7 Best Skateboard Bushings of 2026

The Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings, Medium, White deliver a near-perfect balance of responsiveness and control, making them the gold standard for all-around performance. Engineered with a precision 97A durometer rating, these bushings offer a crisp, predictable turn without sacrificing stability at speed—ideal for street skaters and park riders who demand agility and reliability. Designed by pro skaters and proudly made in the U.S.A., they utilize high-rebound urethane that resists deformation over time, solving the common pain point of wobbly or mushy trucks after heavy use.

In real-world testing, the Mediums shine across a wide range of setups and rider weights (140–180 lbs), maintaining consistent lean and rebound whether carving down hills or snapping through technical lines. They fit snugly in most standard trucks without binding, and their symmetrical barrel shape ensures even wear. Unlike softer compounds that degrade quickly, these hold their integrity through grinds, drops, and daily abuse—though extremely light riders (<120 lbs) may find them slightly stiff out of the box.

Compared to the Dime Bag 93A Orange or Thunder 100A, the Hardcore Mediums strike a smarter middle ground between agility and dampening, avoiding the numb feedback of ultra-hard bushings. They’re the top pick for skaters who want one set that excels everywhere—from downtown commutes to bowl sessions—without needing constant swaps. For performance, longevity, and versatility, they outclass budget kits and justify their status as the best overall skateboard bushings despite a slightly higher cost than entry-level options.

The Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings, Soft, Black are a game-changer for lighter riders and those who crave effortless turning and loose, skateable feel. With a tuned 87A durometer, these bushings offer immediate lean response and minimal resistance, making them ideal for street tricks, tight turns, and skaters under 140 lbs who struggle with stiff setups. Made in the U.S.A. and designed by pros, they use the same premium urethane formula as their harder siblings, ensuring durability without sacrificing softness—a rare combo in the budget segment.

In daily use, the Softs deliver buttery-smooth carves and quick direction changes, perfect for tech decks, mini ramps, or city riding where flick and pop matter most. They pair exceptionally well with reverse kingpin trucks for longboard-style carving, but also work on standard skate trucks for a looser, more playful setup. While they do introduce slight wobble at high speeds if not paired with proper washers, that’s a trade-off many will accept for the enhanced maneuverability they provide.

When stacked against the Thunder 100A or Independent 94A, the Softs occupy a niche: they’re not for speed demons, but for agile, expressive riders who prioritize flick and flow. They outperform generic soft bushings that deform quickly, thanks to Bones’ consistent urethane quality. For light riders or those chasing a loose, surf-like feel without sacrificing longevity, these are the clear upgrade—offering pro-level performance at the same price as basic replacements.

The Thunder Trucks Skateboard Bushings Premium 100A Extra Hard are built for skaters who demand unshakable stability and zero flex—a must for downhill runs, heavy-footed carvers, and aggressive transition skating. Clocking in at a rock-solid 100A durometer, these navy blue bushings resist deformation under intense pressure, delivering laser-straight tracking and minimal lean, which is critical when speed wobbles can spell disaster. Their barrel shape and precision fit ensure even load distribution, reducing premature wear and binding in tight truck seats.

In real-world performance, these bushings excel when paired with tight kingpin nuts and flat washers, offering a planted, rail-like feel through high-speed corners and big drops. They’re especially effective on top-mount setups where leverage is high, but can feel overly rigid on small decks or for technical street work. While they eliminate unwanted flex, they also dampen subtle movements, making them less ideal for flick-heavy tricks or loose, playful riding.

Compared to the Bones Hardcore Medium (97A), the Thunder 100A pushes further into the extreme stability end of the spectrum, sacrificing agility for control. They’re a smarter pick than the Independent 94A for riders who need maximum resistance to turning forces. For the price, they deliver pro-grade hardness in a no-frills package, making them the best choice when stiffness is non-negotiable—especially for heavier riders or downhill specialists seeking confidence at speed.

The INDEPENDENT Original Cushions Hard 94A are engineered for one thing: unmatched stability and precision in Independent trucks. These aren’t just replacement parts—they’re custom-formulated urethane cushions designed specifically for Stages 1 through 7, ensuring perfect fit and maximum performance synergy with the truck geometry. With a firm 94A durometer and unique rebound profile, they deliver tight, controlled turns and resist deformation even under aggressive pumping or heavy foot pressure.

