Skateboard Bearings Guide: Unlock Speed and Smooth Rides
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a combination of art, technique, and equipment. While the deck and wheels often get most of the attention, skateboard bearings are the silent heroes that make smooth rides and high-speed tricks possible. Understanding bearings can help you get the best performance from your board, avoid common problems, and even save money in the long run.
If you’re new to skateboarding or want to upgrade your setup, you might find bearings confusing at first. Numbers like ABEC-7, different materials, and brands all claim to be the best. This guide breaks everything down in simple terms, so you can make smart choices for your riding style and budget.
What Are Skateboard Bearings?
Bearings are small, round metal pieces that fit inside your skateboard wheels. Each wheel uses two bearings. Their job is to let the wheel spin around the axle with as little friction as possible. Without bearings, your wheels would barely turn.
Each bearing is made from several parts:
- Casing (or outer ring)
- Inner ring
- Balls (usually 7, sometimes 6 or 8)
- Retainer (keeps balls in place)
- Shields or seals (protect from dirt and dust)
Most skateboard bearings are the same size: 608. This means 8mm inner diameter (axle hole), 22mm outer diameter, and 7mm width. This standard size fits all skateboard wheels and trucks.
Why Bearings Matter
Bearings affect how fast and smooth your board rides. Good bearings can:
- Help you roll longer with less effort
- Make tricks like flips and grinds easier
- Reduce noise and vibration
Poor or dirty bearings slow you down, feel rough, and can even damage your wheels or axles. Beginners often overlook this, but upgrading bearings is one of the easiest ways to improve your skateboard.
Credit: surfskate.love
Abec Ratings: Do They Matter?
You’ve probably seen ABEC ratings like ABEC-3, ABEC-5, or ABEC-7 on bearing boxes. ABEC stands for “Annular Bearing Engineers’ Committee.” It’s a scale for how precisely bearings are made.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| ABEC Rating | Precision | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| ABEC-1 | Lowest | Cheap boards/toys |
| ABEC-3 | Basic | Beginner setups |
| ABEC-5 | Good | Standard skateboarding |
| ABEC-7 | High | Advanced, fast riding |
| ABEC-9+ | Very High | Downhill/racing, rare |
Important insight: The ABEC rating only measures how precise the bearing is, not how well it works for skateboarding. A higher ABEC rating doesn’t always mean a faster or longer roll. Many top skate brands use their own rating systems or ignore ABEC entirely.
Steel Vs. Ceramic Bearings
Bearings are usually made from steel or ceramic.
Steel Bearings
Most skateboard bearings are steel. They are:
- Affordable
- Durable with proper care
- Easy to find and replace
Quality varies. Cheap steel bearings can rust or feel rough quickly. Good ones use hard, polished steel for smoother rolling.
Ceramic Bearings
Ceramic bearings use ceramic balls instead of steel. They are:
- Lighter and roll with less friction
- Resistant to rust
- Stay smoother longer
But ceramics are expensive—sometimes 5-10 times the price of steel! They’re best for serious skaters or anyone who rides in wet or dirty places often. One non-obvious downside: ceramic balls can crack from hard impact.
Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | Steel Bearings | Ceramic Bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Low–Medium | High |
| Durability | Good (needs care) | Excellent (but can crack) |
| Rust Resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Performance | Smooth (varies) | Very smooth |
Tip: For most skaters, quality steel bearings are more than enough.
Open, Shielded, Or Sealed Bearings
Bearings have shields or seals to protect the inside from dirt and water.
- Open bearings: No shield. Easy to clean, but get dirty fast.
- Shielded bearings: Metal shield on one side. Some protection, easy to remove for cleaning.
- Sealed bearings: Rubber or plastic covers. Best protection but harder to clean.
Most skateboarders use shielded bearings. If you skate in wet or dirty areas, sealed bearings might last longer.
Popular Skateboard Bearing Brands
Some brands are trusted for their quality and innovation. Here are a few:
- Bones – Known for “Reds” (affordable, reliable) and “Swiss” (high-end, fast).
- Bronson – Focus on durability, speed, and unique design.
- Zealous – Built-in spacers, good for longboards and cruising.
- Andale – Pro skater-backed, good balance of price and performance.
- Mini-Logo – Budget-friendly, consistent quality.
Always watch out for fake or “no-name” brands online. They often have poor performance and short lifespan.
Credit: stokedrideshop.com
How To Choose The Right Bearings
Consider these factors before you buy:
- Skill Level
- Beginners: Mid-range steel bearings (ABEC-5 or similar).
