A Short History of Bushings
Bushings have been a quiet force behind the evolution of skateboarding since the earliest days of turning precision. In the 1970s, as skate trucks advanced beyond their surf-inspired roots, the polyurethane bushing emerged as a vital part of control and maneuverability. Sitting around the kingpin and cradling the hanger’s pivot, bushings absorb pressure and allow for turning and carving. As skateboarding matured, so did the understanding that a small tweak in bushing shape or hardness could radically shift how a board feels underfoot.
What Bushings Do & Why They Matter
Bushings determine the feel of your turns. They are made of urethane and come in different hardness levels, known as durometers. Softer bushings compress more easily, making turns feel loose and playful.
Harder ones resist compression, making your ride feel more stable and better suited for speed or downhill. But it’s not just about how hard they are. The shape also plays a huge role—barrel bushings tend to keep things steady and centered, while conical bushings let the truck lean more for deeper carving. The washers that sandwich your bushings also influence performance. Cup washers hold the bushings snugly, limiting lean and offering more rebound, while flat washers allow for more flex and movement.
On longboarding and tech forums, riders consistently say bushings change your ride more than almost any other part—despite being one of the smallest and cheapest components on a setup. Swapping them out can take a board from sluggish to snappy in minutes.
Choosing Bushings by Rider Weight
The weight of the rider is one of the biggest factors in choosing the right bushings. Heavier skaters need firmer bushings to prevent bottoming out, while lighter skaters benefit from softer bushings that allow for proper compression. Someone weighing around 75 kilograms (or 165 pounds) might gravitate toward bushings in the 86A to 90A range for easier turning, or stiffer 91A to 95A setups for a tighter feel. On the other end, skaters closer to 50 kilograms will be happier with duros under 86A, allowing them to get decent lean and rebound without having to muscle their trucks into turning.
Bushing Brands & Community Favorites
Independent Trucks typically ship with stock bushings around 88A, which many reviewers find to be a balanced middle ground for a variety of riders and setups. Some riders say these bushings fit perfectly and allow just the right amount of play, especially for skaters who want a moderately loose feel. Brands like Bones, Tensor, and Ace all bring something different to the table with varying shapes and duros.
A skater riding Tensor trucks at around 84 kilograms mentioned favoring 90A bushings to keep his ride feeling loose without compromising control. Meanwhile, longboarders and carvers often lean into the offerings from brands like Riptide, Venom, and Orangatang, which excel in producing bushings for more responsive or pumping-based setups. According to several skaters on Reddit and Slap Magazine forums, experimenting is the key—many have a literal cup or drawer full of bushings that they swap around depending on the setup or terrain.
Fitting Bushings for Super-Light Riders (Ages 3–8)
Fitting bushings for super-light riders—especially kids between the ages of three and eight—requires extra consideration. At these low weights, traditional bushings often don’t compress enough to offer proper turning, making the board feel rigid and unresponsive. For children in the 15 to 25-pound range, bushings in the 78A to 82A durometer range work best. These are ultra-soft bushings that allow even the lightest kids to lean and initiate turns without needing to put excessive pressure on their trucks.
Conical or stepped shapes help keep the turn smooth while offering a predictable rebound, which is important for beginners. Flat washers are recommended for these riders, as they allow for maximum compression and minimize stiffness. It’s also crucial to avoid over-tightening the kingpin nut—many parents and even shop staff make this mistake, locking the bushings down so tight that they effectively eliminate any turning ability. A properly set up board for a young rider should feel fluid, responsive, and easy to control with minimal effort. Since kids grow fast and their weight can change quickly, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the bushings every few months and adjust or replace them as needed.
The Right Setup, No Table Required
Instead of giving you a chart, let’s break it down naturally. For toddlers and younger kids between 3 to 8 years old, weighing anywhere from 7 to 12 kilograms, you’ll want bushings in the 78A to 82A range. These should be paired with a conical shape and flat washers to maximize turn responsiveness. As kids grow and hit the 12 to 25 kilogram range, stepping up to bushings in the 82A to 86A range offers a bit more control without sacrificing maneuverability. Once riders are in their teens or light adult weights—say 25 to 50 kilograms—they can start moving into the 86A to 90A durometer zone, where the setup becomes more balanced and suitable for cruising or trick skating. Adults above 50 kilograms, especially those around or above 75 kilograms, typically benefit from bushings rated 90A to 95A, with a barrel shape and cup washers to keep things stable, especially at higher speeds or in bowls and transitions.
Fine-Tuning and Maintenance
Bushings are built to flex and rebound, but over time they can lose their snap. That’s why skaters often “break in” bushings—riding them for a few days to let the urethane settle. After that, if your ride feels too soft or too stiff, you can experiment by mixing durometers—maybe a harder top bushing for snappy return and a softer bottom for carve. Swapping shapes can fine-tune your board for technical street tricks, carving, cruising, or just making it feel more “yours.” Eventually, bushings will wear down, especially if they crack or deform under the pressure of turns or time. When that happens, replacement is cheap, easy, and instantly refreshing for your setup.
Wrapping It Up
Bushings might seem like background noise in your setup, but they’re critical to how your board responds, how it turns, and how fun it feels. Whether you’re cruising the streets, dialing in freestyle tricks, or setting up a first board for a child, the right bushings make all the difference. Especially for kids aged 3 to 8, soft bushings are essential—they unlock the turning ability that makes learning fun instead of frustrating. For everyone else, remember that one small change in bushing shape or durometer can breathe new life into an old deck. Treat your bushings like the performance part they are, not an afterthought—and you’ll feel the difference in every turn.
