Bearings
15 Best Skateboard Bearings in 2022 – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide
The bearings on the skateboard wheels are one of the main parts of skateboard setup as they help your skateboard go faster and smoother. So you must choose the bearings for your skateboard wisely to avoid a bad ride experience with your skateboard. There are many brands of bearings that make bearings for skateboard wheels. And this makes the buyers confuse that which are the Best Skateboard Bearings and which set of bearings they should go with especially when you are a beginner at skateboarding. So to help you find the right set of skateboard bearings, We have reviewed 15 high-performing and durable skateboard bearings available on the market.
For our readers, we have a buying guide as well for giving you more knowledge about the skateboard bearings. Hence, there is nothing to worry about, relax, and enjoy the ultimate guide to find the right skateboard bearings for cruising on streets or performing tricks. The best thing about these bearings is that you can clean your skateboard bearings yourself. You can read about cleaning the skateboard bearings as well.
Here are our top 3 recommendations for the skateboard bearings in case you are having a short time to go through the whole article.
OVERALL
BEST
Bones Super Red
- Durable and speedy
- Non-contact shield
- Superior surface finish
GREAT
VALUE
Spitfire Burner
- Fast and smooth
- Best for skating in skate parks
- Long-lasting
EDITOR
CHOICE
Heady shake pro
- Ultra smooth and fast
- Pre-lubricated bearings
- Best for longboards
Best Skateboard Bearings | Top Picks Reviews
1. Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings
Features:
- Premium ceramic bearings
- Light weight and durable bearings
- Life time warranty
- Skate rated bearings
Searching for the most reliable skateboard bearings? You will surely love the Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings. They are one of the most reputable brands among skateboard bearings. You will never regret buying these skateboard bearings.
Moreover, these red bearings come with 8 bearings, and bones reds bearings have the top-quality as well. Plus, the bearings have a logo sticker as well as there are instructions on the back for setting it up and for using them smoothly.
Other than that, bones offer many benefits, and one of them is that it promotes less friction and easy to clean up. Further, these bearings promote a high level of speed and strength as well. So if you are buying them, you shall be thankful for the high-speed ball retainer that has nylon covering.
Note that this product comes pre-lubricated as well as has a speed cream racing lubricant. Unfortunately, the only flaw of these best skateboard bearings is that it doesn’t feature a groove at the inner race, which is supposed to help seal or shield develop a labyrinth.
- Comes with 8 reliable and sturdy bearings and comes pre-lubricated already
- Frictionless and easy to clean bearings’ because of rubber shield
- Has a nylon ball retainer to guarantee a high level of strength and speed
- Doesn’t have a groove at the inner race
2. Bones Super Reds Bearings
Features:
- High-quality material
- Better than regular Red bearings
- Easy to install and remove
- Can be used for scooters
The bones super reds bearings are highly recommended to buy because they are one of the best skateboard bearings. And it has 8 pieces bearing set in it. Also, they are a great choice if you are in search of premium bearings. Moreover, this bearing has high-quality steel races and balls. Plus, the bearings boast the surface finishing. Although they guarantee a fast yet smooth ride.
Furthermore, the fact that it owns spacers is also a great advantage for helping to improve the stability to last a long time. Other than that, the washers can help the bearings to withstand their tough surfaces. Besides that, bones bearings offer a speed cream lubricant as well. That lubricant helps in promoting a sustained ride. Also, it has removable rubber shields that make it easier for you to clean them.
Finally, these bearings take some time to break in by riding them for a few hours and then you can enjoy their incredible performance.
- High-quality steel races and balls
- Comes with washers and spacers
- Nice and superior surface finishing
- Easy to clean due to removable rubber shields
- Promotes quiet, smooth, and fast ride
- Break-in requires a few hours
3. Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings
Features:
- Made for longboards
- Premium german made bearings
- Come in 7 different color seals
- Affordable
- Money back guarantee
Next, we have a reputable brand of pro skateboard bearings, and you will never go wrong with these bearings. It is one of the nicest choices for its speed and precision. So if you need a versatile skateboard bearing, then these are one of the best bearings to buy.
