What Is SCS, IHC, HIC, ICS, and Mini HIC Compression?Updated 20 hours ago
Compression is what holds your scooter together — literally 🔩🛴
If your bars feel loose or your headset rattles, the issue is probably compression. There are 6 main types of compression systems in freestyle scooters. Choosing the right one depends on your fork, bar, and riding style.
Let’s break them down 👇
🔒 1. SCS Compression (Standard Compression System)
Best for: Strength and stability
Used by: Advanced riders, street setups
✅ Requires SCS clamp with 4 bolts
✅ No slit in the bars
✅ Fits standard or oversized bars (check clamp compatibility)
✅ Fork must be threaded at the top (most modern forks are)
💡 Pro tip: Heaviest compression system but also the most solid — great for big tricks and drops.
🧩 2. IHC Compression (Internal Hidden Compression)
Best for: Lightweight setups, park riding, beginners
Used by: Most complete scooters
✅ Fits standard bars with a slit
✅ Requires IHC fork
✅ Easy to install and maintain
✅ Common in aluminum bars
💡 Very beginner-friendly and often found on kids’ scooters.
🔧 3. HIC Compression (Hidden Internal Compression)
Best for: Strong builds with oversized steel bars
Used by: Street and intermediate riders
✅ Fits oversized steel bars with a slit
✅ Requires HIC-compatible fork
✅ Needs a HIC shim + compression bolt + clamp
✅ Not compatible with aluminum bars (they're too narrow inside)
💡 More durable than IHC, great for riders who are rough on gear.
🛠️ 4. ICS Compression (Inverted Compression System)
Best for: Lightweight park scooters
Used by: Some older scooters (less common today)
✅ Fits standard bars with a slit
✅ Requires a starnut inside the bars
✅ Long bolt runs from bottom of fork into bar
✅ Difficult to install or maintain
💡 Not recommended unless your setup already uses it.
⚙️ 5. ICS10 Compression
Basically the same as ICS, but with a larger compression bolt and starnut for better strength. Still rare.
🌀 6. Mini HIC Compression
Rare variation of IHC
✅ Same installation as IHC
✅ Works with standard bars with a slit
✅ Usually found on budget scooters
💡 Not commonly seen, but works fine if your scooter comes with it.
🧠 TL;DR — Compression Compatibility Table
Compression | Fork Type | Bar Type | Bar Slit? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
SCS | SCS Fork | Std/Oversized | ❌ No | Most solid system, no slit |
IHC | IHC Fork | Standard (28mm ID) | ✅ Yes | Easy to maintain |
HIC | HIC Fork | Oversized (32mm ID) | ✅ Yes | Stronger, for steel bars |
ICS | Any (long bolt) | Standard | ✅ Yes | Uses starnut, not common |
ICS10 | Any (long bolt) | Standard | ✅ Yes | Stronger ICS version |
Mini HIC | IHC Fork | Standard | ✅ Yes | Rare, entry-level builds |
💬 Still not sure?
Just tell us your bar and fork type — we’ll help you match the perfect compression setup.
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📞 Call: +45 70 26 79 79 (Danish & English)