Bushings, the polyurethane rings on your skateboard trucks’ kingpins, are crucial for turning and pivoting. Selecting the right bushings depends on your board type, riding style, weight, and personal preference. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about skateboard bushings.
Generally, the ideal skateboard bushings for each riding style are:
- Street skating and technical tricks: Cone/barrel or cone/cone-shaped bushings.
- Vert, bowl, and park skating: Cone/barrel-shaped bushings.
- Longboarding: Softer bushings for carving.
- Downhill and racing: Stiffer bushings for stability.
Bushings are sold in pairs, with the top bushing controlling turning and the bottom bushing adjusting responsiveness via the kingpin nut. Looser trucks enhance turning but reduce stability, while tighter trucks offer more stability at the expense of responsiveness. Choosing the right bushings is essential, and quality matters.
Which Skateboard Bushings Should You Choose?
skateboard bushingsFor regular skateboards, a barrel/cone bushing setup with a hardness of 87A to 92A is suitable for most riders. Heavier riders might prefer 94A bushings, while kids under 12 generally do well with 85A to 90A bushings. Longboarders, however, need to consider different bushing types, as cruisers, downhill, and freeride boards each have their own requirements. Downhill riding demands stiff bushings for stability to avoid speed wobbles, while carving requires softer bushings for smooth turns. Cruisers need something in between for a comfortable ride.
Hard vs. Soft Skateboard Bushings
Softer bushings allow for easier turning but offer less stability. Harder bushings tighten your trucks, which increases stability, but makes turning more difficult. You can adjust truck tightness, but only to a degree. If you can’t tighten your trucks enough and still find them too loose, harder bushings are the solution. Conversely, if your trucks are too tight, and the nut is almost off the kingpin, opt for softer bushings. New bushings need a break-in period, so skate on them for a few days before deciding to replace them.
How Do Skateboard Bushings Function?
skateboard bushings workingLike wheels, skateboard bushings are made of polyurethane and come in various shapes and hardnesses. Bushings significantly affect your board’s feel and performance. When you lean, the force compresses the bushings and alters the angle of your trucks’ hanger, enabling you to steer. The bushings then return to their natural, uncompressed state, known as rebound. The pivot cup also plays a vital role in turning. Higher-quality bushings offer better responsiveness and quicker rebound than low-quality ones. Over time, the rebound of your bushings diminishes, so investing in quality is crucial for lasting stability and responsiveness. Bushings have a board side (top) and a roadside (bottom). The bottom bushing bears most of your weight and experiences the greatest force when turning, while the top bushing supports it and holds the truck together.
Bushings for Traditional Skateboards
set of bushings and washers skateboardBushings come in a variety of shapes, each intended for different riding styles. Over time, skateboarders have experimented to find the best combinations. Originally, there were three bushing shapes: conical, barrel, and eliminator, but many more have been developed. Generally, cone-shaped bushings are best for turning but provide less stability, while barrel-shaped bushings offer more stability but are not as effective for turning. Technical skateboarders frequently use barrel and cone bushings. The durometer and your weight are the main factors in determining which to use. Lighter skaters should pick softer bushings, and heavier skaters need harder bushings. This affects turning and overall board stability. While all trucks come with stock bushings, many skaters replace them to match their weight and preferred tightness. Remember, bushings need a break-in period before you decide to replace them. Bones Hardcore bushings are popular for street skating and transition, but standard barrel/cone bushings between 87A, 90A, or 92A will suffice. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the durometer higher or lower, remembering they need time to break in.
Bushings for Longboards
Longboards need different bushings depending on the style of riding. Carving requires soft, responsive bushings, while downhill requires stiffer, less responsive bushings for stability. Washers also have an impact on longboard performance, affecting carving and stability. Determine whether you need responsiveness for carving or stability for speed. Muirskate is a good place to shop for bushings online.
Bushings for Carving and Cruising
Standard barrel/cone bushings are suitable for carving and cruising. Soft bushings make for better turning when you lean, and cup washers offer more stability, while flat washers provide optimal turns at the cost of stability.
