First off, Surf-Rodz TKPs used to be called INDeeSZ.
Surf-Rodz changed the name from “IndeeSZ” to “TKP” in the “Hex” and “Grind”
varieties. This makes a lot more sense and removes some confusion as “IndeeSZ”
sounds exactly like “Indys” which was obviously intentional and clever, but
having to specify which one when talking about them is annoying. Also, the two
trucks feel very different. This is down to the bent pivot vs. straight pivot
difference, among many other things. IndeeSZ do not feel like a precision Indy.
They feel completely different. They are more like a 45* RKP truck with a
massive amount of rake and a really low axle. All current TKPs come with a
grind kingpin, which has a built-in washer and reduces the risk of catching a
kingpin significantly. I snagged mine pretty often on all sorts of crap in the
road/bumps until I got grind kingpins, but haven’t had any problems since then.
TKPs come in two hangar styles: “Grind” and “Hex.” The Hex
TKPs are hexagonal, whereas the Grind TKPs have a rounded hangar for smoother
grinding. There are also quite a few different widths available, as well as the
option for fixed 8mm axles or adjustable 10mm axles. I went for the fixed axle
177mm hex hangar, as I like the convenience of 8mm axles and knew 177mm was the
right width for what I wanted. The hangar and bushing seat are two separate
pieces that are bolted together. I haven’t had any issues with it coming loose
or breaking. I check the bolts every once in a while, and they’ve always stayed
tight. The two-piece design reduces cost quite a bit.
Wedging and dewedging make a huge difference with SZ TKPs.
I’m not going to try to pretend I understand the million factors of truck
geometry that make a truck feel the way it does (kingpin orientation, baseplate
angle, hangar width, bushing seat, axle offset, rake, axle height, wheelbase
effect, etc.), but, subjectively, they don’t all respond the same to the same
changes. Run at their stock angle, TKPs turn like crazy and lean a lot. Dewedge
them and they lean like crazy and turn a lot. Dewedging reduces the pivot angle
(making for a lower angle truck) and is done with wedge risers putting the fat
end out. I like my TKPs dewedged at least a couple degrees, but then I also
like lower angle RKP trucks as well. Flat, they are very responsive (‘twitchy’
to some). They have a very solid center point, but any bump in the pavement
with a little speed and they move a lot. I’ve really enjoyed them both dewedged
~7-8*, and having a split of a slight dewedge in the front and more in the
back.
I’ve found that I like both barrels and fatcone-shaped
bushings on the bottom, and either a barrel or cone on top. I typically ride
topmounts without wheel cutouts (just wheelwells) and like a Venom Freeride or
Riptide Fatcone on the bottom and a Reflex 650 barrel on top. When riding
microdrops with proper cutouts, I like a barrel/cone setup for some really
sketchy slidey fun. Cupped washers and larger flat washers don’t work on top as
they hit the hangar, but the built-in washer of the grind kingpins is perfect.
If you have older TKPs without grind kingpins, you should seriously consider
getting some. Some bottom bushings require a washer and some don’t. Venom and
similar-sized bushing need a washer, and Surf-Rodz and taller bushings (like
Sabres or Reflex 650) do not. Particularly deep cupped washers on the bottom
can also dig into the bushing seat at maximum lean, So I’ve stuck to flat
washers on the bottom.
Drop-through + TKPs = no grip. The ride height was
completely silly but hard carves were sketchy. Super wide and grippy wheels
(Bustin Royce wheels) helped, but still broke out a couple times when I didn’t
want them to. I couldn’t dewedge them enough to reduce oversteer as they got
hangar bite (a board with rocker didn’t help either). There are people who ride
TKPs on double-drops and love it, but I am not one of those people. I like mine
on topmounts and micro-drops.
All Surf-Rodz trucks don’t use speed rings as they have them
machined into the hangar. This didn’t seem like a big deal until I did a wheel
swap. Not having to mess around with speed rings made changing wheels so much
easier, faster, and cleaner. A small point I know, but it is nice.
Downhill
Downhill on TKPs is not for me. I find them very responsive,
which gets twitchy at higher speeds. I like them most on short wheelbases,
which doesn’t help. There are people who downhill on TKPs, but it’s a case of,
“They’re what I’m used to and most comfortable on.”
