Skateboarding gets way better with the best bearings for skateboards. Bearings play a big role in how fast and smooth your ride is. They’re a crucial part of your skateboarding equipment. It’s key to understand why high-quality skateboard bearings matter and how to pick the right ones, no matter if you’re skating for fun or as a pro.
Looking to boost your skateboarding? Knowing about the different bearings can make a big difference. The market offers many choices, each with its own perks. The right bearings mean your skateboard will last longer and ride smoother.
Check out our guide on the best skateboard bearings for a deep dive into top picks. This guide will help you choose wisely.
Introduction to Skateboard Bearings
Skateboard bearings play a key role in how well a skateboard works. These tiny, round parts go inside the wheels. They help the skateboard roll smoothly and well. Knowing how important they are can help you choose the right bearings. This will make your skateboarding better.
What Are Skateboard Bearings?
Skateboard bearings are critical components inside the wheels. They let the wheels spin freely. Without good bearings, a skateboard won’t glide smoothly or go fast. Bearings come in steel or ceramic. Each type has its own benefits for performance and bearing durability.
Importance of Quality Bearings
Quality skateboard bearings are a must for top performance. They give you a smooth, fast ride. They also make your wheels and board last longer. In the 1970s, sealed bearings made skateboards even better. They improved bearing durability and speed.
Below is a comparison of some popular skateboard bearings. It looks at how they perform and how much they cost:
| Brand & Model | Original Price |
|---|---|
| Bones Reds | $17.95 |
| Bones Super Reds | $29.95 |
| Bronson Speed Co. G3 | $26.95 |
| Bronson Speed Co. G2 | $15.95 |
| Spitfire Cheapshots | $11.95 |
| Mini Logo Precision | $9.95 |
| Bones Big Balls Reds | $24.95 |
| Bronson Speed Co. Raw | $35.95 |
| Bones Super Swiss 6 Ball Bearings | $63.95 |
| Bones Original Swiss Bearings | $62.95 |
Choosing the best skateboard bearings depends on how they affect your skateboarding. The quality of bearings changes how smoothly and quickly you can ride. It’s important to pick bearings that are trusted and long-lasting. High-quality bearings can make skating safer and more fun. They also make your skateboard last longer.
Types of Skateboard Bearings
Learning about skateboard bearings is key to a better ride. Bearings affect your speed and how smooth your ride is. They measure 8mm (core), 22mm (outer), and 7mm (width).
Ceramic vs. Steel Bearings
Ceramic skateboard bearings and steel skateboard bearings are very different. Ceramic ones last longer and resist heat well. They make rides smoother and faster but cost $70-$100. Steel bearings are cheaper, starting at $15. They’re widely used but may need more care. For regular skaters, steel bearings offer good value.
Precision Bearings vs. Regular Bearings
Choosing between precision skateboard bearings and regular skateboard bearings is important. Precision bearings mean better performance and smooth rides. They have ABEC ratings of 7 to 9 for high precision and speed. Regular bearings are ideal for new skaters or those looking for a cost-friendly option.
Bones Bearings use a unique ‘Skate Rated’ system over ABEC. Top-selling Bones REDS are steel bearings known for their quality. Their performance reflects in their price.
| Type | Material | Price Range | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Bearings | Ceramic | $70-$100 | Low |
| Steel Bearings | Steel | $15 and up | High |
Choosing the right bearings, like ceramic skateboard bearings, steel skateboard bearings, or deciding between precision skateboard bearings and regular skateboard bearings, can change your skating. Pick based on your needs and skill for the best experience.
ABEC Ratings Explained
The American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) created the ABEC scale. It rates the precision of ball bearings from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9. Higher ABEC ratings mean tighter tolerances and greater precision.
What is ABEC?
ABEC stands for the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It grades bearings from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9. ABEC 1 is the least precise, and ABEC 9 is the most precise. This system measures how closely bearings meet ideal size specifications including bore size, outer diameter, and width.
But, ABEC ratings don’t include material quality, lubrication, or load handling. These are also key for skateboard bearings. For example, Bones Bearings uses a “Skate Rated” standard. This focuses on skateboard-specific needs over just ABEC ratings.
ABEC Ratings in Skateboarding
In skateboarding, ABEC ratings aren’t everything. Let’s compare different ABEC ratings:
| ABEC Rating | Characteristics | Usability in Skateboarding |
|---|---|---|
| ABEC 1 | Least precise, most durable, cheapest | Fits entry-level boards well; good for basic cruising but not advanced tricks |
| ABEC 3 | Average precision and cost | Found in more affordable skateboards; decent for general use |
| ABEC 5 | Balanced precision and cost | A standard choice offering speed and durability |
| ABEC 7 | High precision, expensive | Great for fast skating, but can be damaged by aggressive tricks |
| ABEC 9 | Highest precision, very expensive | Best for high-speed racing; not essential for casual skating |
Besides ABEC ratings, consider other factors like seals, material, and lubrication for skateboard bearings. These influence performance too.
Best Bearings for Skateboards: An Ultimate Guide
When choosing skateboard bearings, it’s key to know what makes a ride smooth and lasts long. This skateboard bearing guide looks at important factors for skaters to consider. They need this info to find the best skateboard bearings out there.
Understanding the material and the maker’s reputation is essential. Swiss and German bearings are famous for being precise and long-lasting. The Titus Online Skateshop lists 34 different bearings. Here, brands like Bones Bearings offer 9 variations. This is more than other brands like Bronson Speed Co. and Independent.
