If you’re serious about skateboarding, your trucks matter. Because, they affect your turning, stability, and overall board control. If you’ve been looking for new trucks, you’ve probably come across Thunder Trucks. This is one of the most popular choices among skaters. But are Thunder Trucks good for you?
Do Thunder skateboard trucks turn better than other brands? Are they good for street skating? And most importantly, are they durable enough for your skating style? I know you have a lot of questions, but don’t worry! You are in the right place!
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Thunder Skateboard Trucks, including performance, durability, turning, grinding, and size options. By the end, you’ll know if Thunder Trucks are the right fit for you.
So, Are you ready to dive into the article? Let’s get started with the Thunder Skateboarding Trucks Review!
The History of Thunder Trucks
![Thunder Trucks logo](https://safeskateboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Thunder-Trucks-logo.jpg)
Thunder Trucks started in 1986 in San Francisco. From day one, they focused on making lightweight, strong, and responsive skateboard trucks. Skaters loved how they turned faster and sharper than other brands.
Thunder is part of the Deluxe Distribution family, which also includes Spitfire Wheels, Anti-Hero, Real, and Krooked. This means they have deep roots in the skateboarding world and support real skaters.
One thing that makes Thunder stand out is their lifetime guarantee. They believe in their trucks so much that they back them for life. This shows how durable and high-quality their products are.
For over 30 years, Thunder has been a favorite for skaters who want quick turning, great board control, and reliable strength. Whether you’re hitting ledges, stairs, or just cruising, Thunder Skateboard Trucks has been a top choice for skateboarders worldwide.
Performance and Durability of Thunder Trucks
Thunder Trucks are light, quick, and smooth. They’re a top choice for skaters who love street tricks, ledges, and sharp turns. But are they strong enough to last? Let’s break it down.
Performance of Thunder Trucks Skateboarding
![Performance of Thunder Trucks](https://safeskateboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Performance-of-Thunder-Trucks.jpg)
1. Turning & Control
- Thunder Skate Trucks turn fast and sharp also great for quick movements.
- They sit lower to the ground, giving you more control.
- Perfect for street skating, flip tricks, and technical skating.
2. Grinding & Stability
- Grinds feel smooth thanks to the polished and forged baseplates.
- Hollow Lights & Hollow Light IIs have forged baseplates for extra strength.
- The low profile helps lock in better on ledges and rails.
3. Weight & Pop
- Thunder Skateboarding Trucks are lighter than many other brands, including Independent.
- Hollow models (Hollow Lights & Hollow Light II) cut weight even more.
- The lower design helps with pop, making flip tricks feel crisp.
Durability of Thunder Skateboarding Trucks
![Durability of Thunder Trucks](https://safeskateboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Performance-and-Durability-of-Thunder-Trucks.jpg)
1. Material Strength
- Forged baseplates (in Hollow Lights & Hollow Light II) make them tougher.
- Hollow axles and kingpins reduce weight but may wear out faster on big impacts.
- Polished Thunder Trucks last longer because they use solid axles.
2. Thunder Trucks Bushings
- Stock bushings are soft, making turning smooth, but they can wear out.
- If you skate big drops or gaps, consider harder bushings for more support.
3. Wear & Tear
- Ledge skaters love Thunder because the trucks grind well without sticking.
- If you skate bowls or ramps, they may wear faster than Independent Trucks.
- The lighter design means they grind down quicker on rough concrete
Raleted Article: What Are the Best Skateboard Trucks!
Thunder Truck Size Chart
Picking the right Thunder trucks sizes is key to a stable and controlled ride. If your trucks are too wide or too narrow, your board might feel off-balance. Use this guide to find the perfect fit.
Model | Axle Width | Deck Width |
143 | 7.125″ | 6.9″ – 7.4″ |
145 | 7.6″ | 7.4″ – 7.8″ |
147 | 8.0″ | 7.8″ – 8.2″ |
148 | 8.25″ | 8.1″ – 8.4″ |
149 | 8.5″ | 8.3″ – 8.7″ |
151 | 8.75″ | 8.6″ – 9.0″ |
Getting the right size helps your wheels align with your deck, giving you better balance and control. Whether you’re into street skating, technical tricks, or just cruising, matching your trucks to your deck is essential.
Types of Thunder Skateboard Trucks
Thunder makes strong, light, and smooth-turning trucks. Here are the different types and what makes each one special.
![Thunder Trucks](https://safeskateboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Thunder-Trucks-1.jpg)
- Thunder Polished Trucks: Classic silver design. Strong and reliable. Great for all skaters, especially beginners.
- Thunder Hollow Trucks: Hollow axles and kingpins make them lighter. Good for flip tricks and technical skating. Strong but not too heavy.
- Thunder Hollow Lights Trucks: Hollow axles and kingpins reduce weight. Forged baseplates make them tough. Turns fast for better control. Great for street skating.
- Thunder Polished Hollow Lights II Trucks: Lighter than Hollow Lights. Extra strong forged baseplate for big impacts. Works for all skating styles. Best for skaters who want super-light trucks.
- Thunder Night Hollow Lights Trucks: Same as Hollow Lights but all black. Light, strong, and turns well. Perfect for skaters who like a sleek black setup.
Should You Buy Thunder Skateboard Trucks? (User Feedback)
Many users have shared their experiences with Thunder Trucks. Here’s a breakdown of common feedback
Thunder Trucks vs. Independent: Which is Better?
A common question is, “Are Thunder Trucks better than Independents?” Both brands are great, but they serve different styles of skateboarding.
Feature | Thunder Trucks | Independent Trucks |
Turning | Quick & responsive | Smooth & stable |
Weight | Lighter (good for flip tricks) | Heavier (better for impact skating) |
Durability | Strong but wears faster | Extremely durable |
Grinding | Smooth on ledges & rails | Locks in better for transition |
Best For | Street & technical tricks | Bowls, vert, & heavy grinding |
If you want lightweight trucks with quick turning, go for Thunder. If you need strong, stable trucks for big ramps and rails, Independent Trucks might be better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Thunder Trucks good for beginners?
Yes, They are lightweight and easy to turn, making them great for learning tricks.
Do Thunder Trucks break easily?
No, but hollow versions wear down slightly faster than solid axles.
What are the best Thunder Trucks for street skating?
Thunder Hollow Light Trucks are best for flip tricks and ledge skating.
Are Thunder Trucks better for street skating?
Yes, they are lighter and turn faster, making them ideal for technical street skating.
On A Final Note
So, are Thunder Trucks good? Yes. They are one of the best skateboard trucks for street skating, flip tricks, and technical riding. Their lightweight design and quick turning make them a favorite among skaters worldwide.
If you’re looking to upgrade your setup, Thunder Skateboard Trucks are a solid investment.
So, if you want lightweight, responsive trucks with quick turning and smooth grinds!
Thunder Skateboard Trucks are a great choice for you!