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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

CompressionFork TypeBar TypeBar Slit?Notes
SCSSCS ForkStd/Oversized❌ NoMost solid system, no slit
IHCIHC ForkStandard (28mm ID)✅ YesEasy to maintain
HICHIC ForkOversized (32mm ID)✅ YesStronger, for steel bars
ICSAny (long bolt)Standard✅ YesUses starnut, not common
ICS10Any (long bolt)Standard✅ YesStronger ICS version
Mini HICIHC ForkStandard✅ YesRare, entry-level builds

💬 Still not sure?

Just tell us your bar and fork type — we’ll help you match the perfect compression setup.

📧 Email: [email protected] (any language)
📞 Call: +45 70 26 79 79 (Danish & English)

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