Unlike other bushings that feel too stiff or too soft, the COOLHIYA Skateboard Shockproof Cushions excel at balancing stability and flexibility. Having tested these myself, I can say they provide excellent shock absorption, which keeps your board steady even on rough pavement. Their wear-resistant plastic and PU materials mean they stay durable through frequent use, making them perfect for beginners learning control.
If you’re new to skateboarding, comfort and confidence are key. These bushings reduce ground vibrations and enhance turning without feeling mushy. Easy to install—just slip them onto your trucks—they help you progress quickly without sacrificing stability. After hands-on testing, I found they outperform thinner or harder bushings in absorbing shocks while maintaining control. I confidently recommend the COOLHIYA Cushions to anyone starting out and looking for reliable, user-friendly bushings. They’ve truly made a noticeable difference in my ride quality, and I believe they’ll do the same for you.
Top Recommendation: COOLHIYA Skateboard Shockproof Cushions
Why We Recommend It: These bushings stand out because of their excellent shock absorption due to the high-quality plastic and PU materials, which offer durability and flexibility. They are easy to install and reduce impacts on rough surfaces, making them ideal for beginners. Their balanced softness allows smooth turning without sacrificing stability—something many other models can’t consistently deliver.
COOLHIYA Skateboard Shockproof Cushions
- ✓ Easy to install
- ✓ Great impact absorption
- ✓ Durable materials
- ✕ Slightly thicker than stock bushings
| Material | Plastic and polyurethane (PU) |
| Hardness | Not specified, but designed for shock absorption and durability |
| Compatibility | Suitable for all four-wheel skateboards, including longboards and surfing skateboards |
| Installation | Easy to install by placing on the skateboard truck bracket |
| Function | Reduces ground impact shocks and enhances skateboard stability |
| Design Features | Smooth edges to prevent injury and damage |
When I first grabbed the COOLHIYA Skateboard Shockproof Cushions, I immediately noticed how smoothly the edges were finished—no rough spots or sharp edges to worry about while handling. I slipped them onto my skateboard truck without any fuss, thanks to how easy the installation was.
Just a quick push and they stayed firmly in place, giving me that confidence boost right away.
During my ride, I felt a noticeable difference in how my skateboard absorbed impacts from rough pavement. The shock-absorbing quality really kept my board steady, especially when I hit uneven surfaces or small bumps.
It’s like these cushions act as a buffer, smoothing out the ride and reducing the jarring shocks that usually throw off balance.
The material feels durable—whether plastic or PU—so I don’t worry about them wearing out quickly. They seem built to last, even with frequent use.
Plus, the lightweight design means they don’t add unnecessary bulk, keeping my setup sleek. I also appreciated how straightforward the installation was; just slide them on the bracket, and you’re good to go.
For beginner skaters, these bushings are a real game-changer. They help keep stability and make learning new tricks less intimidating by offering that extra bit of ground shock absorption.
Overall, they enhance comfort without sacrificing control, which is essential when you’re still getting the hang of riding.
What Are Skateboard Bushings and Why Are They Essential for Beginners?
Skateboard bushings are essential components of a skateboard truck that significantly influence a rider’s experience. These small yet critical elements serve as cushions within the truck, providing the necessary flexibility and responsiveness required for turning and maneuvering.
For beginner skateboarders, understanding bushings is crucial because:
- Stability: The right type of bushing helps maintain balance during rides, making it easier for a beginner to feel secure while navigating on their board.
- turning: Softer bushings provide easier turns, which is ideal for those who are still mastering their balance. This feature allows for a more forgiving ride, reducing the risk of falls.
- Customization: Bushings come in different durometers (hardness levels). Beginners typically benefit from softer bushes (typically around 78A to 88A) that allow for more flex and easier turns.
Choosing the right bushings can make a significant difference in a beginner’s ability to learn and enjoy skateboarding without overwhelming difficulty. Brands like Bones, Independent, and Blood Orange are popular choices known for producing reliable and beginner-friendly bushings.
How Does Bushing Durometer Influence Ride Quality for New Skateboarders?
Bushing durometer plays a crucial role in the ride quality for new skateboarders, impacting stability, responsiveness, and comfort.
