Buying Guide: Skateboard Bearings
Skateboard bearings play an essential role in the smoothness of your ride, acceleration speed, and the overall durability of your setup. While the choice may seem technical, understanding the standards is key to avoiding unnecessary friction.
What are bearings for?
Each skateboard wheel houses two bearings, making a total of eight per complete skateboard. The quality of these components directly influences the retention of your speed and comfort during urban commutes or sessions on your trucks.
Understanding the ABEC standard and real-world performance
The ABEC standard measures industrial precision, but it's not the only performance criterion for skateboarding. That's why leaders like Bones Bearings or Bronson Speed Co. develop specific technologies that often surpass this classification.
Steel or ceramic bearings?
- Steel bearings: The standard for street. Robust, affordable, and easy to maintain, they are perfect for repeated impacts.
- Ceramic bearings: Designed for pure performance and speed, they resist heat and corrosion better. A premium choice for demanding riders in bowls or longboards.
Choose according to your practice
- Street: Prioritize robustness and ease of maintenance. Quality steel bearings (e.g., Mini Logo) often offer the best value for money.
- Skatepark & Bowl: Look for fluidity and immediate acceleration to maintain your speed in curves.
- Cruiser & Commuting: Speed retention is paramount. Opt for models well-protected from external dust.
Maintenance: the secret to longevity
Even the best models get dirty. To extend their life, disassemble them regularly and use a suitable skate tool to clean them. Applying a specific lubricant is essential after each cleaning to regain your original performance.
Essential references
At Independent Skateshop, we have selected the brands that advance technology:
- Bones Bearings: The pros' choice, a global benchmark in durability.
- Bronson Speed Co.: Innovation for pure speed.
- Independent: Legendary reliability adapted to all types of trucks.
- Mini Logo: Excellence at a tight price for intensive riders.
Need help? If you're building a new setup, don't forget to check the compatibility of your wheels and consult our other specialized buying guides to leave nothing to chance.