Bones Bearings is a well-known name. It gives skaters many choices at various prices:
- Bones REDS (under 30 €)
- Bones BIG BALLS REDS (under 30 €)
- Bones Super REDS (under 40 €)
- Bones Swiss (under 100 €)
- Bones Super Swiss 6 Balls (under 110 €)
Skateboard bearing prices start at 7.99 € for Bones Bearings Reds 2er. They go up to 245.99 € for the Independent GP-S Bearing 12 Pack. So, whether you’re saving money or want the best, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s look at the different brands and what they offer:
| Brand | Number of Options | Price Range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Bones Bearings | 9 | 7.99 – 199.99 |
| Bronson Speed Co. | 7 | 94.99 |
| Independent | 4 | 245.99 |
The price shows the quality and what the bearings can do. For example, Bones Bearings Swiss Ceramics cost 199.99 €. They have rust-proof ceramic balls. This is great for longboards or cruisers in wet conditions.
It’s also smart to check customer reviews and ratings. The Titus Silverstars bearings cost 14.99 €. They have a ★★★★★ rating from 152 customers. This shows a good mix of quality and price.
Even though the ABEC rating tells you about precision, bearings made just for skateboarding might be better. Bearings with a plastic cage can make performance much better than what ABEC ratings say.
This guide helps you choose the right skateboard bearings. You’ll find the best performance, durability, and value for your money.
Top Skateboard Bearing Brands
Two brands lead the pack in skateboard bearings: Bones Bearings and RockNRons Bearings. They are known for their top quality and great performance. This makes them popular with skateboarders all over the world. Let’s look at why they’re so admired.
Bones Bearings
Bones Bearings is a top name in skateboarding. Their Bones Swiss bearings are the most popular high-end skate bearings in the U.S. They’re known for incredible performance, lasting a long time, and providing smooth rides. This makes them a favorite for serious skaters.
Bones Reds are another product to note. They are more affordable but still maintain high quality. It makes them the brand’s best-selling skateboard bearings. The Bones Super Swiss 6 bearings have bigger balls for more speed, durability, and strength. They’re great for bigger skaters who want a fast ride. Bones Big Balls Reds also have bigger balls, making them less prone to dirt. They’re perfect for longboards and cruisers.
RockNRons Bearings
RockNRons Bearings is a newer but respected name. Founded by an experienced engineer, their performance bearings are innovative. They have quickly made a mark in the market.
What sets them apart is their exceptional precision and reliability. Skaters enjoy an unmatched experience with their products. RockNRons performance bearings focus on extreme speed and durability.
The innovations from these top skateboard bearing brands have greatly improved skateboarding. Their products offer smoother rides, higher speeds, and better durability.
Understanding Ceramic Skateboard Bearings
Ceramic skateboard bearings have changed the skateboarding world. They’re known for being light and fast. This makes them a favorite among skaters.
Benefits of Ceramic Bearings
Ceramic bearings are about 60% lighter than steel ones. This makes the skateboard lighter and faster. They also can go up to 80% faster than steel bearings.
They don’t get dirty or wet easily. This means they don’t need much upkeep. While standard bearings might need replacing every six months, ceramic ones can last over 20 years. They also handle extreme heat, up to 1320 degrees Celsius.
How to Maintain Ceramic Bearings
It’s easy to keep ceramic bearings working well. Keep them clean and well-oiled. To clean them, take them off the skateboard and use a special cleaner. Don’t use water.
Using the right lubricant is important too. A light lubricant, like Speed Cream, works best. It keeps them moving fast and smoothly.
If you look after 16 bearings in a full skate set, they’ll last longer and work better. High-quality ceramic bearings cost more at first. But they last longer and need less upkeep, making them a great choice for serious skaters.
Want to understand more about different types of bearings? Check out this helpful guide.
High-Speed Bearings for Skateboards
High-speed skateboard bearings are designed for skaters who want to be faster. These bearings use top materials and designs to reduce friction. This makes you faster and your ride smoother.
The Ceramic Nitride Pro Series uses silicon nitride balls. These can handle temperatures up to 2552 degrees Fahrenheit. Their synthetic lubricant works well in temperatures ranging from -50 to +120 degrees Celsius. It boasts a speed factor of 1 million.
The inner cage of the bearing, called the HSR, is both durable and strong. It also handles heat well at high speeds. Ceramic skate bearings have two grey seals that keep dirt out but are easy to clean. All these features make skating more dynamic.
High-speed skateboard bearings boost your skating. ACER Racing marks each bearing to prove they are real. Ceramic bearings mean a smoother ride, less friction, and they last longer.
Bont and Bones Reds make impressive inline skate bearings. Bont is known for precision and quality. Bones Big Balls Reds have bigger balls. This could mean more speed and they might last longer. In fact, 80% of skaters choose Bones Reds. This shows they’re trusted.
Learn how to skate faster with the best bearings in this guide. There’s also Titanium bearings. They’re fast and light. Picking the right bearings makes your skating better. They improve performance and last long.
Durable Bearings for Long-Lasting Performance
Skateboarders who want their gear to last long know the importance of durable bearings. There are many bearing options available. Things like robust seals, ceramics, and precision make these bearings better for skateboarding.
Bones Swiss Bearings are a top choice among pros. They are made in Switzerland and known for their speed and life span. Each set comes with 8 bearings, spacers, instructions, and stickers. Visit their official website for more info.
Bones Reds bearings are a hit in the U.S. because they blend quality with a good price. Even at $17.95, they don’t skimp on durability. On the other end, Bones Super Swiss 6 Ball Bearings show that higher-priced bearings, costing $63.95, offer better longevity.
You can choose from ceramic bearings or tough stainless steel ones. Both aim to keep your board rolling smoothly for a long time. Stainless steel is pricier but doesn’t rust easily, making your bearings last longer. Picking the right skateboard bearings means a smoother ride every time.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!