now that I’m skating bigger boards it’s like starting over again

[@uscrunch]

Best channel hands down 😊 cant wait to see ur mag light review

[@AnthonyTran]

I've been avoiding heavy trucks but now I'm curious. This could be the gateway to heavier trucks for me. Your butch grinds are truly asmr.

[@Bryan-kl5rr]

Inside the chamfert

[@bendegros]

😂

[@BobCorey]

Do the standards have more clearence because of the +1.5mm in ride height ? Or these just have longer kingpin screw? I am trying to find a low truck with good clearance and good turning…(and light if possible)

[@bizzlezip]

Hello Ben, please help me, i can't choose. I'm doubting between the 144 and 149 titanium for my 8.28 on 31.7 mason silva deck. Would you still choose the 149 s today or you prefer the 144s on such deck? I saw you had a jalopi cardiel deck with the same size. Looking forward to your reply and thank you for the effort you put in all those videos. Have a nice day

[@michaelskramii2245]

Ben, thank you very much for the review - very concise and informative. Much appreciated. Keep up the great work and content.

[@michaelskramii2245]

I forgot to mention, but I have a hack that I wanted to share with you with respect to bushings. I have always had problems with stock Indy bushings being a little stiff ( I am a light guy so I do not compress bushings all that much ). I also like to ride my trucks somewhat loose - better carving and all. Additionally, with the stock bushings I found that I could not tighten my trucks enough to engage the nylon portion of the locking kingpin nut while still having the trucks be loose enough to suit my riding style. In fact, I literally had my kingpin nut popping off when I did grinds. There are of course aftermarket bushings, but I found and economical and easy solution to hunting for the right durometer/fit aftermarket bushing. I take both the lower and upper bushing and sand them down on my grip tape ( about 2mm or so ). It would seem a small thing, but the reduction in stack height makes the crucial difference as I do not have to crank my trunks down that far to engage the nylon ring on the kingpin nut, and the shorter mod make the bushings a little more reactive as well - so I get good carve-ability and compression response.

[@kevingiesbrecht55]

I would love to see a review on Destructo trucks or let me know your opinion on them. Lately I've been thinkin of switchin trucks. I've been Skate or die Destructo trucks pretty much the whole 19 years I've been skating. I just don't wanna be disappointed with a next option of truck i buy.

[@soydave1988]

Destructo trucks feel similar to Indys in my experience. Thunders are excellent for quick turns and are noticably lighter than Indys or Destructos. They're also slightly lower than Indys. All I'm saying is that you'd like Indys or Thunders, just depends on if you prefer something standard height (Indy) or a tiny bit lower (Thunder)

[@arto9775]

Good to see you get a sesh man, it's been damp af everywhere here in Ireland lol I've skated twice in about 6 weeks, dying for a bit of dry weather.

[@mikesuarez5231]

make a video on How to find motivation for skating and finding skate pals😭

[@LunarBlues02]

Mike Suarez go to the park with some green and right after they take a hoot tell them they have to be your friend or you’ll syphon the thc out of their blood Works 69% of the time every time

[@TheEchelon]

Doc Bogle Nice

[@erichanhauser3190]

@@LunarBlues02 That is really funny. My comment was Just Go Skate. When I was a teen, you pretty much knew everybody that skated in your town but that was a really long time ago. I'm just glad Slappys are back. Almost did a back tailslide the other day. My hips & knees are ROACHED.

[@strat_1880]

But what if don't smoke?

[@emmanueljames8404]

"Yah double dipped the smith!!" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@_freedumb]

another great review, now i wanna try these too :) although i wished you compared them to the 149 hollows! seems like the same thing just a tiny bit heavier.. oh yeah nothing wrong with a muska flip ;)

[@ThanatosWings]

Thunder titanium hanger (for weight) with an Indy baseplate (for angle) ?

[@sponger-qo9wf]

just bought the 149, great review!

[@Bigpantz]

I’ve always got thunders, but just got some 139 Indy’s

[@emielmermans3299]

Try Oj wheels for your next review! Love your content Ben!❤️

[@njalseljeset7067]

Im thinking about buying 139 to my 8 board. Should i maybe go up one size?

