Ace vs Independent vs Thunder: Which Skateboard Trucks Should You Ride?
If you’ve spent any time around skateboarders - in a shop, at the park, or arguing on the internet - you’ll know that trucks are one of those topics that can start surprisingly passionate debates. Decks snap, wheels wear down and bearings eventually give up, but trucks tend to stick around for a long time. Once you find a pair you love, you’ll often keep riding them until they’re ground down to something that looks like it’s survived several minor wars.
Choosing trucks isn’t really about finding the “best” option, because different trucks suit different styles of skating. Some feel stable and solid, others turn more freely and carve harder. The trick is understanding what each brand is known for and deciding which one fits the way you like to ride.
Ace Trucks: Loose, Carvy, and Ridiculously Fun
Ace Trucks have built a reputation over the last few years for one simple reason: they turn beautifully. Straight out of the box they feel loose, responsive and almost surfy compared to many traditional trucks. If you like carving around bowls, slashing banks or just flowing through the park rather than fighting the board, Ace trucks tend to feel immediately comfortable.
A lot of skaters also love how Ace trucks grind. The geometry and shape make locking into ledges and coping feel smooth and predictable, which is why they’ve become popular with riders who spend a lot of time skating transition. They’re also known for having a slightly more relaxed feel overall - the kind of truck that encourages you to loosen the bolts a little and let the board move beneath your feet.
If your skating style leans more towards flow, carving and creative lines rather than ultra-technical street tricks, Ace trucks can feel like the board suddenly came alive underneath you.
Independent Trucks: The Legendary Workhorses
Few pieces of skateboard hardware have the reputation of Independent Truck Company trucks. They’ve been a staple of skateboarding for decades and for good reason. Independent trucks are known for being extremely durable, stable at speed and dependable in almost any kind of terrain.
Where Ace trucks feel loose and lively, Independents tend to feel solid and confidence-inspiring. They hold their shape well, handle heavy impacts and keep things stable when you’re charging down a hill or hitting bigger transition. For skaters who ride hard, skate big features or simply want something that will survive years of abuse, Independent has built its reputation on reliability.
They’re also the trucks you’ll see under a huge number of professional riders’ boards, partly because they’re strong enough to take the punishment of daily skating without constantly needing replacing.
Thunder Trucks: Light, Quick and Street Focused
Then there’s Thunder Trucks, which have long been popular with street skaters who want a setup that feels fast, responsive and a little lighter underfoot. Thunder trucks typically sit slightly lower than some other brands, which can make boards feel quicker to pop and more responsive for flip tricks.
That lower ride height, combined with a lighter construction, has made Thunder a favourite for skaters who spend most of their time on ledges, rails and flatground. If your skating revolves around technical tricks where quick response matters, Thunder trucks often feel sharp and precise.
They’re the sort of truck that disappears beneath your board while you skate — light, simple and designed to keep things feeling quick.
So… Which Trucks Should You Choose?
The honest answer is that you can’t really go wrong with any of these brands. All three make excellent trucks that have been trusted by generations of skaters. The choice really comes down to the way you want your board to feel when you ride it.
If you want a truck that turns easily and encourages smooth carving, Ace Trucks are a fantastic option. If you want something famously durable and stable that can handle heavy skating, Independent Truck Company have earned their legendary reputation for a reason. And if your focus is street skating and quick technical tricks, Thunder Trucks offer a fast, responsive feel that a lot of riders love.
In the end, trucks are one of those things that become part of your personal setup. Once you find a pair that feels right under your feet, you’ll probably stick with them for years. Until then, experimenting is part of the fun - and occasionally arguing about trucks with your mates is basically a rite of passage in skateboarding.
At Wobble we stock a range of trucks so you can build a setup that actually matches the way you skate. Pick a pair that feels right, bolt them on, and go find something to grind.
