5 Best Skateboard Bushings in 2021 – Reviews and Rankings

Making sure that you have the best skateboard bushings is quite challenging. A number of factors need to be taken into consideration. On top of that, there are also several options that are currently available these days, with their own set of features and limitations. Choosing the best one can turn out to be a daunting adventure.         

Skateboard bushings refer to small rubber rings. Most of these rings are made out of urethane. When these rings are attached to skateboards, they offer stability, while pivoting the board accordingly. As a result, riders can create quick and responsive turns. While skateboard bushings are small, they play a huge role in making sure that you can have a nice and smooth ride, giving you the best experience in skateboarding. On the other hand, not having one can turn the experience into a nightmare. 

As already mentioned earlier, it can be challenging to choose the best skateboard bushing. One reason for this is because every ring comes with a particular purpose. To help you in making a wise purchasing decision in the end, we have rounded up a list of the best options out there. On top of that, this review also features a buyer’s guide that offers more information about rubber bushings. At the end of the day, you can find the best one that will best fit your needs and preferences.                                     

Bones(TM) Wheels Hardcore Bushings – Best Bushings Offering Stability and Stiffness

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Black, White
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1 inches

Product Specifications

  • Good Stability

If you are searching for a skateboard bushing that offers amazing stability combined with a bit of stiffness, then the Bones hardcore bushing is something that you can take into consideration. Aside from these features, it is also built to last. These bushings are also designed to offer stability even at higher speeds, making sure that your skateboard will not wobble easily.

  • Durable and Robust Features

The manufacturer of these bushings uses urethane in its construction, making them durable and robust. The primary thing that makes it different from other types of bushings is the use of the insert. Other bushings may be losing their bounce easily because they use a hard durometer in order to go up, but the insert offers just the right level of stiffness which is good for heavier skaters. 

  • Attractive Design

These skateboard bushings come in a variety of colors to choose from, representing different levels of hardness. Even though they may be pricier than others, they will prove to be worthy of your investment eventually because of their overall durability. As a bonus, getting these products from Bones entitles you to a warranty for every purchase. 

  • Overall Capacity

With these bushings, you can expect skateboard turns that are positive and smooth, not rigid or floppy. Bones skateboard bushings are designed to revolutionize quality urethane products that offer good quality. 

Pros

  • Smooth and positive turns
  • Durable and robust bushings
  • Ideal for heavy skaters

Cons

  • Size does not fit all types of skateboard trucks  

Independent Truck Bushings – Best Value for the Money

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Blue
  • Weight: 0.63 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.3 x 1.1 inches

Product Specifications

  • Manufacturer Reputation

When it comes to skateboard bushings, it is recommended to purchase from a manufacturer who has been in this industry for a long time already. Independent has been serving customers in this field since 1978 and with more than 40 years of total experience in manufacturing the best quality bushings in the market. This is a fact that is acknowledged by customers in reviews. 

  • Just Enough Hardness

It is often challenging to find a skateboard bushing that offers just enough amount of hardness. Some are either too soft, while others are just too hard. These bushings, however, offer a medium hardness, combining together a good amount of hardness and softness. 

  • Cylindrical Design

These bushings come in cylindrical and barrel shapes that offer stability and speed. Regardless of the weight, they work fine for riders over 200 pounds, while they also work fine with a weight below this mark. Since they are made out of urethanes, they are long-lasting and can be used by riders with both average and heavyweights. 

Pros

  • Medium hardness
  • Premium quality urethane material
  • Offers stability and speed

Cons

  • Not for reverse kingpin trucks  

Shorty’s Blue Doh-Doh Bushings – Best in Hardness

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Blue
  • Weight: 0.81 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.75 x 0.75 inches

Product Specifications

  • Fits All Types of Skateboard Trucks

Even though it is not really recommended to select and use skateboard bushings that come from a different company with the skateboard truck. With these bushings, however, there is no need to worry because they are suited for almost all types of skateboard trucks or even a longboard. If your weight is more than 200 pounds, then this might turn out to be a good investment. 

