Switching trucks: Independent to Thunder

[@fiore_adriano]

Vote for me to meet Tony Hawk: skateparkhero.org/2023/adriano

[@TheKb813]

As a victim of insane board madness from my years and years of skating, i feel your pain. For me, everytime i switch off Indys and try different trucks, i have fun with them for like a week, but then in the back of my head im always like, "Yeah but they don't feel like Indys" 😂

[@fiore_adriano]

I still have that feeling, it's mainly the playfulness of the turn that I miss.

[@DTC1138]

Can I interest you in Ace AF1s? :P

[@TheKb813]

@@DTC1138 tried em, they were nice but get too squirrelly for me going fast, and they grinded down quickly. Good trucks tho, just didn't suit me well.

[@john316jamesjude]

What stage Indy are you reviewing here? Four or 11? 👍

[@GasGotti]

My board madness has gone from OCD to complete chaos. In essence I have a skate shop worth of shit that I keep switching up. I’m mostly fixated on trucks/bushings & wheels. However, I’ve been very unhappy with my average board size (8.125-8.38). I have 5 different active setups in that range with an exception to an 8.5 Grimple Stix, and my cruiser/tranny board. It’s the most terrible thing and takes so much time away from me actually skating.

[@JohnAnderson4242]

Thunder Hollow Lights have a blue bushing; it was tighter at the start, but did not touch them, got better. And dang light. On another board still got Indys - won't abandon them, amazing in other areas.

[@RikRiorik]

No matter what we tell ourselves we can’t ever quit the madness once it has gotten hold of us. Since I swore off anything but 8.5”s and Ace AF1s less than half a year ago I’ve started riding 8.25” and Ventures as well as Thunders 😂.

[@256k_]

oh no..... you mean this wont stop!?!

[@RikRiorik]

@@256k_ be afraid. Be VERY afraid!

[@Collin-ic9ct]

Just ordered a Thunder Hard Bushings kit. I think the stock white ones are too soft and tip as you described. Seems to have fixed the concern. Also, grab some graphite or a pencil for squeaky pivot cups. The kits come with everything.

[@AidanStark418]

Something that helped me with getting thunders to turn faster was taking the bottom washer out, makes a huge difference!

[@ThomasWhatever]

Same

[@imdurgesh9430]

The change in how light it feels must be crazy since u were previously riding those heavy 144 mindys!

[@fiore_adriano]

It definitely felt crazy the first session, I completely lost my 360 flip for a minute.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

I made the same experience with Thunders, I also skated Indys for like 10 years straight. I really like them now as Ben expected me to :D But I reeeally also wish the baseplate was longer for slides as you said, and I also tend to hang up more on bs/fs disasters and lipslides in transition on Thunders because of the more inclined geometry. Tomorrow I'll setup the April 8.25" (14" WB), 148s lights and 52mm classics. I'm really curious how it will feel compared to 8.38" (14.25" WB), 149s and 52mm conical fulls

[@fiore_adriano]

Nice! That sounds like it's gonna be a good set up.

[@BitesTheDusto]

Indy forged hollows is goldilocks truck for me, not as low as thunder or as high as standard and higher than indy mids. I feel connected to my board similar to thunders and also not as much wheelbite so I can rock 54 mm at about a medium truck tightness

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Feel you!

[@BitesTheDusto]

@@SchwappSchwopp setuo changed lol. Ventures are the best for me, I love em and im done switching

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@BitesTheDusto lol dude, I‘m srsly thinking about trying Ventures since today. Last time riding them was like 2012 or so. Have been on Thunders in 2023. The only thing I don’t like about them is that you have almost no baseplate contact for slides, while Indys baseplates really sit on ledges for slides, and there is much wiggle room for the wheels, too. What about Ventures?

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Which are the best Ventures? I normally ride 8.5“ but I didn’t find a good review about the 5.8 Ventures. Only the 5.6“ lights with the forged baseplate review from Ben.

[@BitesTheDusto]

@@SchwappSchwopp dudeeee i know exactly what you mean. I went back to thunders and hated that there was hardly any baseplate slide. The ventures have a good bit of baseplate so it feels really similar to indy. Im rocking the 5.8 (8.5 inch truck) standard ventures because I didnt want the forged plate. The standard ventures feel amazing dude, perfect height, better turn than thunders but they feel really stable like thunders even if you rock em looser. The slide is great, the weight is really nice, and theyre carvey but stable at the same time. I would go standard venture if you like that baseplate slide, I don’t think its worth it to get the hollows or forged plates because theyre not heavy at all

[@gaiusgermanicus8296]

The Thunders will stop the whole locking to one side as they break in more. In fact eventually they will have a quicker snap back to center than you’re use to with Indys. I personally prefer thunder and venture to Indy’s myself, and I’m constantly going back and forth between the two. Although I always go with the cast plates on both, being im not a fan of the height nor the tinny feeling the forged have.

