skateboard bushings guide
Skateboard Bushings: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated 12/05/2025)
Navigating the world of skateboards can feel overwhelming for beginners, especially when selecting the right components. Understanding specifications is crucial to avoid purchasing unsuitable gear, impacting performance.
What are Skateboard Bushings?
Skateboard bushings are small, often overlooked components nestled within your skateboard trucks, but they play a vital role in the board’s steering and overall ride quality. These cylindrical pieces, typically made of polyurethane, sit around the truck’s kingpin and act as the primary cushioning system.
Essentially, bushings allow for the turning motion of your skateboard. When you lean, the trucks compress, and the bushings resist that compression, providing a spring-like effect. This resistance determines how easily and responsively your board turns. They aren’t just about turning; they also absorb shock, contributing to a smoother ride, especially over rough surfaces.
Different durometers (hardness) and shapes of bushings cater to various riding styles and preferences, influencing stability, responsiveness, and overall control. Choosing the right bushings is key to customizing your skateboard’s feel and performance.
The Role of Bushings in Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks, the metal T-shaped parts connecting your wheels to the deck, rely heavily on bushings for proper function. Bushings act as the pivotal interface between the baseplate, hanger, and kingpin, enabling the turning mechanism. They don’t just allow turning; they control it.
When you apply pressure by leaning, the kingpin bends, compressing the bushings. The bushings’ resistance to this compression dictates the board’s turning radius and speed. Softer bushings compress more easily, resulting in looser, more responsive turning, while harder bushings offer greater stability at higher speeds.
Furthermore, bushings absorb impacts and vibrations from the riding surface, enhancing ride comfort and control. They prevent harsh jolts from traveling directly to the rider, contributing to a smoother experience. Properly functioning bushings are essential for safe and enjoyable skateboarding.
Bushing Durometer: Understanding the Scale
Durometer is the measurement of a bushing’s hardness, crucial for tailoring your skateboard’s feel. It’s measured using a Shore A scale, ranging typically from 78A to 101A+, though variations exist. Lower numbers signify softer bushings, while higher numbers indicate greater hardness.
Think of it like this: a softer bushing (e.g., 78A) is akin to pressing your finger into soft clay – it deforms easily. Conversely, a harder bushing (e.g., 99A) is like pressing into hard rubber – it resists deformation. This difference directly impacts how your board turns and feels.
Understanding the durometer scale allows you to fine-tune your setup. A lower durometer provides a more forgiving ride, ideal for beginners or those prioritizing comfort. Higher durometer bushings offer increased responsiveness and stability, favored by experienced skaters.
Durometer Explained: 78A ౼ 99A
Bushings in the 78A to 99A range are generally considered softer, offering a more compliant and forgiving ride. These are excellent choices for beginners, cruisers, or skaters prioritizing comfort and stability over aggressive responsiveness.
At the lower end (78A-85A), bushings provide a plush feel, absorbing vibrations and making for a smoother experience on rough surfaces. They’re very turny, requiring less effort to initiate carves. As you move towards 90A-99A, the bushings become progressively firmer, offering more resistance and stability.
This range is also suitable for lighter riders who need softer bushings to achieve adequate compression and turning. Softer durometers allow for easier leaning and a more relaxed skating style, making them ideal for longboarding and casual cruising.
Durometer Explained: 99A — 101A+
Moving into the 99A to 101A+ durometer range signifies significantly firmer bushings, favored by skaters demanding precision, responsiveness, and stability at higher speeds. These are the go-to choice for technical street skating, park riding, and aggressive maneuvers.
Bushings at 99A-100A offer a noticeable increase in resistance, requiring more force to compress and lean into turns. This translates to enhanced control and predictability during tricks. Above 100A (reaching 101A+), the bushings become exceptionally stiff, providing minimal give and maximum stability.
Heavier riders or those seeking an extremely locked-in feel will benefit from these harder durometers. They minimize wobble and maximize energy transfer, allowing for powerful carves and precise landings. However, be prepared for a less forgiving ride and increased impact felt through the board.
Bushing Shapes and Their Impact
Beyond durometer, the shape of your skateboard bushings dramatically influences the truck’s performance and your overall riding experience. Each shape offers unique characteristics, catering to different skating styles and preferences. Understanding these differences is key to fine-tuning your setup.
