Have you ever found yourself biting the dust as you carve through the halfpipe, wondering if there’s a solution at your fingertips? You know, something that could provide that extra bit of stability and responsiveness to your board?
Guess what? I just discovered a game-changer for ramp rats like us: skateboard bushings. But not just any old hunk of urethane—we’re talking the top-notch, best skateboard bushings designed to amplify your ride’s performance. Let’s explore how introducing these nifty little additions to your trucks can transform your skating experience from shaky to “shred-ballistic.”
What is a skateboard bushing?
A skateboard bushing is a small, usually rubber-like component located in the skateboard truck, serving as a pivotal point that helps in the smooth steering and turning of the skateboard. Skateboard trucks are metal T-shaped pieces that mount onto the underside of the skateboard deck and are responsible for holding the wheels in place.
Various bushings are available, such as cone-shaped or barrel-shaped, each influencing the ride and turning differently. The combination of shapes and hardness levels can be experimented with to find the perfect setup for each skateboarder’s style and preference.
Structure of the bushing:
- Bushings typically come in two pieces per truck: a top (roadside) bushing and a bottom (broadside) bushing.
- They are situated around the kingpin, the large bolt that runs through the truck, connecting to the baseplate.
Functions of bushings:
- Pivoting and turning: They allow the skateboard truck to pivot and turn smoothly when the rider shifts their weight, impacting the overall maneuverability of the skateboard.
- Stability and control: Compressing and releasing when turning provides stability and control over the skateboard’s movements.
- Customization: Bushings come in different durometers (hardness levels), allowing riders to customize their boards based on their riding style, weight, and preference. Softer bushings allow for easier turns, while harder bushings offer more stability.
So, what are the best skateboard bushings out there?
Whether you’re new to shredding or well-versed in flips and gaps, choosing the right skateboard bushings can make a massive difference in board performance. The right bushings will give you greater control over your ride, allowing you to carve, trick, or cruise confidently. Our top five picks will turn your ride from ordinary to extraordinary.
1. Dimebag skateboard truck bushing kit
First up is the incredible Dimebag skateboard truck bushing kit. This all-in-one package takes versatility to a new level, offering riders a range of bushings along the durometer scale. Whether seeking rigidity or desiring that malleable feel, this kit hands you the keys to customizing your board’s performance.
Coupled with wide compatibility and a knack for upgrading truck setups, the Dimebag skateboard bushing kit truly feels like a magic wand of possibility for both beginner and veteran skaters. Though it’s a warning to heavier riders, the bushings in this kit might feel a tad soft.
Pros
- It comes complete with multiple bushings, washers, and pivot cups.
- The durometer range offers a balance between rigidity and flexibility
- Compatible with most skateboard trucks
- It gives lots of stability and flexibility while riding
Cons
- Not the best fit for heavy riders
2. Bones wheels, hardcore bushings
Next on deck are the bones, wheels, and hardcore bushings. These bushings are renowned for their double-action performance, offering a flexible setup for all types of riders. One of its unique features is its hardcore insert, which links the two halves of the bushing to resist your force equally, thus resulting in a more responsive ride.
Nevertheless, check for compatibility with your trucks before purchasing these bushings.
Pros
- High-performance, double-action bushings
- It can withstand the extra weight, which is perfect for hardcore riders
- Stiffens up the trucks and resists wheel bite
- Comes with a warranty
Cons
- It may not be compatible with all standard skateboard trucks.
3. Orangatang skateboard bushings
Welcome to the unconventional side of skateboarding with Orangatang Skateboard Bushings. These bushings are built using Randy Thane, an ideal urethane formula that allows high rebound and impressive performance.
These bushings stand apart with a broader and taller barrel shape, making carving effortless and providing swift responsiveness. However, speed junkies, beware; these bushings might give you a bit of a wobble at speeds exceeding 30mph.
Pros
- The high-rebound urethane formula offers energetic performance
- Allows ease in turning and increased responsiveness
- Broader and taller barrel shapes for easy carving
- Highly durable
Cons
- Potential wobble at high speeds
4. Independent, genuine parts standard bushings
Independent Genuine Parts Standard Bushings rank fourth on our list. These bad boys offer consistent performance, repeatedly bouncing back from those gnarly tricks and rail grinds. These bushings are perfect for riders chasing stability and smooth handling.
Pros
- Durable and reliable
- Provides excellent handling and stability
- Resilient to the rigors of street and park skating
Cons
- It might be a bit stiff for lighter riders.
5. Thunder bushings
Rounding off our list, we have Thunder Bushings. Aptly named, these bushings are primed for maximum performance, lasting through even the roughest rides and toughest tricks. With an assortment of durometer varieties, Thunder Bushings has got all types of riders covered.
Pros
- Built for high performance and durability
- Wide range of durometers to cater to all riding preferences
- Durable and resistant to wear and tear
Cons
- A tad pricy compared to other bushings
Regardless of whether you’re a fan of street, park, or vert, these bushings will take your riding experience to a whole new level. And remember, as we always say here at Shred Central, “It’s not just about the board; it’s about the ride!” Now, let’s go skate! Need more insights on skateboarding gear? Take a quick look at our selection of the best skate shoes.
Dos and don’ts of choosing skateboard bushings
Let’s remember that every skater is on their own journey. What composition suits one might turn out to be a nightmare for another, and that’s okay. Finding the right bushings for your rides is all about trial and error, but we’re here to give you a head start with a chart of dos and don’ts.
