Have you ever wondered how to choose the right skateboard bushings for your weight and riding style? Understanding how bushings work can make all the difference in your skateboarding experience. Picking the right bushings affects your board’s responsiveness, stability, and overall feel, making them a crucial component for any skateboard setup.
Understanding Skateboard Bushings
Skateboard bushings are small but significant components made from polyurethane—the squishy material that plays a big role in steering your board. These bushings fit into the truck’s kingpin and function as the pivot point that allows your skateboard to turn smoothly. Whether you’re cruising, carving, doing tricks, or bombing downhill, your bushing setup can help or hinder your riding style.
What Are Bushings?
Bushings are doughnut-shaped rings that come in pairs and sit on the kingpin, sandwiched by the baseplate and hanger of the skateboard trucks. Their primary function is to assist in turning and provide resistance. By compressing when you lean on the board, they help facilitate your turns effectively.
Why Are They Important?
The importance of bushings lies in their direct influence over steering responsiveness. A good bushing setup enhances your control over your board, impacting your stability and maneuvering capability. Proper bushings help stabilize your ride and make turning feel more natural or responsive, depending on how they are set up and their material density.
Types of Skateboard Bushings
Bushings come in a variety of styles or shapes—coned, barrel, and more—that contribute differently to your board’s performance. The shape determines how they compress and expand as you turn, which influences your skateboard’s ride.
Cone Bushings
Cone bushings are designed to enhance responsiveness. They come with a conical shape, allowing them to compress easily, which provides a looser feel. They are a great choice for skateboarders who prioritize maneuverability and want quick, easy turns, making them ideal for street and cruising styles.
Barrel Bushings
For those who favor stability over quick turns, barrel bushings are likely the better option. These bushings are wider and provide resistance due to their barrel-like shape, offering more stability and support. They work best for those who skate at high speeds or enjoy downhill skating where board control is a priority.
Other Bushing Shapes
Other shapes, such as double cones or step configurations, offer varying degrees of stability and turnability. Some skateboarders experiment with different setups to achieve personalized performance, combining different shapes to find the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability.
Hardness and Durometer
Once you understand the different bushing shapes, the next critical factor in selecting the right bushings is hardness, measured by its durometer. The hardness is indicated by a numeric rating followed by an ‘A’ or ‘D,’ which signifies how hard or soft the material is.
Soft vs. Hard Bushings
-
Soft Bushings (78A to 87A): These provide quick, easy turns and are well suited for lighter riders or those who prefer a loose feel to their skateboard. They are great for cruising and tight turns but may not offer enough stability for high-speed rides.
-
Medium Bushings (88A to 95A): These bushings offer a balance between stability and maneuverability. They are ideal for general purpose riding and are a favorite among versatile skateboarders.
-
Hard Bushings (96A and above): For enhanced stability and less turnability, hard bushings are preferred. They offer increased resistance, are ideal for heavier riders, and provide stability essential for downhill racing.
Recommended Durometer by Weight
Choosing the right durometer for your weight enhances your control over the skateboard. Here’s a quick look at what might work best for different rider weights:
| Rider Weight | Recommended Durometer |
|---|---|
| Below 100 lbs (45 kg) | 78A – 81A |
| 100-150 lbs (45-68 kg) | 81A – 87A |
| 150-200 lbs (68-91 kg) | 87A – 92A |
| Over 200 lbs (91 kg) | 92A and above |
Riding Styles and Their Bushing Needs
Different riding styles require different types of bushings. It’s not just about weight; how and what you skate significantly affects your selection of bushings as well.
Street and Technical
A ride characterized by technical tricks and tight turns benefits from softer or cone-shaped bushings, which allow you to pivot more sharply and quickly. They help perfect your kickflips, ollies, and other tricks by offering the necessary responsiveness.
Cruising
For those who prefer to cruise, comfort and ease of steering are essential. Medium to soft bushings are typically suitable for these riders. They provide the smooth turning needed without feeling too restrictive.
Downhill Skating
This demanding style requires stability at high speeds. Hard bushings with barrel shapes offer the resistance and predictability required to minimize wobble and maximize control during fast descents.
Freestyle/Carving
This riding style commonly involves a lot of movement and flow. Therefore, a mix between soft and medium bushings can be beneficial for quick turns and adequate control.
Fitting and Adjusting Your Bushings
Proper fitting and adjustment can make a significant difference in your skateboarding experience. Understanding how to install and tweak them will help you customize your setup perfectly.
Installing Bushings
To install your bushings:
- Remove the kingpin nut.
- Slide off the top washer and old bushings.
- Place the new bushings over the kingpin.
- Add the top bushing and washer.
- Tighten the nut ensuring the desired snugness.
Adjusting Bushings
Tightening or loosening the kingpin nut will allow you to adjust bushing tightness:
- Tighter Bushing: Increases stability but reduces mobility.
- Looser Bushing: Increases turnability but may reduce stability.
Experimentation for the Perfect Fit
Once you grasp the basics, experimentation is key to finding the perfect fit. Trying out different durometer ratings, shapes, and tightness levels until you find what feels best is crucial to a better skateboarding experience.
Tuning for Performance
Consider the surface and conditions you skate in. For street skating or uneven terrain, softer bushings might help absorb more shock. Harder bushings work better for smooth surfaces where higher speeds might be reached.
Mix and Match
Some skateboarders enjoy combining different bushing types on the same truck to enjoy both stability and maneuverability. For instance, a cone bushing on the top (hanger) and a barrel bushing underneath (baseplate) can offer a balanced feel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skateboard bushings tailored to your weight and riding style fundamentally impacts your skateboarding experience. With an understanding of the types and durometers of bushings, as well as how they interact with your riding preferences, you are well on your way to customizing a setup that perfectly suits your needs. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments and experiment, as finding the ideal setup usually comes with a bit of trial and error. Enjoy your skateboarding journey with the perfect bushings acting as your unseen support underneath your feet!