To the Axle! Thunder 149

[@notaveytare]

enough with the truck review - when we gonna start getting ben’s flannel reviews??

[@gnarlywagner8171]

Guve the people what they want

[@the.skate.father]

Ben's Flannel drop now! I'd do a product review....😂

[@johnm3946]

Totally dad

[@JRC.85]

Beetlejuice.

[@obmguitarist]

@@JRC.85 It's showtime!

[@Flippy]

glad im not the only one obsessed with carving out truck grooves, lol

[@bendegros]

It’s art

[@theeeves]

Nose slide heelflip on the curved ledge was so buttery Ben, well done.

[@franciscoramirez9867]

After 1 yr in crutches (skate knee injury), 6 months walking/pushing around, I finally got snappy ollies back!!!!!!

[@morefurless]

Ayyeee congrats

[@NuTTyScuTTy]

My first pair of trucks were Thunder’s loved them. Then i rode independent for years as a teen because i thought it would be more “gnarly” or whatever. Now as an Adult I skated thunders again and honestly my skateboarding improved so much. Morale of this comment, skate what’s comfortable/fun. Don’t skate something just because, “everyone else is.”

[@memorysometimers3067]

Yep that’s right! Opposite here. I actually didn’t ride Indys my whole skate life but decided To try them few years ago when Stage 11 came out and loved them ever since. It All has to do with your body type and the arch in your feet and all kinds of other body factors. 👍🍻

[@meikil0860]

This happened to me, i used to skate thunder and my friends convinced me to switch to indys, recently i bought thunders 149 lights ant they feel amazing

[@hoostin31]

Awesome review like always. I could listen to Ben talk about trucks for hours lol

[@JonnyDIY]

Lovvvved that long nose slide heel out! That was video part quality! And that big backside 180 over the gap was nice too. PS- I love that Nickelback song. And also around 1/3 or more of the homeless are suffering from some type of untreated mental illnesses 💕🙏

[@galvanizedgnome]

Are you saying listening to nickelback is a mental illness?

[@monatomic]

I have been putting a small wood Real risers with my Thunders and riding bigger wheels. This has helped a lot with crusty slappy spots. Conical Full is my all around wheel choice for any situation. They seem to have been made for Thunders ⚡ Have been riding a few different sizes on different size boards. Thunder is also making a Inverse Kingpin that's currently in testing ✨ Thanks for the Video

[@nikomarttinen98]

I’ve bought way too many pair of trucks recently. Bought aces because I liked em in the past. Now I bought thunder 149s because I liked em in the past. Feels like a never ending spiral I rode the aces for like 2 months😂

[@dneck]

indy guy here. got a set of these on a $10 marketplace krooked complete. best board score in a long time was pretty much new! The thunders are awesome. They remind me of a mix between an indy and a mini logo truck. I didn't use risers as they weren't on this complete. I always use risers and usually soft-ish ones to help with vibration etc. Love these thunders and when the krooked broke I switched to a Madness with a slightly long wheelbase for an 8.25 and loving it. Also this thing came with the classic formula spitfires and they're AWESOME. only had tried F4

[@Morbidia]

sick stick with thunder your skating really well Ben. I enjoyed seeing that backside nose grind pull out in the middle of the ledge.

[@ronniecreager2585]

My god those parks look amazing! Damn. Ben man seeing you stop and take the boy out to the streets at that gap, then the bs 180 bail and make, that shit made me wanna go skate right now! Hell yea

[@Robert-nf7lo]

Think you went full circle on the madness here and found yourself on the other side. Truly a lover of the 149 with conical fulls as well.

[@vix_in_japan]

Ahh so happy to see more skate videos from you, had an accident at the weekend and broke my wrist very badly (2 bones broke) so it’s fun to watch some skating as I won’t be for a few months! Stay rad!

[@bendegros]

I’m sorry to hear about your wrist. I know your pain all too well ❤️

[@vix_in_japan]

@@bendegros thanks really appreciate the good vibes!

[@dneck]

@6:00 that's crazy! i'm 260 lbs and the stock thunder bushings (clear blue) have been some of the best I've ever used! After a month of skating heavily, no bushing crumble yet. happens to me on indys all the time! I usually use indy aftermarket bushings

[@skating_after30]

Thunders with Indy baseplate would be my dream combo. Great video Ben!

[@rhysmartin210]

I love how much I learn in your vids.