The most common shapes include conical, barrel, and eliminator bushings. Conical bushings, with their tapered design, prioritize responsiveness and are excellent for flip tricks and quick turns. Barrel bushings, wider and more cylindrical, provide superior stability, especially at higher speeds, making them ideal for cruising and downhill skating.
Eliminator bushings represent a hybrid approach, combining the responsiveness of conical shapes with the stability of barrels. They often feature a stepped design, offering a versatile performance suitable for various disciplines. Experimenting with different shapes allows you to customize your trucks to perfectly match your riding style.
Conical Bushings: Responsiveness and Flip Tricks
Conical bushings, easily identified by their tapered shape, are a favorite among skaters prioritizing responsiveness and quick turning. This design allows for a greater range of motion, making them exceptionally well-suited for technical street skating and performing flip tricks. The reduced resistance facilitates initiating turns and achieving snappy rebounds.
Because of their shape, conical bushings generally offer less stability compared to barrel or eliminator options. This trade-off is acceptable, even desirable, for skaters who value agility and precise control over high-speed stability. They excel in situations demanding rapid directional changes and quick reactions.
When choosing conical bushings, consider a slightly harder durometer if you require more support, especially if you weigh more or skate aggressively. Softer durometers enhance responsiveness but may feel less stable at higher speeds.
Barrel Bushings: Stability and High Speeds
Barrel bushings, characterized by their cylindrical shape, are the go-to choice for skaters seeking enhanced stability and control, particularly at higher speeds. Their larger surface area provides increased resistance to turning, resulting in a more predictable and planted feel. This makes them ideal for downhill skating, cruising, and carving.
Compared to conical bushings, barrels offer significantly more stability, reducing wobble and enhancing confidence when navigating fast terrain. They are less responsive for quick, technical maneuvers but excel in maintaining composure during aggressive turns and long-distance pushes.
For riders prioritizing stability, opting for a harder durometer barrel bushing is recommended. This further minimizes flex and maximizes control. Softer barrels provide a more forgiving ride but may sacrifice some stability at higher velocities.
Eliminator Bushings: Hybrid Performance
Eliminator bushings represent a unique design, aiming to bridge the gap between the responsiveness of conical bushings and the stability of barrel bushings. These bushings feature a stepped barrel shape – wider at the base and narrower at the top – offering a versatile performance profile.
The design allows for increased stability during turns while still permitting a degree of lean and responsiveness for tricks. This makes them a popular choice for all-around skaters who enjoy a mix of cruising, carving, and park skating.
Eliminators are particularly effective when paired with a conical bushing on the top and a barrel bushing on the bottom, creating a hybrid setup. This configuration maximizes both stability and maneuverability, catering to diverse riding styles and preferences.
Bushing Materials: Urethane vs. Other Options
The vast majority of skateboard bushings are crafted from urethane, a polymer celebrated for its durability, resilience, and ability to absorb shock. Urethane’s consistent performance across varying temperatures and its resistance to compression make it the industry standard.
However, alternative materials have emerged, though they remain less common. Some manufacturers experiment with blends incorporating plastic or rubber, aiming for specific performance characteristics like reduced friction or increased rebound.
These alternatives often prioritize affordability over longevity or consistent performance. While they might suit casual riders, serious skaters generally prefer the reliability and predictable behavior of high-quality urethane bushings. Urethane provides the best balance of performance and durability, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Choosing Bushings Based on Weight
Selecting the correct bushing durometer is heavily influenced by a skater’s weight. Lighter riders (under 150lbs) typically benefit from softer bushings – generally in the 78A to 92A range – allowing for easier turning and a more responsive feel. These softer bushings compress more readily, facilitating quicker reactions.
Medium-weight skaters (150-180lbs) usually find their sweet spot with bushings in the 92A to 97A range, offering a balance between stability and maneuverability. Heavier riders (over 180lbs) require firmer bushings – 97A to 101A+ – to prevent excessive compression and maintain control at higher speeds.
Insufficiently firm bushings for a heavier skater can lead to “bushings bottoming out,” resulting in instability. Conversely, overly firm bushings for a lighter skater can make turning difficult and feel sluggish.
Choosing Bushings Based on Riding Style
Your skateboarding discipline significantly impacts the ideal bushing setup. Street skaters, prioritizing quick, precise movements for tricks, often prefer medium-soft to medium bushings (88A-95A). This allows for snappy responsiveness and easier ollies, kickflips, and grinds.
Park skaters, needing stability for transitions and coping tricks, generally opt for medium to firm bushings (92A-99A). This provides the necessary support for maintaining control during aerial maneuvers and high-speed lines.
