Bushings
11 Best Skateboard Bushings Reviews in 2022 – Buyer’s Guide
Bushings are small rubber rings, mostly made of urethane (learn more about bushings). These small rings when attached to the kingpin of the skateboard trucks provide stability, aids in pivoting the skateboard and helps make quick responsive turns. These rubber rings may be small but are the most essential factor to a nice smooth ride. You would be surprised by how a tiny ring can either give you the best skateboarding experience or turn it into a complete nightmare. Choosing the Best Skateboard Bushings is quite hard. Especially when there are a lot of factors to consider. Not only that, but there also happens to be a variety of different skateboard bushings available, all with their own pros and cons. So, which one to buy?
Now as mentioned before, it is not easy to select the right set of bushings. Because, each ring has a specific purpose. It rarely can provide good stability or good maneuvering at the same time. To help make the decision process easier for you, we have put together the reviews of top quality skateboard truck bushings available on the market.
So without further ado, Let’s read the reviews of top skate bushings.
Reviews of Best Skateboard Bushings
1. Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings
Features:
- Controlled carve
- Good rebound energy
- Good quality, doesnt wear out soon
Orangatang is a famous wheel producing company and has been in the business for nearly a decade now. The skateboard bushings produced by this company are known to be the best for electric skateboards. Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings are among the best rated products on amazon and are the premium pick for this list of skateboard bushings. These are perfect for cruising and carving, made especially for longboard skateboards.
The orangatang nipples are designed with a large barrel structure. This proves amazing in providing more support and easy responsive turns. The bushing is wider and taller than most of the other competitors bushings available. The top bushing is relatively shorter with a height of 0.56 while the bottom is slightly taller with a height of 0.66. This along with an ideal urethane formula, is what gives the bushing the energetic rebound. This means that the board will be easier to maneuver. If you are after easy carving this is the go to product. It is also quite stable for speeds lower than 30mph. One pack of these Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings contain two sets of bushings along with four strong, flat washers. They come in soft, medium and hard. You can choose any depending on your weight and the type of skater you are.
- Controlled carve
- Good rebound energy
- Good quality, doesnt wear out soon
- Might be squeaky in the beginning
2. Dime Bag Hardware Skateboard Truck Rebuild Kit Bushings
Features:
- Complete kit at a reasonable price
- Premium quality
- Provides stability and good rebounder
- Perfectly fits a TKP Truck
Dime bag hardware is another famous company for producing skateboard bushing. This particular kit is the editors pick. The kit is a complete rebuilt kit that gives the flexibility to replace all the worn out components of the truck. It has four bushings and washers with two pivot cups. These bushings will fit almost all skateboard trucks nicely. The Dime bad bushings are the best skateboard bushings for heavy riders.
Depending on what type of skateboarder you are, you can definitely choose the hardness of the bushings. Obviously, that depends on weight too, but if you are a light skater than go for bushings between 88a to 94a.On the other hand, if you are a heavier skater and looking for more stability and resistance choose bushing between 95a to 99a. These bushings are made of premium quality and are resistant to quick wearing out. A kit that has bushings for 2 trucks ,4 washers and 2 pivot cups all for just 7 dollars is quite inexpensive.
- Complete kit at a reasonable price
- Premium quality
- Provides stability and good rebounder
- Perfectly fits a TKP Truck
- Get dirty easily
3. Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings
Features:
- Robust, durable bushings
- Excellent for heavy skaters, with weight over 200 pounds
- Provides stability with little stiffness
- Warranty
Are you looking for skateboard bushing that gives good stability with as little stiffness as possible? Well, look no further. This Bones Hardcore bushing is the whole deal. Not only does it give stability and little stiffness, but is also very long lasting. Because of this, it is the best selling product on amazon.
According to the manufacturers the bushings are made from urethane, which is what gives them durable and robust characteristic. The main thing that differs it from other bushings is the insert it comes with. While other bushings lose their bounce because of the hard durometer they have to go up. But using the insert in this case, gives it just the right amount of stiffness for heavier skaters. These bushings are sure to give the best stability at higher speeds, so that your skateboard will no longer wobble again. Moreover, they come in different colors depending on the hardness. Although they may be pricey, but it will prove worthwhile in the long run because of its durability. What is more, there is a warranty that comes with all the bones products.