[@delplaya5]

Agree, I feel like Thunders snap back to center really well.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

I got almost no baseplate contact sliding on Thunders whereas I got plenty wiggle room for my wheels when sliding with indys. What about Ventures though? Didn’t skate Ventures in decades😂

[@delplaya5]

@@SchwappSchwopp I've never tried Ventures.

[@sk8fm448]

Great. You have the wheels turning in my head. Great video 👍

[@robertbaker3620]

I have the exact same trucks as you. So here's something to try if you get sick of the bushings and lack of turn, if you have 4 washers from sets of bones bushings laying, use those instead of the stock thunder washers. Trust me it's going to open that turn radius up quite a bit. Use them in the exact spots where washers usually go.

[@fiore_adriano]

Interesting, never thought the washers would make a difference. Maybe try this once the bushings blow. I've never bought bones bushings.

[@robertbaker3620]

@@fiore_adriano yea, the bones bushings themselves are okay, but their washers are slim and small and work wayyy better with thunder bushings. Maybe Ben has 4 of em laying around....

[@deveron372]

I love thunders. Indy's use to be my truck in my early days. Thunders all the way but I like to switch the bushings out to bones hard core black bushings

[@NuTTyScuTTy]

I switched from indys to thunders 3 years ago and haven’t regretted it. I agree the baseplate not sticking out is a bit annoying and the bushings aren’t the best. But nothing switching bushings and some wax cant solve!

[@fiore_adriano]

What bushings did you switch to?

[@NuTTyScuTTy]

@@fiore_adriano bones hards or thunder replacement bushings that aren’t transparent. When they’re see through they eventually break.

[@paullucci]

I also switched to Thunder Lights with Bones hard bushings and like them a lot. I barely tighten the trucks (no threads showing) and find that they have good turn in and rebound. I’m 6’1” 195lbs. A smaller rider might find the trucks too tight. YMMV

[@_freedumb]

Imo both are great. I try to think of them as the right tool for a job haha. Thunder = more streety; snappier, lighter, good for short wheelbase decks. indy is more an atv, great grind and cruise feeling, work on pretty much any deck imo.

[@acgwestsidesb6410]

For improve thundеr turn use bushings as Bones hardcore or Riptide Krank they both snap back to center and super responsive in most weather. Flat washers helps too instead of cups

[@acgwestsidesb6410]

Also use grease in pivot cups to help trucks back to center

[@subtomeandgetabsolutelynot4154]

Which hardness

[@BeforeTheOceans]

@@subtomeandgetabsolutelynot4154 I recommend Bones HARD A96 bushings, because Bones Medium fall apart faster, and there is not much difference. In the last 2 years, I have been using only bushings from BONES, they always center my trucks, they do not need to break in, because they work immediately.

[@FreudianQuip]

I can’t skate a board with a dark or black graphic because I feel like black board and black grip is harder to see the board rotate. No mellow concave either.

[@fiore_adriano]

Yeah, that makes sense!

[@denimgenes5909]

I buy boards with lighter colored graphics for that exact same reason!! Never heard anyone else doing that til now!! Thought I was the only one. Lol

[@shyn0o0]

Looking forward to a full review. I'm on an 8.25 board with a 14.25 wb, but on Ace Trucks. I've been thinking to switch to thunder lights

[@SchwappSchwopp]

I feel like 14.25 on 8.25 is mostly a perfect wb for Indys

[@MuzKay]

@Shyn0 55s or 44s? On your 8.25?

[@shyn0o0]

@@MuzKay 44 classics

[@256k_]

hey man, you got a cool style i like it. enjoying watching you skate. keep up the good work

[@fiore_adriano]

Thanks dude! I appreciate it.

[@skankwave]

Papa Ben was also skating here haha! Great vid bro. For me the thunders make the baords wb bigger, so the angle where it pops is more aggressive because the tail is shorter. Also the turn is more stable, less playful when in indys and aces it surfs more. Bombing hills on thunders is ass

[@BOARDPUSHING.]

Grease those pivot cups and they’ll return back to center! The white bushings by Thunder are soft too and then we’ll. The turquoise stock bushings I’ve also never had problems with!

