Truck Parts for Skateboards
The Functioning of Skateboard Bushings
Located in your truck, skateboard bushings enable smooth turning of your board. They are crucial for both the stability and the overall quality of your skateboarding experience. Each truck is equipped with two bushings: the top bushing faces the street, while the bottom bushing faces the board. Similar to your wheels, skate bushings are crafted from polyurethane.
Though your skateboard trucks come with bushings when purchased, they will inevitably wear out, and many skaters choose to refresh their setup with a new set. As skateboard bushings are standardised, there is no need to worry about compatibility with your current setup.
Which Skateboard Bushings Are Right for Me?
Skateboard truck bushings are available in two types: cone bushings and barrel bushings. Cone bushings provide better manoeuvrability and agility, while barrel bushings offer more stability, especially at higher speeds.
Bushings are rated on a durometer scale, much like wheels; a higher number indicates a harder bushing. You’ll need to choose based on your weight and your preferred style of riding. For instance, harder bushings result in less responsive trucks during turns, whereas softer bushings offer greater responsiveness and ease in turning.
If your bushings are not the only components showing signs of wear, it might be worth considering an upgrade of your Skateboard Trucks.