Ever feel like your skateboard isn’t turning quite right? Maybe it feels wobbly when you’re cruising, or too stiff when you want to carve a smooth turn. You’re not alone! Choosing the right skateboard bushings can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. It’s a small part, but it makes a HUGE difference in how your board rides.
The wrong bushings can make your board feel sluggish, unpredictable, or just plain uncomfortable. You want to shred, not fight with your setup! That’s where understanding bushings becomes super important. They control how your trucks pivot, directly impacting your turns and stability.
In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what skateboard bushings are and why they matter. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect set for your riding style, whether you’re hitting the skatepark, cruising the streets, or just having fun with friends. Get ready to unlock a smoother, more responsive ride!
Our Top 5 Skateboard Bushings Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Skateboard Bushings Detailed Reviews
1. Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your skateboarding experience with Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings in a sleek, hard black. These bushings are designed to bring a new level of quality and performance to your ride, helping to shape the future of skateboarding. They offer a perfect balance, making your turns feel smooth and responsive without being too stiff or too loose.
What We Like:
- Revolutionary urethane quality for a better ride.
- Smooth and positive turning response.
- Not too floppy, not too rigid – just right.
- Backed by a Bones Wheels warranty for peace of mind.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “hard” rating might be too stiff for very light skaters or those who prefer a looser feel.
- Availability can sometimes be limited due to high demand.
These bushings deliver a fantastic upgrade for any skateboarder looking for improved control and a more enjoyable session. They’re a smart investment for anyone serious about their skateboarding.
2. Bones Wheels Medium Bushings (2 Set)
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your skateboard’s performance with Bones Wheels Medium Bushings. These black bushings come in a convenient two-set pack. They are designed to give you a smoother ride and better control when you’re cruising or performing tricks. Bones Wheels is a trusted name in skateboarding, with a long history of making top-quality gear since 1976.
What We Like:
- These bushings are designed by professional skaters, so they know what works.
- They are made right here in the U.S.A., which means good quality.
- Skate One backs all their products with a warranty, so you can feel confident.
- The black color looks classic and will match most skateboard setups.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package weight is 1 pound, which might feel a little heavy if you’re looking for the absolute lightest parts.
If you want to make your skateboard turn and feel better, these Bones Wheels bushings are a solid choice. They offer reliable performance from a brand you can trust.
3. INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks Genuine Parts Original Cushions Hard 94A Bushings
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to upgrade your skateboard with INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks Genuine Parts Original Cushions Hard 94A Bushings! These aren’t just any old bushings; they’re made with special urethane that gives you awesome stability. Plus, they fit perfectly on Independent trucks from Stage 1 all the way to Stage 7. You get everything you need in one package: two top cushions, two bottom cushions, and even cup washers.
What We Like:
- Made with special urethane for better stability.
- Fits many different Independent truck models.
- Comes with all the parts you need: top cushions, bottom cushions, and cup washers.
- The 94A hardness is great for riders who want a responsive feel.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be too hard for very light riders or those who prefer a softer feel.
- Only compatible with Independent brand trucks, limiting options for other brands.
These Independent Original Cushions are a fantastic way to fine-tune your ride. They offer a solid upgrade for any skater looking for that classic Independent feel and performance.
4. Thunder Trucks Skateboard Bushings Premium 90A Medium Clear Orange
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your skateboard with these awesome Thunder Trucks Skateboard Bushings! They’re a perfect way to give your ride a fresh feel. You get four bushings in total, two for the top and two for the bottom, and they fit most regular skateboard trucks. The 90A medium hardness is great for a balanced ride.
What We Like:
- Makes your skateboard feel new again.
- Easy to install on most trucks.
- The 90A hardness offers a good mix of turning and stability.
- The clear orange color looks super cool!
- Comes with all the bushings you need for a full truck upgrade.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be too soft for very heavy riders who prefer a stiffer feel.
- The medium hardness might not be ideal for specialized skating like downhill racing.
These bushings are a simple and effective way to improve your skateboarding experience. Give your board the boost it deserves with this quality upgrade!
5. BONES WHEELS Hard Bushings (2 Set)
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your skateboarding setup with BONES WHEELS Hard Bushings in a clean white color. This two-set pack is designed to give you more control and responsiveness on your board. Whether you’re cruising the streets or hitting the skate park, these bushings can make a difference in how your skateboard feels and performs.
What We Like:
- Trusted Brand: Skate One has been making awesome skateboarding gear since 1976.
- Pro-Designed: These bushings were created by skaters who know what they’re doing.
- Made in the USA: You can count on the quality because they’re made right here in the United States.
- Warranty Included: All Skate One products come with a warranty, so you’re covered.
- Durable Material: The hard construction helps you steer more precisely.