Moreover, they are also versatile, and you can use them easily for longboards, skateboards, in-line skate, electric boards, as well as for a roller-blade.
Other than that, the best benefit of yellow jacket bearings is that it is fully protected, so thanks to the engraved color seals. And yellows seal is bright enough to make them look more attractive. They work well to protect the bearings from dust, dirt, and they promote longer life and better precision.
These bearings are having minimal friction and high speed. Also, the speed makes the bearings with high-speed racing lube for lubricating them. Fortunately, another thing of these bearings that you will love is that they are these come in 7 different color seal.
Finally, the drawback of these bearings is that they produce noise while working. All in all, they are good enough to buy.
- High-speed precision and speed
- Versatile bearings for different types of longboard as well as for skateboards
- Long-lasting and minimal friction
- Offers full protection from dirt, rocks and dust
- Little bit noisy
4. Spitfire Burner Skateboard Bearings
Features:
- Non-ceramic bearings
- No need to install spacers with these bearings on your skateboard
- Smooth and fast
- Best bearings for kid skaters
Next, we have spitfire burner skateboard bearings that are one of the best budget-friendly skateboard bearings. Also, they are well-known bearings that are being offered at an affordable price. Plus, it will definitely be worth it to invest in a bearing.
Moreover, these bearings offer great performance and have the best ratings by the customers that have been using them for a long time. And yeah, they are great because of their speed and precision as well. These spitfire Burner Skateboard bearings are great for improving the ride on a longboard, skateboards, and in-line board. It is one of the best skateboard bearings.
Consequently, the spitfire burner bearings are meant to be for the best performance of skateboarding. Also, you can expect it to help you enhance your riding experience as well. Best of all, it is impact-resistance so, thanks to the integrated removable nylon cages.
Besides that, best skateboard bearings have a nice quality that is heat-resistant and possibly has high carbon-chromium steel rings that make them the best. Also, it has a polished and durable finishing that makes them last for a long time.
Finally, the only problem with these bearings is that the professional skaters may find them too basic. But if you aren’t a professional skater, these bearings will be perfect for you.
- Budget-friendly and affordable bearings for all consumers
- Heat-resistant impact and nylon cages
- Long-lasting and durable
- Offers excellent performance in terms of precision and speed
- Basic bearings for some of the skateboard riders
5. Heady Shake Pro Skate Board Bearings
Features:
- Can be used for kick scooter and rollerskates as well
- Titanum coating bearings
- Come as a pack of 8
- Superior corrosion resistance
The heady shake pro skateboard bearings offer a smooth ride. We recommend buying these bearings because they offer the fast as well as a smooth ride. So this model is best known for its level of precision. And if you are willing to buy these bearings, you shall be thankful for the precision design.
These can provide a nice quiet rotation and a high-spinning speed as well. Best of all, these bearings already come pre-lubricated using a special cream lubricant that makes them work quickly and smoothly.
However, the heady shake bearings are one of the best bearings for the longboard and skateboard as well. Further, these skateboard bearings are versatile and work best for the roller skate, in-line skates, skateboards, and kick scooters. It is one of the best skateboard bearings.
These bearings have a skate-friendly design and you will love the fact that these bearings are waterproof and offer four skateboard spacers. Unfortunately, they are a little bit noisy and this is the only drawback of this skateboard.
Lastly, the heady shake bearings provide a smooth rolling design and provide an instant control as well as stability.
- High level of precision
- Versatile and works with all types of skates
- Offers more control as well as stability
- Comes with a skate-friendly design
- Pre-lubricated and guarantees to give a smooth, quick, and a fast ride
- Bit noisy bearings
6. Bronson G3 Bearings Single Set
Features:
- Works fast and smoothly
- Comes at a standard size
- And has ABEC rating of 7
- Prevents from dust and dirt to penetrate the interiors
Next, we have another bearing from Bronson, and we recommend buying these bearings because they are really fast and smooth. This set of best skateboard bearings has eight pieces, and they are capable of providing a smooth edge to your skateboard while riding it across the park or around the streets.
However, Bronson bearings have a non-contact rubber seal to cover the bearing’s inner workings. The covering prevents them from the dust and dirt from penetrating inside the bearings. Other than that, the cage of bearings holds the balls, which ensures that they stay in place and spin stably.