[@RikRiorik]

It’s been more than a year since I was on Thunders last. I always felt like it was easier to get a more stable, consistent and snappier pop on them and that they just felt sluggish on the turn compared to Indies. Currently getting used to Ace AF1s with their own Hard replacement bushings. So far I feel very stable on them while they still retain a very nice turn. My pop is not as consistent as the Indie Titaniums I skated before and I do get some ghost pop.

[@ragbox7107]

Just switched to Thunder 148 standards after riding Indy hollow 144’s for a year really feel like my manuals are better on Thunders and I actually really like the turning on them. But you really do have to push harder on nose/tailslides due to a shorter baseplate

[@sonfishinternational3073]

I love the theory of the dude and the Nickleback song. I also love thunder trucks but have the same problem with the bushings.

[@ulukalakar]

That gap at the end was beautiful!

[@VERY_MAD_ALIEN]

Hey nice that you visited Victoria. Was a bit surreal seeing a KZbin video at a park I've skated. It was a pleasant surprise. I would suggest checking out the sixside diy park next time.

[@JamieHusain]

each hanger a work of art, i like that

[@ab-ue9yx]

I ve skated Thunders 149 for the past 15 years. I love them. I just set up a new complete and planning to grind 'em to the axle!

[@KharonYT]

Oh man, here's me with 58mm radial fulls on 6.1 venture hollow lights. Pop is insane, even got some riser pads so I could turn haha

[@AaronFelizmenio]

The slappy demo got me, rofl. Ben didn't have to prove anything, and yet he did!

[@zane2313]

those blazers are crispy, i also love to skate blazers and thunders 149

[@kanklelove1826]

Congrats on your knee recovery.. 🎵"it hurts me, too" lol, no but seriously. (speaking for myself) I have been having a great time with The 92a Blue Indy Bushings, Ben!

[@oak_owl]

What a beaut of a review Ben, relate all the way through, now get the 151s and try them slappys

[@likeSK8]

great vid as always dude 🔥 8:07 was the beautiful🤣 GREAT clip AND the junky serenade ?! too good. 😂

[@visaozinha831]

Please Ben, after all these clips we’re just waiting for a video part. Everything was butter and I really enjoyed the way you skated there, nice work and amazing review.

[@thomascardoso-grant6869]

That Nickelback song played on the radio all the time in the maritime provinces... recognized it instantly!!

[@davidvanvliet193]

147 thunder trucks lights ll ,bones medium bushings,solid no issues. 8.0 deck pstix. Spitfire conical fulls 52 mm 99A , bones Swiss bearings, mob grip , shake junt hardware 7/8 allen.

[@sk84life80]

Maybe I should try Thunders. I've retired a pair of Indys, Tensors, and Destructos after wearing the baseplate down to the pivot bushings on nose slides. I'll wear down one then rotate them. I felt all those falls, btw.

[@dajovajr]

That park was INFESTED!! I never see kids at parks in my area anymore.

[@anthonyskates9079]

Indys helped me learn noseslides but now that I’m working on crooks, I feel like Thunders would help 😆

[@Woodywoodah]

Love to see this! I did a little video a while back ( inspired by your truck reviews ) reviewing a few different brand of trucks after skating them to the axle. Given that trucks are usually skated long term I think people are really curious about how they hold up.

[@Dodo-is2ju]

It‘s Truckmadness season for papa Ben!

[@feefaw]

ben is the mr rogers of skateboarding.

[@galvanizedgnome]

Mr. Rogers was a trained sniper in Vietnam responsible for over 46 confirmed kills.

[@funkydankspliff]

@@galvanizedgnome wow fr that’s gnarly

[@feefaw]

@@galvanizedgnome bet he can’t do a three flip.

[@MarcAllenTidon]

But hold up Mr Degros, are these dad or bro tho? 🔍

[@robertbaker3620]

You're the best, Ben.

[@timort2260]

Ben should take a grinder to them thunders so he has all axle for the curbs. I have been skating the 149s since spring and yeah bushings are not that great really soft and like loose trucks but i had to crank down on them a bit more then id like.

[@timort2260]

Fyi Ben my drywall skills pretty dang decent thanks to all you're videos

[@kylebreeden9143]

I’m trying to remember if I’ve seen you skate gaps before. Good spot.

