Just landed my first ollie yesterday. After that day, I am absolutely addicted. And after a year of trying, it was amazing. Thanks for uplifting me during those stressful days when I lost motivation.

Thank you Ben for this great review and nice to see you back:) Congrats because keeping motivated sk8ing in winter (and issuing videos) with family and life to carry on sounds like the hugest challenge!! So, congrats again. Thank you for what you do and for the motivation you share with us. Be blessed with your family (and your board) in every thing for 2020!!!

The main thing this video cleared up is that you rip at skating.

That mini ramp run gave me 90's flashbacks... included nearly every trick I would see on the regular on my backyard mini ramp by our crew of locals back in that decade.

Dude, you just keep getting better. I enjoy your reviews and they're definitely very insightful, but watching you rip and progress is definitely the icing on the cake.

way to go Ben. Ive followed your channel for a while now and its awesome to see how you are grabbing life by the horns and making it work.

Watch old videos of yours daily, they just keep the stoke going. Thanks for taking the time to make new content!

Man I love this channel and the nerdy-ness about trucks. I’m hyped for the new ace trucks when they come to town thanks to your ace review.

Lifelong Indy rider.. switched to the Thunder Titanium Lights last year... turning is way different... never really felt like my snaps were right with the Thunders, like maybe they were too light. Just got a set of the Venture 5.6 and I feel like I can skate again. Pop, flick, catch. Thanks for the videos, Ben! Great Channel!

Thx Ben Im riding Venture for 7 years now. I was waiting for this video....and think I'll stuck with my Ventures ;)

I'm riding ace at the moment ,chose those after watching one of your reviews on them. For my smaller set up I have thunders. Haven't had a pair of ventures in probably 20 years lol. I'll probably get some next time I go truck shopping

I rode thunders exclusively when I was in my second “phase” of skating, around 2007-2009 and that was when I was at my best. So when I started skating again in 2014, I bought some thunders and I never really questioned it, I knew that getting my tricks back would be a challenge, as I had put on the pounds and got a job that wrecked my body enough. It wasn’t until I was getting comfortable on a board again that I started feeling like Thunders were not responding the way I wanted, so I switched to Indys, and basically never looked back. Kind of been on the outs with skateboarding over the past year, have skated maybe 5 times since last March. Trying to motivate myself to keep at it, to keep from going overboard I’m weight again, and I’m doing a lot more flat ground and ledge stuff than anything else these days. I might have to at least try some ventures to see if I like them.

I'm actually getting back into skating, because my son is really into skating and I want to share that with him and I haven't been staying up to date with the latest innovations in trucks so this helped me out a lot.

It’s maybe worth mentioning that Venture Lows and Highs should be considered almost totally different trucks. The turning is completely different and the height difference completely changes the pop.

Damn ben, the skating you did in this video was so good! Im not saying your skating isnt good but I definitely see an improvement in this video!

I have crazy setup madness right now and I am loving these videos Ben!

thanks for the video Ben, I was missing your content

Hey Ben I just want to say thanks and congratulations for all your reviews and videos you are a nice guy and I enjoy learning more about skateboards with you…greetings from Perú 🇵🇪

This video really got me into your channel. Bro you totally shred!! Lol I'm 33yo so it's good to know that someday I can be just as good as you. Also, convinced me to get some Ventures and I'm totally in love with them. Thank you!

The new ledge session was rad. Awesome to see you pushing it hard like that. Thought you were going to sell me on Venture but in the end it just confirmed my support for Thunders.

Damn Ben your ripping! Extra stoked to see new videos when they do come out.. take care man✌🏼

That switch front nose on the tall ledge was super dope!

Ive been waiting for your new video! Love em keep up the great great work!

great video! also, loved the skating footage as well...youve been ripping lately man. keep them coming

Thanks for making a comeback to the channel with that switch front nose 😂😂😂

Perfect timing for this vid Ben, I have been mulling over what to get next, this coming Friday . Think I'll go with the Ventures, though I may change my mind . I certainly won't be getting indys again. Keep up the great work mate.

I've skated a lot of different brands and iterations of trucks over the years. I skated Venture before Thunder. I always felt a bit off whenever switching brands. When I got my first set of modern Thunders, they instantly felt good. Very responsive, light, and not too squirrely. Other than Indy, I would consider them a go-to brand. All around a great truck. It was good to hear you come to the same conclusion. It seemed like it always used to be people either rode Indy or Venture, like those were the only choices. I'm glad Thunder is a modern contender in the truck market. I never really liked any of the "high" trucks.

