RipTide Cushions Insight

RipTide Sports is a leading manufacturer of replacement bushings and cushions for roller skates, skateboards, and longboards. They're also leading the way when it comes to educating skaters on the important role that cushions play and how much better skating could feel with better cushions. This guide will walk you through these three steps so that you get the correct RipTide cushions to take your skating to the next level!

1. Find the Right Size: Check RipTide's Compatibility List or measure your cushions

2. Choose a Formula: APS or Krank

3. Select a Durometer: Multiple cushion hardnesses available in each formula

The first step when ordering RipTide cushions is making sure you get the correct heights for your plate setup. This ensures that your trucks and other components remain properly aligned in their intended geometry after you change the cushions. Thankfully, RipTide has a compatibility list that you can visit by clicking here or on the button below. Simply find your skates or plate and their list will tell you which cushions you need!

You can also determine the correct size by measuring your own cushions as precisely as possible in inches. Each RipTide set has a four digit number that indicates the heights of the cushions inside. For example, their 5055 set has four 0.50" and four 0.55" cushions inside. If your own measurements are 0.48" and 0.59", then RipTide 5060 cushions are your closest match!

RipTide makes their roller skate cushions using two different urethane formulas - APS and Krank. Each one has unique characteristics that affect the responsiveness, stability, and overall feel of your skates.

APS Formula

APS stands for "Animated Polymer System" and is described by RipTide as their most lively feeling urethane with high rebound and lean. What that translates to in terms of feel is a soft, ultra-responsive ride that really lets you lean deep into crossovers and lateral cuts while keeping your edges engaged on the floor.

The APS formula is great for jammers and dual-position derby players, as well as outdoor and rink skaters. If you are new to skating or changing your cushions for the first time, it is also recommended that you start your journey with APS cushions.

KranK Formula

KranK is RipTide's highest rebound formula to date and represents "Performance Under Pressure". That's because these cushions are designed to have their feel adjusted by increasing or decreasing the force being exerted by the kingpin action nut. The stable and powerful nature of KranK cushions will give skaters the confidence to go faster and harder, which makes them great for derby blockers, park skaters, and speed skaters.

Finding the perfect cushion hardness for your skate setup is a matter of trial and error, but RipTide has provided some helpful recommendation charts for both APS and Krank cushions that are based on weight.

Can I mix cushion durometers?

Yes, mixing cushions can be an effective method of fine-tuning any skate setup. Placing a harder cushion on the plateside position can help with stability and load bearing, while some other setups use different hardnesses on the front and back trucks to create a better feel. It's all about experimenting!

What if I order the wrong set of cushions?

As long as the cushions are still new and haven't been skated on, you can send them back to us free of charge with the prepaid return label that Derby Warehouse includes in every order. Our skate builders can help figure out if there is a set that will work for you.

How long do RipTide cushions last?

This answer depends entirely on how much you're skating, but cushions should last at least six months and RipTide's quality is higher than most. Make sure not to over-tighten your action nut, as too much pressure on the cushions will compress them and wear them out faster. If they last a year, celebrate by treating yourself to a new set!

RipTide Cushions are a game-changing component that you have to experience to believe. Now that you know which set you need, which formula you prefer, and the hardness(es) you want to try, all that is left is make your selections and get these amazing cushions on your skates as soon as possible!