[@ingopohlschmidt3795]

I Always Ride Thunder Trucks with indie conical bushings. Work fine👍

[@johneapleseed6876]

I was steady thunder forever. When I switched i would miss the short baseplates. Just slipping out on tail slides. I loop out all the time. Skating just does it to me. Find me in Salem whistling Canned Heat everywhere I go. Cali sober

[@vinnyplace1269]

fav. youtube skater by far. friendly Canadians 🍁 vibe all the way. indys are great but I been on the Ace kick lately myself.

[@KraaaHKen]

Great video! I recently started skating thunder 147 (on a 8.125 deck) and they feel great. Gotta try them with the conical fulls tho as I usually ride those on indys. Thanks for the tip!

[@gaberobinson1555]

didn't you say that the royals were the last truck review you'd do? i'm glad you're back reviewing trucks, love it.

[@bendegros]

Hey hey hey. This is more like a truck diary😂

[@gaberobinson1555]

Review, diary, whatever, count me in. Nice to hear back from a fellow BC guy.

[@melo-theory3321]

I can watch Ben review anything idec what it is lmao. I’ll watch Ben review socks.

[@1984session]

His pivot cup review is riveting

[@themiagi]

will go back to these for sure

[@thisismyname2591]

When you dad makes you film him at the skatepark… Great review Ben! Might dig my almost axeled thunders out of the closet!

[@ronniecreager2585]

Tight! Might have my last skate session of the year tonight. Good way to start it off with a Ben vid 💪. Il have to wait and watch when I’m off work

[@ianrestores]

watching ben talk and skate makes me happy :)

[@TheBeando]

Not gonna tell ya now to live ya life. But I recently bought a pair of silver m class trucks and they're instantly one of my favorite trucks. I never had a truck feel that instantly felt broken in and turned like butter till now. I've just tried flat so I can't guarantee a good grind... but I would say 100% worth a try

[@leftovermike4663]

Thunders slappy the best something with there height and how the hanger shaped they grab the curb like no other

[@trevor_mcdonald]

Im a big thunder fan. I have been riding them for 12 years and i dont think any other truck comes close to how good thunders skate.

[@jamesallen2909]

I’ve also noticed since switching to thunders from Indy’s that my pop is just ever so slightly sharper. Idk if they sit a little closer to the nose and tail, which would cause that, or maybe it’s just placebo.

[@SkateboardDad]

Aaaaaand we all just wanna be great like Elvis driving fifteen cars!

[@thatgurl453]

Cool to see you skating blazer mids. Once you get past the big toe blister, and buy some fp insoles, they kick ass.

[@lcrilley93]

Actually moved over to thunders from Indy's (only partially you) but I actually got a chance to ride em on a friend's board and was thinking of going to ventures initially and changed my mind when I tried the thunders and I love them been riding for a bit and feel so much more confident with popping tricks and feel much more in control than when I was on Indy's kinda just made the skate shop an extra purchase when I pick up a 8.5 board friday

[@Real_human66]

That 180 was awesome!!

[@didrik901]

That euro to euro looked so fun to skate

[@slowhorsen]

i feel you on the bushings. I use Indy super hard and medium half and half for each side. The original thunder bush explodes in a minutes.

[@Oldmonstrosityshop]

Thunders have been my go-to since Indy Stage 9’s. I’ve tried a buddy’s later Indy’s and I just prefer the Thunders now. Funny really as I never had Thunders “back in the day”.

[@Krossd1]

Hey Ben! what would you say the best low truck is for a 8.25? havnt skated the same since indy changed them! much love

[@2minstomidnight]

Would like to watch your review on Ace AF1 with Ace Hard Bushings on!

[@chrisXjosi]

Love the review 🤩

[@TheCoreyDeal]

not sure what size board that is but 149 thunders 58 conical fulls and an 8.25 board will always be my perfect setup. and to what you said about making it a point to get grooves deeper every time you skate is how i’ve been recently. a solid hour or two on this new curb at the diy will satisfy me more than a proper session.

[@nathanvaltierra8707]

How do you do noseslides??

