Weird, when I suggested using calipers to compare kingpin clearance I got hated on...
@RockLobster- Thunder forged will do just that for you especially if you ride 147s.
Also one thing I have noticed is that all these pics are from an angle. Sometimes with my iPhone it switches to a wider angle and distorts unless it is straight on. I think having the camera flat with the table surface would distort less. Those Aces do seem oddly high since the Indy's next to them are lower and they're not Mids.
There may be some distortion due to iPhones shitty camera. I’ll go back and measure if I can tonight.
I also just noticed that the Ace baseplate is actually warped. Maybe that contributed? That’s a first for me. I guess it is bent from ledge contact? It sure wasn’t run over by a car or anything.
As for the Royals- initial “subjective” feedback from a diehard Ace convert. I ride my hangers so loose they rattle, with Krux aftermarket bushings so I’m comparing to a very specific setup.
The Royals aren’t bad at all.
At first the turn felt real linear, like a Thunder or or tighter Indys. But they go deeper and surfier/ more carve if you push them. They do bottom out -I did get wheelbite but I had to turn pretty tight. That’s with 54mm wheels. It’s a pleasant turn. Not jerky and they feel like they track well.
They def feel like a mid or lower, the pop is quick compared to Ace. They gave me a lot more stability for ollie stuff than my loose Aces. One of my biggest complaints with Ace is the grind feel and hanger shape, especially on coping. The Royals feel sooo much better.
Interesting side note, the threading on the axle ends was tighter than any other truck I can remember. In a good way.
Time will tell as far as quality and if they will replace Aces for me but really good initial impression.
Better than the new Krux, which I couldn’t ever tell how hard they would turn. They would turn and then give out-Surprise wheelbite all the time.
At least as good as broken in Indys .
Don’t know about Thunder or Venture because I don’t go there…