In 2022, Skateboard truck bushings are the rubbery rings that fix with the kingpin on your skateboard trucks. Generally, they are made from polyurethane. Also, they help in allowing your board to turn and axle smoothly. Usually, It consists of two bushings fixed on each truck (total four).
The top bushing, which is on the kingpin above the hangar, assists the skateboard truck turn smoothly. You can loose or tight the bottom bushing, which is on the kingpin between the hanger and the base plate, to make it more active.
Bushing tightness depends upon each rider’s liking and adjustment as they allow matching your needs without difficulty. However, skateboard trucks have the same size bushings and will fit any skateboard, longboard, or cruiser sold on Warehouse Skateboards. Check out available skateboard truck bushings which are in stock.
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About Skateboard Truck Bushings Durometer
Normally Durometer refers to the hardness of a skateboard truck bushing. It scales from 1-100 to measure hardness. On the other hand, many companies make use of B Scale which measures 20 points lower. This scale uses 20 points for harder skateboard bushings. So, an 80b Durometer is similar to 100a Durometer.
We already know what is Durometer and most of the companies use it to measure the hardness of a skateboard bushing. It is a scale, which ranges from 1-100 (the higher the number, the harder the bushings).
As well, some companies use the Durometer B scale, which measures 20 points lower than the 100a scale. Also, it allows the scale an extra 20 points for harder bushings. These skateboard truck bushings have a larger and more accurate hardness range.
Soft skateboard truck bushings are easier for your hanger to compress as a result it is easier to turn. On the other hand, harder skateboard truck bushings result in sharp turns. Importantly, how tight or loose you keep your bushings also results in your skateboard’s turn. So, turns depend upon the hard or soft bushings for street skating.
Harder bushings result in harder turns and softer bushing results in smooth turns. Some skateboarders prefer different Durometers for the top and bottom bushings.
Skateboard bushing shape and style
The shape of your skateboard truck bushings is also a major part. In recent years, skateboarders have experimented with different bushing shapes to check their rides. Some skateboard bushings balance the top and bottom, but in some cases, the top and bottom bushing are shaped differently.
The three basic shapes of different skateboard truck bushings are conical, barrel, and eliminator. These shapes are mixed and matched within a set leads to a common bushing style. Below you can get detailed breakdown of the basic skateboard bushing styles available in the market today.
Why You Need Best Skateboard Bushings?
Skateboarding is a thrilling four-wheel experience and has a unique fan following around the world. Skateboard has many components that make up the entire structure and each part has a vital role to play where the bushing is one of them.
Trucks of a skateboard connect bushings and each truck comes with two bushings. Top bushing is facing the surface of the street where the bottom bushing is board-facing. They help in letting your board turn and axle in a smooth way. We have collected a list of best skateboard bushing to help you make the best choice.
Top four Best Skateboard Bushing on Amazon
1.BONES™ Wheels HardCore Bushings
2.Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings
3.Bones Hardcore 4pc Medium White/Yellow Bushings
4.Bones Hardcore 4pc Hard Black Bushings Skateboard Bushings
How to Choose the Right Skateboard Bushing For Truck
Skateboard bushings include polyurethane, which is basically plastic. They are available to buy in the market in various colors, shapes, and hardness levels. Here, in this article, we are going to help you to choose the best one for your style of riding and give an overview.
All skateboards are available with their original bushings. Normally this is the standard practice and those bushings align with the wheels. Most skaters can skate using them without difficulties. However, they are available separately to develop your riding experience more fantastic. Once your old bushings are not working you can replace them as well through these bushings.
Skateboard truck bushings durometer
Durometer is the measurement of the hardness of the skateboard truck bushings. There are various scales used to measure the Durometer of a bushing. Generally use A Scale, which ranges from 1 to 100 to measure the hardness of bushing. Some companies use the B Scale, which is 20 points lower than the A Scale for the hardness of skateboard bushings.
For example, an 80b Durometer is 100a Durometer with the same hardness. These skateboard bushings are larger and have a more precise hardness range than others.
The hardness provides an easier riding experience, softer bushings are much easier to use when you are looking for a smooth turn, as they are easier for the hanger to compress.
The effectiveness of your bushings also depends on how much loose or tight you keep them. Harder bushings perform stiffer turns. Depending on the technique of ride one enjoys, skateboarders prefer different Durometer for the top and bottom bushings.
Skateboard bushing shape and style
This plays an important role in the performance of skateboard bushings. To develop the riding experience of skateboarders, different shapes of bushings are there. Some of these bushings balance between the top and bottom but in different cases, top and bottom bushing feature different shapes. There are three types of basic shapes available for skateboard bushings.
- Conical
- Barrel
- Eliminator
Here are some basic skateboard bushing styles available in the market:
Cone/Barrel Bushings
Also known as, standard or conventional bushings, cone/barrel bushings are mainly used shapes because of their high degree of flexibility. The top bushing is conical while the bottom one is barrel shape. Due to barrel shape, it strongly fits into the bushing seat while conical shape connects top bushing by forming a deck lean, make carving a lot easier. Many skateboarders like harder Durometer bushing on the bottom to improve the capabilities of standard barrel bushings.
Double Barrel Bushings
In this kind of bushing, top and bottom bushings are similar in shape, which is barrel-shaped. Also, downward bushings are another name as they give more stability at high speed. This behavior of double-barrel bushings makes it a good choice for downward skateboarders. They do not support turning as much as the conical bushings do but this is viable using a softer Durometer.
