Are you in the market for a new set of skateboard bearings?
If you're looking for the best skateboard bearings on the market, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top brands and give you our opinion on each one.
We'll also provide you with some tips on how to choose the right set of new bearings for your needs.
Skateboarding is a lot more fun when your board is rolling smoothly. That's why it's important to choose the right set of new bearings.
There's a crap-ton of different brands and styles available, it can be near impossible to decide which ones are right for you. Especially on Amazon. But don't worry - Skate Nerd has your back!
"No Name" Skateboard Bearings
We will never recommend any bearings (or any other skateboard products) that are "no name" or an "amazon brand", unless we absolutely think they'll be of quality. You won't see any in this article, because we've never heard of them or they have not been properly vetted.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Best Overall - Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
- Next Best - BRONSON SPEED CO. G3 Skateboard Bearings
- Skater Favorite - Bones REDS Bearings 8 pk w/ Spacers & Washers Bundle
- Best For Beginners - Bones Super REDS Skateboard Bearings
- Best Bang For Your Buck - Spitfire Cheapshots Pack of 8 Bearings
- Best All Terrain - BRONSON SPEED CO. G2 Skateboard Bearings
- Crowd Pleaser - Hard Luck MFG Six Ball Speed Precision Black Skateboard Bearings
- Splurge Worthy - Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings
Do Skateboard Bearings Matter
Yes! Premium bearings over cheaper bearings make a significant difference in the overall performance of a skateboard.
Cheap bearings tend to wear out more quickly and can be more difficult to roll. A crappy bearing can also make noise while skating, which can be annoying. Trust me, I've been there.
Good quality bearings, on the other hand, will last longer and provide a smoother ride. So if you want to cruise on your skateboard with no issues, it’s important to use quality bearings.
What Is An ABEC Rating
ABEC ratings are a measure of the accuracy of the bearings in a bearing assembly. The higher the ABEC rating, the more accurate and precise the bearings will be.
ABEC ratings are determined by testing the tolerances of the bearings in an assembly. The tighter the tolerances, the higher the ABEC rating.
How We Choose The Best Skateboard Bearings
If you're new to skateboarding, it can be difficult to know which skateboard bearings are worthy of going in your wheels. Not to mention that there are so many different bearing brands out there.
At Skate Nerd we've actually skated and tested most of the skateboard bearings on this list. Our reviews are a culmination of 30+ years of personal and professional experience, as well as reading through and analyzing the thousands of consumer reviews out there.
#1 Best Overall
Our Thoughts
There's a saying in skateboarding that goes: "Having a set of bones swiss bearings is better than a handful of gold."
They are a bit expensive, but if you ask me they are well worth the money spent. There are other great bearings out there, but out of all the bearings, I have yet to find a set that beats out Bones Swiss.
My last set of (Swiss) Bones bearings lasted me almost 10 years. The more dirt and water I skated through the better they got.
The only reason I eventually replaced them is because Chris Joslin was kind enough to gift me a brand new set. I was very thankful because people don't just give these away very often.
The Details
Bones Swiss bearings integrate an innovative single, removable, non-contact rubber bearing shields and high speed nylon ball retainer for maximum strength and unprecedented speed.
To ensure optimum performance and durability of bones swiss bearings, they are crafted with Skate Rated clearances, tolerances and materials. Further, for an even smoother ride, bones swiss bearings have been pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream lubricant to decrease friction.
If you grab a set of these, which you should by the way, just remember to take off the shields and you'll be good to go for the long haul.
#2 Next Best
Our Thoughts
Bronson is probably the youngest brand of the bunch mentioned here. And although the newest, they offer superior quality than their counterparts of the same age. Which is why they get the nod of Next Best on our list.
The G3's offer a super fast and durable bearing that'll last. A little dirt won't hurt them, just be sure to give them some friendly maintenance when needed.
Overall, if you're looking for a quality set of bearings that won't give you any trouble, Bronson's G3's will provide you with just that.
The Details
Bronson Speed Co G3 Skateboard Bearings are designed to offer superior performance. These bearings feature deep groove raceways, allowing the balls to roll deep in raceway channels resulting in reduced side impact damage and breakage.
The straight edge frictionless bearing shields pop off resistant so they can hold oil in, keeping dirt and moisture out while still being easy to clean. Micro groove raceway surfaces leverage linear microgroove surfaces to improve bearing lubrication, speed and spin.
Bronson's max impact cage design utilizes a custom cage that keeps the balls perfectly spaced and circulating oil efficiently.
Finally, Bronson's balls out technology eliminates shield and cage contact on impact providing a go fast, stay fast bearing that you can depend on.
#3 Skater Favorite
Our Thoughts
Since Bones Swiss are so hard to come by, most settle for its little brother Bones REDS. And I don't mean settle in a bad way, because these are some damn good bearings.
Most people I skate with (including the pros) skate Bones REDS on the regular. Bones bearings really are the gold standard of skate bearings and will last the average skater for at least a solid year.
If you're looking for a good set of bearings and want the Bones name without spending an arm and a leg, these will be perfect for you.
The Details
Bones REDS Bearings are the bestselling skate bearing brand in the USA. They are designed with superior performance and durability in mind and feature a single, non-contact, removable rubber shield that reduces friction while making them easier to clean.
Bones REDS Bearings also have a high speed nylon ball retainer which ensures greater strength and protection of the bearings.
Overall, Bones REDS Bearings provide an unbeatable combination of value and performance that all skateboarders will love and appreciate.
