Independent can rightfully claim their title as the ‘most iconic brand in skateboarding’ as their trucks are seen as the industry standard against which all others are judged. The company, co-founded by industry legends Richard Novak, Jay Shiurman, Eric Swenson and Fausto Vitello in 1978, was initially created due to a perceived lack of consistently reliable skateboard trucks on the market.

The company is based in Santa Cruz, California with all Independent (or ‘Indy’ as they are also known) trucks manufactured in the USA by Ermico Enterprises Inc, which remains the only dedicated truck foundry based in the USA.

“Independent can rightfully claim their title as the ‘most iconic brand in skateboarding’ as their trucks are seen as the industry standard against which all others are judged.”

Independent’s range covers the full gamut of skateboard trucks with them manufacturing hardware for every type of skateboarding with models ranging from the 109 model (a freestyle truck with a 6.9” axle) through to the massive 215 model (with a 10” axle).

The Independent Stage II Forged Titanium 149 trucks that you can see here are amongst the newest in the Independent range and take new manufacturing technologies to the classic ‘Stage II’ design to increase strength and reduce weight.

Coming in at 5.86” (149mm) in hanger width and with an 8.5” axle, these are designed for a larger deck, somewhere around the 8.25” to 8.75” range.

The Stage II Forged Titanium 149 is a standard height truck measuring in at 53.5mm in height meaning that you comfortably pick wheels up to 59mm in diameter with no wheel bite issues.

These trucks run the regular and much loved geometry of the classic Indy Stage II but with ultra-light Titanium axles, custom forged base plate (as opposed to a base plate bought from another manufacturer) and hollow chromoly kingpins, come in 15% lighter than a regular Indy Stage II at 340 grams.

Put simply, Independent is now, and always has been, the number one choice of skateboard trucks across the globe. Their geometry, turning capabilities and grind are unmatched and with this new addition to the line you can get the same benefits of strength and endurance without adding undue weight to your setup.

Yes, they’re expensive but there’s a reason for that and these will not disappoint on the streets or in the parks: the crème de la crème of trucks.

The Independent Stage II Forged Titanium 149 comes in polished silver (as seen here) and a range of colours with Independent branding on the base plates and/or hangers depending on the model. All Indys come with custom bushings as loved as the trucks themselves. Go count the number of Indy logo tattoos across the world if you need further recommendation of this most venerable of skateboard truck brands.

• INDEPENDENT – STAGE II TITANIUM
• RRP: £99.95
• Hanger Width : 5.86″
• Axle Width: 8.5″
• INDEPENDENTTRUCKS.COM