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Flexy | Medium | Stiff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-100 | 22.5 – 45 | 65a | 78a | 81a |
| 75-125 | 34 – 56 | 80a | 83a | 85a |
| 100-145 | 45 – 66 | 85a | 87a | 88a |
| 125-175 | 56 – 79 | 87a | 89a | 91a |
| 145-195 | 66 – 88.5 | 88a | 93a | 94a |
| 175-220+ | 79 – 100+ | 91a | 93a | 97a+ |
Freeride Bushings
Freeride bushings need to be a bit harder than those used for cruising. Freeriders require some stability at speed, along with responsiveness when turning, so a double-barrel setup is recommended.
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Flexible | Medium | Stiff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-100 | 22.5 – 45 | 65a | 78a | 81a |
| 75-125 | 34 – 56 | 80a | 83a | 85a |
| 100-145 | 45 – 66 | 85a | 87a | 88a |
| 125-175 | 56 – 79 | 87a | 89a | 91a |
| 145-195 | 66 – 88.5 | 88a | 93a | 94a |
| 175-220+ | 79 – 100+ | 91a | 93a | 97a+ |
Downhill Bushings
For downhill riding, use double-barrel or stepped bushings paired with cup washers to maximize stability. Hard bushings are essential based on your weight.
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Flexible | Medium | Stiff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-100 | 22.5 – 45 | 65a | 78a | 81a |
| 75-125 | 34 – 56 | 80a | 83a | 85a |
| 100-145 | 45 – 66 | 85a | 87a | 88a |
| 125-175 | 56 – 79 | 88a | 90a | 93a |
| 145-195 | 66 – 88.5 | 90a | 93a | 94a |
| 175-220+ | 79 – 100+ | 91a | 93a | 100a+ |
Bushing Shapes
Bushings come in many shapes, but not all are suitable for every style. While regular skateboards often use the classic cone/barrel combination, longboarders have more options, depending on their riding style and board type.
Cone/Barrel Bushings
cone barrel skateboard bushingThe cone/barrel combination is the most common for technical skateboarding. The cone bushing allows for turning, while the barrel bushing provides stability. This setup is also used for cruising and longboarding, although it is less responsive than double conical bushings. Some skaters prefer different hardnesses for each bushing to tailor stability and responsiveness. Brands like Independent, Mini Logo, Khiro, Oust, and Shorty’s (Doh-Doh) are good options to consider.
Cone Bushings
Cone bushing for a skateboardCone-shaped bushings are great for turning and carving, making them popular for longboards and cruisers. Their conical shape offers less resistance and more deck lean. If you’re a heavier rider, consider a different shape to prevent unstable turns. Combining a harder barrel bushing with a softer cone bushing can help. For lighter riders (under 140 lbs) a durometer of 87A is suitable; over 140 lbs, opt for 93A. Brands for regular skateboards include Bones, Independent, Khiro, Mini Logo, and Oust, while longboard brands like Venom, Riptide Sports, and Blood Orange are great options.
Double Cone Bushings
double cone bushing skateboardDouble cone bushings are favored by many skateboarders, particularly Bones cone/cone bushings. This setup offers greater stability compared to standard bushings and is often used by street skateboarders. The upper bushing is sometimes harder than the lower bushing. Bones Hardcore bushings come in soft (81A/61B), medium (91A/71B), and hard (96A/76B) durometers.
Barrel Bushings
single barrel bushingBarrel bushings, with their symmetrical shape, are common on both regular and longboards because of their stability. This is because the shape creates the largest pressure surface. They are ideal for speed and prevent speed wobbles. Brands for regular skateboards include Bones, Independent, Khiro, Mini Logo, and Oust. Longboard brands like Venom, Ronin, Riptide Sports, and Rad are also great to check out.
Double Barrel Bushings
double barrel bushingsDouble barrel bushings are popular for downhill and fast freeride longboarding due to their stiffness and stability. Combine them with cup washers for increased rebound and stability. They are not recommended for carving or slalom.
Stepped Bushings
single stepped bushingStepped bushings are great for downhill longboarders because of their ability to compress and release to the center, but they are generally stiffer and less responsive. They’re designed to fill the bushing seat and could be considered a combination of barrel and truck bushings. Brands like Venom and Riptide offer stepped bushings.
Double Stepped Bushings
double stepped bushingsDouble-stepped bushings are for those who prefer tight trucks, as they create lean resistance even with softer bushings. They are great for speed and faster rides.
