Longboard Bearings Guide: Unlock Speed and Smooth Rides
Longboard Bearings Guide
Longboarding is more than just a way to move around—it’s a fun sport, a hobby, and even a passion for many people. But whether you’re a beginner cruising the streets or an experienced rider tackling hills, one small part of your board makes a huge difference: the bearings. These tiny, round pieces let your wheels spin smoothly and help you ride faster, farther, and with less effort. Choosing the right bearings can improve your ride, extend the life of your board, and make your longboarding experience safer and more enjoyable. This guide will help you understand everything about longboard bearings, from how they work to which ones might suit your style best.
What Are Longboard Bearings?
Longboard bearings are small metal rings that fit inside your wheels. Their main job is to reduce friction and let the wheels spin easily. Every longboard wheel needs two bearings—one on each side. Most bearings are made from steel or ceramic, and they all have the same standard size: 608 (8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer diameter, 7mm width). Inside each bearing, there are small balls held in place by a cage, allowing smooth movement.
The quality and material of your bearings affect how fast your wheels roll, how much effort you need to push, and how long your bearings last. Even if you have the best wheels, bad bearings can ruin your ride.
How Bearings Work
Bearings let your wheels spin by reducing friction between the moving parts. When you push your board, the wheels turn around the axle, and the bearings make sure this movement is smooth. Bearings have three main parts:
- Outer ring: Fits inside the wheel
- Inner ring: Fits around the axle
- Ball bearings: Sit between the rings and help them move
Some bearings have shields or seals to keep dirt and moisture out. This protects the balls and helps your bearings last longer.
Credit: stokedrideshop.com
Bearing Materials: Steel Vs Ceramic
Most bearings are made from steel, but some premium options use ceramic balls. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Steel Bearings | Ceramic Bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Speed | Fast | Very Fast |
| Price | Affordable | Expensive |
| Maintenance | Needs regular cleaning | Less cleaning required |
| Rust resistance | Can rust | Does not rust |
Steel bearings are common and good for everyday riding. They work well for cruising, tricks, and downhill. Ceramic bearings are smoother, faster, and last longer, but they cost more. Ceramic bearings also resist rust, which makes them ideal for wet conditions. However, beginners may not feel the difference between steel and ceramic until they ride more.
Abec Ratings: What Do They Mean?
You’ll often see bearings labeled with an ABEC rating—like ABEC 5, ABEC 7, or ABEC 9. ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, and it measures the precision of the bearing’s parts. Higher numbers mean more precision. But here’s the catch: ABEC ratings are not always the best way to judge bearings for longboarding.
ABEC ratings were made for machines, not skateboards. Many brands make great bearings without ABEC ratings. In fact, some ABEC 5 bearings can be better than ABEC 9 if they use stronger materials or better designs. It’s more important to look at the brand, material, and real-world performance.
Credit: stokedrideshop.com
Types Of Longboard Bearings
There are a few main types of longboard bearings to know:
- Standard Bearings: Most common, fit all regular wheels.
- Ceramic Bearings: Use ceramic balls, last longer, roll smoother.
- Swiss Bearings: High quality, made in Switzerland, known for precision.
- Built-in Bearings: Have built-in spacers, easier to install, less maintenance.
- Sealed Bearings: Have rubber seals, keep out dirt and water.
Built-in bearings are growing popular because they make setup easier. You won’t need separate spacers, and your wheels won’t wobble. Sealed bearings are a smart choice for riders who skate in dirty or wet places.
Choosing The Right Bearings
Picking the best bearings depends on how you ride, your budget, and your board’s setup. Here are some important factors:
Riding Style
- Cruising: Standard steel bearings are fine. You don’t need top speed.
- Downhill: Look for high-quality, low-friction bearings. Built-in or ceramic are good.
- Freestyle/tricks: Durable steel bearings with good shields are safest.
- Sliding: Built-in bearings help keep wheels stable.
Price Vs Performance
Ceramic bearings cost more, but they last longer and roll faster. If you’re a beginner, steel bearings will work well. If you ride daily or want the best speed, ceramic or Swiss bearings are worth considering.
Weather Conditions
If you skate in wet or dirty places, sealed or ceramic bearings are better. They resist rust and keep dirt out, so you won’t need to clean them as often.
Bearing Maintenance
Even the best bearings need care. Dirt, water, and dust can slow your wheels and cause damage. Regular maintenance helps your bearings last longer and keeps your ride smooth.
Cleaning Steps
- Remove the wheels from your board.