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Do opt for better-quality bushings | Don’ts |
| Try out different bushings | Don’t cinch down your kingpin too tight |
| Adjust your bushings according to your weight | Don’t overlook the importance of the bushing washer |
Additional skateboard bushing tips
Navigating your way to your ideal bushing set may sound daunting, but don’t sweat it. We have some hot tips to ensure your selection process is as smooth as a freshly laid pool of cement at the skatepark.
- Experiment with different durometers and shapes until you find your sweet spot
- Waggle and grind when you first install new bushings to break them in quickly
- Regularly inspect your bushings for wear and tear; nobody wants a sketchy ride!
My rollercoaster ride with skateboard bushings
When I first got a whiff of skateboarding, I didn’t know my ollies from my tailslides, never mind the intricacies of skateboard bushings. Facts about durometers, shapes, and riding styles went over my head like an alien dialect. However, I quickly learned just how critical these urethane components could be after a bone-jarring encounter with the concrete—all courtesy of my worn-out bushings!
Cruising through my learning journey, I picked up some solid choices for bushings. Sure, it involved some head-scratching and quite a few near-misses with disaster. But hey, each belly flop over the curb taught me a fresh lesson about the importance of the correct bushings. Honestly, the game-changer for me was experimenting with bushings from respected brands like Bone Wheels hardcore bushings.
“Finding the right bushings for your rides is all about trial and error. It’s like creating a bespoke suit just for your skating style!”
Even attempting tricks such as the quaintly named Christ Air, instead of resulting in a gravity check, actually left me with a satisfying feeling of nailing it. In my humble amateur skater opinion, don’t be afraid to try out something like this. Switch your bushings; you never know; it could be just the tweak you need to reignite the stoke in your skateboarding journey.
Skateboard bushing durometers: A snapshot
Dressing up your trucks with the right bushings involves more than just the physical fit. Let’s dive into an integral yet often overlooked facet of bushings—the durometer. The durometer value determines the hardness of the bushing, which in turn dictates the feel and responsiveness of your ride. Here’s a quick look at how the durometer correlates to rider weight and style.
| Durometer | Rider Weight (lbs) | Riding Style |
|---|---|---|
| < 90A | < 100lbs | Loose trucks, easy turning |
| 90A – 92A | > 100lbs | Versatile riders, best for both street and vert |
| 93A – 97A | > 145lbs | Stiff trucks, aggressive street, and park skating |
| 98A – 101A | > 175lbs | Hardcore, high-speed downhill, sliding |
Advantages and disadvantages of choosing skateboard bushings
Understanding the ins and outs of skateboard bushings isn’t rocket science, but it can significantly impact your ride. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to spending time selecting the right bushings for your trucks:
Advantages
Delving into the world of bushings can reward you in multiple ways:
- Improved skateboard control: The right bushings snugly fit into your trucks, amplifying control and stability.
- Customized ride: With the variety of bushings available, you can essentially custom-tune how your skateboard reacts to your inputs.
- Reduced wear: Quality bushings can combat wear and tear, leading to longer-lasting trucks.
Disadvantages
However, just like every coin has two sides, your bushing exploration can churn up a few downsides as well:
- Initial complexity: Novices might find the variety of bushings in the market overwhelming as they start their journey.
- Frequent adjustment: If not properly maintained and monitored, bushings may need frequent tweaking.
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Skateboarding can seem like a world chock-full of jargon, gear, and techniques. So, let’s address some common curiosities and confusion that might arise when dealing with skateboard bushings.
Can I mix bushing brands on my skate trucks?
Absolutely, yes! Mixing bushing brands on your trucks is a great way to fine-tune your ride according to your specific needs. It allows you to design your board’s response to your movements. Check out our beginner’s guide to learn more about skateboard assembly.
My bushings squeak—should I be worried?
A squeaking skateboard isn’t as serious as it might sound. Bushings often squeak due to friction with the hanger or washer. A quick fix involves disassembling the trucks and applying a wax-based lubricant to the bushings. For more on skateboard maintenance strategies, visit our section on how to fix delamination.
How often should I replace my bushings?
The frequency of bushing replacement depends heavily on your usage and the bushing quality. Inspecting your bushings regularly for visual wear and tear is a good practice. A change might be in the cards if your turning and returning to the center don’t feel quite as snappy.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right skateboard bushings may seem like a tiny gear tweak, but as we’ve seen, these urethane miracles can spin your ride from wobbly to controlled and satisfying. The beauty of bushings lies in their diversity, enabling riders of all categories to mix and match until their ride embodies their skate passion.
And here’s a question for you, fellow skater. What was your experience moving from stock to custom bushings? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If this guide helped you in your skateboarding journey, share it with a friend, and check out my blog for more tips and tricks. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
This article covered everything from the basics to the nitty-gritty of skateboard bushings. Here are some key takeaways:
- Skateboard bushings significantly impact the responsiveness and stability of your ride.
- Bushings come in different shapes and hardness levels (durometer), catering to various riding styles and weights.
- The Dimebag Skateboard Truck Bushings Kit and Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings are solid choices for bushings.
- Regular inspection and maintenance of bushings can drastically enhance your skateboard’s performance.
- Different bushing combinations can optimize your unique ride.
