I have a set of aera k5s, previously owned k3 and k4. These are definitely different than those. Aeras are very premium "normal trucks" if that makes sense. Very nice for freeride/all around riding, but not really a downhill-specific truck.
Don't trips are pretty terrible imo, they're very widely panned by most people with experience. Usually only found for very cheap prices on bsts to entice people into buying them without trying them first. Worst precision brand on the market by far. "Dont turns" if you ask me.
Rogues - i can't really speak to these, other than saying that i don't like spherical bearings. They ride really rough. The golds are very well-received by downhill guys. I'd pick those over the new zm1s.
Scythe/slalom valk/other more exotic precisions - no idea.
Ronins - try before you buy. I don't like these, but dh specific guys seem to dig them.
I am 99% a freeride guy, occasionally skating downhill but nothing extreme.
The zealous trucks work for me because they feel a lot more chill than other skinny slalom trucks. I can do big standup slides on the zealous, but i would be terrified to do that on ronins.
I think that these would be a good buy to see if you're into the slalom trucks, while still retaining a nice standup-friendly feeling. I usually ride under 30mph, usually like 15-25mph standup slide riding. For those purposes, these are awesome.
The only reason i would reach for my aeras would be if i wanted to do a lot of switch riding, or i had small wheels that i wanted to core. The zealous and other super-split trucks don't feel very nice in switch. I can do the switch heel 180 easy, but i can't switch toe on them like i can on my aera setup. There just isn't enough steering in switch on slalom trucks.
Edit for zach's comment:
No sphericals in these. I really hate sphericals, so that's good imo. Sphericals ride REALLY rough unless you're on very good pavement. Also very twitchy, which is not good for standup slides/freeride. They do have a urethane insert in the hanger.
