Ever feel like your skateboard is fighting against you? Maybe it’s not the deck or the wheels, but something much smaller making a big difference. We’re talking about the tiny, yet mighty, bearings inside your wheels! These little guys are the unsung heroes of your ride, letting your wheels spin smoothly and effortlessly. But choosing the right ones can feel like a total puzzle. So many numbers, different brands, and what does it all even mean?
It’s frustrating when your board feels sluggish or makes weird noises, and you’re not sure why. You just want to cruise, grind, and pop those ollies without a second thought. But the wrong bearings can slow you down and make skating way less fun. This is where understanding bearings becomes super important. Don’t worry, though!
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the jargon, explain what makes one bearing better than another for your skating style, and help you pick the perfect set. Get ready to upgrade your ride and discover the joy of truly smooth rolling!
Our Top 5 Bearings For Skateboarding Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bearings For Skateboarding Detailed Reviews
1. 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: 8.8/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings! These aren’t just any bearings; they’re a serious upgrade for your skateboard. Spitfire, a name you can trust in skateboarding, designed these to be the new standard for beginner and intermediate skaters. They’re built to last and to keep you moving without a hitch.
What We Like:
- Speed Boost: These bearings are Spitfire approved for speed. You’ll feel the difference as you glide effortlessly.
- Dirt Defense: The removable black shields do a great job of keeping dust and dirt out. This means your bearings will last longer and perform better.
- Smooth Rolling: With a durable cage and steel races, these bearings offer incredibly smooth rolling. You can count on a consistent ride every time.
- Universal Fit: They are the standard 608 size, meaning they fit almost all skateboard trucks and wheel combinations. No need to worry about compatibility!
- Pro Tested: The Spitfire pro team has tested these bearings. That’s a serious stamp of approval for quality and performance.
- Value Pack: You get 8 pre-lubricated bearings, which is enough for two skateboards. Plus, a cool Spitfire Bighead sticker is included as a bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- Beginner Focus: While great for most skaters, advanced riders seeking top-tier performance might look for higher-end options.
If you’re looking to upgrade your skateboard’s performance without breaking the bank, the Spitfire Cheapshots Bearings are a fantastic choice. They offer a noticeable improvement in speed and smoothness, making your skateboarding sessions even more enjoyable.
2. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This package gives you everything you need to upgrade your skateboard or longboard. You’ll find eight high-quality bearings, plus essential spacers and washers to make sure everything fits perfectly and performs at its best.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean: The rubber shields pop right off, making cleaning a breeze.
- Less friction: These shields also help reduce friction, so you can go faster.
- Super strong and speedy: The nylon ball retainer makes the bearings stronger and faster.
- Pre-lubricated: They come ready to go with Speed Cream racing lubricant for top performance.
- Built to last: “Skate Rated” means they’re made with the best materials and precision for long-lasting use.
- Everything included: The bundle comes with 4 spacers and 8 washers, so you have all the parts you need.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve: For absolute beginners, understanding the role of spacers and washers might take a moment.
This bundle is a fantastic way to boost your ride’s performance and durability. You’ll notice a difference right away!
3. Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
The Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is a fantastic choice for any skater looking for great performance without breaking the bank. These bearings are designed to give you speed and keep your wheels rolling smoothly. They are made with good quality materials and are built to last, making them a popular choice for many skateboarders.
What We Like:
- They offer excellent performance that’s close to high-end bearings.
- The rubber shields are easy to remove, which makes cleaning them a breeze.
- The high-speed nylon ball retainer helps make your board faster and stronger.
- They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, so they’re ready to go right out of the box.
- You get a set of eight bearings, plus instructions and a cool sticker.
- They are very affordable, offering a lot of value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are made to Bones Skate Rated specifications, they are manufactured in China.
- The instructions could be a little clearer for beginners.
Overall, the Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack delivers impressive performance and durability at a price that’s hard to beat. They are a smart investment for anyone who wants to improve their skateboarding experience.
4. Bones Super Swiss 6 Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to shred with the Bones Super Swiss 6 Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack! These aren’t your average bearings. They’re built for speed and built to last. If you want your skateboard to roll faster and smoother, these are the ones you need.
What We Like:
- Faster rides: The special design with six bigger balls makes your board go super fast.
- Tougher and stronger: These bearings can handle a lot of action and won’t break easily.
- Easy to clean: The rubber shields come off so you can clean them without a fuss. This also means less rubbing and more speed.
- Smooth and speedy: The nylon ball retainer helps keep things moving fast and strong.
- Ready to roll: They come already greased with Speed Cream, so you can start skating right away.
- Top quality: Made in Switzerland, these bearings are designed for the best performance and last a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price: They might be a bit more expensive than other bearings.
- Availability: Sometimes they can be hard to find.
These Bones Super Swiss 6 bearings are a fantastic upgrade for any skateboarder. They offer a noticeable difference in speed and durability, making your skating experience much better.
5. 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 perfect for anyone who loves to skate, longboard, scoot, or even just spin things for fun. You get eight high-quality bearings and a handy tool to get you set up in no time.
What We Like:
- INCREDIBLE SPEED: These bearings are famous for making your rides super fast. They’re really awesome!
- PERFECT FIT: The bearings are size 608, which is the standard size for most skateboards, longboards, and scooters. They measure 22mm on the outside, 7mm wide, and 8mm for the hole where the axle goes.
- HANDY TOOL INCLUDED: The included tool is a lifesaver! It has sockets for your kingpin (9/16″), axle (1/2″), and hardware (3/8″). Plus, it has an Allen driver (1/8″) and a Phillips head screwdriver. It’s made of strong steel with a shiny chrome finish.
