What is a Compression System?

In the world of pro scooters, the Compression System refers to how your deck, fork, and headset all work together. A good compression system is going to secure the fork, and deck together, allowing all the components to be tight yet spin freely. The bar is then connected to this combination to complete the system.

It’s important to choose the right compression type for your whip because it’s going to give you the ride you’re looking for. Not only that, but the compatibility of compression to the scooter parts – whether it’s the deck, fork, or bar - matters too.

The 3 main types of scooter compression systems are:

-           IHC (designed by ENVY): Integrated Headset Compression System

-           SCS: Standard Compression System

-           HIC: Hidden Internal Compression System

 

Here we’ll run through and compare the different types of compression, then give our recommendations as to how to choose the best compression system for you.

 

What are the different compression systems?

IHC

The Integrated Headset Compression System (IHC) is the hallmark compression type of Blunt Envy. Designed and created by us for use in park and street riding, the set-up is simple and lighter than SCS, for example. The IHC System is probably the most simple system as you can fit it with any standard bar with a slit. The system is used on a majority of our complete scooters. 

IHC uses a shim, compression ring or low stack compression cap and 6mm high tensile bolt that work in unison to tighten the fork against the headset and deck. The handlebars are side over the top of the shim & fork and bar is secured with a Clamp. Learn how to install IHC to your scooter here. 

Best suited for: everyday riding

Features: lighter feel, good all-rounder

 

SCS

Moving to the Standard Compression System (SCS). This type of compression is a clamp compression system, using a SCS clamp and SCS Fork . It’s a bit trickier to setup and is generally preferred by the more advanced/street rider. It is durable but adds more weight to the scooter and requires more tweaking to setup.

The way SCS works is that it uses a SCS clamp to connect to the SCS Fork via a bolt, utilising the bottom half of the clamp . The bar is inserted into the top of the SCS clamp and secured by the top half of the clamps bolts.  The bar inserted into the top half of the clamp must NOT have a slit or make use a SCS adapter.  Oversized bars usually are commonly though with the use of a shim standard bars can be used. Learn how to install SCS to your scooter here. 

Best suited for: advanced riders

Features: stronger feel, great for heavy duty riding

 

HIC

HIC refers to the Hidden Internal Compression System. HIC was the first shim style compression system available on the market. The HIC compression type only fits with HIC/SCS Forks and with bars that have an oversized internal diameter. 

HIC is similar to IHC but has a thinner 5mm Head Bolt and requires a HIC or SCS fork to compress against the headset & deck. The handlebar slides over the top of the HIC shim & fork and is secured with an Oversized Clamp. Learn how to install HIC compression to your scooter here.

Best suited for: everyday use

Features: easy to use, stronger feel, great for heavy duty riding

 

Which compression system is best for you?

It really all depends. Deciding which compression system you should use comes down to what components you already have (to maintain compatibility) or down to rider style & preference.

For example, if you want the lightest scooter then IHC may be for you. If you aren’t concerned with more weight but want the tallest bars possible to ride street style, then SCS may be a better fit for you. If you like SCS forks but want a bar with a slit, then HIC may be a good choice.

 

Where can I get compression parts?

Good news is you can get all your compression parts right here! Check out all our compression products below: 

IHC Compression Parts:

HIC Compression Parts:

SCS Compression Parts: