Thunder's been running the Know Control slogan for decades, so when the brand brings out updated geometry aimed at improving what they're best at, we sit up and listen.

The Thunder T-II has been in the works for quite some time, and following an initial US release a few months back, it's landed on Australian shores this week and we've finally been able to get a good look at them. 

So what's the big deal? 

Thunder says the T-II is built “from the base up”, retaining their proven quick turn geometry but refined for even better responsiveness. Angles have been tweaked, and bushing and pivot cups modified, with a new 90D tapered bushing shape and 100D tapered pivot cup shape built for optimum responsiveness. 

A tapered bushing shape means less surface area under lean, so the truck can initiate faster turns, while a harder pivot cup leads to less unwanted flex at the pivot interface. That translates to more direct feedback and a less “sloppy” feel when you're turning.

The trucks are taller, too: 54mm high compared to Thunder's standard 52mm height. As many skaters shift to larger wheels, this obviously means less wheelbite or wheel lock-up, and mitigates the need for riser pads, improving responsiveness. 

The baseplate has also copped a redesign, with a shifted positioning aimed at increasing the contact surface when sliding. Thunder says there's “more baseplate slide contact” which leads to “less wheel drag”. This is particularly useful if you're a tailslider or noseslider, because there's a better chance you'll be sliding on the baseplate rather than your wheels. Slappy-ers rejoice!

You'll also find strength and durability upgrades, with Thunder tinkering not only with new gemoetry, but also debuting new high-grade aluminium axle enclosures for added strength and longer truck life. And as always, they come with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty, so you'll never be left short-changed in the event of breakage.

All in all, consider us interested. They certainly have a different look to your usual Thunders, which some may not be particularly fond of, but the proof appears to be in the pudding given the positive response we're hearing out of the USA's early adopters.

Want to be the first in Australia to give the T-II a run? We've got them available now right here at the shop in 147, 148 & 149 sizes, with fast and free Australia-wide shipping. Let us know how they skate!