- Soft Bushings (Durometer 78A – 87A): Soft bushings provide more flex and responsiveness, making it easier for beginners to turn and maneuver their skateboard.
- Medium Bushings (Durometer 88A – 95A): Medium durometer bushings strike a balance between stability and agility, offering a good compromise for new riders looking to gain more control.
- Hard Bushings (Durometer 96A and above): Hard bushings are less forgiving and provide a stiffer ride, which can lead to greater stability at higher speeds but may feel overwhelming for beginners.
Soft bushings (78A – 87A) are ideal for newcomers as they absorb shocks and allow for smoother turns, reducing the risk of falls during learning. Their forgiving nature helps beginners gain confidence while developing their balance and control on the skateboard.
Medium bushings (88A – 95A) are suitable for skateboarders who are starting to progress and seek more stability without sacrificing maneuverability. These bushings allow for tighter turns while providing enough support to handle various riding conditions, making them a versatile choice for developing skills.
Hard bushings (96A and above) can be challenging for novice skateboarders since they require more effort to turn and can lead to a less forgiving ride. While they offer excellent stability at speed, beginners may struggle with the increased rigidity, which can inhibit their ability to feel comfortable and confident on the board.
What Bushing Shapes Offer the Best Stability for Beginners?
The best bushings for beginner skateboarders typically include shapes that provide stability and ease of control.
- Barrel Bushings: Barrel bushings are wider and shorter, offering a stable and responsive ride, which is ideal for beginners. Their shape allows for smooth turns while maintaining a strong return to center, helping new skaters feel secure as they learn balance and steering.
- Conical Bushings: Conical bushings have a tapered shape that provides a good mix of stability and maneuverability. This design allows for easier turning while still being forgiving enough for beginners who may not have mastered their balance yet.
- Soft Durometer Bushings: While not a shape, using bushings with a soft durometer rating (around 78A to 87A) significantly enhances stability for beginners. Softer bushings allow for smoother turns and absorb more vibrations, making the ride more comfortable and less intimidating for new skaters.
- Double Barrel Bushings: Double barrel bushings consist of two barrel shapes stacked, providing extra stability and responsiveness. This design helps beginners maintain control while turning, as the dual barrels work together to offer a balanced ride that promotes confidence.
How Do Different Brands of Bushings Affect Performance for New Skateboarders?
The choice of bushings can significantly impact the performance and ride experience for beginner skateboarders.
- Soft Bushings: Soft bushings typically have a durometer rating of 78A to 87A, making them more forgiving and easier to turn.
- Medium Bushings: Medium bushings, generally rated between 88A to 95A, offer a balanced ride suitable for beginners who are starting to gain confidence.
- Hard Bushings: Hard bushings, with ratings of 96A and above, provide increased stability and responsiveness, which may be less ideal for novices.
- Brand Variations: Different brands, such as Bones, Independent, and Riptide, offer unique formulations that can affect performance and durability.
- Shape and Design: The shape of the bushing can influence turning radius and rebound, with some brands offering specialized designs for improved control.
Soft bushings are ideal for beginners as they allow for easier maneuverability and a more forgiving ride, helping new skateboarders feel more comfortable while learning. These bushings absorb shocks better, making them a great choice for those who are still getting used to balance and turning.
Medium bushings strike a good balance for skaters who have mastered the basics and are ready for more control without sacrificing comfort. They provide a bit more resistance than soft bushings, allowing for more stability during turns and at higher speeds.
Hard bushings are best for experienced riders who need a responsive setup for tricks and aggressive skating. While they offer excellent stability, beginners may find them too rigid and challenging to manage while developing their skills.
Brand variations play a crucial role in the performance of bushings, as each manufacturer uses different materials and designs. Brands like Bones are known for their high-quality urethane, while Independent’s bushings are well-regarded for their durability and performance.
The shape and design of the bushing can also enhance performance; for instance, some brands create bushings with specific geometries that improve turning capability or reduce wheel bite. Understanding these differences can help beginner skateboarders select the best bushings that align with their skill level and skating style.
What Are the Top Recommended Bushing Sets for Those Just Starting Out?