  • 100a Hardness

These bushings are ideal for those who are looking to experience a very tight feeling in the skateboard truck, thanks to its 100a hardness. With this level of hardness, they are solid as a rock, leaving a little room for the capacity to be compressed. It provides the stiffest and rigid skateboard truck, barely requiring any tightening. 

  • Ideal for Expert Freestyle Skateboarders

With all the features mentioned above, these bushings are ideal and suited for expert freestyle skateboarders. With this stiffness for a bushing, there is no rebounding expected. Note, however, that they may not be recommended for children, because they are ideal for riders who are more than 200 pounds. 

Pros

  • 100a rock hard 
  • Fits all types of trucks
  • Offers rigidness and stiffness

Cons

  • Washers not included  

Riptide Cone Bushings – Best Bushings for Linear Turns

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Different color options
  • Weight: ~
  • Dimensions: 24.77mm (diameter) x 15.24mm (height)

Product Specifications

  • Respected Manufacturer

Riptide is a company that is founded by experienced skaters. This gives them an edge because they understand things about skateboarding and the equipment needed in order to achieve a good experience. They also know the potential issues that are faced by most skateboarders, allowing them to create products that can solve these issues. They manufacture high-quality urethane bushings. 

  • APS 95a Bushings

The APS 95a bushings are made out of hard durometer, which is why they are ideal for heavier-weight riders, while still allowing for a nice and tight set-up. The APS, or Animated Polymer Systems, the compound provides very linear turns, which means that the bushings are predictable until the end. At the same time, they also offer a solid rebound level which gets your truck back to the center after a fast turn. 

  • Tapered Shape

These cone bushings feature a tapered shape, offering an easy turn. As such, they are the ideal options for carving and cruising. If these cone bushings are combined with a set of barrel bushings, what you have is an amazing combination that is ideal for aggressive carves and low to middle-speed free-riding. 

  • High-Performance Urethane

The use of high-performance urethane in these skateboard bushings is responsive and lively, filled with just the right level of rebound. The response is also very linear, allowing you to control the bushing rather than you being controlled by it. 

The APS also does not change a lot as you tighten the kingpin nut. As such, it is recommended to tighten it to the point where it becomes challenging to turn this bushing in the seat manually. A flat washer can be used for achieving lower resistance. For higher resistance, a cupped washer can be used. 

Pros

  • Very linear turn
  • Solid level of rebound
  • Ideal for carving and cruising

Cons

  • Some issues with durability   

ELOS Skateboard Truck Bushing Kit – Best Wear Resistant Bushings

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1.44 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.11 x 1.1 inches

Product Specifications

  • Premium Material 

The use of premium material for these bushings will allow you to ride better. This provides the assurance of a very nice ride, thanks to the implementation of a high rebound formula that was created in Germany.

  • Quiet and Smooth

Hearing those squeaking noises coming from a cheap board can turn out to be annoying. With these pre-treated bushings, you can be assured of a smooth and quiet ride. The best part is that there is no need for a break-in. 

  • Long-Lasting Performance

What these bushings promise is a long-lasting performance. They are designed to be wear-resistant, splitting-free. The washer cups also feature zinc coating in order to prevent the build-up of rust. It is also designed to fit most longboard and skateboard trucks. 

  • Complete Set

These bushings come in a complete set. A single pack covers everything that you need for a single skateboard. The pack is composed of 8 pieces, including 2 huge washers, 2 barrel bushings, 2 cone bushings, and 2 smaller washers. 

Pros

  • Premium quality material
  • No annoying sounds
  • Weather-resistant

Cons

  • Some issues with fitting with trucks  

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Skateboard Bushings

Getting the best skateboard bushings to use for your skateboard is something that is not easy. The kind of skateboard bushings that meet your needs, and even preferences are primarily dependent on a number of factors. To help you out in making sure that you make a wise purchasing decision in the end, let us discuss all the factors that you need to be considered before making a purchase:

Type

There are two types of skateboard bushings – hard and soft. The type of bushing to select depends on the purpose of use. Hard bushings make your skateboard tight and rigid, making them ideal for downhill skateboarding. On the other hand, soft bushings help in providing a fast and responsive turn, while ensuring a bit of stability. As such, they are ideal for street and park skaters. 

