18
June 2021
2023-06-29T15:29:48+02:00

Independent Trucks is an integral part of the skateboard scene and has been delivering skateboard trucks at the highest level for more than four decades. In our skate test, you’ll find out what the new Independent Mid truck is all about.

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The Kingpin makes the difference: the Independent Mid truck.

Independent Mid Trucks Test

In addition to the standard and low trucks from Indy, there is now also a mid option. The new Independent Mid trucks feature the geometry of the well-known Independent Stage 11 truck. The design has been further refined to guarantee a more precise steering response and more stability, as well as to minimize the risk of wheelbites.

More clearance, less wear – the “Inverted” Kingpin from Independent Trucks.

The biggest difference to the well-known trucks from Independent is the inverted kingpin of the Indy Mid. Inverted kingpins have been part of Independent’s NHS sister brand “Krux” for quite some time. But the Independent Mid trucks have taken the concept to a new level.

Independent Mid Trucks Test

The shaft nut of the Inverted Kingpin sits in the baseplate, where you can adjust the steering behavior of the truck with a 5.5 mm Allen key or a 9/16″ hex key – both keys are integrated in common skate tools.

Independent Mid Trucks Test

The inverted and lower-seated kingpin provides more clearance and reduces wear on the kingpin nut from grinds. So the Independent Mid Trucks are perfect if you do a lot of Smith or Feeble grinds.

Built to Grind – the new Independent Mid truck

As the name suggests, the Independent Mid truck is slightly lower than standard Indy trucks – but higher than Independent Lows. With 52 mm height, we at skatedeluxe also classify the Indy Mid as a “mid truck” and recommend a wheel diameter of 53 mm or smaller. Personally, I prefer 54 mm wheels, and with the help of riser pads, I was able to find a good compromise that didn’t limit the performance of the trucks.

For my test, I chose 149 Independent Mids, which are an ideal fit for 8.5″ decks, but are also suitable for boards from 8.375″ to 8.625″. In terms of weight, the Indy Mids are comparable to the standard trucks.

Performance

At first glance, the new 149er Mid trucks from Independent looked very solid and familiar to me. The classic geometry of the Stage 11 truck and the new Kingpin play well together. Otherwise, it had the usual heavier weight of the Independent trucks.

Independent Mid Trucks Test

The break-in phase is always a critical point for me with new trucks. Unfortunately, the Independent Mid trucks needed quite a long time before they felt natural. After five or six sessions, a better feel started to set in.

In the beginning, I had to readjust the steering more often to find my ideal setting. After a few sessions, I no longer had any problems with it. Overall, I find the steering behavior of the Mid trucks very good and their responsiveness won me over. I was able to avoid wheelbites for the most part by using riser pads.

Independent Mid Trucks Test

I mostly ride a mixture of street and park and in both areas the Indy Mid trucks were able to deliver a solid performance. Grinding over pool coping or curbs was smooth from the start and got even better with time.

Durability

I had the Independent Mid trucks for about 3.5 months in the test, and apart from the normal signs of use, their durability has been good so far. The bushings, which were very squeaky at the beginning, have fortunately become somewhat quieter and softer. The pivot cup sits firmly and does not wobble, the bushings have no cracks and the hangers show the usual signs of wear from grinding. Here, the proven durability of the Stage 11 hanger is definitely noticeable.



Conclusion

All in all, I would always recommend the new Independent Trucks 149 Mid trucks. If you are looking for a stable, reliable and steerable truck, then Independent Mid trucks are just right for you. Whether street or park: the Mid trucks ticked all the boxes. After taking a little time to get used to the trucks, they break in nicely and adapt noticeably to your skating.

The only criticism I have is the relatively long break-in period and the weight of the trucks. If Independent brings out a hollow variant of the Mid truck in the future, then they’re sure to be even more popular.

ADVANTAGES

  • Steering response
  • Grind behavior
  • Durability

DISADVANTAGES

  • Bushing adjustment phase
To the Independent Mid trucks More skate & wear tests

The only criticism I have is the relatively long break-in period and the weight of the trucks. If Independent brings out a hollow variant of the Mid truck in the future, then they’re sure to be even more popular.

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