Consequently, these bearings offer a nylon precision cage for preventing the balls from spinning while giving them the accurate spacing. More than that, the ABEC rating of these bearings is7, and it comes at the industry standard of 608 sizes. Plus, there are also 8 washers in one set.
Additionally, the four spacers that are included are shrink-wrapped for giving them the best protection. Unfortunately, you need to spend some time breaking it in. So you can fully enjoy its impressive performance.
Finally, we recommend buying these bearings because they come at a standard size and features a nylon-precision cage to ensure that balls stay in place.
- Works fast and smoothly
- Comes at a standard size
- Have ABEC rating of 7
- Prevents from dust and dirt to penetrate the interiors
- Features a nylon-precision cage which ensures that balls stay stable
- Requires a break-in period
7. Mini Logo Skateboard Bearings
Features:
- Comes with built-in removable shields of both sides
- Easy to clean and lubricate the bearings
- Features nice and attractive finishing
- Equipped with ball retainer that is molded
Next, we have another well-known brand of bearings that is mini-logo skateboard bearings. They are most likely to be the best suitable bearings on the market. However, the precision of these bearings is 608. Also, it is known for its consistency and excellent performance as well.
Moreover, mini logo bearings have removable shields for two sides. And each of the sides has a metal while other bearings are usually made of rubber. Other than that, these bearings have a molded ball retainer feature, which is best known for its speed. Also, the mini logo skateboard bearing comes pre-lubricated using a special cream lubricant.
Best of all, this skateboard bearing can reduce friction. Further, it boasts the hardened chromium steel balls and races with the nicest finishing. And due to Less friction, they are expected already pre-lubricated. They come with shields on both sides that also make them beneficial for protecting the bearings from moisture, dust, dirt, and wetness.
Further, they are easy to clean and easy to re-lubricate. But these are not suitable for the professional skates which are planning to enjoy the fastest ride, though.
- Comes with built-in removable shields of both sides
- Reduces the friction that can be expected
- Easy to clean and lubricate the bearings
- Features nice and attractive finishing
- Equipped with ball retainer that is molded
- Not suitable for professional skateboarders
8. Roller Bones Precision Skate Bearings
Features:
- Known for its speed and precision
- Has less friction by its non-contact rubber shield
- Easy to clean and long-lasting
- Equipped with high-speed nylon ball cages
The roller bones bearings are one of the best skateboard bearings, so if you didn’t check them out, you’d regret later. Moreover, these bearings are known the best because they are the most precise bearings available in the market. Plus, the best thing about these best skateboard bearings is that they feature a high-speed nylon ball cage that you can easily remove to clean.
Further, the roller bones bearings feature a non-contact and removable rubber shield for having less friction. It almost has zero-friction. More than that, these bearings can give you the best ride. And through the use of a low-viscosity speed cream for better lubrication.
Hence, the roller bones are lubricated by using a premium lubricant that promotes a smoother and faster ride. Consequently, they are known best for their durability. And you will love the speed of these skateboard bearings because they are easy to clean. Furthermore, these bearings don’t have any rolling resistance.
Unfortunately, the only problem with these bearings is that they don’t work quietly. And it seems that they produce a bit of noise. But they have a great quality to buy, though.
- Known for its speed and precision
- Has less friction by its non-contact rubber shield
- Low-viscosity and premium speed cream for better lubrication
- Easy to clean and long-lasting
- Equipped with high-speed nylon ball cages
- These bearings are noisy
9. Bronson Speed Co, G2 Skateboard Bearings
Features:
- Offers the top-notch performance at an affordable price
- No friction can be expected from the edge shields
- Offers long-lasting roll and smooth ride
- Pop-off and corrosion resistant bearings
Another bearing from Bronson is speed G2, and they are guaranteed the best bearings because of its top performance. They have got a lot of attention from the consumers due to its quality. Moreover, these bearings are popular due to its top performance and low price as well. Other than that, it has a straight edge that allows the shields to produce no friction.
However, the shields of Bronson are also pop-off resistant, and they allow the bearings to hold the oil place while keeping dirt and moisture out. Consequently, they also boast of its nano-ceramic compounds that are known for resisting corrosion as well. Plus, you can also expect it to prevent excessive wear and tear.