Shape

Another important feature that brings value to bushings is their shape. Generally, there are three shapes that you can choose from – barrel, conical, and eliminator. Both barrel and conical shapes are considered as widely used. Barrel bushings ensure stability and shape, while conical-shaped ones are essential for board maneuvering. 

Type of Skateboard Trucks

The type of skateboard trucks that you will be riding will ultimately determine the type of bushing that you will purchase. Bushings going into TKP skateboard trucks are different from the ones that are used in RKP trucks. As such, it is important to buy the right one for your specific skateboard truck. 

Failing to do so will end up with you seeing your skateboarding bushings popping when you are using them, simply wasting your money on something that you cannot really use. TKP trucks generally work with hard durometer bushings.

Rider Weight

The weight of the rider also plays a very important role when it comes to choosing the right type of bushings. Bushings are similar to elastic strings. The more weight put into it, the more deformity is expected of the string. In order to handle this, a heavier rider might want to consider bushings that are stronger or harder because they are expected to deform less under heavyweight. 

FAQs

1. What difference does the use of bushings have on skateboards?

These skateboard bushings generally come with a more accurate and wider hardness range. Softer one is generally easier to compress hanger, which makes it easier to turn on the softer ones. Harder skateboard bushings offer stiffer turns. To improve the entire experience, some skateboarders also select different durometers for both top and bottom bushings. 

2. How long do skateboard bushings take to break in?

It is important to actually ride your board in order to break in the skateboard bushings. You will notice that you are ready once the bushings are set, though it is ideal to cruise around first. Since you will experience a new feel for the new skateboard bushings, you will notice awkwardness and stiffness at first, but a couple of days is enough to break in to the bushings completely.

3. What is the best way to break in new skateboard bushings?

One of the best ways to break in to your new skateboard bushings is to use it on your skateboard. If you have bought a new skateboard or installed new bushings, you may want to avoid extreme shredding until you notice that the bushings are giving a bit more. When this happens, you will notice more flexibility on your board as you give it a hop. 

4. Can you over-tighten skateboard bushings?

If you tighten up skateboard bushings too tight, you may end up blowing them up. As such, it is important to be careful, going slow just a half turn at a time unless they have become so loose that you can no longer see threads. 

5. How will I know if my skateboard bushings are bad?

You can try to spin the wheels using your hands. This will allow you to actually see how long they will rotate. If you notice that they rotate between two to four seconds, then your skateboard is bad. If only one of the bushings stops spinning after a few seconds, then you may be having a bad bearing, or it could be a nut that has turned quite tight. 

6. When should I replace bushings?

When your bushings start showing cracks, making noise, crumbling, or squished, then it may be time for you to replace them. They generally last for a long time, highly depending on how aggressive or how often you do skateboarding. 

There are also other factors that need to be taken into consideration, including climate and storage. High temperatures could wear them sooner. In fact, storing them in moist and hot environments will only shorten their life. Also, annoying squeaks are generally a sign of bushings that can be fixed with the use of candle wax and soap shavings inside the pivot cup. If you are not planning to replace them, then this cheap solution may solve the problem and fix the noise. 

Conclusion

Skateboard bushings refer to those tiny rubber things for your skateboard. They come in different sizes and shapes. They determine how your skateboard will perform. If you are interested in making sure that your skateboard feels different, you can also swap your bushings out for different ones. 

The list mentioned above highlights the 5 best skateboard bushings. Keep in mind that getting the best one for your skateboard can ultimately change how it will feel for the better. Note that each option comes with their own set of features, pros, and cons. The buying guide that follows the list will surely help you to choose what will work best for you. As such, it is very important to sit down and do your own research.