It’s definitely frustrating, regarding the build quality of Ace’s. I gotta stand there and inspect every set at the local shop and choose the best looking ones (equally tapered hangers where it meets the axle, not oddly shaped and deformed looking/oval). I don’t understand how a truck can come out so drastically different from one set to another if it’s all being poured or injected into the same mold. I’m sure most people don’t even pay attention and just buy whatever set the person behind the counter hands to them, but for me I care about craftsmanship in the things that I buy. I know I know, China metal and I shouldn’t be expecting anything of that level.
The only problems I’ve had with Indy/Thunder’s is metal from the hanger spilled onto the axle, making it impossible for a bearing to spin, so if I accidentally get a set like that I have to shave away the metal with a razor blade. I’ve also noticed lots of Indy’s have off centered iron cross stamps on the baseplate, which is annoying if you have OCD like me.
Bottom line is I’ve noticed I’m not much different than rob, except I’ve never and will never skate a set of low trucks or Mini Logos. I truly have accepted that Ace totally enslaved me with the geometry, no matter what else I try I always end up going back.
Weird thing is I bought a black set to use the baseplates for added flair with the black base/silver hanger combo and they have held up way better at the pivot point than the raw ones. No widening of the hole whatsoever, while the raw baseplates always do pretty quickly when I slappy.