- Robust, durable bushings
- Excellent for heavy skaters, with weight over 200 pounds
- Provides stability with little stiffness
- Warranty
- Size doesnt fit all skateboard trucks
4. Shorty’s Black Doh-Doh Bushings for Skateboards & Longboards
Features:
- Rock hard with hardness of 100a
- Fits all kinds of trucks, including longboards
- Gives more stiffness and rigidness than any other bushing
Although it is recommended to choose bushings that are from the same company as the skateboard truck is but if that can not be done then do not worry. As these Shorty’s Black Doh-Doh Bushings are designed to fit all kinds of trucks. So, without a doubt they will fit your skateboard or a longboard. Moreover, if you are over 200 pounds these might be worth your penny.
These bushings are for those that are after a very tight feeling in the truck as they come in a hardness of 100a. At this much hardness they are rock hard, with barely any compress-ability. It will give the most rigid and stiffness truck than any other bushing, barely needing any tightening at all. Therefore, this is only recommended for expert free style skateboarders. With this much stiffness there would not be any rebounding. These should not be purchased for kids, they are only suitable for those above 200 pounds. Other than that, these bushings are quite sturdy and long lasting.
- Rock hard with hardness of 100a
- Fits all kinds of trucks, including longboards
- Gives more stiffness and rigidness than any other bushing
- Do not come with washers
5. Independent Truck Bushings
Features:
- Medium hardness of 92a
- Premium quality urethane bushings
- Cylindrical barrel shaped bushing that gives speed and stability
- Quite in expensive
When it comes to bushings for trucks it is best to buy from a company that has been at it for a long time. The independent truck company has been around since 1978.With over 40 years of experience, it has been producing the best bushings available in the market. With many satisfied customers too.
It is hard to find a bushing that is just the right hardness. With some too soft and others too hard, there really is no perfect in between. But this INDEPENDENT TRUCK BUSHINGS Standard Cylinder Cushions solves this issue and provides a medium hard bushing. A perfect merge of softness and hardness pounds. Furthermore, the bushings are of cylindrical, barrel shape that provide the speed and stability. No matter the weight, they work just as fine for those that are above 200 pounds as they work for below the 200 pound mark. The company prides in its quality and as such manufactures only using the premium quality urethane. Hence they are long lasting and can be used for both heavy riders and average weight riders.
- Medium hardness of 92a
- Premium quality urethane bushings
- Cylindrical barrel shaped bushing that gives speed and stability
- Quite in expensive
- Do not fit reverse kingpin trucks/most of the longboards
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6. DreamFire 92a Skateboard Bushings
Features:
- Complete kit, with bushings for two trucks
- Gives smooth turning
- Inexpensive
- 100% refund guarantee
If you are constantly getting wheel bites, it might not be due to an issue with your skateboard. Rather, chances are it is because of the worn out bushings. If that is the case then it is high time you replaced them. One of the best bushings that gives smooth turning of the board, at the same time provides stability to avoid any wheel bites are the DreamFire 92a Skateboard Bushings for Skateboard. Perfect for any kind of boards they are made specifically for penny longboards.
The kit has bushings of medium hardness of 92a.Each kit has four bushings, four cup washers, and 2 medium and large sized pivot cups. So the kit is perfect to completely rebuild the truck. All for a reasonable price. These bushings are perfect for those that have a weight around 150 pounds, but can also be used by those that are around 200 pounds as well. What is more, if you are not fully satisfied with this product, the manufacturers give the option of 100 percent full refund guarantee. Hence, there is nothing to lose when purchasing this item.
- Complete kit, with bushings for two trucks
- Gives smooth turning
- Inexpensive
- 100% refund guarantee
- Not so durable
7. Skateboard Bushings Washers Pivot Cups Nuts Truck Rebuild Kit
Features:
- Rebuild kit with two upper and lower bushes, good quality washers and two pivot cups
- 98A bushings
- Four axle nuts and two kingpin Nuts
- Good customer service
Another renowned company in the skateboarding industry is the TGM skateboards. Established since 1996, it has well over a decade of experience, of producing premium quality gear for skateboarders. It also happens to be one of the most popular brand with an overall rating of 4.4 out 5 stars. There is no questioning its design and quality.
The rebuild kit has bushings, washers and pivot cups for two trucks. It also contains four axle Nuts and two kingpin Nuts. The bushings are all 98A, this means they are almost rock hard. This makes the truck in-compressible, as well as rigid. The rigidness and in-compressibility is to ensure stability at high speeds. Hence these are perfect if you like cruising or downhill skateboarding. Although it is rigid, but because of the conical shaped upper bushings, it also provides good rebound energy. So you would not be experiencing wheel bites any time soon. The customer service of this company is amazing, and will give you full refund upon any dissatisfaction regarding the item.
