The release of the Thunder T-II trucks marks one of the most deliberate evolutions in Thunder’s long history, blending decades of raw street performance with a modern rethink driven by one of skateboarding’s most uncompromising figures. The T-II is not a cosmetic refresh or a marketing tweak. It is a ground-up refinement designed to feel different underfoot, respond differently in motion, and hold up to the demands of skaters who push their setups harder than most.
To understand why the T-II matters, it helps to look at what has always defined Thunder trucks. Since their emergence in the mid-1980s, Thunder built their reputation on speed, precision, and a distinctly low, aggressive feel. While Independent became synonymous with durability and grind longevity, Thunder carved out a lane for skaters who wanted fast turning, quick snap, and a lighter overall setup. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Thunder trucks became a staple for technical street skating, favoured by skaters who valued control and response over brute strength. Over time, refinements like hollow axles, lighter baseplates, and tuned geometry kept Thunder relevant without abandoning their core identity.
The Thunder T-II takes that lineage and pushes it forward. Compared to standard Thunder trucks, the most noticeable change is the geometry. The T-II features remastered proportions with a taller 54mm axle height, creating more clearance for larger wheels while subtly altering leverage and turn initiation. This added height increases stability at speed while still preserving the sharp, quick steering Thunder is known for. The baseplate design has also been revised, offering increased contact with the deck for improved energy transfer and a more locked-in feel on impact. These changes might sound incremental on paper, but on a board they translate into smoother roll-aways, more consistent landings, and a truck that feels calmer without feeling sluggish.
Hardware choices further separate the T-II from regular Thunders. Solid axles and a solid kingpin return the focus to strength and reliability, addressing long-standing requests from skaters who ride hard and break gear. New tapered bushings, developed specifically for the T-II, create a more progressive turn that feels responsive without collapsing under pressure. Updated pivot cups refine the way the hanger seats and rebounds, reducing chatter while improving control through fast transitions. The result is a truck that still snaps into turns but feels more composed when things get rough.
Behind this evolution is Frank Gerwer, a skater whose name carries weight far beyond graphics or pro models. Gerwer’s career spans generations, from his early days riding for Anti-Hero and embodying the brand’s raw, no-frills ethos, to his long-standing relationship with Thunder Trucks. Known for his power, consistency, and complete lack of interest in trends, Gerwer has always skated what works, not what’s fashionable. His approach to the T-II reflects that mindset. Rather than reinventing Thunder, Gerwer focused on refining what already worked while addressing the shortcomings that only years of real skating reveal. Gerwer’s influence on the T-II is not about branding; it is about function. Every adjustment reflects his preference for stability, predictability, and durability without sacrificing speed or responsiveness. The “Screaming Grimple” graphic tied to his pro model reinforces that this is a rider-driven project, rooted in skateboarding culture rather than product cycles. It also reflects Gerwer’s long association with Anti-Hero and Grimple Stix, companies built on authenticity and resistance to gimmicks.
Historically, Thunder has thrived when listening to its riders, and the T-II represents that philosophy at its best. It bridges the gap between traditional Thunder fans and skaters looking for a slightly more forgiving, versatile setup without jumping brands. For skaters who loved the feel of classic Thunders but wanted more stability for modern terrain, bigger wheels, or heavier skating, the T-II delivers without abandoning Thunder’s DNA. In a market crowded with constant revisions and buzzwords, the Thunder T-II stands out by being purposeful. It is not louder, flashier, or radically different. It is simply better in the ways that matter when you are actually skating. With Frank Gerwer’s experience guiding its design and Thunder’s decades of refinement behind it, the T-II feels less like a new product and more like the next logical step in a story that has been unfolding since the 1980s.
