Ultimate Guide to Scooter Compression Systems: SCS, HIC, IHC & ICS

What is a Scooter Compression System?

A scooter compression system is essentially the way your bars, fork, and deck attach together on your scooter. A well-set-up compression makes your scooter feel solid, smooth, and stable, allowing you to spin the bars freely without any wobble.

Getting the right compression system for your scooter isn't just about feeling good—it affects performance, safety, and which parts you'll need.

Why Does Choosing the Right Compression System Matter?

Your choice impacts:

• Overall strength and durability of your scooter.
• Weight and ease of tricks.
• Maintenance and ease of adjustments.
• Compatibility with other parts like bars, forks, and clamps.

Let’s look at the four main scooter compression systems—SCS, HIC, IHC, and ICS—to help you decide which one suits you best.

The Main Types of Compression Systems

1. SCS (Standard Compression System)

Ideal for: Experienced riders who need maximum strength, especially for street riding and heavy tricks.

SCS is considered the strongest compression option. It combines your clamp and compression into one solid piece. Because bars used in SCS don't have a slit, they're much stronger.

Pros:

• Maximum strength and durability.
• Keeps scooter dialed and solid.
• Compatible with both standard and oversized bars (with the right shims).

Cons:

• Slightly heavier.
• Takes more time to install for beginners.

Compatible With:

• Bars: Without slit (oversized or standard).
• Forks: SCS-compatible forks.
• Clamps: Dedicated SCS clamps.

Tip: If your bars already have a slit, you can still use SCS with an adapter.

2. HIC (Hidden Internal Compression)

Ideal for: Riders using oversized bars looking for an easy-to-use, reliable system.

HIC uses a shim and bolt that compresses everything together, making it simpler to maintain compared to SCS. It offers solid strength while keeping your setup fairly lightweight.

Pros:

• Simple installation and adjustments.
• Solid, reliable feel.
• Good balance between weight and strength.

Cons:

• Requires oversized bars with a slit.
• Not compatible directly with standard bars.

Compatible With:

• Bars: Oversized (with slit).
• Forks: HIC or SCS-compatible forks.
• Clamps: Oversized clamps.

3. IHC (Integrated Headset Compression)

Ideal for: Beginners, park riders, or anyone looking for a lightweight and easy setup.

IHC was introduced by Blunt Envy and is popular because it's easy to use and lightweight. It uses a smaller shim than HIC, working specifically with standard-sized bars.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and maintain.
• Lightweight.
• Popular on complete scooters.

Cons:

• Less durable under extreme riding conditions.
• Specific compatibility requirements.

Compatible With:

• Bars: Standard bars with a slit.
• Forks: Specific IHC forks.
• Clamps: Standard clamps.

4. ICS (Internal Compression System)

Ideal for: Riders who prioritise low weight and low cost.

ICS is the simplest and cheapest compression system. It uses one long bolt that goes through the fork into the bar. It's extremely lightweight but offers less durability and requires removing the front wheel to adjust.

Pros:

• Lightest option.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Least durable.
• Tricky to adjust (front wheel removal required).

Compatible With:

• Bars: Standard bars (preferably aluminium) with a slit.
• Forks: Threadless forks without star nut.
• Clamps: Standard clamps.

Compression System Comparison Chart

System	Strength	Weight	Ease of Installation	Bar Type	Best Suited For
SCS	High	Heavy	Medium	No slit	Advanced Riders
HIC	Medium-High	Moderate	Easy	Oversized with slit	All-round Freestyle
IHC	Medium	Light	Very Easy	Standard with slit	Beginners, Park Riders
ICS	Low	Lightest	Difficult	Standard with slit	Budget/Weight-Conscious Riders

How to Install Your Compression System

Always follow your scooter manufacturer's instructions.

• SCS: Slide clamp onto fork, tighten compression bolt, insert bars, and tighten clamp bolts gradually.
• HIC: Place shim over fork, tighten compression bolt, slide bars on, and secure clamp.
• IHC: Add compression ring and shim onto fork, tighten bolt, insert bars, and tighten clamp.
• ICS: Insert star nut into bars, thread bolt through fork, and secure (wheel removal necessary).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know which compression my scooter currently has?: Usually, checking your scooter’s clamp and bars gives it away. SCS clamps are chunky with no bar slit, HIC uses oversized bars with a shim inside, IHC has thinner forks and standard bars, and ICS uses a single bolt through the fork.

Which compression is best for beginners?: IHC is generally best for beginners because it’s easy to set up, lightweight, and compatible with most complete scooters.

Can I switch from one compression system to another?: Yes, but you might need to change some parts like forks, bars, or clamps to ensure compatibility.

Why does my scooter compression keep loosening?: Compression systems can loosen from repeated impacts or tricks. Check your compression regularly, and if it continues loosening frequently, consider switching to a more robust system like HIC or SCS.

Does compression affect how smoothly my bars spin?: Absolutely. Properly tightened compression ensures your bars spin smoothly without shaking or wobbling.

Can I use oversized bars on IHC?: Not without an adapter, as IHC is specifically designed for standard-sized bars.

What tools do I need to adjust my compression?: Generally, you'll need hex keys (Allen wrenches), a socket wrench, and occasionally a rubber mallet or scooter-specific tools.

Where Can I Buy Compression Parts?: At Skates.co.uk, we stock all the scooter compression parts you need from top brands. Feel free to reach out if you're unsure about compatibility or have further questions—we’re always here to help.