- Rebuild kit with two upper and lower bushes, good quality washers and two pivot cups
- 98A bushings
- Four axle nuts and two kingpin Nuts
- Good customer service
- Is not suitable for longboards
8. Skateboard & Longboard Truck Replacement Bushings By Dime Bag
Features:
- Comes in various sizes, perfect for both light as well as heavy skateboarders
- Helps in quick responsive turns as well as stability
- In expensive, only 5.95 dollars
Coming to the product that offers a variety of durometers to its customers is the dime bags hardware stores skateboard Longboard Truck Replacement Bushings 4-Pack (for 2 Trucks) – Many Colors and Durometers. With this product you get the flexibility of choosing a bushing that gives you the preferred stiffness.
Made from premium quality urethane, these bushings are of durable strength. The kit comes with a set of two bushings that can be used for two trucks. The top component of the bushing comes in a conical shape. This conical shape is what helps in quick responsive turns. The bottom has a cylindrical shape. Together these two work to give a smooth riding experience. With sizes available, they are suitable for light as well as heavy skateboard riders. The size 88A to 94A is the range for softer bushings, while 95A to 99A is the range for harder bushings. For only 5.95 dollars, this kit comes in quite inexpensive .It is perfect if you are looking for a cheap alternative.
- Comes in various sizes, perfect for both light as well as heavy skateboarders
- Helps in quick responsive turns as well as stability
- In expensive, only 5.95 dollars
- Produces squeaky sounds
9. Riptide Short Street Barrel Bushings
Features:
- Suitable for kids, or anyone under 100 pounds
- Premium quality urethane
- Fits TKP trucks, longboards
- Makes board more responsive, high rebound
RipTide is a company owned by experienced skaters. Who better to know the issues faced by skaters then skateboarders themselves? As such this company has been producing products that deals with all the issues. They hand manufacture premium quality urethane bushings, with inspection at every stage of manufacturing.
Riptide mainly manufactures soft bushings, hence are suitable for kids. This particular product is the Short Street Barrel Bushings – Krank 87a, with softness of about 87a.This means it is suitable for someone weighing around 100 pounds. Premium quality washers are also provided with the bushings. The shape of both, the top and bottom of the bushing, is a barrel which is what gives the speed and stability. It also has good rebound. That is, there is no need to lean to maneuver the board. And as long as the speed is under 20 mph these bushings will provide both stability and high rebound. Which makes them suitable for park or street skating. The product is offered in two main colors, red and yellow.
- Suitable for kids, or anyone under 100 pounds
- Premium quality urethane
- Fits TKP trucks, longboards
- Makes board more responsive, high rebound
- Not for skaters above 100 pounds
10. Venom Tall Double Barrel Bushings for Ronin Trucks
Features:
- Long lasting
- Fits RKP trucks
- Provides good resistance and cushioning
The company Venom is one of a kind, committed to bringing forth excellence and innovation. Both of which are lacked by other brands in the manufacturing of skateboard bushings. With the perfect balance between resistance and cushioning of the bushings, they are at the top of their game. With over years of experience, Venom is now one of the best manufacturers of bushings.
It can be a challenge to find a bushing that fits a reverse kingpin truck. But, no need to look any further. The Venom Tall Double Barrel Bushings for Ronin Trucks are made specifically for RKP trucks. If you happen to own trucks such as Rogues, Bear Kodiaks, Ronins or any other RKP truck that takes tall bushings then this is what you should be purchasing. Although this specific product has hardness of 87a, but venom does give a wide range of options. So you can select based on your weight and the amount of hardness required. These bushings however are not suitable for longboards, for them a slight smaller version is required.
- Expensive
11. Shappy 20 Pieces Skateboard & Longboard Bushings
Features:
- Durable, long lasting
- Provides loose fitting to 7 inch trucks
- One kit has 20 pieces
- Easy to store
- In expensive, only 10 dollars
Are you on a tight budget, looking for good quality bushings at an affordable rate? We have you covered. Last but not the least on this list, is the Shappy 20 Pieces Skateboard Bushings Longboard Truck Bushings Skateboard Cup Washers for 7 Inch Skateboard Trucks. Yes you read that right, this one pack has 20 pieces. With 4 bushings, 4 pivot cups and 8 washers, enough for 2 skateboards.