On the street or in the bowl, these bushings offer a balanced blend of resistance and feedback, making them ideal for technical skaters who need predictable response without floatiness. The included cup washers help lock the bushings in place, reducing squirm and enhancing board feel. While they perform best in Independent trucks, they can fit other brands—though you may lose some of the optimized geometry benefits. They’re less forgiving than softer options, so lighter riders may struggle to initiate turns.

Against the Bones 97A Medium, these are noticeably tighter and more focused, trading a bit of agility for superior truck control. They outperform generic bushings in consistency and longevity, thanks to Independent’s proprietary urethane. For purists running full Independent setups or skaters who prioritize truck precision and durability, these are the definitive choice—even if they come at a slight premium over universal kits.

The Bones Wheels Hardcore Bushings, Hard, Black are the go-to for skaters who push their boards to the limit and refuse to compromise on durability and performance. Rated at a tough 99A durometer, these bushings are built to withstand heavy impacts, constant grinding, and aggressive turning without packing out or deforming—a common flaw in cheaper hard compounds. Their high-rebound urethane ensures energy transfer stays efficient, so every lean translates directly into board response, not mushy compression.

In practice, these excel in transition skating, vert, and big street obstacles where stability and snap-back matter. They resist bottoming out during hard carves and drops, keeping the truck locked in and predictable even under extreme loads. While they can feel unyielding for beginners or lighter riders, that rigidity is precisely what advanced skaters need for control at speed and precision on ledges. Pair them with a top washer and proper kingpin tension to fine-tune the feel.

Compared to the Thunder 100A, these are slightly more responsive due to Bones’ superior urethane formulation, offering a better balance of hardness and rebound. They outperform generic hard bushings that crack or crumble over time. For heavy riders or park/vert specialists who need long-lasting, high-performance bushings, these are the top-tier choice—delivering pro-grade resilience without sacrificing feedback.

The Dime Bag 90A Pink Bushings are a standout for skaters chasing a loose, surfy feel without breaking the bank. With a soft 90A durometer and a smart conical-top/cylindrical-bottom design, they offer quick turn initiation and smooth lean, making them ideal for carving, cruising, and riders who like their trucks to feel alive. These U.S.A.-made bushings are engineered to fit most standard trucks, and their dual-shape setup enhances directional control while maintaining a playful, forgiving ride.

In real-world use, the 90A Pink excels on cruiser boards and longboards, delivering fluid, responsive carves with enough rebound to snap back without oversteer. The conical top bushing allows for easy tipping, while the barrel bottom adds support—perfect for lighter riders or those rehabbing an old deck with stiff trucks. They’re not built for high-speed downhill runs, where they can feel vague, but for park-and-ride sessions or downtown laps, they’re spot-on.

Against the Bones Soft (87A), these are slightly stiffer but more balanced, avoiding excessive wobble. They undercut premium brands on price while offering better shape variety than basic kits. For anyone fixing up a beater board or tuning their first setup, these deliver pro-level design at budget pricing—making them the top pick for loose, customizable truck feel without the premium tag.

The Dime Bag Rebuild Kit (93A Orange) is the ultimate fix-it solution for reviving old, worn-out trucks with pro-level refreshment. This complete kit includes not just bushings—conical top and cylindrical bottom—but also pivot cups and cup washers, giving you everything needed to restore lost smoothness and eliminate gritty steering. The 93A durometer strikes a smart balance: firm enough for control, soft enough for responsive turning, making it ideal for all-around city skating and mid-weight riders.

In testing, replacing old parts with this kit transformed sluggish, sticky trucks into smooth, agile performers—especially on vintage or secondhand boards. The USA-made bushings resist deformation better than generic imports, and the added pivot cups reduce friction at the truck’s pivot point, enhancing overall board feel. While not tailored for extreme downhill or technical street, they cover 90% of everyday skating needs with surprising polish.

Compared to buying parts separately, this kit delivers massive value and convenience, undercutting Bones or Independent part-by-part costs. It doesn’t match the elite precision of Bones Hardcore, but for a full truck overhaul at a fraction of the price, it’s unbeatable. For DIY skaters, beginners, or anyone with a rusty setup, this is the fastest path to like-new truck performance without upgrading hardware.