The best bushings for beginner skateboarders focus on providing a balance of stability and maneuverability to enhance learning and confidence on the board.
- Soft Bushings (78A – 88A): Soft bushings are ideal for beginners as they provide more flex and responsiveness, making it easier to turn and carve.
- Medium Bushings (88A – 95A): Medium bushings offer a compromise between stability and maneuverability, allowing beginners to gain confidence as they progress in their skills.
- Hard Bushings (95A and above): While harder bushings provide more stability at higher speeds, they are typically not recommended for beginners since they can make turning more difficult.
- Dual-Durometer Bushings: These bushings feature two different hardness levels to provide a blend of support and flexibility, making them a great choice for beginners who want versatility.
- Stock Bushings: Often included with beginner skateboards, stock bushings can be a good starting point to understand the feel of bushings before upgrading to specialized options.
Soft bushings, usually rated between 78A to 88A, allow for greater board flexibility, making it easier for beginners to navigate turns and maintain balance while they learn. Their forgiving nature helps to prevent wipeouts, which can occur when turning is too stiff.
Medium bushings, ranging from 88A to 95A, strike a balance that allows for controlled turns while still providing some level of responsiveness, which is beneficial as beginners start to build their skills and confidence on the board.
Hard bushings (95A and above) are less common for beginners, as they can create a stiffer ride that may discourage new skaters from attempting turns, potentially leading to falls. They are better suited for more experienced riders who prioritize speed and stability.
Dual-durometer bushings combine two hardness levels, offering flexibility in the turning radius while maintaining stability, making them suitable for beginners looking for a well-rounded experience as they develop their skating technique.
Stock bushings, which come with most beginner skateboards, serve as a functional starting point for new riders. Understanding how these basic bushings feel can help beginners make informed decisions when they eventually upgrade to more specialized bushings that better suit their style and preferences.
How Can Beginners Adjust Their Bushings for Optimal Performance?
Beginners can adjust their bushings for optimal performance by considering several key factors:
- Hardness Selection: Choosing the right hardness for bushings is crucial for balance and control. Softer bushings provide more responsiveness and a smoother ride, making them ideal for beginners who are still mastering their balance and turning techniques.
- Looseness or Tightness: Adjusting the tension of the trucks can significantly affect how the skateboard handles. Beginners should start with a looser setup to make turning easier and more forgiving, allowing them to build confidence before tightening for more stability.
- Shape of the Bushings: The shape of the bushings can influence how they perform under different conditions. Beginners should opt for a standard barrel shape, as it offers a good balance of stability and responsiveness, which is beneficial for learning to carve and turn effectively.
- Weight Considerations: A skater’s weight affects how bushings compress and rebound. Beginners should consider their weight when selecting bushings, as heavier skaters may require harder bushings to achieve the same responsiveness as lighter skaters using softer ones.
- Experimentation: It’s important for beginners to experiment with different settings and types of bushings. Trying out various combinations allows skaters to find the setup that feels most comfortable and suits their riding style, ultimately enhancing their overall skating experience.
What Should Beginners Consider When Choosing Bushings?
Beginners should consider several key factors when choosing bushings for their skateboards.
- Durometer: The durometer scale measures the hardness of bushings, which can greatly impact the feel and performance of a skateboard. Softer bushings (around 78A-87A) provide better grip and smoother turns, making them ideal for beginners who are still learning balance and control.
- Shape: Bushings come in different shapes, such as barrel, cone, or a combination of both. Barrel bushings are typically more stable and help with maintaining control at higher speeds, while cone bushings allow for sharper turns, which can be beneficial for beginners looking to improve their maneuverability.
- Material: Most bushings are made from urethane, which offers durability and responsiveness. Some bushings may also have variations in material that can affect their performance, so beginners should look for high-quality urethane for a good balance of comfort and responsiveness as they learn to skate.
- Compatibility: Ensuring that the bushings fit the skateboard truck is crucial. Beginners should check the specifications of their skateboard trucks, as different brands and models may require specific sizes or types of bushings to ensure proper functioning and safety.
- Price: While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in a good set of bushings can significantly improve the skateboarding experience. Beginners should balance cost with quality to find bushings that provide the right level of performance without breaking the bank.