These bushings are manufactured by urethane of 88a hardness, for lighter skaters, who prefer loose trucks. It provides good maneuvering support, and is perfect for park or street skating. These bushings are robust and durable, or street skating. These bushings are robust and durable, suitable for all 7 inch long skateboard trucks. The bushings are user friendly and easy to install. Moreover, the bushings, washers and pivot cups come packed in a box, making it easier to store.
- Durable, long lasting
- Provides loose fitting to 7 inch trucks
- One kit has 20 pieces
- Easy to store
- In expensive, only 10 dollars
- Might be too soft for skaters above 170 pounds
Buying Guide
Choosing the best skateboard bushings for your skateboard is not an easy task. The type of bushings that fit your needs is greatly dependent on many factors. In this guide we will walk you through all the necessary factors to consider before making any purchase:
Soft and Hard Bushings
Both soft and hard bushings have their own purposes. Soft bushings aid in quick responsive turns but offer little stability. They are perfect for park or street skaters.Hard bushings on the other hand make your truck rigid and tight, hence, giving ore stability. Making it perfect for downhill skating.
Shape of Bushings
Shape is also one of the most important features of a bushing. Essentially there are three shapes, conical, barrel and eliminator. Conical and barrel shape are the most famous ones. Barrel shape is what helps in speed and stability while the conical shaped bushings are needed for easy maneuvering of the board.
Conclusion
BEST OVERALL PRODUCT FOR SKATEBOARD BUSHINGS
Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings (Set of 4)
In this list of 11 products for skateboard bushings, we have chosen the Orangatang Nipples Longboard Skateboard Truck Bushings (Set of 4), to be the best overall product.
Not only is it of premium durable quality but also has bushings and washers for two trucks. Moreover, the manufactures provide a wide range of options from 80a to 98a.Its large barrel shape gives stability for speeds reaching nearly 30mph.It also provides good re bound energy, so that the skater does not have to lean to maneuver the board. All these qualities make it the best overall product.
BEST VALUE PRODUCT FOR SKATEBOARD BUSHINGS
Bones(TM) Wheels Hardcore Bushings
For the best value product, we have chosen the Bones (TM) Wheels Hardcore Bushings. These bushings have one feature that sets them apart from all the other brands bushings, and that is the insert that comes with it. This insert is responsible for the controlled stiffness, so that it provides good stability as well as rebound energy to the truck. Although it may seem pricey, but it is quite durable and robust. Hence, it will prove beneficial in the long run. Still, if the customer is not satisfied with the item or runs into an issue, the company offers a 100 percent refund warranty. So there is nothing to lose with this product.
Bushings
What are Bushings on a Skateboard? – Skateboard Bushings Guide
The rubber rings called Skateboard bushings are considered to be one of the important components of a skateboard. These rubber rings are connected to the axle of the skateboard that helps in smooth rotation and spin. These rubber rings are made of polyurethane that increases the lifespan of the bushings and creates resistance against chemicals, heat, and UV. Check out the best skateboard bushings.
There are two types of bushings and each side of the skateboard is equipped with pair of bushings that have specific functions. One pair of bushings that are present above the hangers on the kingpin is called top bushings. The function of the top bushing is to allow the skateboard trunk to have a smooth turn. The bottom bushings are present between the baseplate and the hanger of the skateboard.
These bottom bushings have the ability to get loose and tight through a nut that makes the trucks of the skateboard highly responsive. Here the tightening of the bottom bushings means less responsive and more stability. Whereas loose bottom bushings relate to less stability and smooth turning ability. The adjustment can be done according to the preferences of the rider.
Characteristics of Skateboard Bushing
Shapes of Bushing
Depending upon skateboard type, there are different shapes of skateboard bushings. Different forms of bushings in pair form, many having symmetrical shapes from top to bottom. Basically, there are three basic shapes of bushings including conical, eliminator, and barrel. These various bushing types are then combined together depending upon the skateboard type.
In Double Barrel bushing, the top, and the bottom one are of similar shape i-e barrel shape. These barrel-shaped skateboard bushings are suitable for downhill skateboarding that increase the stability and speed of the skateboard and keep the rider safe at high speed. These barrel-shaped bushings are stiff and are unable to spin than a conical bushing.
