What is a Cushion?
Roller skate cushions , sometimes called bushings, are the cylindrical rubber pieces that sit on the kingpin on either side of the trucks. Although they're small and often overlooked, they play a crucial role in allowing your axles and wheels to tilt, allowing you to turn left and right. Without them, your skates would have no suspension.
Many roller skate cushions are made of high-rebound urethane , such as the Sure Grip Super Cushions . Others are made of rubber , such as the Snyder Cushions. Lower-end beginner skates usually have polyurethane cushions.
Shape of the Cushions
Cushions generally come in two shapes : cylindrical (standard) and conical.
As their name suggests, conical pads become narrower at one end. This shape allows for a greater range of motion because the skater can lean further before the pad begins to push back. Conical pads are typically used as the bottom pad (the one closest to the ground) on a dual-action frame (a frame with two pads instead of one). Before replacing cylindrical pads with conical ones, it's necessary to ensure that you also have the correct cups designed for conical pads.
Cushion Hardness
Roller skate cushion hardness is measured by a "durometer" ranging from 71 to 98A (71A being the softest). Some cushions are simply labeled as "soft," "medium," or "firm." In general, harder cushions offer more stability and will be stiffer under pressure, while softer (plusher) cushions offer more agility for turning and will flex more under pressure.
An important factor when choosing cushions is the skater's weight. Cushions that are too soft won't hold up under the weight of a heavy skater, and a lighter skater who prioritizes stability (such as a skatepark skater) may want to opt for medium-firm cushions to still allow some agility for jumps and tricks.
We recommend using the chart below to find the correct durometer based on your weight.
Cushion Table
*The chart below is a guide, but skaters may want to opt for slightly softer cushions than recommended if they want more responsiveness!
The Cushions Mix
One of the reasons why soles and boots come apart is because the cushions are too hard. If the cushions don't flex, the flex is coming from the sole, which can cause the boot to come apart.
To achieve the perfect feel, some skaters mix up the hardness of their pads on their setup, for example, putting softer pads on the front axles and harder pads on the rear axles. This allows for more explosive lateral power when pushing off the heel and more agility when pushing into edges at the ball of the foot.
Other skaters may mix up their cushions by placing cushions of two different durometers on the top and bottom of their truck to achieve the perfect "in-between" feel for them.
I hope this article has helped you learn more about the cushions on your roller skates. Just as good cushions can enhance your skating experience by providing stability and agility, UJO skating outfits , with their stretchy Lycra fabric and vibrant colors, offer optimal comfort for your roller skating sessions. Discover our collection atujo.studio and enjoy an outfit that perfectly supports your movements. Happy skating!