Also, you can enjoy all the features of these bearings that integrated into this product of Bronson. Additionally, the bearings possibly have a smooth and long-lasting roll without having to spend much money on best skateboard bearings.
Plus, these bearings will work perfectly with these balls to roll deeper into the raceway channels. And they work best for reducing the possibility of damage and breakage due to axial side impact. Plus, these bearings protect them from reducing angular side impact as well.
Lastly, it takes some time to break it in, and then you can enjoy them smoothly.
- Offers the top-notch performance at an affordable price
- No friction can be expected from the edge shields
- Offers long-lasting roll and smooth ride
- Pop-off and corrosion resistant bearings
- Prevents breakage from angular or axial impact side
- Takes some time to break-in
10. SHAKE JUNT Triple A-7 Skate Bearings
Features:
- High level of precision and tolerance
- ABEC rating of 7 and has fully lubricated bearings
- Features a good sticker as well as four spacers
One of the best things about SHAKE JUNT bearings is that it smoothly offers guaranteed performance. And the single set of these bearings are composed of eight bearings in total. Moreover, you will also have four wheels to connect to the ride. However, SHAKE JUNT triple A-7 skate bearings are having a high level of precision and tolerance that it bears an ABEC 7 rating. Also, these eight bearings that you get from the set are lubricated.
Plus, it is a plus point for you, and there is no need to lubricate them yourself. Further, it features four spacers as well as a nice sticker. Additionally, these bearings are equipped with double-sided ball shields that are useful in preventing the dirt from penetrating the bearing.
Consequently, the only flaw of these bearing is the initial inconvenience that comes with it being pre-oiled. Hence, it is difficult to stick to it at first, but you can solve that problem by using a cloth to wipe off the excessive oil.
- Offers the best consistency to deliver smooth rides regardless of its location
- High level of precision and tolerance
- ABEC rating of 7 and has fully lubricated bearings
- Features a good sticker as well as four spacers
- The dirt might stick to it if excessive oil isn’t wiped off
11. Bones Super Swiss Ceramics Bearings 6
Features:
- Promotes a smooth, stable, sustainable, and speedy ride and it is resilient when handling dirt or dust
- Innovative and unique design featuring 6-inches large diameter balls and equipped with sturdy nylon ball retainers
Other bearings form super swiss is one of the best bearings from bones. Also, one of the best benefits of these bearings is that they promote smooth, sustainable, and a speedy ride. And yeah, the bones super swiss bearings has a unique design.
Moreover, these bones super swiss six competition skate bearings are unique and have an innovative design that has 6-inch large diameter balls.
However, they have speedier acceleration and a high level of speed with enhanced durability and strength. Other than that, these bearings come with rubber shields that make it easier for the user to clean them. Additionally, the nylon ball retainers in the product make the bearings speedier and much sturdier.
Consequently, this brand of bearings has a speed cream racing lubricant to pre-lubricate the bearings. Plus, they are resilient and resistant to dust and dirt. Also, they work best for in-line skating.
Lastly, these bearings may require some days to break it in completely.
- Promotes a smooth, stable, sustainable, and speedy ride and it is resilient when handling dirt or dust
- Innovative and unique design featuring 6-inches large diameter balls and equipped with sturdy nylon ball retainers
- Guarantee to deliver a speedy acceleration and high level of speed for durability and strength
- Requires some days to break-in
12. Bones Swiss Original Swiss Competition Skate Bearings
Features:
- Boasts precision-grade and has an innovative swiss design
- Low friction due to non-contact rubber shield
- Distinguishable as the balls of bearings are polished with chromium
Next up, we have bones swiss original competition skate bearings that will let you get a hold of a single set that has 8 chromium wheel bearings. Also, they have a nice sticker, features instruction, and four bearing spacers as well.
Moreover, you will love these bearings because they boast their precision-grade and innovative swiss design. Also, it has one unique thing that makes them different from other bearings, i.e., its balls are polished with chromium steel.
