Top Alternative Skateboard Truck Brands

In the world of skateboarding, there are two truck brands that most skateboarders choose throughout their skateboarding experience: Independent and Thunder. These brands have long held positions of dominance, renowned for their durability, performance, and reliability. However, over the past few decades, several other truck companies have emerged and made an impact in the skateboard truck market, offering high-quality alternatives that have garnered significant recognition and popularity. This article delves into these alternative truck brands that provide excellent options beyond Independent and Thunder.

Exploring Top Alternative Skateboard Truck Brands Beyond Independent and Thunder

• Venture Trucks – are highly regarded among street skaters for their exceptional board control and iconic design that has remained the same throughout the years. They got famous for their low-profile trucks which a lot of professional skateboarders use. These trucks are particularly suited for skaters who enjoy ledge and manual pad tricks. Notable professional skaters such as Paul Rodriguez, Brandon Westgate, Bobby Worrest, and Yuto Horigome use Venture Trucks. Their precision and performance make them a formidable choice for street skating enthusiasts.

• Krux Trucks – are a notable alternative, especially for those who value the quality of Independent trucks, as they are manufactured in the same factory and distributed by NHS. Renowned for its smooth turns and the distinctive hole design on the truck hanger, Krux trucks have proven their reliability and performance, endorsed by professional skaters like Nora Vasconcellos, Caswell Berry, Louie Barletta, and Ron Whaley.  I’ve been using Krux in my current setup, and my experience with them dates back to the mid-2000s when I first used their inverted kingpin models designed for enhanced grind clearance.

• Ace Trucks – are distinguished by their unparalleled turning capabilities and lightweight design, making them ideal for skaters seeking superior maneuverability and responsiveness. Their smooth, fluid turns make them perfect for transition skating and technical tricks. I learned about Ace Trucks through a friend connected to Steve “Shrewgy” Ruge, the distributor in my area who also sold them. Interestingly, it turned out Joey Tershay, brother of the founder of the well-respected skateboard brand Diamond Supply Co., Nick Tershay, was launching a new truck company with Shrewgy. Over time, Ace Trucks have attracted many former Independent riders, further solidifying their market presence. I used both the low-profile Ace 03 trucks and the high-profile 33s, and they performed flawlessly for several years.

• Royal Trucks –  an iconic truck brand distributed by Crailtap, has established itself as a quality truck brand over the past few decades. Endorsed by legendary skateboarders such as Eric Koston, one of my all-time favorites, and Girl Skateboards co-founders Mike Carroll and Rick Howard, Royal Trucks have gained significant traction in the street skating community. Their reliability and performance make them a compelling alternative to Independent and Thunder trucks. They also offer cool colorways from time to time, adding to their appeal.

• Tensor Trucks – Tensor Trucks are renowned for their innovative approach to skateboard truck technology. Endorsed by iconic skateboarders Rodney Mullen and Daewon Song, Tensor has introduced features such as replaceable sliders for enhanced slides and the use of various metals, including aluminum and magnesium. These technological advancements make Tensor Trucks an excellent choice for skaters who value cutting-edge design and performance. They are one of the skateboard trucks that I keep seeing in magazines, adding new technology every time they release an ad in either Thrasher or Transworld Skateboarding Magazines.

• Theeve Trucks – Theeve Trucks stand out for their use of titanium axles, pushing the technological boundaries of skateboard trucks. Endorsed by notable skaters like Moose and with Tony Hawk even on the team during its early years, Theeve Trucks continue to operate with a focus on performance and innovation. Their commitment to using advanced materials and technologies makes them a noteworthy option in the skateboard truck market.

In the end, choosing the right skateboard truck is a personal decision that depends on individual skating style and preferences. Every skateboarder is unique, and every skateboard truck is also unique, offering advantages for certain obstacles and leveraging different technology. While Independent and Thunder remain top choices, exploring these alternative brands can help skaters find trucks that perfectly suit their needs. Whether it’s the street-focused Venture Trucks, the technologically advanced Tensor Trucks, or the smooth-turning Ace Trucks, high-quality options abound for every skater.

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