- Take out the bearings using a skate tool.
- Remove shields if possible.
- Soak bearings in isopropyl alcohol or bearing cleaner for 10–15 minutes.
- Shake gently to remove dirt.
- Let bearings dry completely.
- Add a drop of bearing oil/lubricant.
- Put shields back and re-install into wheels.
Never use water to clean bearings—it can cause rust. Always dry bearings fully and use oil designed for skate bearings. For tips and products, check SkateboardersHQ.
Common Bearing Problems
If your board feels slow or rough, bearings could be the problem. Here are signs to look for:
- Wheels don’t spin freely
- Strange noises (clicking, grinding)
- Rust on bearings
- Wheels wobble
Most issues come from dirt or lack of oil. Sometimes, bearings wear out and need replacing. If you see cracks or rust, it’s time for new bearings.
How To Install Bearings
Installing bearings is easy, but doing it right prevents damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Take wheels off the trucks.
- Place one bearing on the truck axle.
- Push the wheel down onto the bearing until it clicks in.
- Flip the wheel and repeat for the other side.
- Add spacers if needed.
- Put wheels back onto the trucks and tighten nuts.
Don’t force bearings into wheels. Use steady pressure, not a hammer. Built-in bearings don’t need spacers, making installation faster.
Bearing Brands To Know
Some brands are famous for making reliable, high-performance bearings. Here are a few:
- Bones Bearings: Popular for Bones Reds and Swiss, great quality.
- Zealous Bearings: Built-in spacers, affordable, good for sliding.
- Bronson Speed Co.: Durable, strong shields, smooth ride.
- Ninja Bearings: Japanese brand, known for precision.
- SKF: Industrial bearings, sometimes used in skateboarding.
Each brand has different models, so check reviews and rider feedback. Bones Reds are a favorite for both beginners and pros.
Credit: www.warehouseskateboards.com
Bearing Comparison: Popular Models
To help you choose, here’s a quick comparison of three top bearing models.
| Model | Material | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bones Reds | Steel | Standard | $15–$25 | All-around riding |
| Zealous Bearings | Steel | Built-in | $18–$28 | Sliding, downhill |
| Bones Swiss Ceramics | Ceramic | Swiss | $80–$120 | Speed, pro riders |
Beginners often start with Bones Reds. For sliding or downhill, Zealous is a good choice. If you want the fastest, smoothest ride and don’t mind spending more, Bones Swiss Ceramics are top-notch.
Non-obvious Insights For Beginners
Many new riders think tight wheel nuts help speed, but over-tightening can slow your wheels and damage bearings. Leave a tiny gap so wheels spin freely. Another tip: avoid using WD-40 as bearing oil. It’s not designed for skate bearings and can cause problems. Choose a proper bearing lubricant for best performance.
Also, cheap bearings often come pre-oiled with thick grease. Clean them and add a quality oil—your wheels will spin longer. Built-in bearings can save you money and time because you won’t need extra spacers or speed rings.
Bearing Myths
Some people believe higher ABEC means faster wheels. In reality, the best bearings are not always ABEC 9. Quality, materials, and design matter more than the rating. Another myth is that ceramic bearings are “unbreakable. ” They are tough, but not invincible.
If you drop your board or ride hard, even ceramics can crack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Are Longboard Bearings?
Longboard bearings use the 608 standard size, which is 8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer diameter, and 7mm width. This fits almost all longboard wheels.
How Often Should I Clean My Bearings?
It depends on where you ride. If you skate in dry, clean places, clean bearings every 2–3 months. If you ride in dirt or rain, check and clean every month.
Can I Use Skateboard Bearings For My Longboard?
Yes, most skateboard bearings fit longboard wheels because they use the same size. Some built-in longboard bearings have special spacers, but regular skateboard bearings work for most boards.
Do I Need Spacers For My Bearings?
Spacers help keep bearings aligned and prevent damage. Built-in bearings don’t need separate spacers. If your wheels wobble, adding spacers can help.
What’s The Difference Between Sealed And Shielded Bearings?
Sealed bearings have rubber covers to keep out water and dirt. Shielded bearings use metal shields, which are easier to remove for cleaning but don’t protect as well.
Longboard bearings are a small part of your setup, but they have a big impact on your ride. By understanding how they work, how to choose and care for them, and which brands offer the best value, you can make your longboarding smoother, faster, and safer.
Whether you’re cruising or racing, the right bearings will help you enjoy every mile.