However, they have one removable and non-contact rubber shield that guarantees to give the best performance. Also, it provides less friction, and these are easy to clean as well. Additionally, these bearings feature a nylon ball retainer that is known to not only improve the speed but also increases the strength.
On the other hand, they have a smoother and sustainable result. And these have skate rated to serve as a proof that performs better than other bearing brands. Finally, it tends to produce a rattling sound, but they assure that it is manageable.
- Boasts precision-grade and has an innovative swiss design
- Low friction due to non-contact rubber shield
- Skate rated
- Distinguishable as the balls of bearings are polished with chromium
- Produces a rattling sound sometimes
13. Oust Bearings MOC 5 Tech
Features:
- It has a carbon steel ball cage to maximize the strength
- Known best for its speed, durability, and performance
- Superior protection due to removable rubber seals
- High level of endurance for technical skateboarding
One of the best thing that you will notice with these bearings is that oust bearings has a distinctive design. Also, this unique design and it can handle tolerance as well. Moreover, these have other impressive features that are mainly designed to deliver a high level of endurance for using technical skateboarding.
Additionally, it makes the use of a carbon steel ball cage that helps maximize the strength of these bearings. Also, the cage of these bearings guarantees that the ball will stay in place even when dealing with harsh environmental conditions.
On the other hand, these bearings promote higher speed levels, durability, performance, and low friction. All this is possible due to the high Rockwell material hardness. these also feature two removable rubber seals that are designed to deliver superior protection.
Hence, these bearings deliver superior protection for the best skateboard bearings. They are pre-lubricated with the help of ME-TOL synthetic speed oil. Unfortunately, it is a bit slower than other bearings but once it’s broken in will increase its speed after a while.
- The unique design of bearings that lets it handle tighter than the tolerance
- It has a carbon steel ball cage to maximize the strength
- Known best for its speed, durability, and performance
- Superior protection due to removable rubber seals
- High level of endurance for technical skateboarding
- Slow at first
14. Neal Precision Skate Bearings
Features:
- Come in 3 different types (Ceramic, Swiss, Titanium)
- Can be used for all type of decks/boards
- Come in 5 different color options
- Best for commuting
The Neal precision skate bearings are one of the best bearings. Also, these skateboarding bearings will become more exciting for you as well as more enjoyable. Other than that, these bearings have a precision bearing from NEAL that will let you reach all the destinations in the fastest manner possible.
However, they are known best because they work quickly. Plus, it has a ceramic material that is popular for being around 40 percent stronger and 50 percent lighter than steel. Other than that, it has the best thing to impress the users by its fine balance. Also, it expects to give a high precision spin rating, which is up to 100,000 RPM under each load.
Consequently, it is known well for a longboard, skateboard, or any other board that you are using for smoother rolling. Besides that, the buyer will also love the inclusion in the set. Because of 8 precision bearings, a waterproof sticker, and an aluminum case. These are one of the best skateboard bearings of 2020.
Finally, it tends to be squeaker after a while, though the rest of the users said that it is only a minor convenience.
- Comes with several inclusions, including the precision bearings, spacers, and a sticker
- Allows riding more smoothly and quickly
- High spin rating and fine balance steel
- Uses a ceramic material that is lighter than
- Tends to squeak little bit after using them for a while
15. Bronson Speed Co. RAW Skateboard Bearings
Features:
- Top notch quality bearings
- Environment friendly
- Designed to enhance the sound of speed
- Easy to clean
Last but not least, we have Bronson speed Co. that continues to impress skateboarding enthusiasts with its RAW skateboard bearings. Likewise, most of the bearings in our review are composed of high-quality bearings. Plus, it also comes at the best standard size of the industry, which is 608.
Additionally, these bearings let’ you experience a smooth ride because of the pre-lubrication. Plus, it also boasts deep groove raceways. Also, Bronson has micro-grooves to increase the spin through the elimination of the lubricant’s standing a wave.
Additionally, Bronson has a ball cage socket that is engineered to hold oil in a place. Also, the bearings provide continuous lubrication to the ball. Plus, it is lightweight and smooth as well. Bronson has a higher price than the other skateboard bearings with a similar quality, though but you won’t regret buying those.