[@moogish]

Doesn’t the axle stick out past the board with trucks at 149mm (8.5inch) & the board at 8.25? Should I try this with my new Anderson flight deck 8.45? I decided on independent Knox forged hollow 144. I want it set up for premo & premo slides.

[@HapsoroRenaldy]

you really helped a beginner skateboarder like me. thx

[@dw1384]

you're really good at skating yo. thanks for the review. might try these or just the hollows

[@TheBigSquidAZ]

I've been riding 159 titanium for like a year now

[@JaxBeach2NewportBch]

@bendegros (AKA PINCH GOD) Ben, thanks for all the posts you do. Here’s my conundrum: I’ve been wanting to buy 144 Indy Titanium’s. My 144 standards are 2 years old and they are the best I’ve ever ridden. All around. But then I noticed some skaters in footage... example: Andrew Reynolds in Made 2 rough cut, you clearly see his titaniums are shinier. This made me assume the hangar is titanium, however as you said it’s only the axel. So my questions are this: 1. Do you notice the hangar being more polished or shinier in person? 2. And if so, do you have any idea why it’s so much shinier? I know this is OCDish. 3. Lastly and most importantly, on skate warehouse or some big site, it claims that the Indy T’s are a slightly “slimmer, thinner profile than regular standard Indy stage 11’s. I ask this because I do prefer a thinner profile. And I think I do see it in the neck of the connection to baseplate to the pivot cup. If you could compare your titanium’s to your standards, I would be so appreciative of it! (4. Are all Canadians in Vancouver as nice as you are? I’ve surfed V Island and man it sure seems that way lol)

[@Hugo-gf4fl]

Would you think a independent 149 fits to an 8.25 deck?

[@DrLoudPacks]

Yes that’s what I have and that’s actually a hat he said his setup is in the beginning of the video

[@darylzepeda3512]

heck yea, thank you for all the review vids!

[@kevinlanus]

Your videos are great always. Ben!! do a review of a Destructo trucks!!!

[@acgwestsidesb6410]

I think tensor new terrain geometry UV mag light deserves to be reviewed first as it's lighter trucks in the world and magnesium slide is sooooo good👍. Looks like they fixed all previouse mistakes with tensor mags and finally make real top high end trucks for technical skateboarding. On pic the geometry looks remember me some of thunder geometry. And they advertised trucks have now more responsiveness finally 🙏

[@samwaarsenburg1249]

ACG Westspb sound pretty dope

[@OutlandishMojo]

@@acgwestsidesb6410 Just ordered some myself because of this. The original Tensors were designed specifically NOT to turn because that's how Rodney preferred it for flip tricks and manuals, but after years of people asking for better turn response they really dialed it in with these new ones. The fact that Daewon Song, one of the legendary big names riding for Tensor, rode without any top bushings in his front trucks and shaved his rear ones down should have clued them in to this earlier haha. Tensor doesn't always get it right, but they really do try and innovate and I respect that. I also firmly believe that the old model tensors were some of the best when it came to manuals.

[@vinceamir7236]

I got 144 titanium and really like the facts that they are lower, i feel that standard narrow indy 144 and 139 are too high for my liking, for a narrower trucks i prefer Venture and Thunder but when you go up ingy feel super good but the feel of grinding are always better on indy(smoothness of grind)

[@vinceamir7236]

@Gonz Wouldgo sorry you mean what by thinner profiled(width,heigth)

[@finishedskate]

Ben! You should make a video about slip axel or reasons your wheels could be tightening up. Don’t know if you’ve had that problem but if you have I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks dude!

[@mechanikjoe]

Awesome review! Makes me wanna go buy a pair lol Just an idea Ben, maybe have a referral link to an online shop for the item you're reviewing, in case supporters end up buying it based on your review? I'm not sure how that would work with the company, but sounds like it could!

[@chickenmanoktae]

Can you do a video about learning how to skate switch? Thanks

[@mushlove6933]

Jonas Conrad uhh its the same as regular... practice..

