Ever wonder what makes your skateboard roll so smoothly? It’s all thanks to those little guys called bearings! They’re hidden inside your wheels, but they’re super important. Without good bearings, your board feels sluggish, and tricks are way harder to land. It can get confusing when you’re trying to pick new ones, right? There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which ones are best for you.
Choosing the wrong bearings can lead to a bumpy ride, faster wear and tear on your wheels, and even make you feel like you’re skating through mud. But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about skateboard bearings.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes bearings tick, how to choose the perfect set for your skating style, and how to keep them in great shape. Get ready to unlock smoother rides and better tricks!
Our Top 5 Bearings Skateboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bearings Skateboard Detailed Reviews
1. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This awesome package gives you everything you need to upgrade your skateboard or longboard. You’ll 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 shredding.
What We Like:
- Easy cleaning: The single, non-contact, removable rubber shield makes cleaning a breeze and reduces friction so you can skate longer.
- Super speed: The high-speed Nylon ball retainer helps your wheels spin faster and keeps them strong.
- Ready to go: They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, so they’re ready for action right out of the box.
- Top performance: Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, materials, and lubricant mean you get the best performance and durability possible.
- Complete kit: The bundle includes 4 spacers and 8 washers, so you have all the parts you need.
What Could Be Improved:
- No major downsides found for this bundle.
This Bones Reds Bearings bundle is a fantastic deal for anyone looking to improve their ride. You get quality components that will make your board feel brand new.
2. 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: 9.1/10
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings are here to upgrade your ride! These aren’t just any bearings; they’re a solid step up for any skater looking for better performance without breaking the bank. Spitfire, a name you can trust in skateboarding, gives these their seal of approval for speed and smooth rolling. They’re built to last and designed to keep you rolling fast, no matter your skating style.
What We Like:
- These bearings set a new standard for base-level skateboard bearings.
- Spitfire approves them for awesome speed.
- Removable black shields keep dirt and dust out, protecting the inside.
- The durable cage and strong steel races ensure a super smooth ride.
- They work for all kinds of skateboarding.
- These are the standard 608 size, fitting almost any skateboard truck and wheel combo.
- The Spitfire pro team tested and approved them.
- You get 8 pre-lubricated bearings in the pack.
- A cool Spitfire Bighead sticker is included as a bonus!
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are a great value, serious downhill skaters might want even higher-performance bearings for extreme speeds.
- The “cheap” in the name might lead some to expect even lower prices, though the quality for the cost is excellent.
The Spitfire Cheapshots Bearings offer fantastic performance for their price. Get ready to feel the difference and shred with confidence!
3. Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
The Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack offers a fantastic way to upgrade your skateboard’s performance without breaking the bank. These bearings are designed to give you a smooth and fast ride, making them a top choice for skaters of all levels. They deliver excellent speed and last a long time. Many skaters love them because they give almost the same great performance as more expensive bearings but cost much less.
What We Like:
- They offer great speed and durability for their price.
- The single, non-contact rubber shield is easy to remove for cleaning.
- The high-speed nylon ball retainer makes them stronger and faster.
- They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for immediate use.
- The package includes eight bearings, instructions, and a cool sticker.
What Could Be Improved:
- While manufactured to high standards, they are made in China, which some skaters might have a preference against.
For skaters looking for a reliable and budget-friendly bearing option, the Bones REDS 8 Pack is an outstanding choice. They provide a noticeable improvement in speed and longevity, making your skating experience much more enjoyable.
4. 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 pack is your ticket to an awesome upgrade for your skateboard, longboard, scooter, or even your favorite spinner. You get everything you need to get your gear moving at top speed.
What We Like:
- INCREDIBLE SPEED: These bearings are famous for making your rides super fast. They’re just plain awesome!
- UNIVERSAL FIT: Bones Reds are standard size 608 bearings. They measure 22mm on the outside, 7mm wide, and have an 8mm hole for your axle. They fit most gear.
- HANDY TOOL INCLUDED: The included tool is super useful. It has sockets for your kingpin, axle, and hardware. It also has Allen and Phillips drivers. It’s made of strong steel with a shiny chrome finish.
- BUILT TO LAST: These bearings are made with great materials and are built precisely. This makes them tough and resistant to wear. They also come pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream to keep dirt out and speed in.
- GREAT VALUE: You get a lot of performance for your money. Bones Reds are priced well compared to other good bearings, but they give you better speed and last longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the included tool is great, some users might prefer a dedicated skate tool for more leverage on stubborn nuts.
- The “spinner” application is mentioned, but the primary design and reputation of Bones Reds are for action sports.
This 8-pack of Bones Reds bearings is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to boost their ride’s performance. You get speed, durability, and a great price, all bundled up with a handy tool.
5. SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings – Bearing Steel and Double Rubber Sealed Miniature Deep Groove Ball Bearings (8mm x 22mm x 7mm) (608 2RS)
Rating: 8.9/10
The SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings are a set of 20 miniature deep groove ball bearings designed for a variety of small machinery. Made from tough bearing steel and featuring double rubber seals, these bearings are built to last and perform. Their 8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer diameter, and 7mm width make them a common size for many applications.
