Imagine gliding down a smooth hill, the wind rushing past your face. Your longboard feels like an extension of your body, but something feels a little…off. Maybe it’s not as fast as it used to be, or it makes a squeaky sound. That feeling often points to the unsung heroes of your ride: your longboard bearings.
Choosing the right bearings can be tricky. There are so many different brands, types, and numbers, it’s easy to get confused. You want your board to roll smoothly and quickly, but picking the wrong bearings can lead to slow speeds and frustrating rides. It’s like trying to find the perfect set of wheels for your favorite skateboard, but with even more choices!
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what makes a longboard bearing tick. We’ll break down what all those numbers mean, explore the different kinds of bearings available, and help you pick the perfect set to make your longboard feel brand new. Get ready to unlock smoother, faster rides!
Our Top 5 Longboard Bearing Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Bearing Detailed Reviews
1. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This pack gives you everything you need to upgrade your skateboard or longboard. You get eight high-quality bearings, plus spacers and washers to make sure everything fits perfectly and works its best. These bearings are built for speed and last a long time, so you can focus on your ride, not on your gear.
What We Like:
- The rubber shields are easy to take off. This makes cleaning them super simple.
- Less friction means you can go faster.
- The nylon ball retainer is strong. It helps the bearings handle more speed.
- They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream. This racing lubricant helps them perform right away.
- The “Skate Rated” promise means they are made with the best parts. This gives you great performance and durability.
- The bundle includes 4 spacers and 8 washers. This means you have all the right pieces for installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the rubber shields are great for cleaning, some riders might prefer metal shields for extra protection in very rough conditions.
- The “Skate Rated” label is excellent, but for absolute beginners, the technical terms might seem a little advanced.
This Bones Reds bundle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their skating experience. It offers a great balance of performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.
2. Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards
![Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards, Longboards, Scooters, Spinners] (8-Pack W/Tool)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GIGV3Oq6L._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack! This set is your ticket to an upgraded ride for your skateboard, longboard, scooter, or even your fidget spinners. You get everything you need to get back on the move quickly.
What We Like:
- INCREDIBLE SPEED: These bearings are world-class. They help you fly across the pavement.
- PERFECT FIT: The standard size 608 fits most equipment. It measures 22mm outer, 7mm wide, and 8mm inner.
- HANDY TOOL: The included tool is super useful. It has sockets for kingpins, axles, and hardware. It also has Allen and Phillips drivers. It’s made of strong steel.
- BUILT TO LAST: Bones Reds are made with tough stuff. They are built precisely so they won’t wear out fast. They come pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream. This keeps dirt out.
- GREAT VALUE: You get a lot of quality for the price. They perform better and last longer than many others.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included tool is great, but some might prefer a dedicated skate tool for more leverage.
- While durable, regular cleaning and maintenance will still be needed for peak performance.
This Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack is a smart investment for anyone looking to improve their ride. You’ll feel the difference speed and smoothness make.
3. Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
The Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is a fantastic choice for skaters looking for great performance without breaking the bank.
What We Like:
- These bearings offer amazing speed and smoothness.
- They are built to last, giving you great durability.
- You get almost Bones Swiss performance for much less money.
- Cleaning them is easy thanks to the removable rubber shields.
- The high-speed nylon ball retainer makes them stronger and faster.
- They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for instant action.
- The package includes everything you need: eight bearings, instructions, and a cool sticker.
What Could Be Improved:
- While manufactured in China, they are held to strict Bones Skate Rated standards.
For skaters wanting a reliable and fast bearing that won’t cost a fortune, the Bones REDS are the clear winners.
4. Red Silver ABEC-9 608 RS Skateboard Longboard Bearings (8PCS)
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Red Silver ABEC-9 608 RS Skateboard Longboard Bearings. This set comes with 8 bearings, enough for your entire skateboard or longboard. They are built to last and give you the best ride possible. These bearings are a universal fit for most skateboards and longboards.
What We Like:
- The included speed lubricant makes your board super fast.
- These bearings can handle any weather, and they keep dust and dirt out.
- They have a universal size (8mm core, 22mm outer, 7mm width), so they fit most boards.
- You get a full set of 8 bearings, which is perfect for one board.
- The high-quality build means they are durable and will last a long time.
- They are sealed for life, so you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Red Silver” color might not match everyone’s board style.
- While they are sealed, extreme amounts of mud might eventually affect performance.
These Red Silver bearings offer a fantastic upgrade for any skateboarder or longboarder. They provide speed, durability, and protection against the elements, making them a solid choice for your next ride.
5. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings – Includes 8 Bearings and Bighead Sticker – Removable Black Shields – for All Types of Skateboarding – Fits All Trucks and Wheel Combos
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to upgrade your skateboard? The Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings are here to make your ride smoother and faster. These aren’t just any bearings; they’re a step up from basic ones, giving you a better skateboarding experience. Spitfire, a trusted name in skateboarding, approves them for speed. They’re built tough to keep up with all your tricks and cruising.
What We Like:
- Smooth Rolling: The durable cage and steel races give you a super smooth ride.