What Could Be Improved:
- Stiff Feel: For beginners or those who prefer a looser ride, these might feel too stiff.
- Limited Color Options: While white is a classic, more color choices would be nice.
These BONES WHEELS Hard Bushings offer a solid upgrade for skaters seeking a more controlled and stable ride. They are a reliable choice for anyone looking to fine-tune their skateboard’s performance.
Skateboard Bushings: Your Guide to a Smoother Ride
Why Bushings Matter
Skateboard bushings are the unsung heroes of your skateboard. They’re the small, donut-shaped pieces of rubber or urethane that sit between your truck and your deck. These little guys control how your board turns. Better bushings mean a better ride! They help you lean into turns smoothly and keep your board stable when you’re cruising.
Key Features to Look For
1. Durometer (Hardness)
This is super important! Durometer tells you how hard the bushing is. It’s measured on a scale, usually from 75A to 100A. Softer bushings (lower numbers) make it easier to turn. They’re great for beginners or skaters who like carving and cruising. Harder bushings (higher numbers) make your board more stable. They’re good for doing tricks and riding fast.
2. Shape
Bushings come in different shapes. The most common are “cone” and “barrel.”
- Cone Bushings: These are shaped like a cone. They’re usually softer and allow for quicker, sharper turns. They’re often used on the top of your truck for more responsive steering.
- Barrel Bushings: These are shaped like a barrel, which is wider. They give you more stability. They’re often used on the bottom of your truck to prevent wobbling.
Many skaters mix and match cone and barrel bushings to get the perfect feel for their riding style.
Important Materials
Most skateboard bushings are made from urethane. Urethane is a strong and flexible plastic. Different urethane formulas can change how the bushing feels and how long it lasts. Some brands use special blends for extra rebound (how quickly it springs back after a turn) or durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Great?
- High-Quality Urethane: Good urethane lasts longer and provides a consistent feel.
- Precise Manufacturing: Bushings that are made well will fit perfectly and perform reliably.
- Correct Durometer for Your Needs: Choosing the right hardness is key.
What Can Make Them Less Great?
- Cheap Materials: Bushings made from lower-quality plastic can break or wear out quickly.
- Inconsistent Hardness: If the hardness isn’t the same throughout, your turns might feel weird.
- Wrong Size for Your Trucks: Bushings need to fit your trucks properly to work right.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cruising and Carving
If you love to cruise around town or carve smooth turns, you’ll want softer bushings (like 75A-85A). This makes your board feel more like a surfboard on wheels. You can lean into turns easily and enjoy a fluid ride.
Street and Park Skating
For skaters who do tricks, grind rails, and hit skate parks, harder bushings (like 90A-99A) are usually preferred. These bushings give you the stability you need for ollies, flips, and landing tricks without your board feeling wobbly.
Transition Skating (Ramps and Bowls)
Riding ramps and bowls often requires a balance of stability and turnability. Many transition skaters use a combination of bushings, like a harder barrel on the bottom and a slightly softer cone on top, to get the best of both worlds.
FAQ: Your Skateboard Bushing Questions Answered
Q: What is durometer?
A: Durometer is a number that tells you how hard a skateboard bushing is. A lower number means it’s softer, and a higher number means it’s harder.
Q: How do I choose the right durometer?
A: It depends on your weight and what you like to do. Lighter skaters or those who want easier turns might pick softer bushings. Heavier skaters or those who want more stability might pick harder ones.
Q: Should I use cone or barrel bushings?
A: Cone bushings make your board turn more easily. Barrel bushings make your board more stable. Many skaters use one of each on their trucks.
Q: How often should I replace my bushings?
A: You don’t need to replace them too often. They last a long time. You’ll know it’s time when they start to crack or feel mushy and don’t turn well anymore.
Q: Can I use bushings from one brand on trucks from another brand?
A: Usually, yes! Most bushings are a standard size and fit most trucks. Always check if you’re not sure.
Q: What happens if my bushings are too soft?
A: If they are too soft, your board might feel too loose. It can be hard to control when you’re going fast or trying to do tricks. Your trucks might “lean” too much.
Q: What happens if my bushings are too hard?
A: If they are too hard, your board will be stiff and hard to turn. It will feel less responsive when you try to carve or steer.
Q: Do bushings affect my speed?
A: Not directly. But if your bushings are too soft and make your trucks too turny, it can feel like you’re going slower because you’re wobbling more. Harder bushings can help you feel more stable at higher speeds.
Q: Can I change the color of my bushings?
A: Yes! Bushings come in all sorts of fun colors. You can pick colors that match your board or just ones you think look cool.
Q: Where do the bushings go on my skateboard trucks?
A: There are two bushings on each truck. One goes above the truck’s baseplate (often a cone) and one goes below it (often a barrel). They sit around the kingpin.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!