Cruising and longboarding demand the softest bushings (78A-88A) for a smooth, comfortable ride. These bushings absorb vibrations and allow for effortless carving, making them ideal for relaxed cruising and covering distances. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect feel!
Bushings for Street Skating
Street skating demands a responsive setup for executing technical tricks. Bushings in the 88A to 95A durometer range are generally favored, offering a balance between maneuverability and stability. Softer bushings within this range (88A-92A) enhance pop for ollies and allow for quicker turning, ideal for navigating obstacles.
Slightly harder bushings (92A-95A) provide increased stability for grinds and slides, minimizing wobble and maximizing control. Conical shapes are popular among street skaters, further enhancing responsiveness and flip tricks. Consider your weight and preference; lighter riders may benefit from softer durometers, while heavier skaters might prefer slightly harder ones.
Experimentation is crucial to dial in the perfect feel for your street skating style!
Bushings for Park Skating
Park skating, encompassing ramps, bowls, and transitions, requires a different bushing setup than street skating. Stability at higher speeds and predictable carving are paramount. Bushings in the 92A to 99A durometer range are commonly preferred, providing a solid feel without sacrificing too much responsiveness.
Barrel bushings are a popular choice for park skaters, offering excellent stability and resistance to twisting during aerial maneuvers. A combination of barrel and conical bushings can also work well, balancing stability with carving ability. Heavier riders or those prioritizing maximum stability may opt for bushings closer to the 99A mark.
Consider that tighter bushings will reduce wobble, while looser bushings allow for more fluid transitions. Finding the right balance is key to a confident park experience!
Bushings for Cruising and Longboarding
Cruising and longboarding prioritize comfort, stability, and smooth rolling over trick performance. Softer bushings are essential for absorbing bumps and maintaining control at moderate speeds. A durometer range of 78A to 85A is generally recommended, offering a plush ride and reducing vibrations.
Conical bushings, often paired with a barrel bushing, can provide a good balance of responsiveness and stability for cruising. However, many cruisers and longboarders prefer all-barrel setups for maximum stability and a smoother feel. Weight plays a significant role; heavier riders will need harder bushings within this range.
Experimentation is key! Softer bushings enhance the enjoyment of leisurely rides, while still allowing for controlled turns and a comfortable experience on varied terrain.
Replacing Skateboard Bushings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing skateboard bushings is a straightforward process, requiring minimal tools and effort. First, disassemble your trucks by removing the kingpin nut. Use a skate tool or wrench to loosen and remove it. Next, carefully pry out the old bushings – a flathead screwdriver can assist, but avoid damaging the truck hanger.
Clean the bushing seats thoroughly before inserting the new bushings. Apply a small amount of lubricant, like silicone grease, to the inner walls of the bushing seats for smoother operation. Insert the new bushings, ensuring they seat correctly. Reinstall the kingpin nut and tighten it to the desired tension.
Test the trucks to ensure the bushings are functioning correctly and adjust the kingpin nut as needed. Regular bushing replacement maintains optimal performance!
Maintaining Your Bushings for Optimal Performance
Consistent maintenance significantly extends the lifespan and performance of your skateboard bushings. Regularly inspect your bushings for cracks, tears, or deformation – these indicate wear and necessitate replacement. Cleaning is also vital; dirt and grime accumulate, hindering responsiveness.
Periodically remove the bushings and clean them with mild soap and water. Ensure they are completely dry before re-installation. Lubricating the bushings with silicone-based lubricant reduces friction and maintains a smooth ride. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants, as they can degrade the urethane.
Proper storage when not skating is crucial. Shield your skateboard from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can compromise the bushings’ integrity. Proactive care ensures consistent carving and control!
Top Bushing Brands and Recommendations
Several reputable brands consistently deliver high-quality skateboard bushings, catering to diverse riding preferences. Bones Wheels are renowned for their durable and responsive bushings, particularly the Bones Hardcore Bushings, favored by technical street skaters.
Independent, a leading truck manufacturer, also produces excellent bushings known for their stability and control. Krux Trucks offer a range of bushings, including softer options ideal for cruising and carving. Riptide Bushings are highly customizable, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup with various shapes and durometers.
For beginners, starting with medium-durometer bushings from Bones or Independent is a safe bet. Experimentation is key; explore different brands and shapes to discover what best suits your weight, style, and truck setup.