- Comes with a set of eight high-quality
- Allows you to enjoy a fast and smooth ride
- Comes pre-lubricated and has a ball cage socket to keep the oil in place
- Capable of resisting moisture, rust, oxidation, and corrosion
- High-quality and durable bearings
- Costs more than other bearings
How to Choose the Skateboard Bearings – Buying Guide
Ever wondered what makes your wheels roll? This is due to the bearings that hold the wheels onto the axle. Choosing the right bearings for your wheels according to your wheel size is important for getting a great ride experience. For a beginner for sure stability and good grip on board is the biggest demand. Wheel bearings are an important part of your board that connects the wheel to the axle. This article is aimed to provide the needed information to beginners that help them choose the right bearings.
What are wheel bearings made of?
Apparently, the skateboard bearings look simple and small but they are even more small and complex when opened up. It’s important for the skater to know that what’s inside the bearings so they will be to do maintenance of these parts properly later on. There are 7 small parts inside your bearing.
- C ring
This thin ring will fit right into a groove made outside your bearings and helps in holding the shield on to its place.
- Bearing shield
Bearings are pretty sensitive to dirt. Dust and dirt can over time collect into your bearings and then hinder their smooth rolling. To prevent these bearing shields are placed on the outside so dirt won’t get an easy entry.
- Outer ring
It’s a big metal ring that fits all rest of the parts into it.
- Inner ring
It is also a metal ring and is of a smaller size. It’s the part of the bearing that fits onto the axle. Being smaller in size this ring easily fits inside the outer ring.
- Steel balls
There are 6 to 7 balls made of steel. These are the bearing part that needs maintenance and mainly perform the function of rolling. The bearing outer casing spins around these balls.
- Ball holder
This part is also known as the Delrin crown and its function is to hold the balls into place. As it holds the balls into their place so they can easily spin around.
- Rubber seal
It’s a rubber covering placed outside the bearing to protect the interior from any dirt or dust.
All the parts of the bearing should be in good condition for proper functioning. You need to invest your time and energy to clean your bearings after every few days. If you forget to do so your wheels will accumulate dirt which when solidify will make your wheels make sounds and can even affect stability.
What’s the ABEC Rating?
The criteria for measuring the quality of a bearing is the Abec rating. A high Abec rating means more accuracy and precise bearing. This system rates bearings into different grades like 1,3,5,7 and 9. This bearing does not give information about all features of a bearing like a ball precision and lubrication so a lower Abec grading might perform better than a higher one.
- ABEC 1
This is the durable bearing grading. If you were in search of cheap parts here is what you need. These are the cheapest grade bearings. Being cheap they are of low quality and made using most raw material. Low-quality steel is used to make such bearings. A higher Abec rating means that they have more precision and they can bear more weight. These sort of bearings are more useful for beginner skaters. But these types of bearings are not useful for skaters who want to fast speed. These can be good bearings for beginner kids cause they will easily manage the board at low speed and won’t fall or injure themselves.
- ABEC 3
These are also the cheaper grade bearings. The use of cheap materials is the reason why they won’t roll very smoothly.
- ABEC 5
These are the most often used bearings. A convenient budget-friendly option. These bearings offer good speed even at an affordable cost. These sort of bearings can be used for any skateboard. Replace your Abec 3 bearings with them if you want your wheels to spin a little faster.
- ABEC 7
These are the fast bearings. The use of high-quality steel makes these bearings smooth. These bearings are on a higher cost side. Experience skaters often search for these bearings as they have a higher quality yet they cost not much.
- ABEC 9 and above
The fastest bearings belong to this category. If you want to cruise fast on streets get these bearings for your wheels. These bearings are also useful for downhill skating.
The ABEC grading system is the one most commonly used but some companies have devised new methods also. The newer methods are used for higher quality bearings. Abec grading system misses many important factors so the high-quality manufacturers tend to ignore it.
Deciding the Right Bearings for Skateboard
Bearings are made of metal and have a round shape. All bearings in the market have the almost same size. Commonly used measurements for skateboard bearings are 8 mm core and 22 mm outer diameter. Now when you want to purchase bearings for your skateboard the question arises how many. A wheel has two bearings so for four wheels you need 8 or 4 pairs of bearings.
