Hey there, fellow shredders! I’m here to talk to you about something that’s got me stoked – the Caliber III trucks. As a long-time rider and shop owner, I’ve seen my fair share of trucks, but these bad boys have really got my attention. In fact, I’m calling it: Caliber IIIs are the best cast trucks on the market right now.
Why all the hype? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into what makes these trucks so special.
Caliber III Trucks: A Quick Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at what we’re working with. The Caliber IIIs come in a variety of configurations to suit your riding style:
- Baseplate Angles: 50°, 44° (with shim for adjustable angles)
- Width: 157mm, 184mm (available in both raked and non-raked options)
- Construction: Cast Aluminum
- Rake: 5mm (some say 3mm)
- Cost: $63
- Key Features: Upgraded bushings and a smooth-rolling urethane pivot
Just from the specs alone, you can see Caliber has put a lot of thought into making these trucks versatile and high-performing.
Cole trotta pro
Image: Caliber III trucks on a classic setup.
What Makes Caliber III Trucks So Good?
Let’s cut to the chase: these trucks just feel amazing to ride. Whether you’re carving up the streets or bombing hills, the Caliber IIIs deliver a consistent, stable, and confidence-inspiring experience that’s hard to beat. Here’s why:
- Effortless Turning: The Caliber IIIs are incredibly responsive and turn on a dime. They’re the turniest cast trucks I’ve ever ridden, yet they never feel twitchy or unpredictable.
- Unmatched Stability: Despite their aggressive turning radius, these trucks are surprisingly stable. You can push them to the limit without feeling unstable or wobbly.
- Plug Barrel Bushings for the Win: The secret sauce of the Caliber IIIs lies in their plug barrel bushings. These bad boys provide a level of control and responsiveness that’s unheard of in cast trucks. We’ll dive deeper into the magic of plug barrels later on.
- Superb Stock Parts: Caliber doesn’t skimp on quality. The Caliber IIIs come standard with premium Venom HPF bushings and a durable urethane pivot. You won’t need to upgrade a thing right out of the box.
- Smooth Over Any Terrain: Road imperfections are no match for these trucks. The plug barrel bushings and stable design absorb bumps and vibrations, giving you a smooth and controlled ride even on rough surfaces.
Caliber IIIs vs. the Competition: How Do They Stack Up?
You might be thinking, “Okay, these trucks sound great, but how do they compare to other popular options?” Let’s break it down:
Caliber III vs. Paris V3
While Paris V3s are a solid choice, the Caliber IIIs take the cake thanks to their plug barrel bushings. The difference is night and day:
- Consistency: Caliber IIIs with plug barrels provide a remarkably consistent feel throughout turns and slides.
- Stability: The plug barrels in the Caliber IIIs give them a significant edge in stability, especially at higher speeds.
- Smoothness: The Caliber IIIs glide through turns, while the Paris V3s can feel a bit less refined.
Caliber III vs. Bear Gen 6
Both the Caliber III and Bear Gen 6 trucks utilize plug barrel bushings, but there are some key distinctions:
- Ride Height: Calibers have a lower ride height, giving them a more responsive and agile feel.
- Turning: Caliber IIIs have a slightly more aggressive turning radius than the Gen 6s.
- Bushing Compatibility: Caliber IIIs are designed to work seamlessly with Venom plug barrel bushings right out of the box. The Gen 6s, on the other hand, often require some modification to fit certain plug barrel bushings.
Caliber trucks vs Bear gen 6 vs Paris V3
Image: Caliber, Bear, and Paris – a showdown of top truck brands.
Diving Deeper: The Impact of Plug Barrel Bushings
I can’t stress enough how much of a game-changer plug barrel bushings are for the Caliber III trucks. Here’s why they make all the difference:
- Effortless Straight-Line Stability: Maintaining a straight line is a breeze with plug barrels. They provide a strong center point, making it easy to hold your line.
- Controlled and Predictable Turning: Plug barrels offer a balance of responsiveness and control, preventing the trucks from diving too quickly into turns.
- Enhanced Return to Center: The unique shape of plug barrels creates a natural return-to-center force, enhancing stability and making the trucks feel snappy.
- Reduced Slop, Increased Precision: Plug barrels all but eliminate unwanted side-to-side movement (slop), resulting in a direct and precise feel.
- Consistent Slide Initiation: The predictable resistance and smooth transition offered by plug barrels make sliding a dream. You’ll experience a consistent edge-of-traction feel every time.
Without plug barrels, the Caliber IIIs wouldn’t be in the same league. These bushings are the key to unlocking their full potential.
Caliber III Trucks: The Verdict
So, there you have it – my honest take on the Caliber III trucks. In my experience, they are hands-down the best cast trucks available, offering an unbeatable combination of performance, stability, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Caliber IIIs are a worthy investment that will elevate your ride.