They aren’t too heavy, they come in a good assortment of
widths, they are quite resistant to bending, they are low, they are turny even
when run tight, etc. TKPs are great freestyle trucks.
Commuting
Again, TKPs are: low, not too heavy, turny, pump well
(especially with split angles), and come in many widths. They’re fun at low
speeds and not too tall even when on a topmount. Make sure you have grind
kingpins to clear rocks, cracks, and pavement transitions.
Freeride
I love dewedged TKPs for freeride. They lean a lot, they
turn a lot, and they don’t grip a lot. They’re my favorite and are fun sliding
even at my putting speeds.
Bottom Line
You will have fun on some TKPs if you’re willing to put in
the effort to get them dialed to your preferences. Don’t get Surf-Rodz TKPs
just because you want precision trucks and they are some of the cheapest.
Stupid, I know, but I’m sure it happens. Get them if they are what you want in
a truck and because they are awesome. If you’re only raging fast mountain
roads, they probably aren’t for you. If you are that lucky, they will at least
bring a little sketchy excitement to your runs.
My Current Favorite
Setup
Clutch Big Bacon – orange flushcut B-side – longest
wheelbase
SURF-RODZ TKPS – 177mm hex – dewedged with Khiro soft wedge
risers (8*)
85a Venom Freeride bushings on the bottom, 86a Reflex 650
barrels on top
Mile High Skates Bearings and spacers
Cult Classics
Peace, love, and stoke,
Dargon Captain Fat Megan
Dude I've been missing your reviews! It's been more than 2 months now, looking forward for the fortune review soon.
ReplyDeleteHey Sebazshi,
DeleteThank you for encouraging words!! I will be bringing a bunch of reviews back very soon. Sorry it's been so long, I kept hurting myself and had to take a long long break to heal up properly
Thanks for the support!!
Hey man, get healed up and shred like a cheese grater. Longboard-Life review reading is my newest addiction. These reviews literally ooze stoke. Keep at it man.
ReplyDeleteHey Cody!
DeleteThanks for the positive vibes! I plan on feeding that new addiction of yours with the first of many reviews to come this weekend! First one will be on Cloudride Ozones :)
Thank you for all the support!
Wayne
Wayne,
ReplyDeleteWe love your reviews and would love to see what you think of our new line. How do we get in touch with you? Check out our stuff at www.skategoldcoast.com.
Thanks!
Thank you for your review. It's so helpful for a new baby like me.
ReplyDeleteSkate boarding is one of my favorite act. Nice pictures. Heathrow Car parking
ReplyDeleteThese are very beautiful pictures. luton airport valet parking
ReplyDeleteI loved skate boards when I was a little girl. luton airport parking
ReplyDeleteI can imagine of free ride with this stake board.
ReplyDeletevalet parking gatwick
In a business, possibility arranging rotates around asking "Consider the possibility that" inquiries: "In the event that this machine separates, what do we do to resume creation quick?" If a key staff individual turns out to be sick or all of a sudden stops, how would we complete that work to stay faithful to our commitments to our clients?" http://www.mordocrosswords.com/2016/08/some-are-unspeakable.html
ReplyDeleteSuch a informative site is good for the beginner. This one provide useful information about Longboarding.
ReplyDeleteGood review also suitable pics here. Would you please suggest me how can i get a Best longboard for me.
ReplyDeleteIn Jamaica there is a scope of slopes. This region is known as the "Blue Mountains" and it is the seat of one of the finest types of espresso on the planet. Its development is checked by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica. They control it all. To them, their espresso is valuable. Maria (coffee liqueur)
ReplyDeletenice review . long board is my favorite . really nice stuff here .
ReplyDeletethis is so nice review . nice to visit here .
ReplyDeleteNice Post
ReplyDeleteCheap Air Tickets
mobile Bus Tickets Booking
Bus Tickets Booking Service
Flight Ticket Booking at Lowest Airfares
Nice Post!I would like to know more about your blog.
ReplyDeleteescape games
online escape games
new escape games
point and click games
Though it is risky to ride in Insect longboards but I can assure you that you will really enjoy. You just have to practice all day long. snowboard
ReplyDeleteIt should go beyond that purpose but fashion sense often overrides safety concerns. If you prefer the same style, simple board shorts will do, with a quick drying feature. Asu Surf
ReplyDeletethis is so awesome post . I check this out .
ReplyDelete