Whether it’s speeding downhill, hitting vertical ramps or skating the streets, a reliable set of skateboard bearings is crucial. They’re designed to take high impacts and remain solid while keeping small dirt and debris from getting inside. Great bearings can reduce friction, lessening the energy required to gain speed.
There are plenty of options to choose from and they’re made from a variety of different materials. If it’s speed and reliability you’re after, Bones Swiss Ceramics Skateboard Bearings are the best.
There are many different styles of skateboarding in today’s world. If you’re longboarding, speed could be the top factor. If you’re trick skating in the streets or a park, weight might be the main concern. If you prefer vert or pool skating, then reliability is probably most important.
Skateboarding has come a very long way in the past few decades, and with that have been a roster of brands that have come and gone. It may be best to look at which brands have survived the tides, such as Bones Swiss, Spitfire and Yellow Jacket.
Brands that make skateboard bearings sponsor different riders to help promote and market their products. Oftentimes, skateboarders choose to ride for the brand that has been most reliable for them throughout their amateur and professional career. If you skateboard, find out which team your favorite skateboarders ride for and go with that brand.
Throughout the different variations and styles of skateboarding, one thing remains crucial: speed. The bearings are the determining factor of this because they make the wheels turn. The Annular Bearing Engineering Committee is an industry-accepted standard for the tolerance of a ball bearing. Higher ratings equal higher precision, enabling more revolutions per minute.
Weight can be a crucial element when deciding on the right set of bearings. The physics of skateboarding rely on forceful pops from the concave tail on the back of the board to lift the entire skateboard up, over and on top of obstacles. As you can imagine, lighter options for this are always better.
Bearings can be constructed from a variety of different materials, with each one having its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Ceramic is light, and although strong, is not as strong as other materials such as alloy or carbon steel, which can increase weight. It’s best to consider which style of skateboarding they’ll be used for when making this decision.
When going down big drops like staircases or launching off ramps, the bearings are going to take a lot of impact, so durability is a key factor. If you’re riding a longboard for fun or speed, this may not be as important. Durability factors depend on the ABEC rating and trusted names in the field.
The price of skateboard bearings typically depends on two factors: their material and their ABEC rating. Packs of eight are required for building a complete skateboard and can range in price anywhere from $7-$150.
A. Considering there are two bearings in each wheel for a total of eight, if one breaks, it’s unlikely it will jam the entire riding system and cause a fall. They can be replaced individually if necessary.
A. Depending on the brand, yes. Certain brands even offer a lifetime warranty for any manufacturer defects.
Bones Swiss Ceramics Skateboard Bearings
What you need to know: Precision-grade Swiss design, engineering and manufacturing has built these ceramic bearings that are best for street and park skateboarders.
What you’ll love: These premium ceramic wheel bearings are lightweight, hard and strong for lasting performance. The nylon ball retainers and speed cream lubricant make for a sustained, effortless ride. They’re rated for better performance than any ABEC-rated bearings and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
What you should consider: Although ceramic is an extremely tough material, it doesn’t compare to traditional carbon steel.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Spitfire Bearings Burners Skateboard Bearings
What you need to know: This is a versatile set of bearings manufactured by a reputable and long-lasting skateboard brand loved by professionals and amateurs alike.
What you’ll love: These high-precision speed bearings are built to last. The manufacturer has a great reputation in the field and is endorsed by some of skateboarding’s greatest athletes. A bold red design gives them a visible pop of style.
What you should consider: Made from traditional metals, they come in at a slightly higher weight. They don’t include any warranty against manufacturing defects.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Yellow Jacket Stripes Premium Skateboard Bearings
What you need to know: These bearings are high-speed and high-precision for longboarders, skateboarders, in-line skaters and electric skateboard riders.
What you’ll love: They’re top-quality at a low price and pre-lubricated for high speed with minimal friction. Shields seal and protect the inside of the bearing and wheel and they’re available in a variety of colors. If you’re not 100% satisfied, you can return them for a full refund.
What you should consider: These are from a lesser-known brand without a team of the most recognizable athletes in the sport.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Alec Welsh writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
