Ever wonder what makes a skateboard feel just right under your feet? It’s often the trucks, those metal pieces that connect your wheels to the deck. For decades, one name has stood out in the skateboarding world: Independent Trucks. But with so many models and sizes, picking the perfect pair can feel like a trick in itself. You want trucks that turn smoothly, stay strong through rough landings, and don’t break the bank.
Choosing the wrong trucks can lead to wobbly rides, constant adjustments, and even broken gear, which is frustrating and expensive. That’s why understanding what makes Independent Trucks special is so important. This post is your guide to cutting through the confusion. We’ll break down what you need to know about Independent Trucks so you can confidently choose the pair that will take your skating to the next level.
Our Top 5 Independent Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Independent Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″))
Rating: 8.8/10
The Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)) are a solid choice for skaters looking for reliable performance. These trucks are known for their strength and smooth turning. They come in a classic silver finish, which looks great on any skateboard. This set includes two trucks, perfect for setting up your board.
What We Like:
- These trucks are super strong. They can handle a lot of jumps and tricks.
- They turn really well. This makes it easy to steer your board and control your ride.
- The silver color is cool and won’t scratch easily.
- They are built to last, so you won’t have to replace them often.
- The 144mm size fits boards that are about 8.25 inches wide.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sometimes they can feel a little stiff at first.
- They can be a bit heavier than some other brands.
If you want dependable trucks that will help you skate better, these are a great option. They offer a good balance of durability and control for most skateboarding needs.
2. Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire Burners Wheels
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to build your dream skateboard? This package brings together top-tier components for a truly premium ride. You get Independent Mid Trucks, fast Spitfire Burner wheels, and smooth Bones Reds bearings – everything you need to create a professional-level skateboard, minus the deck and grip tape.
What We Like:
- Top Brands: This kit uses only the best parts from industry-leading brands. No cheap filler here!
- Great for Street Skating: The Independent Mid trucks have a lower profile, perfect for flip tricks and grinding ledges.
- Smooth Ride: Spitfire Burner wheels use a special urethane for a great feel and performance without breaking the bank.
- Fast and Durable Bearings: Bones Reds are known for being the best, giving you speed and lasting a long time.
- Everything Included: You get the trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and riser pads – all the essentials to assemble your board.
- Strong and Lightweight: The trucks are made from strong aluminum, making them light and built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- Deck and Grip Tape Not Included: You’ll need to buy these separately to complete your skateboard.
- Specific Wheel Size: The 54mm wheels are a good all-around size, but skaters might prefer a different size depending on their style.
This package makes building a professional skateboard simple and ensures you’re riding with high-quality parts. Get ready to shred with this awesome setup!
3. INDEPENDENT Truck Company 149 Stage 11 Hollow Kevin Baekkel Pro Transparent Black Standard Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to shred with the INDEPENDENT Truck Company 149 Stage 11 Hollow Kevin Baekkel Pro Transparent Black Standard Skateboard Trucks. These trucks are built for serious skateboarding. They are super light but still really strong. You can trust them for all your tricks.
What We Like:
- Super Lightweight: These trucks are 7% lighter than regular Stage XI trucks. This makes them easier to flip and pop.
- Tough Construction: They use A356 T6 Aluminum for the hanger and baseplate. This means they are strong and last a long time.
- Smooth Grinds: The hollow Chromoly axle and kingpin are also very durable and help you grind better.
- Awesome Graphics: The transparent black hanger looks cool. It has a laser-etched Independent logo and a unique Norwegian mythological hammer tattoo art by Kevin’s friend Hans Heggum.
- Ready to Roll: They come with orange cushions for a good ride and a metal keychain hangtag that matches the art.
- Perfect Height: At 55mm tall, they give you great performance and stop your wheels from rubbing. They work best with wheels 56mm or smaller.
- Standard Baseplate: The 149 model has a standard 4-hole baseplate, which fits most skateboards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Edition Appeal: Because these are pro models with special art, they might be harder to find once they sell out.
These Independent trucks are a fantastic choice for any skater looking for a lightweight, durable, and stylish setup. They’re ready to help you push your limits and have a blast on your board.
4. INDEPENDENT TRUCK COMPANY Skateboard Truck Stage II Bar Skate Truck Flat Black
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to shred with the INDEPENDENT TRUCK COMPANY Skateboard Truck Stage II Bar Skate Truck. This set of two trucks comes in a sleek flat black finish. They are built tough for all kinds of skateboarding. The trucks are 55mm tall, which is just right for good performance and to stop your wheels from rubbing on the board. You get a strong and light truck because they use special aluminum. The axles are made of super strong steel, and the kingpin is top-notch. These 159 trucks measure 8.75 inches across and are perfect for decks from 8.50 to 10.40 inches wide. They even have cool red cushions and a cool two-color bar design on them.
What We Like:
- Super strong and durable for any kind of skating.
- Made with lightweight, high-quality aluminum for a better feel.
- The 55mm height gives great performance and wheel clearance.
- The SCM435 Chromoly Steel Axle and Grade 8 Kingpin mean they last a long time.
- They look awesome with the flat black finish and red accents.
- Perfect size for a wide range of skateboard decks.
What Could Be Improved:
- As with any performance part, some riders might prefer a different cushion hardness.
These Independent trucks are a fantastic choice for skaters looking for a reliable and stylish upgrade. They deliver on both durability and performance, making your next skate session even better.
5. INDEPENDENT Truck Company 149 Stage 11 Built to Grind Silver Black Standard Skateboard Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
The INDEPENDENT Truck Company 149 Stage 11 Built to Grind Silver Black Standard Skateboard Trucks are built tough for skaters who love to shred. These trucks have a cool DIY look with orange and black stripes, just like construction tape. They are made with strong materials to handle all kinds of skateboarding, from cruising the streets to hitting the skatepark.