Cone Bushings
In this kind of bushing, top and bottom bushings are similar in shape, which is barrel-shaped. Also, downward bushings are another name as they give more stability at high speed. This behavior of double-barrel bushings makes it a good choice for downward skateboarders. They do not support turning as much as the conical bushings do but this is viable using a softer Durometer.
Double Stepped Bushings
Double-stepped skateboard bushings bear a similarity to barrel-shaped. The only difference is that they have aligns cut out the top and bottom. Step-barrel is another name for them. This design makes a lot of thin fighting but also adds a lot of recoveries. Finally, even though you are using a softer durometer, they form very tight trucks.
Components related to skateboard bushing
Bushing Washers
Bushing washers are round metal washers. They get fitted on each truck. Their setup is also an easy process. All you have to do is to move the kingpin smoothly. Bushing washers prevent the bushings from damaging due to pressure applied on the trucks by the riders.
You will get extra four washers while purchasing each skateboard. Most skateboards come with washers having a similar size. However, different manufacturers offer two smaller size washers for the top bushing and two larger ones for the bottom bushing.
A point to be marked here is that the shape of the washers you prefer should match up with that of the bushings in your skateboard trucks for the proper functioning of your skateboard. Moreover, soft bushings should not be balanced with cupped bushings washers as the edge can damage the bushings by cutting through them.
Bushing Seats
The bushing seat is an aligned spot around the hanger opening where the bushing is inserted. The kingpin fits through the opening and bushing are then connected around the kingpin. Bushing seats are there to hold the bushings and prevent them from compressing too much due to the weight of the rider.
Bushing seats come in two major categories; open and restrictive. Restrictive bushing seats are closed and feature taller walls to secure the bushing connected to them. Normally, open bushing seats are not as deep as standard bushings.
This feature of an open bushing seat assists it to exert less pressure and create less resistance. No matter which bushing seat category you choose, the most important thing is that your seats should match the bushings you are using. It is truly your personal discretion that how tight your bushing seats should be. It depends basically upon your skateboarding style.
Top four Best Skateboard Bushing
BONES™ Wheels HardCore Bushings
It is the hardcore that connects the center of BONES bushings which hold both sides of each busing. Although, it looks like standard busing but the chemical bond between the HardCore and the cushion prevents the busing from getting compressed out the other side. It improves the resistance to turning due to inside Hardcore.
BONES quality bushings assist you to make smooth turns, which are not loose or severe. They are almost similar to most trucks available in the market. It provides the greatest stability and can help you in performing various tricks and riding at high speed.
Pros
- There is no break into the period when you use BONES™ and you can just set them in and start skating.
- Your skating skills will develop, as your trucks will be more responsive.
- They provide more stability especially while performing tricks like Ollie.
Cons
- They are not very long-lasting.
Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings
Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings help you in bouncing out of any shape with full energy and lively rebound. These bushings are slightly wider and taller compare to other bushings available in the market. Nipples, having this feature offers your trucks more support making it an optimum ride.
It is Randyurethane that makes these bushings. Also, they provide a high rebound and energetic feature. You will experience the energy while riding your skateboard. It comes with two tall bottom bushings and two shorter top bushings along with four thin but physically powerful flat washers. Its durometer is soft to help you with sharp turns and maximize its response for better performance.
They are perfect to use in Paris, Tracker FasTracks, and Randals. Its bright orange color already offers a lively persona. However using them, will give you pleasure while riding.
Pros
- It’s featuring wider and taller characteristics provide you more supportive trucks that offers a responsive ride.
- Randy Urethane used in its manufacturing makes it extremely rebounding and energetic.
- Its soft durometer assists you with sharp turns and increases its responsiveness.
Cons
- Every truck available in the market does not comply with these bushings.
Bones Hardcore 4pc Medium White/Yellow Bushings
Bones Hardcore Bushings gives your trucks the features of flexibility and increased quickness. Made with high-quality materials, they offer you excellent quality of speed. Just like other bushings, it comes with two bushings for each truck. With more spring, top bushings assist in taking easy turns while smaller bushing under the kingpin offer ease of use to adjust it according to your individual style.
For mastering tricks, tighter trucks are perfect and for carving down the street, you may like to loosen them a bit. Bones Wheels Hardcore 91A Skateboard Bushings gives you a good riding experience every time you step on it.
Pros
- Bones Hardcore Bushings keep your skateboard trucks flexible and adjustable to varying conditions of streets.
- They craft carving easier. They provide improved rebound.
Cons
- They need to be changed repeatedly.
Bones Hardcore 4pc Hard Black Bushings Skateboard Bushings
Bones Hardcore 4pc Hard Black Skateboard bushings have the hardness of 96A with the double cone shape and more rebound which is a perfect partner for your trucks. Also, these bushings complement your riding style and improve your riding experience.
While taking turns on your skateboard, you will experience a clear difference between your old bushings and these ones; they will be smoother and easier to take. You will not experience any strictness during your carvings around the corner in the street. You will find your trucks maximum responsive than any other bushings you have been using in the past.
Pros
*These bushings are highly reactive.
* They do not cause any interruption due to the break-in period.
* They provide you with a better riding experience due to their quality and durability.
Cons
* These bushings are a bit harder for a tight truck.
Finally, bushings are essential components of your skateboard, and just like its other parts; it will need time to time to tune up and in several cases, timely replacement. Depending on the skateboard truck bushing you are using, the rate of replacement differs from one kind of bushings to another.
Ensure that the washers you are using match the bushings for good results and riding experience. These are little maintenance tips that will assist you with the upkeep of your skateboard for the durability of the life of its components in general and bushings in particular.
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