Bushings are small urethane components inside your trucks that have a big impact on how your board turns, carves and feels at speed.

Each truck uses two main bushings:

• Board-side bushing: The bushing closest to the deck.

• Road-side bushing: The bushing closest to the road.

Although they work together, each one affects the ride in a slightly different way.

Board-side bushings

The board-side bushing sits closest to the deck and plays the biggest role in overall truck stability and support.

Because it sits deeper inside the truck, it controls how much the truck can lean under rider weight. This means the board-side bushing has a strong effect on:

• high-speed stability

• return to centre

• how supported the board feels through turns

• resistance against speed wobbles

• how much effort it takes to initiate a carve

A firmer board-side bushing will generally make the board feel more stable, planted and controlled at higher speeds.

A softer board-side bushing will generally make the board feel looser, easier to turn and more responsive, but may reduce stability at higher speeds.

Road-side bushings

The road-side bushing sits closest to the road and has a more direct effect on how easily the truck starts to turn.

This bushing helps shape the first part of the lean and carve. It has a strong effect on:

• initial turning response

• how quickly the board reacts to foot input

• low-speed manoeuvrability

• carve feel

• how playful or locked-in the board feels

A firmer road-side bushing will generally make the board feel more controlled and less twitchy.

A softer road-side bushing will generally make the board feel more responsive, easier to carve and more playful.

The simple way to think about it

The board-side bushing controls stability and support.

The road-side bushing controls turning response and feel.

If your board feels too unstable at speed, the board-side bushing is usually the first place to look.

If your board feels too stiff or slow to turn, the road-side bushing is usually the first place to look.

How different setups can change the ride

Firmer board-side and softer road-side

This is a common setup for riders who want a balance between stability and carving.

The firmer board-side bushing gives support and helps keep the board stable, while the softer road-side bushing keeps the board easy to turn.

Best for:

• carving with control

• mixed-speed riding

• riders who want stability without making the board feel too stiff

Same hardness board-side and road-side

Using the same bushing hardness on both sides gives a balanced, predictable feel.

Best for:

• general riding

• riders who want a simple setup

• consistent turning behaviour

Softer board-side and softer road-side

This setup makes the board feel very loose and responsive.

Best for:

• slow-speed carving

• tighter turns

• lighter riders

• riders who prefer a playful setup

This may feel less stable at higher speeds.

Firmer board-side and firmer road-side

This setup makes the board feel more stable and controlled, but less responsive.

Best for:

• higher-speed riding

• heavier riders

• riders who want more resistance through turns

• riders who find their board too loose

Rider weight also matters

Bushing feel depends heavily on rider weight. A setup that feels firm for a lighter rider may feel soft for a heavier rider.

As a general guide:

• Lighter riders often prefer softer bushings.

• Heavier riders often prefer firmer bushings.

• Faster riders usually benefit from more support, especially board-side.

• Riders who carve at lower speeds may prefer a softer, more responsive setup.

Should I change both bushings at once?

Not always.

If your board feels unstable or too loose, try adjusting or changing the board-side bushing first.

If your board feels hard to turn or lacks carve, try adjusting or changing the road-side bushing first.

Small changes can make a noticeable difference, so it is best to change one thing at a time and test the board before making further adjustments.

Can I adjust ride feel without changing bushings?

Yes. You can also adjust the kingpin nut on your trucks.

Tightening the kingpin nut will usually make the trucks feel firmer and more stable.

Loosening the kingpin nut will usually make the trucks feel easier to turn and carve.

Do not overtighten the kingpin nut. Bushings need room to compress and rebound properly. If they are crushed too tightly, the board can feel harsh, unresponsive or unpredictable.

Final recommendation

For most riders, the best setup is one that gives enough board-side support for stability, with enough road-side response for smooth turning and carving.

If you want a more stable ride, increase support on the board-side first.

If you want a more responsive ride, soften the road-side feel first.

The right setup depends on your weight, riding speed, terrain and personal preference.