I went through the same thing with thunders, switched from venture a year back .. although I do kinda miss the awkward tightening of the front bolts on a venture

On the last life of my Primitive 8.38 on Thunders 149. By far my favorite set up

Holy cow it's so crazy to how far you've progressed.

I switched from some heavy ass Thrasher trucks, which which were not bad, but once I felt the lightness of my current Thunders, they feel so much nicer. Had the same process mostly. Took about 3 weeks to break em in properly. I did change out the bushings but I love the way these feel. Good review.

Dear Ben, This video in particular was errily spot on to my skating history. As a kid in LA, I always bought Val Surf 7.625 decks and had Venture 5.0 lows. I think I just thought that the orange bottom veneer looked nice with the blue and white trucks. Now as an adult, I ride Thunder 147’s or 145’s with four speed rings stacked on every axle. To do this, I’ve had to flip the axle nuts so the lock-tite plastic bites the axle first thing. The 145’s move out to about 7.84” axles from 7.6”. And with wide conical fulls, they feel as stable as the 147’s with classics. Anywho, I’ve been really into Ishod Wair’s bushing trick where he uses four top thunder bushings. I think he does this so that his thunder 147’s will be loose enough in the cold due to additional room on the kingpin. What I realized from this video, was that by doing this, the Thunder axle lowers a bit to the realm of the Venture low. And the wheelbase on the Thunders is brought slightly in also to the realm of the Venture low. I like to use a 90A on top and either a 94A or 95A on bottom. The turn you get is somewhere in between a Thunder and Indy due to the new turn angle. But the height and wheelbase is right where a Venture low is explaining why I am in love with this set up. Still looking for the right deck to pair it with.

Your videos are so inspiring. I wish I could just go out there after work and skate like you do. Unfortunately, I do not live in a surf/skate community, which I think is the main reason why. Some trick tutorials would be awesome. Do you ever hit any rails? Your flat ground game is sick..

I enjoy how honest your opinions are

Damn Ben that pop is getting crazy lol 🔥🔥🔥

That pop sounds beautiful

I recently setup an 8 with venture lo 5.25 and so far I love them. I have some 147 Titaniums I like them but they are too light, I overflip and land primo really easily. The heaviness of the venture is what I like most about them I think. I think I'm going to be on low trucks for a while until I get the urge to skate a bigger board. Maybe I'll try the regular Thunder 147s and see how they do. Thanks Ben for always encouraging the truck madness!

I'm still stuck on my Indys (for good reason) but I enjoy your insight on how different truck brands' dimensions affect the overall feel of a board!

Wax the bushings on thunders, they will become waaaaay looser. I believe it's because the hanger turns way more than it dips, so it grabs on the bushing making them feel way tighter. Little secret I save skaters I meet at parks with.

Haha love the fact that you asked in this video for the courthouse ledge height and I randomly watch this video after the one you actually measured it

Just recently got back on the board and had some chunky thunders I didn’t like. Actually got some royals simply because I wanted some when I was younger. Nostalgia. Gotta say other than kingpin clearance I love em.

Washed up pro on the ledge. 😭 that was funny Ben

Thank you so much for this video. Really helped. 😁

I'll keep tuning in this channel for many unexpected references here👍

Been skating some 6.1 ventures lately after coming off of some thunder 151s. Both trucks are excellent in their own way. Lots of stability on both, turn nice(thunder slightly sharper) and durable. I like venture a little more for slides(extended baseplate) and thunders more for grinds(less drag thanks to more meat on the hanger) but in general both a pretty equally enjoyable to me

I have those venture lows on an 8.38 krooked. I cant explain it but it just feels good even though the sizing is way off

Those are like the OG venture lows I remember with the red bushings, Loved those, literally the only other truck for me beside indy

Love the Thunder Hollow Light 151s. Changed my skating for the better. Know Control!!

Venture lows with orange Indy bushings is my favorite combo

I'm very happy with the turning response on my Venture Worrest 5.8 trucks. I guess I'll have to find a set of Thunder 149s to compare too.

Very clean. I've seen Indy lows for sale on the NHS site and would be interested to see your take on them.

