For the past few years I’ve been hearing a lot about Theeve trucks. Many people tout the “True Turn” geometry, stability and use of Bones Hardcore bushings as stock equipment.
For every person that swears by Theeve, you’ll likely find someone that tried the older V1 or V2 models that were plagued by bulging bushings.
I never had a chance to ride the first or second versions but I can confirm that the bulging issue has been completely resolved with the V3’s.
As some of you have seen, I’m kind of a truck junkie. I’ve personally found different trucks to have the largest impact on my skating. Much more so than wheels or decks. Over the last 15+ years I’ve skated Thunder, Independent, Venture, Orion, Titian, Tensor, Krux and now Theeve.
Of all the trucks that I’ve skated I always found myself going back to Thunder and Independent. I loved the stability and tight turning of thunder while having the same admiration for the kingpin and wheel clearance of Indy. Theeve has achieved the delicate balance of blending everything I love about Thunder and Indy into one truck.
Theeve has four different models with unique features in their line at various price points. Below are the current models and features:
CSX – Titanium alloy blend cast hanger and baseplate. Solid steel axles and solid steel kingpins
TiAX – Titanium alloy blend cast hanger and baseplate. Solid titanium axles and solid steel kingpins
TiKing – Titanium alloy blend cast hanger and baseplate. Solid titanium axles and hollow titanium kingpins
TiH – One piece axleless titanium hangar. Titanium alloy blend cast baseplate. Solid steel kingpins
This review only evaluates the TiKing but generally applies to the CSX and TiAX. The TiH is a whole other animal. I hope to get the V2 TiH when they are released this summer.
Stability: 10 – This is the crowning achievement of Theeve. The trucks are incredibly stable. When on-center, there is no wobble what-so-ever. I’ve never experienced anything like it with other trucks
Turning: 8 – This number is going to vary for everyone. I prefer tighter trucks where you have to be deliberate about your turn as opposed to swooping, surf turns. If you like tightish trucks you’ll agree. If you love stock Ace’s, these aren’t for you
Weight: 8 – They’re fairly light and I would say on par with other company’s “light” options. Similar to Indy forged hollows, yet heavier than Thunder Titanium Lights or Tensor Mag. The one area where they could improve here without sacrificing durability is to go to a forged baseplate instead of cast.
Grinding: 10 – Best grinding trucks that I’ve ever skated period. Metal, concrete, butter benches, you name it and these things grind it all and they do it smoother than anything else. There is also a ton of kingpin clearance. You might actually grind down to the axle before you hit the kingpin nut
Quality: 10 – The fit and finish on these trucks is perfect. Axles and kingpin are perfectly threaded and the casting is flawless. Pure perfection in this category.
Final impressions: I couldn’t be happier with Theeve. I’ve finally found what I’ve always been looking for in a pair of trucks. They take all of my favorite attributes from other major brands and blended it into one perfect truck.
If you’re looking to try something new, I highly recommend you pick up a pair of V3’s.