- BUILT TO LAST: Bones Reds are made with great materials and are put together very precisely. This means they won’t wear out easily. They also come pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream, which keeps dirt and dust out and helps them keep rolling.
- GREAT VALUE: You get a lot of performance and durability for the price. They’re priced fairly compared to other good bearings, but they perform even better.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the included tool is great, some users might prefer a tool with more socket sizes for different setups.
- The “spinner” application is mentioned, but the primary design focus is clearly on action sports, so the performance might be overkill or not optimized for pure spinning.
These Bones Reds bearings are a fantastic upgrade for your ride. They offer speed, durability, and a great price.
Choosing the Right Bearings for Your Skateboard
Skateboard bearings are small but mighty. They let your wheels spin smoothly and fast. Picking the right ones makes a big difference in how your skateboard feels and performs. This guide will help you find the perfect bearings for your ride.
Key Features to Look For
1. ABEC Rating
ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. This rating tells you how precise the bearings are. The higher the number (like ABEC-5, ABEC-7, ABEC-9), the more precise they are. More precise bearings spin faster and smoother. For most skateboarders, ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 is a great choice. High-performance skaters might choose ABEC-9 for extra speed.
2. Shielding
Bearings have shields to keep dirt and dust out. There are two main types: removable and non-removable.
- Removable shields are easy to take off. This makes cleaning and lubricating your bearings simple.
- Non-removable shields are built in. They offer good protection but can be harder to clean.
Some bearings also have rubber seals instead of metal shields. Rubber seals offer excellent protection against dirt and water.
3. Lubrication
Bearings need lubrication to spin well. There are two main types of lubricant:
- Grease is thicker. It lasts longer and protects well against dirt. It might slow down your bearings a little.
- Oil is thinner. It lets your bearings spin faster. You’ll need to reapply oil more often.
Many bearings come pre-lubricated. You can also buy lubricant separately to keep your bearings in top shape.
Important Materials
The materials used in bearings affect their durability and performance.
1. Steel
Most skateboard bearings use high-quality steel. Chrome steel is very common. It’s strong, durable, and resists rust. Some bearings use stainless steel, which offers even better rust resistance.
2. Ceramic
Ceramic bearings are a premium option. They use ceramic balls instead of steel. Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel. This means they can spin faster and don’t need as much lubrication. They are also more resistant to heat and dirt. However, ceramic bearings are more expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your bearings better or worse.
Improving Quality
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your bearings clean is crucial. Dirt and grime cause friction, slowing them down.
- Proper Lubrication: Using the right lubricant and reapplying it when needed keeps them spinning smoothly.
- Gentle Riding: Avoid riding through puddles or kicking up too much dust. This protects the bearings from damage.
- High-Quality Construction: Bearings made with precision and good materials will naturally last longer and perform better.
Reducing Quality
- Dirt and Debris: The biggest enemy of bearings. It grinds down the internal parts.
- Water Damage: Water can cause rust, which quickly ruins bearings.
- Impacts: Hard impacts can damage the bearing races or balls.
- Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting cleaning and lubrication leads to poor performance and premature wear.
User Experience and Use Cases
The type of skateboarding you do matters when choosing bearings.
Street Skating
Street skaters often deal with rough surfaces and dirt. Bearings with good shielding and durable materials like steel are a good choice. Removable shields make cleaning easier after a dusty session.
Park Skating
Park skating requires speed and smooth transitions. High ABEC-rated bearings help you build momentum. Ceramic bearings can offer a noticeable speed advantage here.
Cruising and Longboarding
For cruising, you want bearings that roll smoothly for a long time. Grease-lubricated bearings can offer longevity. Durability is key for covering long distances.
Beginner Skaters
Beginners don’t need the most expensive bearings. A good set of ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 steel bearings will serve you well. Focus on learning the basics and keeping your equipment clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best ABEC rating for skateboarding?
A: For most skateboarders, ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 ratings offer a great balance of speed, smoothness, and durability. Advanced skaters might opt for ABEC-9.
Q: How often should I clean my skateboard bearings?
A: You should clean your bearings every 1-3 months, depending on how often you skate and the conditions you ride in. If you hear grinding noises, it’s time for a clean!
Q: Can I ride my skateboard in the rain?
A: It’s best to avoid riding in the rain. Water can get into your bearings and cause rust, which will damage them.
Q: What’s the difference between steel and ceramic bearings?
A: Steel bearings are strong and affordable. Ceramic bearings are lighter, spin faster, and are more resistant to heat and dirt, but they cost more.
Q: Do I need to lubricate new bearings?
A: Most new bearings come pre-lubricated. However, if you clean them, you will need to re-lubricate them.
Q: How do I clean my skateboard bearings?
A: You can clean them by removing them from the wheel, soaking them in a degreaser or rubbing alcohol, rinsing, drying them thoroughly, and then re-lubricating them.
Q: Will better bearings make me skate better?
A: While good bearings improve your ride’s speed and smoothness, they won’t magically make you a better skater. Practice is still the most important factor.
Q: How long do skateboard bearings usually last?
A: With proper care, skateboard bearings can last for several years. Neglect and harsh conditions can shorten their lifespan significantly.
Q: Are expensive bearings always better?
A: Not necessarily. While premium bearings often use better materials and precision, good quality mid-range bearings can be excellent for many skaters.
Q: What happens if I don’t clean my bearings?
A: Dirt and grime build up, creating friction. This slows your wheels down, makes them noisy, and eventually wears out the bearings faster.
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!