Finding the right longboard truck bushings can dramatically affect turn responsiveness, stability, and overall carving feel. This guide highlights top options favored by riders for different styles—from smooth carving and dancing to high-energy carving and downhill control. Read on to compare shapes, durometers, and compatibility to choose the best bushings for your setup.
| Product | Brand | Notable Feature | Durometer Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orangatang Knuckles Soft Longboard Truck Bushings (Orange, Set of 4) | Orangatang | Two shapes for highly responsive turning; high-rebound formula | Soft (matched to two shapes) |
| Dime Bag Hardware Skateboard Longboard Truck Replacement Bushings 4-Pack (for 2 Trucks) – 93A | Dime Bag Hardware | Premium USA-made bushings; versatile for different rider weights | Medium to mid-hard (around 93A) |
| Orangatang Nipples Medium Longboard Bushings (Purple, Set of 4) | Orangatang | Wider and taller; more support for responsive turns | Medium |
| YELARXI Skateboard Bushings Kit (92A & PU) | YELARXI | All-in-one rebuild kit; includes washers and pivot cups | 92A & PU variations |
| Orangatang Nipples Hard Longboard Bushings (Yellow, Set of 4) | Orangatang | High-rebound for energetic turns; compatible with several trucks | Hard |
Note: This article focuses on widely compatible options suitable for many common longboard truck systems. Always verify compatibility with your specific truck model before purchasing.
Orangatang Knuckles Soft Longboard Bushings
Orangatang Knuckles are designed for quick turning and smooth edge-to-edge transitions, making them a strong upgrade for carving, pumping, dancing, and freestyle longboarding. The set includes two shapes to customize turning behavior. The insert barrel fills gaps between the kingpin and hanger hole, reducing play for a precise response. The gumdrop shape blends traditional barrel and cone benefits for enhanced agility, while a rounded edge supports ultra-smooth turn initiation. The bushings are poured in Orangatang’s high-rebound Randy Thane formula for energetic turning.
Dime Bag Hardware 93A Longboard Truck Bushings (4-Pack)
This 4-pack from Dime Bag Hardware is premium USA-made, designed to fit most skateboard trucks. The set provides a range around 93A, making it suitable for riders who want a balanced, stable ride with smoother turns. The product notes emphasize suitability for riders seeking softer setups or those who prefer looser trucks, while keeping overall stability for a controlled ride.
Orangatang Nipples Medium Longboard Bushings (Purple)
Orangatang Nipples offer a responsive design with slightly wider and taller bushings to provide more support and material to compress. They deliver a highly responsive ride and are ideal for carving, pumping, dancing, and freestyle longboarding. These work well on popular trucks such as Paris V2/V3, Carver CX/C2, Tracker Fastrack, and Randal reverse kingpin, though compatibility should be verified for each setup.
Orangatang Knuckles Medium Longboard Bushings (Purple)
These Knuckles Medium bushings blend a shape setup for precise response with a high-rebound formula. They are designed to optimize quick turning and smooth transition between edge-to-edge carving. Two shapes enable riders to fine-tune responsiveness across different trucks, with the insert barrel reducing play and the gumdrop and rounded-edge features improving initiation and interface with washers.
Dime Bag Hardware 4-Pack Bushings (92A Green)
This 4-pack from Dime Bag Hardware offers a range around 92A, described as suitable for riders who want a balance of stability and a playful turn. The kit is designed to fit most trucks and includes multiple components to support a full bushings rebuild for two trucks. The set is positioned for riders who prefer a moderate stiffness and responsive control.
Maxfind Skateboard Bushings Set 95A & 98A
The Maxfind kit includes two top bushings, two bottom bushings, pivot cups, and washers, offering 95A and 98A hardness options. This provides versatility for riders who need both balanced control and maximum stability at higher speeds. The dual-hardness approach supports adapting to street skating, carving, and downhill-like stability across different weights and styles.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Riding style and weight: Softer bushings (around 80A-95A) are better for lighter riders or relaxed carving, while harder options (95A-100A+) suit aggressive carving, downhill, or higher-speed stability.
- Truck compatibility: Check your truck model (Paris, Carver, Tracker, Randal, etc.). Some bushings are designed for specific trucks or require careful measurements to avoid poor fit or contact with the hanger.
- Bushing shapes: Barrel, cone, and Gumdrop shapes affect turn initiation, rebound, and stability. Some sets offer multiple shapes to tailor responsiveness; others emphasize a single geometry for straightforward upgrades.
- Complete rebuild kits vs. individual sets: Kits that include washers, pivot cups, and spacers simplify installation and ensure a consistent setup, especially when rebuilding two trucks at once.
- High-rebound formulations: Brands like Orangatang use high-rebound urethane to improve energy return and responsiveness. Consider whether you want extra lively turning or a more muted, stable feel.
- Durability and consistency: USA-made options often emphasize manufacturing consistency, but verify customer reviews and warranty terms for long-term performance.
- Maintenance and replacement: Regularly inspect bushings for cracking, compression set, or loss of rebound. Replace compromised bushings to preserve ride quality and safety.
- Weight and riding environment: Heavier riders or rough streets may benefit from slightly stiffer hardness or thicker walled bushings to dampen vibration and improve stability.
Choosing the right set requires balancing turn responsiveness with stability. For riders who value precise, quick turns, higher-rebound and slightly taller profiles can help. For riders seeking a smoother glide or downhill stability, mid-range to harder durometers with robust shapes often perform best. Always confirm compatibility with your trucks and consider investing in a rebuild kit to maintain consistent performance over time.
Add a Comment