- Advanced: Premium steel or ceramic if you want top speed and durability.
- Riding Style
- Street/tricks: Tough, easy-to-clean bearings.
- Cruising/longboarding: Smooth, high-quality for better roll.
- Downhill/racing: High-precision (ABEC-7 or above), possibly ceramic.
- Budget
- Don’t overspend if you’re just starting.
- Avoid very cheap bearings—they won’t last.
- Weather and Location
- Wet or dirty places: Sealed or ceramic bearings.
- Maintenance
- If you don’t want to clean bearings often, choose sealed ones.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Rider Type | Recommended Bearings | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner/Street | ABEC-5 steel, shielded | Good value, easy to clean |
| Cruising/Longboard | Premium steel, sealed | Smooth, less cleaning |
| Downhill/Speed | ABEC-7+, ceramic, sealed | Maximum speed, best roll |
| Wet/Dirty Areas | Ceramic, sealed | Rust proof, long-lasting |
Non-obvious insight: Some bearings come with built-in spacers and speed rings, saving you time and money on extra parts.
How To Install Skateboard Bearings
Changing bearings is simple, but doing it wrong can damage them. Here’s how:
- Remove the wheels: Use a skate tool or wrench to take off axle nuts.
- Take out old bearings: Pry them out gently using the axle or a bearing remover.
- Check for spacers: If you use spacers (small tubes between bearings), don’t lose them.
- Press in new bearings: Line up the bearing with the wheel hole. Press firmly using your hand or the truck axle. Don’t use a hammer—it can ruin the bearing.
- Add spacers (optional): Place between bearings for better alignment.
- Reinstall wheels: Tighten nuts so the wheel spins freely, not too tight.
If the wheel doesn’t spin well, the bearing may be crooked or damaged.
Bearing Maintenance And Cleaning
Even the best bearings get dirty, especially after riding in rain, sand, or mud. Dirty bearings slow you down and make noise.
To clean bearings:
- Remove bearings from wheels.
- Take off shields: Use a pin or sharp tool.
- Soak in cleaner: Use isopropyl alcohol or a skate bearing cleaner. Swirl for a few minutes.
- Dry fully: Shake out excess liquid and let air dry.
- Add a drop of lubricant (bearing oil, not WD-40).
- Replace shields and reinstall.
Tip: Don’t use water to clean bearings—it can cause rust. Clean every few months, or more often if you skate in dirty places.
Common Bearing Problems And Fixes
- Squeaky or rough bearings: Usually dirty. Clean and relubricate.
- Rusty bearings: Replace them; rust is hard to fix.
- Bearings stuck in wheel: Use the truck axle as a lever, but be gentle.
- Wheels don’t spin freely: Check if nuts are too tight or bearings are damaged.
How To Make Bearings Last Longer
- Avoid water, sand, and mud.
- Clean and oil your bearings regularly.
- Store your skateboard in a dry place.
- Don’t overtighten axle nuts.
- Use quality lubricants made for skate bearings.
Most bearings last several months to a year for active skaters. Cheap bearings may only last weeks.
Skateboard Bearings Myths
Many beginners believe:
- “Higher ABEC means faster board.” Not always true.
- “Ceramic bearings never need oil.” They still need lubrication.
- “All bearings are the same.” Quality, materials, and design make a big difference.
Don’t fall for marketing hype. Real performance comes from proper care and matching bearings to your style.
Credit: www.slickwillies.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Abec Mean For Skateboard Bearings?
ABEC is a rating for bearing precision, not speed. In skateboarding, ABEC-5 is usually enough. Higher ABEC doesn’t always roll faster because skateboards face impacts and dirt, which ABEC doesn’t measure.
How Can I Tell When Bearings Need Replacing?
Signs include noisy spins, rough feeling, wheels that stop quickly, or visible rust. If cleaning doesn’t help, it’s time for new bearings.
Are Ceramic Bearings Worth The Money?
Ceramic bearings are smoother and resist rust but are expensive. They’re best for serious riders or wet conditions. For most skaters, good steel bearings do the job.
Do I Need Spacers Or Speed Rings With My Bearings?
Spacers go between bearings inside the wheel. Speed rings sit between the bearing and axle nut. They help alignment and performance, but some bearings come with them built-in. Check your setup.
Where Can I Learn More About Bearing Technology?
For more in-depth technical info, you can read the Wikipedia Ball Bearing page.
Skateboard bearings may be small, but they have a big impact on how your board feels and performs. With the right bearings and a little maintenance, you’ll enjoy smoother rides, better tricks, and more fun every time you skate.
