What are Washers?
Washers are the thin metal things, typically used between the top bushing and the Kingpin nut. They're interesting, because these little thin disks can accentuate your setup, OR, be your downfall. They can either make the board feel really fluid, or, they can tighten up the truck, making it harder to turn. So, you typically have three kinds of washers. You have a Tophat washer , a cupped washer, and a flat washer. These washers will make your trucks feel vastly different.
How can they improve your ride?
They can improve your ride in various ways. Like, for example, maybe the feeling is too loose, and you need some extra stiffness to have you rebound back into place. Or, maybe, they are too restrictive? You want to be as loose as possible, sorta free flowing! I have no idea what you would want, but I like a free flowing setup.
What do I ride, and why?
Now, I ride a tophat washer. I know what you are probably thinking, "Why would you use a Tophat washer with precision trucks, isn't that overkill? Aren't you stable enough, and not even going fast enough?". And to that I will say, yes, but it feels solid to me. It is the perfect balance between the restrictiveness of a Cupped washer, and the fluidness of a Flat washer.
Honestly though, you could probably get away with just using a flat washer. I personally enjoy the extra "precision" feel, but that's just my personal preference. I was also doing some reading, and most people also like Flat Washers.
But others also like cupped, so, your mileage may vary. My advice to you is to experiment with your washers, and see what you like. Washers and Bushings are a small, but insanely huge factor in how your ride will feel. Like, some people prefer using a cone and cupped washer, while the same person might also prefer to use a flat washer with a barrel. It's all user preference.
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