[@TheCoreyDeal]

@@nathanvaltierra8707 man honestly that was the biggest issue for a while. But what I learned was to just land with all of your weight on top on the ledge almost like you’re trying to stand on one leg. It’s kind of similar to how people would explain holding nose slides for a long time, but with the bigger wheels you kinda have to use that method every time or else you’re going to slip out every time

[@nathanvaltierra8707]

@@TheCoreyDeal thanks, that's Great advice considering that im skating thunders right now, with 55mm wheels and I was worried that they were to big

[@TheCoreyDeal]

@@nathanvaltierra8707 I thought the same when I made the switched to 58s but honestly it’s just a matter of adjusting to it and now I’ll never go back

[@shshsjanajsh1235]

Do you run any riser pads?

[@jim4million]

Your thoughts on the turning vs indies took me by surprise because from my experience I thought indies turn a bit more delayed than thunders (which I ride 99% of the time) which feel so responsive, been riding some indie hollows with the pillow soft white bushings and they feel somewhat close to my loose ass thunders

[@sonoraa.7103]

its prob because hes using the harder bushing kit

[@ronniecreager2585]

You should try the Indy bushings in the thunders. I like it

[@maxsanchez764]

Which ones, soft, medium or hard?

[@ronniecreager2585]

Too funny about the truck groove grooming, I think of boards like that each one has been slid differently and shows it. Skateboarding is everything

[@gnarlywagner8171]

I wish i could get grooves dug in like that

[@soydave1988]

Yeah I agree, conical fulls pair the best with standard Thunders. No other wheel/truck combo feels as perfect as that

[@jouhajohnny]

Ventures with tablets feel insane

[@soydave1988]

@@jouhajohnny Ventures just don't turn tight enough for me...I'm skeptical whether or not the new bushing kit makes them loose enough

[@jouhajohnny]

@@soydave1988 Ohh they make them wiggle loose haha 🤣

[@jouhajohnny]

@@soydave1988 I’m using them loose kits, bones bottom bushing with stock top washer on bottom and bones washer on top. They feel so good but I changed to lows and I skate them tighter because I want more king pin nut clearance and they are loose enough for me still. I recommend trying this bushing setup if you want turny Ventures that still keep the geometry of the truck 😫

[@soydave1988]

@@jouhajohnny wiggling doesn't necessarily mean they'll get me the turning geometry I need though...idk maybe I'll give Venture another try someday

[@namorski]

Caught that Mad Circle Moses duck reference at the end 😂

[@crkrcksteady]

I'm actually a big fan of the Thunder Hollows. I went from an 8.0 to an 8.25 deck size and from standard 147s to 148s and it kind of balanced out. My only gripe with Thunders is they don't last and I hate the kingpin clearance and scrapping it on just normal 50-50.

[@AlanSabanero]

Noseslide heelflip out was solid

[@britneyystaples91]

My favorite trucks were the old grind kings in the early 2000s. The king pins were invincible. I rode them very tight for the better pop and I skated alot of big and tall gaps and stair sets so tight trucks and 54-55 mm wheels and a big wide deck were the best to use for skating big tall gaps and stairs. I also liked Alien workshops, and habitat decks for the technical skating and ledge skating but they seemed to break easier than other companys. I broke one on a front side lip slide on a hand rail and hurt myself pretty bad. Zero's seemed the stongest I thought. But Alien Workshop had the coolest designs and were nice and light for more technical stuff. Back to the video, Independent trucks used to suck in the early 2000s, the king pins would break on me and they were heavier than other brands.

[@hou5eheadjason]

havent seen trucks like this since i was skating as a kid , couldnt afford trucks and we use to grind a lot

[@malisblue]

yeah i would totally skate thunders all the time if i could replace the bushings more often 😂 sick noseslide nollie heel ben

[@Deveron-er7rc]

I will always love thunders. But I'm ready to try something new

[@jwest88]

I was on Thunders for a long time but swapped to Indies a while back (no real negative reasons, just wanted to change it up if I remember correctly). I still have some decent condition Thunders lying around so if I want to I can swap back, but I have a lot of meat left on my Indies. The comment on Conical fulls feeling better on Thunders makes me kind of want to test that, but all Formula Fours have been harder to find for a while and I have had to be less picky with my shape choice. The classics F4s though were too skinny for me, gave those ones away. So as long as it isn't too crazy skinny I'm not too picky I think. I think I liked the tablets when I skated those a few years back.

[@LoLoBits]

i believe the tablets are a little skinnier than the classic shape

[@saasorsa]

@@LoLoBits yep the tablets are really skinny!