[@jr8899]

Your riding is smooth as bro

[@fiore_adriano]

Thank you!

[@8bitsamurai6]

Im still learning but really like the stable and lightness of the thunder hollow lights. Indys are very nice but super sensitive. I hear they break in but havent got there yet. They did feel better with some dohdoh 98s but ive also gotten more used to the stock bush feel. Thunders have less metal but I def see the apeal. Reaponsive but more stable. Ace af1 seem really nice aswell. Also hate how squeaky indys are.

[@TPB-pm1ts]

that backside flip up the curb was very nice

[@Evergreenprospectors]

I thought about switching from indys to thunders, then i woke up from that bad dream

[@jamesplacencia6741]

The board madness is real !!! 😄

[@K_spawn]

I stopped skating my Indy's, i got hooked to tensor low magnesium 5.25, i also like my omega the feel similar, they turn different. No less ( likee krux) but different, ive skated thinders too but i really like the tensor trucks im skating i wouldn't recommend them to though they are not for everyone

[@Nickell666]

I started with Thunder years ago. Loved them. Switched to Indy’s like 10 years ago and recently tried Thunder. I can’t get use to them. Back to Indy’s I suppose

[@TheInfamousTub]

I agree with thunders getting stuck In position easier. I constantly have to step on one side hard because of that but as far as cruising I feel I can turn fine on the thunders. I can use either brand but prefer venture over both honestly

[@chris73brown]

Good vid. In my experience, every brand truck lve ever had the bushings stick so l just switch them out w bones bushings. Also, l prefer indys & just use the standards & dont mind how heavy they are cause the type of tricks l do l dont need a light board. Transition w coping grind type tricks. Nuthin aired out high or flipped. Thx

[@michaeljohn8905]

Same …

[@ezrhino100]

Love that park. So good for practice....

[@TechLurker]

most popular trucks for a reason but the wheelbite and short baseplate are dealbreakers for me. stock bushings often have bubbles in them too and blow out so fast! when you have to compensate for a trucks problems with something external like wax, riser pads, smaller wheels or changing bushings, i just can't accept that. If I had to skate something other than indy, I'll take the crappy turn and grind of a venture anyday over these lol. nothing scarier than the first attempt nosesliding a ledge you've never skated before on thunders 😅

[@fiore_adriano]

Yeah, I feel you. I wish there was a hybrid between an Indy and Thunder.

[@ryanramirez450]

I Frankenstein my trucks, ventures base plates with thunders hangers with independent bushings works for me

[@fiore_adriano]

Interesting.. That sounds like it could work.

[@BeforeTheOceans]

Guys, what do you suggest: Thunder Team Hollow or Royal Ultra Lights ?

[@matthewbrandon267]

Just use your old bushings or get bones bushings they rock.

[@reubenstorey1515]

Thunders take longer to break in but seem to turn better and pinch good once u get like 4 good seshes in

[@MikeRawbertson]

i tried my homeys thnder and hated the way the wheels dragged on the noseslides. i got used to it pretty quick and maybe iwth classic wheels it would have been better (on tablets but like 48mm mad worn) i feel like its not gonna be a huge game changer. gona stick with Ace

[@fiore_adriano]

For sure, if your Ace' are working for you stick with them.

[@DarkoNomad]

I gave them a chance but thin manual/nosemanual points and such a short baseplates threw me off. The larger wheelbase also made my 360 flips a bit harder

[@jamesshepard4743]

Indies and thunders have a different wheelbase, which is why they have different turning dynamics

[@denimgenes5909]

And different heights which will also effect turn radius.

[@chowdermonsterr]

How do trucks have a different wheelbase? Aside from slight hanger angle difference, decks are what’s going to have different wb

[@DillyDilly4]

I skate thunder 🤙 but I sk8 Indy as my #2. My two fav brands !

[@memecreator7064]

I skate ace af1 and the are the best turning trucks i have ever skated and they are super fun i cant recommend it enough.

[@fiore_adriano]

I don't think I've ever tried Ace. I've heard good things.

[@justinmuir9163]

Switched my 144 mids to team hollows 148s. First session was questioning if it was a good buy. Second session i was enjoying them more. Yeah the the short baseplate for tail and nose was kind of lame

[@DonnieWish]

I like skating both trucks, Indys and Thunder, I also have skated in the past, about 20 years ago, Venture and Fury, and the final verdict is that my favorite trucks are Indy and Thunder. They have a different feeling, I have experienced the very same thing about their bushings and their maneuverability, but I have also figured out that the stock bushings sucks on both trucks Indys and Thunder , Indys are too squishy , and Thunder too stiff. I have fixed the problem just by upgrading their bushings, I don't like Bones bushings, so I have simply bought 90A Indy bushings for my indys and 90A Thunder bushings for my Thunder and here we go, now they have a better feeling and I have got a better control. Upgrade your bushings and they'll be okay I believe.