- Keeps Dirt Out: Removable black shields protect the bearings from dust and grime, so they last longer.
- Works for Everyone: These bearings fit almost any skateboard truck and wheel combo.
- Pro Tested: The Spitfire pro team has tested these, so you know they’re good.
- Bonus Sticker: You get a cool Spitfire Bighead sticker with your purchase.
- Great Value: They offer a lot of quality for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Shield Removal: While removable shields are a plus, some users might find them a bit tricky to take off the first time.
- Lubrication: They come pre-lubricated, which is convenient, but serious skaters might want to add their own preferred lube for maximum performance.
These Spitfire Cheapshots bearings are a solid choice for any skater looking for an affordable upgrade. They offer reliable performance and durability for all your skateboarding adventures.
Choosing the Best Longboard Bearings
Longboard bearings are small but mighty parts. They help your wheels spin freely. Good bearings make your ride smooth and fast. Bad bearings can slow you down. They can even make your ride bumpy.
Key Features to Look For
1. ABEC Rating
You’ll see “ABEC” ratings like ABEC-5, ABEC-7, or ABEC-9. This rating tells you how precise the bearing is. Higher numbers mean more precision. More precision usually means faster spinning. For longboarding, ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 are great choices. They offer a good balance of speed and durability.
2. Shielding
Bearings have shields to keep dirt and dust out. There are two main types: metal shields and rubber shields. Metal shields offer good protection. Rubber shields are even better at keeping out water and grit. Some bearings have removable shields. This makes cleaning easier.
3. Lubrication
Bearings need oil or grease to work well. This lubricant reduces friction. It helps the bearings spin smoothly. Most bearings come pre-lubricated. You can also buy special bearing lubricant. Keeping your bearings lubricated is important.
Important Materials
1. Steel
Most longboard bearings use steel. This is a strong and durable material. It can handle a lot of pressure. High-quality steel makes bearings last longer.
2. Ceramic
Some bearings use ceramic balls instead of steel. Ceramic balls are lighter. They are also harder. This can make them spin faster. Ceramic bearings are often more expensive. They can be a good choice for speed demons.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Better?
- Precision Manufacturing: Well-made bearings spin true. They don’t wobble. This leads to a smoother ride.
- Quality Materials: Good steel or ceramic balls make a difference. Stronger materials resist wear and tear.
- Proper Lubrication: The right amount of lubricant is key. It keeps things moving freely.
- Good Shielding: Effective shields protect the inner workings. They prevent damage from dirt and moisture.
What Makes Them Worse?
- Dirt and Debris: Grit can grind against the balls. This slows them down and damages them.
- Water Exposure: Water can cause rust. Rust makes bearings stiff and unusable.
- Impacts: Hard falls or hitting obstacles can damage bearings.
- Lack of Maintenance: Not cleaning or lubricating bearings will shorten their life.
User Experience and Use Cases
The right bearings can transform your longboard experience. For cruising around town, you want smooth and reliable bearings. They should handle bumps and cracks with ease. For downhill riding, speed is important. You’ll want bearings that spin fast and keep their momentum. For freeriding and sliding, durability is key. Bearings need to withstand the forces involved in tricks.
If you’re a beginner, focus on good quality, durable bearings. ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 steel bearings with good shielding are a solid choice. As you get more experienced, you might explore ceramic bearings for extra speed. Remember, even the best bearings need care. Regular cleaning and lubrication will keep them performing at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does ABEC stand for?
A: ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It’s a standard for measuring bearing precision.
Q: Do I need to clean my longboard bearings?
A: Yes, cleaning your bearings regularly is important. It helps them last longer and perform better.
Q: How often should I clean my bearings?
A: It depends on how much you ride and where. If you ride in dusty or wet conditions, clean them more often. A good rule of thumb is every few months.
Q: Can I use skateboard bearings on my longboard?
A: Yes, most skateboard and longboard bearings are the same size. However, longboard bearings are often built to be more durable for heavier loads and longer rides.
Q: What is the difference between steel and ceramic bearings?
A: Steel bearings are standard and durable. Ceramic bearings are lighter, harder, and can spin faster, but they are usually more expensive.
Q: How do I know if my bearings are bad?
A: Bad bearings might feel stiff, make grinding noises, or not spin freely. They can also cause your wheels to feel wobbly.
Q: Do bearings affect how fast I can go?
A: Yes, good bearings reduce friction. This allows your wheels to spin faster and longer, increasing your speed.
Q: Can I ride my longboard in the rain?
A: It’s best to avoid riding in the rain. Water can get into your bearings and cause rust, damaging them.
Q: Should I lubricate my bearings?
A: Yes, lubrication is essential. It reduces friction and helps your bearings spin smoothly.
Q: Where can I buy longboard bearings?
A: You can buy longboard bearings at skate shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hello, I’m Muzammil Siddiqui, the mind behind ChairsFly.com.. With a deep passion for chairs and a wealth of expertise, I created this platform to share my insights, experiences, and knowledge about everything chair-related. From ergonomic solutions to stylish designs, my goal is to guide you in finding the perfect seat for your needs. Let’s embark on this journey of comfort and elegance together!