[@jwest88]

@@LoLoBits Maybe I'm mixing names up, but I think the classics I got were quite skinny and the tabs were more average, but either way I prefer non skinny wheels.

[@SkateSkateAndFun]

I like Thunders for as manny reasons Ben lists. But if I try a friends board with looser Indys at a park, I’m screwed. Then the Thunders turn feel like crap and I loose them and drop all stability. Looking forward to Thunders with an inverted kingpin! Ace with hard bushings seems interesting. I skated Lurpiv with hard bushings and liked it a lot.

[@HenrikSchille]

This convinced me to go with thunders! Thanks Ben! Are those 52 mm?

[@HenrikSchille]

Wheels that is!

[@mattlarno8703]

Shredding through scooter heaven

[@arcvigaming8198]

I feel you man! Not only do I ride thunders but I ride 100a bushings too. I weigh 255 so squirly trucks are a no go for me haha

[@sergiog6260]

my thunder trucks are just like yours rsrs doing the same tricks the last four years. i skate twice a week

[@sergiog6260]

and i m deadly in doubt if a try indys 144

[@ttt69420]

I blow out bushings on everything. I always have to run 98 bushing. I think it's our height (I'm 6'4).

[@AspiringSpaceWizard]

I am An indie guy so hard to change and try something else when i just love my raw standard 159/69s

[@user-ju1dd5jx8s]

I am a couple years into skating and am digging the heft of standard and mid 159s, what would you say are your favorite parts about using hefty trucks?

[@AspiringSpaceWizard]

@@user-ju1dd5jx8s i just love how they turn and feel. I have never bent an axle or broke in some wierd way. I do lots of slappies so i chew through trucks good , and indies have more meat to chew off the bone if that makes sense. I really do want to try Ace Trucks for design (they are based off old indies and Tensor mag lights which grind anything but wear down fast .

[@user-ju1dd5jx8s]

Thanks for the reply. I actually started on ace 44 classics (8.38 axle) and though the turn was very tight and fun, I wanted more stability to learn basic flatground on, indy was the perfect balance of fun turn with more stability than ace for me (a heavy-ish newbie). I'd try ace again at some point. I am also interested in the coming 9 inch mag-lights but hope that the huge weight reduction doesnt feel weird. Hoping those hangars fit on indy baseplates.

[@AspiringSpaceWizard]

@@user-ju1dd5jx8s i didnt know they were getting bigger mag lights. I will have to get some 9 inch ones for sure

[@user-ju1dd5jx8s]

@@AspiringSpaceWizard Apparently Bevup has a pair on an 8.75 deck

[@nickprice9716]

That curvy slappy crooky was loopy juicy goodness

[@jamesl8296]

I love Thunders (skate the 148 lights), and the bushes always crap out on me about 2 to 3 months in. Tend to throw in their aftermarket light blue ones (94-95a i think) and get a bit longer out of those vs the light green or white ones that come as standard with them...but it's a shame on what is an otherwise goldilocks truck for me.

[@Pedro_Sanchez_]

Tbh I’ve been waiting for this review for like 8 months now

[@skatemeyer]

Dude nose nollie heel was nice 👏

[@dynamicsinesdynamicsines1161]

what about the titanium thunders, they're so crazy light what the is it like..i'll be getting some anyways, though a review would be sikk Ben...

[@JawsHLL]

Awesome video!

[@JP-pl1qx]

Can you try the upcoming Venture Kader Cast Hollow (hollow kingpin/axle with cast basplate) when it comes out?

[@obmguitarist]

I was REALLY hoping that was Adriano singing 😂

[@jouhajohnny]

Change the top washer with bones washer so they will last longer

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Currently trying the 149 lights on a 8.38" Deathwish Jake Hayes (31.875" 14.375" Nose 6.875" Tail 6.625") and 53mm classics. I kinda miss the spongy feeling of the indys (especially in miniramps) and sometimes I feel like I just can't stand on my board anymore (a bit exaggerated ) because of the weird turn. But I feel like im getting used to it and many tricks, especially flips and grinds start to feel easier. I feel like the board would perform better on my 149 Indy though since it's a bit more mellow than I'd normally ride (even on Indys)

[@FatHead007]

What’s the difference between Thunder Team Edition vs thunder stander. And does it make a difference when skating?

[@subieracer005]

WTF????? I've never seen so many scooters in the same place??!! Must be a Canada thing.....

[@bendegros]

It was a little intense.