Posted by Skateboard bushings are made of polyurethane, which makes them just as durable and flexible. They’re an important part to consider when buying or replacing your deck because each one has two bushing-
The top street-facing for rolling on pavement surfaces with heavy trucks while maintaining speed; then there’s another set that faces downward towards you called “Board Bushing.”
These complementary pieces ensure even weight distribution so tricks can be performed without fear!
How Do skateboard Skate Bushings Work?
If you have ever noticed how your board feels different when turning and carving, then it’s because the bushings are responsible for steering.
The harder (or more compression) that is put on them by leaning in one direction will cause this effect – depending upon their softness/hardness as well as weight distribution among all four wheels!
The bushing’s job is to absorb energy from your foot as you step on it, so that when rebounding takes place all of this force goes into turning instead. The pivot cup also plays its part in making sure everything moves smoothly and without any unnecessary resistance or friction by keeping both sides balanced out accordingly!
These bushings are there to help your truck stay together and work smoothly. The one on top deals with most of the forces, while suffering less themselves; it will hold everything in place when you steer or compress them further down below!
The other bottom bushes reach their maximum states (and then some), this uppermost stationary part should take over again so that force can be distributed more evenly throughout all parts instead focusing solely onto any single point – which could cause something break if not dealt carefully enough by yourself.
Bushings for Longboards
When it comes to longboarding, there are many different bushings that you’ll need. Some people like softer and more responsive ones for carving while others.
Bushings for Carving and Cruising
For carving, you’ll want a softer bushing that will help you make tight turns.
When it comes to picking out the perfect bushings for your carving and cruising needs, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, consider your weight. Softer bushings are more responsive when you lean, allowing for better turning. If you’re looking for more stability, go for cup washers. And if you want optimal turns (albeit less stable), flat washers are the way to go.
Of course, this is just a general guide–for more specific recommendations, see the chart below. Happy carving!
Weight pounds Flexy Medium Stiff
50-100 65a 78a 81a
75-125 80a 83a 85a
100-145 85a 87a 88a
125-175 87a 89a 91a
145-195 88a 93a 94a
175-220+ 91a 93a 97a+
About skateboard truck bushing durometer
The durometer of a skateboard bushing is a measure of its hardness. The higher the durometer, the harder the bushing.
Bushings are measured on an (A) scale, with the range being from 1 to 100. Most skateboard bushings fall somewhere in the range of 50a to 90a.
Here is a rough guide to interpreting durometer:
50a-60a: Very soft. These bushings will be very responsive to turning, but they will also grip the road more and may cause your trucks to feel “loose”.
70a-80a: Soft. These bushings will be quite responsive to turning and will grip the road more than harder bushings.
85a-95a: Medium. These bushings will be less responsive to turning, but they will also slip more and may cause your trucks to feel “slippery”.
96a-100a: Hard. These bushings will be the least responsive to turning and will slip more than softer bushings.
Now that you know how to choose the right skateboard bushings for your trucks, it’s time to get out there and start skating!
Skateboard bushing shape and style
There are two main types of skateboard bushings: conical and barrel. Conical bushings are cone-shaped, while barrel bushings are cylindrical.
Most skaters prefer conical bushings, as they provide a good mix of responsiveness and grip. Barrel bushings are more responsive, but they don’t grip the road as well.
There are also a few different styles of skateboard bushings: top-mounted, bottom-mounted, and drop-through.
Top-mounted bushings are mounted on the top of the truck, while bottom-mounted bushings are mounted on the bottom. Drop-through bushings are mounted in the middle of the truck, between the top and bottom.
Most skaters prefer top-mounted or drop-through bushings, as they provide more grip and stability. Bottom-mounted bushings are less common, but they can be used if you want a more responsive truck.
Components related to skateboard bushings
Bushing Washers
Bushing washers are small metal washers that go between the truck and the bushings. They help to keep the bushings in place and prevent them from coming loose.
Bushing washers are a good idea if you plan on doing a lot of skating, as they will help to extend the life of your bushings.
You can usually find bushing washers at your local skate shop, or online.
Bushing Tools
Skateboard bushing tools are specialized tools that are used to install and remove skateboard bushings. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be very helpful if you plan on doing a lot of skateboarding.
Bushing tools are a good idea if you plan on changing your bushings frequently, or if you want to make sure that your bushings are installed correctly.
You can usually find bushing tools at your local skate shop, or online.
FAQs
Do skateboard bushings matter?
It’s a common misconception that skateboard bushings don’t matter. In reality, they are crucial to the performance of your skateboard. Without proper bushings, your skateboard will be much less responsive and won’t perform as well.
Bushings come in different hardness levels, usually measured by a durometer. The harder the bushing, the less responsive it will be. Softer bushings are more responsive but also wear out faster. Most skaters choose medium-hardness bushings for their skating needs.
What do bushings do for a skateboard?
Bushings are important for a skateboard because they allow the rider to turn and control the board. The bushings are located in the trucks of the skateboard.
They are cylindrical pieces of rubber or metal that sit between the deck and the hanger, and they allow the hanger to rotate around the kingpin. This rotation is what allows riders to turn and control their boards.
Bushings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on your riding style. There are also different durometers (hardness) of bushings, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
When should I replace my skate bushings?
You should definitely think about replacing your bushings if they are split or crushed on one side. This will help with responsive turns and less wheel bite!
Conclusion
Bushings are important for skateboards because they provide stability and reduce vibrations. The right bushings can help you carve harder, faster, and smoother while skating. If you’re looking to upgrade your setup, make sure to consider bushings as an important part of the process!