What We Like:
- Super Strong: Made with A356 T6 Aluminum for the hanger and baseplate, these trucks are built to last. The SCM435 Chromoly Steel Axle and Grade 8 Kingpin mean they won’t break or bend easily.
- Great for Grinding: The “Built to Grind” name says it all! The polished silver hanger and special baseplate are designed for smooth grinds.
- Perfect Height: At 55mm tall, these trucks offer great performance and enough space for wheels up to 56mm without rubbing.
- Cool Style: The silver and black design with orange accents looks awesome on any skateboard. The laser-etched logos add a premium touch.
- All-Around Performer: These trucks work well for any kind of skateboarding, making them a solid choice for most skaters.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Edition Feel: The unique “Built to Grind” details might make them harder to find sometimes.
- Anodized Baseplate Scratches: While durable, the anodized black baseplate could show scratches from heavy use over time.
These Independent trucks are a fantastic choice for any skateboarder looking for durability and style. They are ready to take on your toughest skate sessions.
Independent Trucks: Your Guide to Rolling Smoothly
Choosing the right skateboard trucks makes a huge difference in how your board rides. Independent Trucks are a legendary brand, known for their strength and performance. This guide will help you pick the perfect pair for your skateboarding adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at Independent Trucks, keep these important features in mind:
- Height: Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high.
- Low trucks are closer to the ground. They offer more stability for flip tricks because your board doesn’t have to go as high.
- Mid trucks are a good all-around choice. They work well for most types of skating and offer a balance of stability and maneuverability.
- High trucks give you more clearance. This means you won’t “wheel bite” (when your wheel touches the board) as easily, especially with larger wheels. They also make turning a bit easier.
- Width: The width of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck.
- A good rule of thumb is that the axles of your trucks should line up with the edges of your deck.
- If your trucks are too narrow, your board will feel wobbly. If they’re too wide, they can get in the way when you try to do tricks. Independent offers many sizes, so you can find a perfect fit.
- Bushings: These are the rubbery parts that help your trucks turn.
- Bushings come in different hardness levels. Softer bushings make turning easier and smoother. Harder bushings offer more stability.
- Most Independent Trucks come with standard bushings, but you can always swap them out to customize your ride.
Important Materials
Independent Trucks are built to last. They mainly use:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum: This strong metal is lightweight, which helps keep your board from feeling too heavy. It’s also very durable, so your trucks can handle rough landings and impacts.
- Chromoly steel axles: The axle is the metal bar that goes through the middle of the truck and holds the wheels. Chromoly steel is super strong and resists bending. This means your wheels will stay put and roll straight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make Independent Trucks great and some minor things to watch out for:
- Forged baseplates: Some higher-end Independent Trucks have forged baseplates. This means the metal is pressed into shape under high pressure. Forged baseplates are stronger and lighter than cast ones. This makes the truck more durable.
- Quality control: Independent is known for its excellent quality control. They make sure each truck is made well. This means you’re less likely to get a faulty truck.
- Weight: While aluminum is light, trucks can still have some weight. For very technical flip tricks, some skaters prefer the lightest possible setup. However, the strength of Independent Trucks often makes the slight extra weight worth it.
- Grind wear: Like all skateboard trucks, the metal will get scratched and worn down from grinding on ledges and rails. This is normal wear and tear and doesn’t necessarily mean the quality is reduced, but it’s something to expect.
User Experience and Use Cases
Independent Trucks are used by skaters of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
- Beginners: Many beginners find that Independent Trucks offer the stability they need to learn to ride and balance. The reliable turning makes it easier to control the board.
- Street skaters: Street skaters love Independent Trucks for their durability. They can handle the constant impact of jumping down stairs and grinding rails.
- Park skaters: For skaters who spend time at skate parks, the responsive turning of Independent Trucks helps with carving and getting good air off ramps.
- Transition skaters: Skaters who ride bowls and ramps appreciate the stability and smooth turning that Independent Trucks provide. They help you maintain speed and control.
No matter what kind of skating you do, Independent Trucks offer a solid and dependable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Independent Trucks
Q: What makes Independent Trucks so popular?
A: Independent Trucks are popular because they are very strong, durable, and turn well. Skaters trust them to last a long time and perform great.
Q: How do I know what size Independent Trucks to buy?
A: You should match the width of your trucks to the width of your skateboard deck. The axles of the trucks should line up with the edges of your deck.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my Independent Trucks?
A: Yes, you can easily change the bushings. Softer bushings make turning easier, and harder bushings make your board more stable.
Q: Are Independent Trucks good for beginners?
A: Yes, Independent Trucks are great for beginners. They offer stability and reliable turning, which helps new skaters learn.
Q: What is “wheel bite” and how do trucks affect it?
A: Wheel bite happens when your wheels touch your skateboard deck during a turn. Higher trucks give you more space, so wheel bite is less likely.
Q: Are Independent Trucks heavy?
A: Independent Trucks are made with strong but relatively light aluminum. While some very light trucks exist, Independent trucks offer a good balance of strength and weight.
Q: How long do Independent Trucks usually last?
A: With normal use, Independent Trucks can last for many years. Their strong materials and good construction make them very durable.
Q: What is the difference between forged and cast baseplates?
A: Forged baseplates are made by pressing metal under high pressure, making them stronger and lighter. Cast baseplates are made by pouring molten metal into a mold.
Q: Can I use Independent Trucks for different types of skating?
A: Yes, Independent Trucks are versatile and work well for street skating, park skating, and transition skating.
Q: Where can I buy Independent Trucks?
A: You can buy Independent Trucks at most skate shops and online retailers that sell skateboarding equipment.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.