Good to have you back

I’m skating the exact 147s right now and love them

I'm 31. I started skating when I was 6 until my early 20s. My first set of trucks were independents. Ground those down to nothing. Actually still have them. Switched to venture lows hollow lights. They were my favorite trucks. Also only skated mellow boards. Little tail big nose. My first real board was a toy machine. So I have this mind set on what I want. I haven't skated in years and want to start again. But I'm stuck in this rut of what I should go for. Don't wanna waste the money on something I'm going to hate. Thought I was just going to go for another toy machine and ventures again. Idk. I do enjoy watching your videos. It's definitely gave me alot to think about and also letting me know I'm probably over thinking it at the same time.

very interested in seeing that video about truck tightness 🤙 u should try taking the top washer off ur ventures & swap the bottom bushing for an indy extra soft(i would switch the top too but i like those cool clear bushings) 👌 pinch heaven 👌

Was hoping you uploaded a venture vs thunder one day. Your pop for 38 is also insane bruv.

Thunders + Bones Bushings = God Tier

I've Been skating the independent Hollows 139s but I'm thinking of going back to Thunders for some reason I'm going to try the 148s thanks Great video 🔥🔥🔥👌😊

Ben , i am from Russia and I am watching you , keeping filming ,you are the best

I’d love to see you review the Welcome’s Orb wheels. I’m planning on buying some but can’t find any good info on them

Recently got my first set of Ventures since the 90s because they started making bigger trucks. Owned a pIr of Thunders around 2003-2004. Rode them for a month and gave them away to ride my Indys again. I actually feel like I can totally live with these 6.1 Ventures. The grind is actually the only part about Ventures that's not that good. The turn is adequate enough to be ok with even though not as good as Indy, totally doable. Kingpin clearance on the the highs with stock kingpins is better than my Indys with Grindking kingpins on them. The weight is lighter than Indy but heavy enough to not make the board feel like a toy. One 1/8 riser and they feel the same height as an Indy to me. So long story short Venture is winning me over pretty hard right now.

Venture lo crew checkin in!

Venture rider for life-since '89

holy shit that last ledge was really high props for that front nose

RIPPING BEN! Hell Yeah! You are improving a lot!

Thanks for another great truck review. Only problem with your truck reviews is that they keep making me get more trucks...and wishing I skated a tenth as good as you. Yeah, a tenth as good would be nice. Any chance Mini Logos next?

You legitimately have the best nollie FS flip in the game. 👌

Hi Ben, I've been watching a lot of your videos. Thanks! I'm curious if the Thunder and Venture trucks were the same price. The Venture Titanium (axle) is around 15% lighter but not so expensive. I wonder what you would think of them. On the subject of weight. It seems the lighter the board the easier the tricks, once you get used to a board. Why not go for the extreme and create a super light weight board?? 7" board, small trucks and wheels. To remove weight drill extra holes in the trucks, deck and maybe even the wheels. I just wonder if the holes will create extra wind resistance or not. The unbreakable new decks might be fun the drill holes in!

Thank you Ben for another informative and detailed skateboard review!! I have not seen anyone review the newest model of trackers that are modeled for more street skating like an indy, they are called the Tracker Axis would you ever consider doing a review on those one day? There is no information on them online other than from Tracker themselves I would love to see a detailed review on those!

I remember when venture trucks first came out in the 80's. Nobody ever rode them. Gullwing, Tracker and Indy's we're all everyone rode.

Right On Man Really Cool Video

I really enjoy the videos man. Been following for almost as long as you've been posting. I like the longer videos like this one too. I'm a ocd board seter upper🤣 always switching it up. Rocking a big set up right now. You should do a video on a BIG setup Kader style 8.8 and Indy 169 (or recently now ventures). Would be fun to see what you could do on a boat like that. ✌️

I like that you're from Vancouver!

Somebody sponsor this man!!

Thanks for the video! Would you consider doing a Tensor Mag Light review?

You have a best reviews. Can you please review the Destructo D1 magnesium 8.25. They seem to be coming back strong in the past year.

Yes! Keep doing those squats! I like how Thunders pop but I don't like how they nose slide. I'm contemplating between Ventures and Grindkings for my next set.

After years on Venture low, i started on theses so i have never tried something else... I actualy ride Film trucks ( i'm french so i try to support french brand... a bit. ), i dont mesure it but they are a little bit higher than Venture and guess what, they turn ! After 3-4 sessions i really like it, good or bad i can't wait for your Film trucks review.

a review of the new tensor all terrain maglights would be nice , it is supposed to be the lightest truck on the market and made of magnesium . . also , there's different versions , but , the one i'm talking about are the high's called the all terrain's 😇 there's no good reviews on these trucks , thanks ✌️💜

I’ve been skating Indy forged hollows since I was a kid. I honestly never even thought of trying new trucks but seeing as how you said the thunders helped a lot with mannys maybe I’ll try them. I’ve never been good at them.