[@fiore_adriano]

I'll look into that, thanks. I actually really like the stock orange bushings on Indys once they're broken in.

[@ChebRx7]

You got the skate ur thunder and the bushing will get smoother

[@fiore_adriano]

True!

[@everydaysebra]

The new royal trucks are the better thunders! Bushings are a lot better in both cold and warm weather and you get an extended wheelbase for better nose and tailslides.

[@JoFierro-i1x]

Are they better than indys?

[@BeforeTheOceans]

Do you mean Royal Ultra Lights ? Are they really better than Thunder ?

[@yhnyves210896]

Anyone knows what truck can give you more pop? Thunders with risers sounds a good ideia?

[@boepiesnoep7867]

Truck height is so important. 55mm indy standards, 53.5 indy with cast baseplates, ace & venture also 53.5. And then thunder...... :( I can't do anything on thunders. Theyre too damn low. Got my tail slapping back on my backfoot (double clap) b4 I can lift it. Thunder just too much lowness if u come from indy standards

[@JJ-rp5ck]

I have Indy standards and thunder hollows. I’ll switch between them once in a while but I mainly stay on the Indy’s because I skate better. The Indy’s are noticeably heavier but I get way more pop and tricks are more consistent, although they probably take a bit more effort. I just can’t get used to how different thunder feels. 🤷‍♂️

[@nelayra]

Hi Adriano, are you still using the Thunder trucks? Is it better for you now compared to the Indy? Also, do you use your trucks loose or tight?

[@fiore_adriano]

Hey, I'm still on the thunders and really enjoying them! I don't plan on going back to Indys anytime soon. My trucks are medium tightness.

[@BoZhaoengineering]

I always skate thunder with team baseplate. The thunder lights are just too low and the turn is too tight 😂🎉.

[@philipavelar2577]

I'm another convert to Thunder. Indy's are good, but Thunder is just better. There are a few small things I don't like about Thunder, but I won't ever switch back.

[@josesaldana703]

Hello sir I’m planning on getting a second board setup I currently looking at Indy’s forged mid 148 hollow truck n Indy stage 11 standard truck. 148 Out of those 2 which would you recommend or if anyone is reading this please help a Mexican brother out please lol

[@fiore_adriano]

Both great trucks - the hollow will feel lighter - depending on if you feel you like a lighter set up. Only 1 way to find out - it comes down to personal preference.

[@yesmaybe630]

I think it would be more informative if you skated them for like a month and then reviewed them. You just made a big change and it takes time to appreciate a different type of truck! Do another review in like a month or so

[@buckwheat2210]

Thunder all day every day

[@guitarricktrue]

Hey Man, How tall are your Thunder?

[@keethums]

At least with your board madness you can enlighten/educate the masses rather than just having buyer's remorse lol I love my Thunders, but switching from riding *any* other brand for a solid 5 years strong - like you did from Indys - that's gotta be tough.

[@fiore_adriano]

Good point!

[@JawsHLL]

Great video

[@kkfarmedkk]

Imo, the lack of baseplate slide, give me more control. On a flat ledge, its argubly better to have a baseplate slide, but down a ledge? Baseplate slide is just sketchy...

[@fiore_adriano]

Very true, depends on where you use it.

[@mistaskeem]

I really dont understand why Thunder has than small baseplate, I dont see the advantage in that.

[@scstinger5]

I love Thunders but it did look like you where struggling to turn a bit. And I have to admit that Indy’s have quicker, deeper, more fun feeling turn to them 🤙

[@TrophyWays]

You should’ve gotten the standard thunder !

[@mattfowlerkc]

Thunder is one of my least favorite trucks. I don't mind Indy, but have been skating Krux for a long long time. They have some of the softest factory bushings and turn really good.

[@fiore_adriano]

Interesting, I don't think I've ever skated Krux.

[@davidharris4030]

What ever the best in the world uses is probably a good choice!

[@seanpyrtle5603]

So Tensor?

[@davidharris4030]

Indy

[@louirauloj]

I honestly ride Indies ever since I moved back to BC because everyone uses them lol, I wanted to try the hollows, and they work perfectly fine but I've always loved how thunders look especially that crook groove you get and when looking down the board but as many people will say it's just personal preference.