[@ashton35]

Basically starting over again. I learned how to do something with my left hand.. It took a few weeks to get the muscles developed, but it's totally possible now.. Haha.. Same as skating switch or nollie

[@jacobhall8237]

I have the same board as you and I am probably getting these trucks!

[@chriss.1593]

Pivot to fakie was beautiful.

[@kanescrimes4848]

They might not be super dipped, but they still look great.

[@MickyThunderV]

I just bought a pair. They look the same but don't have the Independent cross in front of the baseplate printed in. Are they still original?

[@joelstatosky1817]

Durable, Super light while not being overly light, and they look good. The really question is.... is there anything to ride other than indies?

[@howiseetheworld3581]

Nice review but would benefit hearing what size board you ride too!

[@ryanhingorani4019]

What ever happened to Indy Lows? i had a couple sets, and looking back, i think i did some of my best skating with them.

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

I thought I subscribed long ago ... Just saw the red SUBSCRIBE tab and couldnt hit it fast enough . Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family !

[@derekmccray9332]

what made this good video great was the camera stare at the end haha

[@davidwoloshun7882]

Good to know and sick skating thanks!

[@ramseybones2635]

I skate that same setup and it’s pretty good

[@oscarazaria2141]

Hey Ben, are these trucks the best option for a 8.25. Thank you love your videos!

[@bendegros]

144 would be better

[@oscarazaria2141]

Shit I already bought the 149s 😂 they seem pretty good tho and my local skate shop was sold out of the 144 but thanks for the response. Love the vids!

[@runswimplayball]

Ben great vid you should make another street vid like your last one.

[@AustinHartwig]

I can't back disaster for shit never have been... can only air into a back 5050 if I come at it with enough speed and winding up into it to get into it. When I get to the top of the coping I just retract my wind up by default... need some mega ramp type shit to get my hype up

[@danknaggs5200]

These seem sweet!

[@skatingbozo]

excuse me guy. where are your riser pads? Truck bolted directly to the wood? ive missed the last 7 years in the skating world. has something changed?

[@gonzo13ist]

I would like you to review Santa Cruz decks. I’m interested to hear your opinion in the deck.

[@bullred9498]

Vancouver Grizzlies deck design?

[@zackmeers3567]

Please do a how to pump around a bowl 2.0!! Some days I feel like I'm catching on and then other days I feel like I skated into glue 😩😩. I think it's the lines I take. Thanks Ben

[@aaronsweeney9253]

It’s funny, I had a pair of 159 titanium’s and I hated them. I ended up swapping them out for a pair of 169 standards which for some reason are easier for me to flip around. Still not sure why

[@B_Chanslor]

Ben...dude. You're so good! Like, do you get better at skating with every video? If so, stop it. Stop it now. Because its not fair. Oh yeah, you just convinced me to get some TI Indys. Thank you!

[@bendegros]

😂

[@22apoach]

Do you find a huge difference between Ti and the hollows ? On paper doesn’t seem like much of a difference.

[@bendegros]

I don't think there will be much of a difference. The titanium axle might be a bit stronger as well as lighter though.

[@odranmcatamney]

would love to see a wallride on that giant thing coming out of the ground.

[@theqsanity5797]

149s are for 8.5 only? I ride 8.25. That would be 144s. Do 144s and 149s feel that different? I normally ride Thunders, but I'm thinking about getting some higher indies for parks skating.

[@hotelaux4432]

149 trust me especially tranny, great with 8.2-8.5 wood

[@davidleeashkenazi8992]

Any hack to fight axle slip? it takes me about 2 weeks for it to happen on every truck that I ride and right now I'm rocking these trucks in shiny black :) Thanks!

[@bendegros]

Nope:(

[@LoLoBits]

try spacers in between your bearings. I've found that to help me... if you're still having problems, that is. i realize this is almost a year old. lol

[@MrWookieewonder]

Spacers and snug / tight wheel nut is the only way. You can do this on independent and ace af1's (not classics) and the wheels will spin just as fast because they're made with machined hanger faces.