What material is used to manufacture skateboard bearings?
Making sure the use of quality material is important. Higher quality bearings last longer and make the ride more smoother and comfortable. As the wheels roll smoothly on the ground so it becomes easier to skate and perform tricks and stunts.
- Steel Bearings
Steel is most commonly used to manufacture bearings. The quality of steel used for manufacturing the bearings is very important. The quality of steel used for making the bearing or its balls can vary from company to company. The price range has to play a huge role in this case. If you invest more money you get a higher quality product. Low-cost steel bearings are made of crude steel. They contain less inner ball bearing. The difference between the two is highly apparent. As you ride your board and make a turn or stop the board the poor quality bearings make the wheels screech and also tend to rust within few months of use. Thus try to save a little more and go for mid-range bearings that offer a more smoother and comfortable experience.
- Ceramic Bearings
Nowadays ceramic is used to manufacture skateboard bearings. It’s in demand due to a smoother ride. Steel is metal so in hot weather the steel bearings can expand and it will affect the smoothness even with high-grade steel bearings. Ceramic bearings are the best substitute as they don’t cause any such issue. These bearings are most costly as compared to the previous ones but the plus point is that they don’t need frequent maintenance and they offer a higher level of stability.
The pure ceramic bearings don’t need to be oiled as they don’t rust. They are harder than steel bearings so more preferred for skate parks or street skating. The outer casing in these bearings is made of steel while the balls are made using ceramic. But the difference is that the steel used in ceramic bearings is usually of great quality. The use of quality materials is what makes the ceramic bearings superior and demand of the time. These ceramic balls have a hard exterior while the interior is filled with ceramic powder. This makes the bearings lightweight. Don’t ever jump or perform tricks with these bearings as they can break use metal bearings for performing tricks instead. The number of balls is also more in ceramic bearings so the wheels roll smoother. As ceramic won’t rust so you won’t need to replace your bearings often.
- Titanium Bearings
Titanium is a lightweight and Rust-resistant material now used for making bearings. The bearings made from titanium are similar to steel ones but they last longer as they won’t corrode and have a higher amount of strength. To maximize the life of your bearings keep them lubricated so they will function efficiently.
- Hybrid Bearings
These bearings are made using both ceramic and steel. They have ceramic balls with metal rings and are more affordable than pure ceramic bearings. They are stronger and give the board a higher speed. Finding these bearings might be a little hard and take some time.
Bearing Spacers
These are small metal cylinders that fit inside the bearings of your wheel. Using bearing Spacers decreases the weight distributed to each bearing and thus makes them last for a longer time. These are optional parts that are needed by all skaters. The longboard riders and street skaters don’t need these Spacers but for someone who is into performing complex tricks, these add more fun. These bearing Spacers can be made of any metal like steel or aluminum and are inexpensive.
As discussed earlier all wheels can fit the same size bearings but it’s not the case with bearing Spacers. The size of bearing Spacers is measured by the axle diameter and over spacer width. The common size is 8mm to 10 mm. The bearings might come with a bearing spacer but they can even be purchased separately. 8 mm above is the axle size. 10 mm is over the width of the space. The spacer width can vary according to skaters’ needs.
Now it’s time to learn how to install these Spacers in between your bearings. To do so first slide your first bearing onto the axle. Then slide your wheel spacer onto the axle and make sure it fits onto the core of the wheel. If it’s sliding and not fitting the size is small and not apt. Once the bearing is fit into place now push the next bearing onto the axle.
Speed Washers
These are thin metal components that are placed between the bearing and the nut and between the hanger and the bearing. Their use reduce friction between parts so the wheels can roll more smoothly. Using space washers reduces friction so it minimizes chances of damage and thus bearings will last longer and will be smooth as new. Just bearing Spacers speed washers are also optional and are most often used by high-speed skaters. As they rust with time then replace them with the new ones. Now if you are confused about what size to get? Just measure your axle diameter. As most axles are 8 mm so buying an 8 mm speed washer is convenient. If you buy Complete parts then speed washers are included but you can even purchase them separately to replace the old worn-out ones.
How to Maintain Skateboard Bearings?