[@LearnHistoryOrElse77]

I’m getting the same thing on nose slides. Wheels want to grab on Thunders. Probably me, or the size/shape of my wheels, but the base plate and axle position might be part of that? Not sure. However, I do like thunders for transition.. 🛹

[@fiore_adriano]

You'll get used to it. It's the baseplate, it doesn't stick out as far so you're not able to smash the nose onto the ledge as aggressively as you can on an Indy. Need to be a little lighter on the noseslide/tail.

[@graffsb]

Use bones bushings it doesn't stick and turns better

[@mikethomson6546]

Indy's were good. The USA versions all day. Thunders have remained the same. They didn't sell out. Thunders are the future.

[@qtfrenchy672]

Helpful bro❤

[@BeforeTheOceans]

Guys, buck stock bushings, use bushings from BONES ✅🏆

[@bananarepublic1339]

are you sponsored by Indi or something?

[@fiore_adriano]

Nope.

[@brad1424]

I appreciate u showing some tricks not landed. More realistic. Wish I was there, Texas sucks.

[@chrisXjosi]

I cannot understand how skater can skate thunder 🙈 Indys are overall the better trucks, you told a few reasons.

[@ShelbyHosey-g2i]

I have a set of thunders I want to send them back to Walmart

[@fiore_adriano]

Walmart?

[@mrhogei]

Titaniums all day every day indy’s or thunders idk about ventures

[@wrecking_havoc586]

You need ACE trucks 😮

[@augormasterson9312]

Indy > thunder > venture > everything else

[@Sk8AndDestr0y]

i'd say.. you'll always get used to the truck you are riding.. i hate to break in new trucks!

[@fiore_adriano]

I agree 100%

[@juan_eighty]

Should of gotten team hollows

[@j-mac7401]

Switch your Indy bushings to the Thunders and your problem solved....

[@andrewyi643]

Don’t fit, Indy bushings too tall

[@j-mac7401]

@@andrewyi643 take a straight razor and cut evenly at the base

[@420architecMindNDesign]

All i know if you’re 200 pounds or close too the indy orange bushings are too soft

[@justinlarosa8388]

thunders are superior Indys are heavy af and destroyed my achilles

[@Gr33ny67]

I’ve always thought thunders are the ugliest looking truck on the market they look like department store trucks 😅 Indy’s and ventures are straight up sexy if that makes sense

[@fiore_adriano]

Interesting! All three look good imo. :)

[@chrisXjosi]

🛹🛹🛹

[@banditthesiberian8156]

Dude you ever bought new trucks bro lol they all do this

[@lumix2477]

Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. I'm trusting in nothing but the blood of Jesus to pay for my sins to keep me out of hell. My 2005 Indies are my favorite. They're 8.25 width and it felt wide for so long because I started skating in 99. I'm glad that boards are getting wider and wheels are getting bigger on average. I have bigger wheels now and it feels so good to me. You are a good skateboarder. I hope that you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

[@jcsk8]

Thunder is a great truck, but their bushings are the worst ever in the industry. Total garbage. Swap them for some Bones or whatever better uretane and give them a better try. I like the flat board, wider stance that Thunders give, opposite to shorter Indy´s base. But the bishings are a big no no. To be 100% hones I´ll try Thunder 100D bushings that I got, but with a quick try they felt worst than a 95D Bones like bushing. Transparent colored bushings just don´t work for me.

[@fiore_adriano]

I agree that they feel really bad for the first session, but after 2-3 sessions I got used to them and actually really like them now. 🤷‍♂️

[@jcsk8]

@@fiore_adriano Maybe they need a brek in period? Damn. At 44 YO I have no much time left... Lol

[@TrophyWays]

Light trucks are for kids… you should’ve just got the standard thunder . More durable and better weight.

[@fiore_adriano]

I’m a kid

[@RZ96.]

@@fiore_adriano HAHA😭

[@xavierdiazmcguire4667]

I hated inde trucks. I literally couldn't do anything so like a big baby I smashed them into the curb until they literally broke . I switched back to thunder. Venture is for vert and freestyle. I'm trying royal just for the hell of it. I think I gave the indes to a kid they were brand new ish

[@Pitbullmgs420]

😂

[@Aschefürst89]

Thunder and Smithgrind 👎

[@sussy_bed_stain]

Thunders are hands down the best truck. Indy are good, the hollow feel pretty simulair to thunder. Aces are just, really cool but just make everything harder, it feels like the wheeles are to far back behind you’re foot