Understanding Bones Medium Bushings: The Core Function
Bones medium bushings are a critical component for tuning your skateboard's turning characteristics, offering a balance between responsiveness and stability. They are typically made from specialized urethane compounds designed to flex and return to their original shape, allowing your trucks to pivot smoothly when leaning. Understanding their function is fundamental to optimizing your ride's agility and control.
- Medium bushings offer a balanced feel for diverse skateboarding styles.
- They control truck pivot and return for precise turning.
- Material durometer significantly impacts performance and feel.
- Proper selection enhances control and prevents wheelbite.
At their core, bushings act as the suspension system for your skateboard trucks. When you lean, the bushings compress, enabling the truck hanger to turn. The hardness, or durometer, of the urethane directly dictates how much force is required to initiate a turn and how quickly the truck returns to center. For many skaters, medium bushings represent a sweet spot, providing enough give for fluid carving without being so soft that the board becomes unstable at speed or prone to wheelbite.
Key Components of Truck Bushings
A standard skateboard truck setup uses two bushings: a cone bushing and a barrel bushing. The cone bushing, typically placed on the bottom (kingpin nut side), is smaller and allows for quicker, more responsive turning. The barrel bushing, usually on top (board side), is larger and provides stability. Bones offers their bushings in various durometers, often indicated by color, and they are widely recognized for their consistent quality and performance in both conical and barrel shapes, catering to a wide range of rider preferences and weights.
This mechanism is critical for a smooth and predictable skateboarding experience. Without them, trucks would be rigid and unresponsive, or conversely, far too loose and uncontrollable.
The Role of Durometer
Durometer measures the hardness of the urethane. Bones uses the 'A' scale for most of its bushings. Common durometers for 'medium' range typically fall between 87A and 93A. A lower number indicates a softer bushing, which requires less effort to turn but can feel less stable. A higher number means a harder bushing, offering more stability but requiring more force to initiate turns. The choice often depends on rider weight, skating style (street, park, cruising), and personal preference for responsiveness versus stability.
Always check the recommended durometer range for your weight and intended use to avoid unnecessary adjustments or a compromised feel.
The primary consideration involves matching the bushing durometer to your specific needs. Too soft, and you risk wobbles; too hard, and carving becomes a chore.
Comparing Bones Medium Bushing Options
What Constitutes 'Medium' in Bones Bushings?
Bones offers a spectrum of hardness, but their 'medium' range is generally considered to be between 87A and 93A. Within this range, you'll find specific durometers like 87A, 90A, and 93A, each providing a subtly different feel. For instance, a skater around 150-180 lbs might find 90A or 93A ideal for a balanced ride, while a lighter skater might prefer 87A for easier turning. This specificity allows for a highly customized setup, a hallmark of quality skateboard hardware.
Bones Bushing Shapes: Conical vs. Barrel
While the focus is often on durometer, the shape of your bushings plays a significant role. Bones' standard setup includes a conical bushing on the bottom and a barrel bushing on top. The conical shape allows for easier, quicker turns due to its smaller base and tapered profile, contributing to a more sensitive steering response. The barrel shape, being larger and more cylindrical, offers greater resistance to compression, enhancing stability and preventing the board from turning too sharply, which is essential for preventing wheelbite during aggressive turns.
Our analysis indicates that combining these shapes is key to achieving optimal truck performance.
The Bones Hardcore Bushing System
Bones also offers the Hardcore Bushing System, which features a "dampener" insert within the larger barrel bushing. This insert is designed to reduce vibration and provide a smoother ride, particularly beneficial for cruising or rougher terrain. While not strictly 'medium' in terms of durometer alone, the overall feel can be adjusted by the durometer of the urethane parts. This system is a prime example of how advanced materials like urethane are engineered for specific applications, akin to industrial applications of carbon graphite bushings where precision is paramount.
The true art of tuning lies in the nuanced interplay between durometer, shape, and rider input.
Understanding this nuanced interplay is fundamental to achieving your desired board feel.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
One common issue is experiencing too much or too little turn. If your board feels too stiff, you might need a softer durometer (e.g., moving from 93A to 90A or 87A). If it feels too loose or wobbly, opt for a harder durometer (e.g., from 87A to 90A or 93A). Another frequent problem is wheelbite, where the wheels touch the deck during deep turns, often caused by bushings that are too soft or truck kingpins being overtightened. Ensuring you have the correct barrel bushing on the bottom or a harder durometer can often resolve this. For those looking for specific solutions, custom bushings can be manufactured, but for most, Bones' standard offerings are sufficient.
It is imperative to acknowledge that even minor adjustments can drastically alter your board's handling.
Making the Final Choice: Your Bones Medium Bushing Verdict
Head-to-Head: Medium Bushings for Your Ride
When selecting between Bones medium bushings, consider these factors. Are you a heavier rider needing more resistance, or a lighter rider seeking easier turns? Do you primarily skate transition, where stability is key, or street, where quick pop and responsive trucks are vital? For general all-around use, a 90A or 93A durometer in the standard conical/barrel setup is often the go-to. If you're experiencing excessive slop or vibration, exploring the Hardcore Bushing System might be beneficial, though it adds complexity and cost.
The decision hinges on translating your physical attributes and skating style into mechanical properties.
The most critical factor is matching durometer to rider weight and desired responsiveness.
Experimentation is key; don't be afraid to try different durometers or even mix-and-match (e.g., a 90A barrel with a 93A cone) to dial in your perfect setup.
This is where precise tuning becomes paramount for an enjoyable and controlled ride, distinguishing between a board that feels 'right' and one that feels 'off'.