What We Like:
- These bearings are made from strong bearing steel. This steel is very hard and tough. It can handle heavy loads and lasts a long time.
- They are made with great care. This means they spin smoothly and work well, even when they have a lot of weight on them.
- These bearings are very useful for many things. You can find them in skateboard wheels and inline skates. They are also great for electric motors and other small machines.
- They don’t create much friction. This means they spin easily with little effort. This saves energy and helps them last longer.
- The rubber seals help keep dirt and water out. This protects the inside of the bearing and helps it work better for longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are described as high precision, individual results may vary slightly in a bulk pack.
- For some highly specialized or industrial uses, a different type of bearing might offer even greater performance.
These SHKI ball bearings offer a great combination of durability and smooth performance for many common projects. They are a solid choice for anyone needing reliable bearings for their small machinery.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Bearings: Your Guide to Rolling Smoothly
Skateboard bearings are small but mighty. They help your wheels spin freely, letting you cruise, trick, and explore. 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
- ABEC Rating: You’ll often see “ABEC” followed by a number (like ABEC-5 or ABEC-9). This rating tells you how precise the bearing is. Higher numbers generally mean better precision, which can lead to faster spinning. But for skateboarding, ABEC-5 is usually a great balance of speed and durability.
- Shields: Bearings have shields to keep dirt and dust out. Some bearings have removable shields, which makes cleaning easier. Others have non-removable shields, which might offer a bit more protection.
- Lubrication: Bearings come with either grease or oil. Oil usually makes bearings spin faster, but it can also wash out more easily. Grease offers more protection and lasts longer, but it can slow down your spin a little.
- Cage Material: The cage holds the balls inside the bearing. Common materials include nylon and metal. Nylon cages are lighter and can help bearings spin faster. Metal cages are stronger and more durable.
Important Materials
The balls inside the bearing are crucial.
- Steel Balls: Most skateboard bearings use steel balls. They are strong and reliable. Some high-end bearings use specially hardened steel for extra toughness.
- Ceramic Balls: These are a premium option. Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel. They can spin faster and are more resistant to heat. However, they are also more expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a bearing great or not so great?
- Precision Manufacturing: Bearings made with very tight tolerances spin more smoothly and last longer. This often comes with a higher price tag.
- Quality Materials: Using good steel or ceramic for the balls and strong materials for the cage makes a big difference.
- Keeping Them Clean: Dirt and grime are the enemies of bearings. They grind down the balls and slow you down. Regular cleaning helps your bearings last.
- Proper Lubrication: Too little or too much lubrication can hurt performance. Using the right kind of lube for your riding style is important.
- Impact and Stress: Landing hard tricks or riding over rough surfaces puts stress on bearings. Some bearings handle this better than others.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do bearings affect your skating?
- Speed: Good bearings let your wheels spin faster, so you can go further with less effort. This is great for cruising around town or getting speed for ramps.
- Smoothness: Well-made bearings roll smoothly, giving you a more comfortable ride. You won’t feel as many bumps.
- Durability: If you skate a lot or do big tricks, you need bearings that can take a beating. Stronger materials and good construction help them last.
- Maintenance: Some bearings are easier to clean and maintain than others. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time on upkeep, look for bearings with removable shields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best ABEC rating for skateboard bearings?
A: For most skaters, ABEC-5 offers a good balance of speed, durability, and price. ABEC-7 and ABEC-9 can be faster but might be less durable for everyday skating.
Q: Should I get bearings with shields?
A: Yes, shields protect your bearings from dirt and debris. Removable shields make cleaning easier.
Q: What’s the difference between grease and oil for bearings?
A: Oil makes bearings spin faster but wears out quicker. Grease lasts longer and offers more protection but can be a bit slower.
Q: Are ceramic bearings worth the extra cost?
A: Ceramic bearings are faster and more durable, but they are also more expensive. They are best for skaters who want top performance.
Q: How often should I clean my skateboard bearings?
A: It depends on how much you skate and where. If you ride in dusty or wet conditions, clean them more often, maybe every few weeks. If you skate clean spots, you might only need to clean them every few months.
Q: Can I skate in the rain with my bearings?
A: It’s best to avoid skating in the rain. Water can wash away lubrication and cause rust, damaging your bearings quickly.
Q: How do I clean my skateboard bearings?
A: You can remove the bearings from the wheels, take off the shields, and soak them in a cleaning solution like isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, let them dry completely and then re-lubricate them.
Q: What happens if my bearings get rusty?
A: Rusty bearings will feel slow and rough. You can try cleaning them, but if the rust is bad, you might need to replace them.
Q: Do bearings come in sets?
A: Yes, bearings are usually sold in sets of eight, which is enough for all four wheels on a skateboard.
Q: Can I mix and match different types of bearings?
A: While you can technically mix them, it’s generally best to use the same type of bearing on all your wheels for consistent performance.
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.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.