We have discussed the various parts of a skateboard bearing in detail earlier and now it’s clear that they need to be lubricated often and need maintenance. Any negligence, in this case, will cause the bearings to rust and thus you will have to buy a new set of bearings. To teach you about how to do this we have listed all the steps in detail next.
First, gather all the necessary stuff like water soap solution in a container to keep the bearing balls inside a cloth and a skate tool. Now use the Skate tool to take out the wheels from the axle. Now as the wheels are out take out the pair of bearings present inside and open them. Pop off the bearing shield using some sharp object so it won’t be damaged. Make sure to keep all these parts in a place so you won’t create haphazard while reassembling the parts.
Soak the bearings into the cleaning solution. Acetone or spirit is commonly used as a cleaning solvent. Use an open mouth container so the bearings will be fully soaked in the solution. Let the bearings soak in the solution for some time and after that use a brush to remove the dirt from the surface.
Once you have scrubbed your bearings now let them dry before you place them back in place. When the bearings are dry lubricate them. This step helps in reducing friction. Now replace the bearings and mount your wheels onto the axle and you are ready for your ride.
What Makes a Bearing Go Fast?
One of the most important things is to determine how fast a bearing can go. You can check the ABEC rating. As different skateboards have different bearing dimensions and sizes as well as purposes.
Other than that, you must consider replacing smaller skateboard wheels with larger ones so they can make the board move faster.
Size of Skateboard Bearing
The standard size of the skateboard bearing is 608 size. And it is the original and standard ball bearing size. Plus, if you get the 608 series, you will notice that it is composed of the optional and inner race, ball retainer, and balls.
Other than that, the size by an inner diameter is 8mm, and the outer diameter is 22mm. Although the width is 7mm.
We hope that this guide will help you, while every buyer must consider these factors for choosing the best skateboard bearings.
FAQ’s
What are the best brands of skateboard bearings?
Some of the best brands of skateboard bearings are Bones Bearings Reds Bearings, Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings, Spitfire Burner Skateboard Bearings One Size Red, Bronson G3 Bearings Single Set, and Heady Shake Pro Skate Board Bearings.
Which brand has the fastest skateboard bearings?
Bones bearings are one of the fastest skateboard bearings on the market. Also, these bearings have a non-contact shield, rubber shield, and they are pre-lubricated with speed cream lubricant.
How long-lasting are the skateboard bearings?
Skateboard bearings will last for a long time. But you have to maintain them carefully. Many people say that they last for 15 years. And it seems 15 years are long though. And the durability of bearings also depends that how often you skate.
How do I choose the best bearing?
For choosing the right bearing, you must some of the factors. And each of the bearings is specifically for supporting the radial load and an axial. Plus, some of the bearings can support both types of loads though we prefer a combination of the load.
Are Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings good to buy?
It is one of the best brands of skateboard bearings. And yes! They are good to buy because of premium steel, top-quality at a low price. Also, this company offers a hassle-free money-back guarantee.
The Conclusion
Thus, the truth of the matter is whichever bearings you feel most comfortable with are best for you. Although a bad bearing can completely derail the functions of a skateboard. Also, wrong bearings can harm you and your equipment as well. Most of all, bearing shall be according to the personal matter of taste and your experience.
We are recommend 2 picks that are Bones Bearings Reds Bearings and Spitfire Burner Skateboard Bearings.
The best skateboard bearings have the best lubrication, quality, durability, friction-less steel, high-speed ceramic oil, and much more to offer. Other than our suggestions, you can buy any skateboard bearings that suits you best.
So if you are finding the cool bearings, has a great reputation, or just for a bargain price, there must be something on the market for all ages. Don’t stress much about it.
The big secret to good skating depends on you, not on your bearings. Finally, make your choice and start shredding!
Bearings
Ryan Decenzo Now Pro for Quantum Bearings
Ryan Decenzo is now officially part of the Quantum Bearings pro team.
Skaters with material science/chemistry backgrounds Brad Sasser and Jason Hammock founded quantum Bearings Science, a few years ago.
Their goal is to create affordable, high-performance, and low-maintenance bearings for skaters of all skill levels.
TJ Rogers is also part of the Quantum Bearings team. Watch his welcome video below.