Moving towards Cone barrel bushing, they are suitable for carving and turning. These types of skateboard bushings are suitable for cruisers and longboards. They are versatile and highly durable, having less support at the middle that makes them suitable for carving. They also have the ability to build a deck lean.
Cone-shaped skateboard bushings consist of two types of conical bushings. As these types of bushings provide a large amount of lean deck, they are also called super carving bushings. These bushings are specifically designed to experience twisted and sharp carving. Cone-shaped skateboard bushings are further classified into the following two types i-e double-stepped and barrel-stepped.
Bushing Durometer
The durometer is one of the major components of the skateboard that measures the firmness of the bushings. There is a durometer A scale test that is needed by the durometer having a range from 1-100. Most of the manufacturers use a durometer B scale, having 20 points lower which can further be expanded by further 20 points that are used for tougher bushings, making harder wheels.
Bushings are divided into the following categories like soft, medium, and hard by various brands. For lightweight skateboards, soft bushings are mainly used. People that prefer loose trucks use soft bushings but are not suitable for high speed and do not have much stability. The medium one is suitable for all-around skateboarding and is highly responsive.
Hard bushings are highly stable while turning and are stiff. These bushings are heavy in weight. For people who want to have their skateboard highly stable, then these bushings are highly recommended to those riders. So the classification of these bushings is done on the basis of rider preferences and type of skateboards.
How to Put Bushings on a Skateboard?
At times due to many problems, skateboard trucks either start to turn only in one direction or stop turning in both directions. Due to these issues, the rider is unable to ride on the skateboard, and at this time of wear and tear the bushings should be replaced to have a better skateboard experience. Before replacing new bushings, the replacement of the truck is also very important. And all of this procedure is done in various steps.
Tools
The best tools are required when it comes to the replacing or putting of bushings and trucks on the skateboard. The Skate tool is mostly used for putting bushings and replacing trunks but if in case you do not have it, the alternative to the skate tool is a regular socket wrench. There is a need for a skate tool that can perfectly fit at the nut and end of the kingpin. As styles may vary, so the selection of the tools should be done according to the styles of trucks and bushings.
Breaking Down Skateboard Trucks
In this step, the first thing that needs to be removed is the nut. After the nut is removed, all the parts of the trucks are now disassembled. You have to be very careful while breaking all these parts as they are very small and can be misplaced easily. The hanger is also opened as it aids in holding the truck present at the axles.
Putting Bushings on Skateboard
After breaking down all the parts of the trucks, now you need to put the new bushings on the skateboard after analyzing their shapes. The very important step in this process is that you need to clean all the parts of bushings whether you are putting or replacing the new bushings on the skateboard or not. You can change the parts of the bushings while replacing them.
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FAQs
Are skateboard bushings harder?
The hardness and firmness of the skateboard bushings are measured by the durometer. Soft bushings are suitable for compression of the hanger and make the skateboard turn easily and smoothly. Whereas on the other hand, harder bushings are more tough and stiff and are unable to turn easily.
How do I make my bushing softer?
The harder bushings can be converted into their softer version by simply putting the bushings in the hot water for a few minutes. After that place them on the skateboard.
Is it better to skate loose or tight?
If you are someone who rides on tight bushings and trucks then loosening these bushings can help you in improving the performance of your skateboard. Loose bushings help to have safe landings at high velocity.
What happens if your trucks are too small?
If in case your trucks are too small or narrow or they are unable to be fit according to your skateboard, then you will be unable to see your wheel and that can also result in many problems.
Conclusion
Skateboard bushings are rubbery in nature that are considered to be the most essential component of skateboarding. These rubber rings are connected to the axle of the skateboard that helps in smooth rotation and spin. They are made of polyurethane that increases the lifespan and durability of the bushings and creates resistance against chemicals, heat, UV, and oil.
There are two types of bushings that are present on each side of the skateboard having specific functions. One pair of bushings that are present above the hangers on the kingpin is called top bushings whose function is to allow the skateboard trunk to turn smoothly. The bottom bushings are present between the baseplate and the hanger of the skateboard have the ability to get loose and tight through a nut that makes the trucks of the skateboard highly responsive.
Due to many problems, skateboard trucks either stop turning in both directions or start to turn only in one direction causing many issues for the rider as they are unable to ride on the skateboard and at this time of wear and tear the bushings should be replaced to have a better skateboard experience. Before replacing new bushings, the replacement of the truck is also very important. And all of this procedure is done in various steps.