Barrel/Stepped Bushings
barrel stepped bushingsCombining a barrel on top with a stepped bushing on the bottom increases truck stability, making it suitable for downhill longboarding, especially when used with cup washers.
Hourglass Bushings
hourglass bushingsHourglass bushings are cone-shaped with the smaller surfaces on top of each other, making longboards more responsive and suited for carving, though they’re less suited for downhill.
Bushing Hardness and Weight
bones hardcore bushingsYour weight plays a critical role in choosing bushings. Heavier skaters should generally choose harder bushings to prevent their trucks from feeling too loose. Riding with tight trucks will compress the bushings, making them harder and less responsive, so you can use slightly softer bushings. Here’s a guide for choosing the right hardness for regular skateboards:
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Flexible | Medium | Hard (stiff) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 – 100 | 22.5 – 45 | 65a | 78a | 81a |
| 75 – 125 | 34 – 56 | 80a | 83a | 85a |
| 100 – 145 | 45 – 66 | 85a | 87a | 88a |
| 125 – 175 | 56 – 79 | 88a | 90a | 93a |
| 145 – 195 | 66 – 88.5 | 90a | 93a | 94a |
| 175 – 220+ | 79 – 100+ | 91a | 93a | 100a |
Bushing Durometer
Bushings are measured by durometer, typically on the A scale, but some brands like Bones use the B scale. The A scale ranges from 1 to 100, but the B scale is used for harder bushings, with A being 20 points higher than B. Bushings are categorized as soft (below 90A or 70B), medium (90A/70B to 96A/76B), and hard (96A/76B and higher). Soft bushings provide the best turning for lighter skaters or those who prefer loose trucks. Medium bushings offer great all-around performance. Hard bushings provide stability and are best for heavier skaters or tighter trucks. Remember that brands classify bushings differently, so always consider your weight and truck tightness.
Bushing Washers, Seats, Maintenance, and Tips
Washers affect performance and stability, so they should also be taken into account. Another important factor is the tightness of the trucks, with too loose trucks leading to instability and too tight trucks possibly damaging the bushings. Bushings require maintenance and eventual replacement, as they will lose their flexibility and dry out over time.
Truck Tightness
When tightening trucks, leave no more than two threads showing on your kingpin. Over-tightening can damage your bushings and pivot cups. Make sure both trucks are tightened evenly for consistent performance. If one truck is looser, your board will be unstable, and turning will be more difficult.
Tips for Loose Setups
For better turning, use soft cone bushings and flat washers, ensuring your trucks have the proper height to avoid wheelbite. You can also use medium-soft bushings, or soft bushings with cup washers, but keep in mind your weight. High trucks are also recommended. For more stability, use the classic barrel/cone combination.
Tips for Tight Setups
Use barrel bushings, with one on top and one on the bottom. For more stability, use harder barrel bushings on the bottom combined with cup washers.
Flat vs. Cup Washers
Flat washers don’t trap bushings, which allows for sharper turns. Cup washers hold the bushings together, making your trucks tighter. For downhill riding, cup washers are essential. For cruising and carving, flat washers are a good choice. For regular skateboarding, cup washers are preferred because flat washers can cause instability. Wider flat washers are better for stability and responsiveness, while narrower ones offer more freedom of movement for deep carving.
Bushing Seats
skateboard truck bushing seatThe bushing seat is where bushings sit on the trucks. It affects how your truck compresses the bushing when leaning. There are two types of seats: open and restrictive. Open seats expose the bushing, while restrictive seats enclose the bushings with metal walls, compressing the bushing against the walls during a turn. Open seats offer better turning, while restrictive seats are less turny.
When to Replace Bushings
Replace bushings when they show cracks, crumble, make noise, or are squished. Bushings can last a long time depending on your riding frequency and intensity. High temperatures and moist environments shorten their lifespan. Squeaky sounds might indicate dried-out bushings, which can be fixed with soap shavings or candle wax in the pivot cup. Clicking sounds are often caused by washers that are too large. You can fit longboard bushings on a skateboard because they are all the same size, but they may not be appropriate for that style of riding. It takes about 3 to 7 hours for new bushings to break in, and you can speed this process up by tightening your trucks.
how to replace the bushings of your skateboard truckBeginners don’t need to replace stock bushings unless there are issues, but experienced skaters may notice a significant difference with different bushings.
