Abstract: Cylinders of the type used in fluid power systems are cushioned by a floating spear. The reciprocating piston is centrally bored to receive the spear. Accordingly, the spear and piston are movable independent of each other. A blind axial bore is formed in opposite ends of the spear and one or more diametrically extending bores are also formed in the spear in open fluid communication with those axial bores. Thus, when the spear enters the cushion cavity, the piston continues its motion and progressively blocks off the diametrically extending bores. Air in the cylinder cavity escapes into the atmosphere through the cushion cavity, but is constrained to enter the spear through one or more of the diametrically extending bores and hence through an axially extending blind bore. The length of the spear is variable, as is the length and diameter of the blind bore and the number, diameter, and spacing of the diametrically extending bores. Thus, the deceleration of the piston is programmable.