1993 I snagged a pair of THUNDER 147's, and mounted 'em on a New Deal Rob Dyrdek 7.75, and tye dye printed grip. My life changed forever!

Oh oh oh... I'm sending that heel Manny to Manny busters hahaha

I skated ventures for 5 years then thunders for 5 years and I switched back to venture a few months ago. I feel like the main difference is that they grind through real ledges way better and are better for manuals but I ride a mellow shape from a shop so it’s the same every time

Great video, can you do more videos on how the wheel base an measurements are different between indys an thunders?

he's so canadian i love it

Im riding krux right now. Got them to turn well finally. Still not as good as my indys with bones bushings.. was curious if you have skated the new venture light (lows) and if you rate them

Hey Ben, I just want to start off by saying thank you again for your product reviews. It helps a lot having your input because I can't really afford to buy everything and figure it out for myself; not until I get back to my normal job in the spring anyway. I could use some of your help with something with products you've reviewed before. I'm much larger now than when I was a young man, but I still love to skate. But because I've put on some weight I'm kinda forced to use the carbon fiber/power ply decks. No big deal, but ive been having some trouble with ghost pop. I'm riding a Santa Cruz vx right now, and I like it but the kicks are too steep for my liking. Thinking of getting a Flight deck next. I've only ever skated on Indy, Venture and Grind Kings with preference leaning toward Ventures. I have 8" Indy hollows but I don't know how they'll be with the new deck. I would really appreciate your help/input. Keeping in mind the ghost pop issue and that I like my trucks tight. Sorry for the length of this message I know your time is valuable.

Great video good content. Great progression keep er up

What trucks would you buy if you were to ride a 8.75" board with 55mm. Wheels mainly for mini ramp and maybe some bowl skating?

I wish the thunders had the same baseplate as ventures or krux. They just slide so much better

Thunder “Team” Hollow Lights are my favorite! these are light but still pop well and no wheel bite

Idk if you made a video on it but I’d like to see your take on that DKL non abrasive grip tape

I'd still love to see you try a handrail you definitely have enough pop to do it.

I just got into skate boarding, started on my daughter’s super cheap 7” enuff board and it was pretty sketchy to be honest. I got some crazy big wheels as the roads are rough here and borrowed some old venture trucks and it felt great. But I was told venture were cheap and rubbish. But I don’t know, just got some New hollow high thunders and they don’t feel as stable as the ventures, I’m just cruising, I felt safe on the ventures - temped to sent the thunders back. It’s driving me crazy - thanks for the video, my kind of over thinking!

I found my old set of Independent trucks from around the 2000s when they were still made in the USA. Gonna stick 'em on my 7.5 deck one of these days and see how different it is compared to the newer Indys and wider boards.

I always put my old kingpin nuts on new trucks. Then angle grinder to the rest of the kingpin. While I'm at it I put on the old bushings too. My current setup I actually only changed the hanger..haha

I wanted this video since for ever ! But I have no time to watch it right now :/ (Because I go skate with friends) The skateshop in my city in France have 100% french stuff, which is sooo cool, so they have Film Trucks, a company made by Jeremie Daclin, a famous skater from the 90', for around 30$ the truck, they are great. I bought it after 2 or 3 years of Thunder, and they are very comfortable. Also, they become blue in the sun, which is super beautiful ! I love my french trucks ♥ If you can try it one day, I think it worth it, peace from France Ben and happy new year !

i have the titaniums 147 and they work really well

I love thunders skated them for about 10 years can't see myself changing, maybe some royals for shits n gigs, Love light trucks feels like I can get my board too do what I want when I want it.

So I restarted skating after idk, since 2009ish. I have a board a homie gave to me and now I’m going to replace it out. Just got some spitfires 52mm, I’ll keep the trucks a little longer, I have thunders idk what size or anything, but could you recommend a good setup? I was hoping to get a baker board, I’m thinking 8.0 or a little bigger, and I have spitfire 52mm, if I replace the trucks what should I get that would go with a baker with that size and the size of my wheels? I know skating is all preference but I just want to know what you would ride if I wanted a low truck or not too high or too heavy.