#4 Best For Beginners
Our Thoughts
You can't mention Bones without talking about the Super REDS. Not quite Bones Swiss, but a tick above the regular Bones REDS.
Another great set of bearings in the Bones family. Slightly more spendy than your average set of bearings, but will last you longer that the average bearings which supports the extra cost.
If I didn't have a way to get another set of Swiss, I would most likely try and get my hands on some Super REDS!
The Details
Super REDS are designed with higher quality steel, better quality and grade balls, and a superior surface finish that ensures maximum performance. They are also equipped with a single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for extra protection as well as reduced friction while you're skating.
Additionally, they feature a high speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed so riders can reach top speeds fast and safe. To make sure all Bones SUPER REDS Bearings operate at full capacity each one is pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream racing lubricant.
Bones SUPER REDS have also been "Skate Rated" which means that their clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant all meet Bones Skateboard's strict specifications to guarantee the best possible performance in terms of speed and durability.
#5 Best Bang For Your Buck
Our Thoughts
Spitfire is obviously an iconic skateboard brand known for making amazing skateboard wheels like the Formula Fours and Classics. But how do their bearings compare?
Just because they're cheap doesn't mean they're sh*t. Now I wouldn't expect them do last forever like Bones Swiss, but they'll definitely hold up to some heavy skating.
For the price, you'll definitely get your monies worth and more. For that reason, these will be the best bang for your buck. If you're ballin' on a budget, give the Spitfire Cheapshots a go!
The Details
Spitfire's Cheapshots feature steel bearings with an Abec 3 rating. They include black removable shields and they provide a medium amount of speed while still retaining great control.
Comes in a set of 8, with no bearing spacers included. These are your traditional generic skate bearings with a brand name attached to it.
#6 Best All Terrain
Our Thoughts
Bones have been my go-to skate bearings for many years, so I was looking forward to the challenge of Bronson Speed Co. G2's. To my pleasant surprise, I instantly noticed a significant difference in speed and feel with the G2's.
The ceramic balls helped reduce friction, resulting in a smoother, quieter and faster ride! After trying out Bronson’s G2s, I was also intrigured by their durability and wear resistance, although further testing is still needed to prove this claim.
All things considered though, Bronson G2's are really impressive steel bearings and they deserve more recognition in the skating world.
The Details
The Bronson G2 deep groove raceways are designed to improve the performance by keeping out dust and other potential contaminants while simultaneously eliminating friction where possible.
The combination of these two features enables the bearings to roll faster and more efficiently than ever before.
In addition, Bronson Speed Co. G2 makes use of high speed ceramic oil in its deep groove raceways, a material that helps reduce wear and corrosion on bearings when cruising at faster speeds. This ultimately improves the longevity of the bearings.
#7 Crowd Pleaser
Our Thoughts
Hard Luck bearings are definitely the crowd pleaser of the bunch. When Hard Luck first launched their bearings they came out swinging.
They put together an enormous team of some of the coolest skateboarders that made them instantly credible. Their team was dubbed as #teamgofast and their Six Ball bearings are no exception!
I've had many sets of these steel bearings over the course of my skating days (lucky enough to know the owner) and they were always of quality with no issues.
The Details
Hard Luck Bearings are the best way to get some serious speed on your wheels.
With an industry standard size of 608, Hard Luck Bearings come with an 8mm core, 22mm outer diameter, and 7mm width for maximum precision and performance.
And since Hard Luck Bearings are pre-lubricated, you can expect your ride to be smooth and fast without the need of steel bearing spacers.
#8 Splurge Worthy
Our Thoughts
I know what you're thinking, "not another one from Bones". But yes, introducing Bones Swiss Ceramic Skateboard Bearings.
These ceramic bearings are best for skateboarders traveling at high speeds. Most notably, these are best for downhill longboarding.
Any longboarder looking for a set of longboard bearings that can handle the speed of flying downhill will appreciate the durability of Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings!
The Details
Bones Swiss Ceramics are must-have longboard bearings for those looking to get the most out of their downhill skating, no matter the conditions. These superior ceramic bearings provide incredible acceleration, rolling speed and distance, as well as greater resistance to dirt and moisture damage.
Not only that, Bones Swiss Ceramics also help repair potential damages caused by dirt with its non-contact, removable rubber shields – making it easier than ever to maintain cleanliness and performance.
Additionally, Bones Swiss Ceramics features a high speed nylon ball retainer for increased strength and speed that further optimizes your downhill experience no matter what you put it up against.
Skateboard Bearing Maintenance
There are a few key things to remember in order to keep your skateboard bearings in good condition.
First and foremost, always make sure they're properly lubricated. You can do this by using a quality bearing lube or by spraying some WD-40 into the ball bearings.
Second, keep them clean. Use a brush or rag to wipe away any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
Finally, avoid skating in wet areas and don't submerge them in water. This will cause the metal parts to rust and the bearing will eventually fail.
Following these simple tips should help you maintain your skateboard bearings for a long time!
Best Skateboard Bearings For You
All in all, there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right skateboard bearings. It depends on your budget, if your park skating or street skating, ceramic bearings or steel bearings, and how often you’ll be skateboarding.
You've now been completely educated in all the different brands of skateboard bearings and their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about which skateboard bearings fit your needs and your skateboard wheels.
Click or tap the buttons to check the price on the best skateboard bearings for you.
RECAP
- Best Overall - Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
- Next Best - BRONSON SPEED CO. G3 Skateboard Bearings
- Skater Favorite - Bones REDS Bearings 8 pk w/ Spacers & Washers Bundle
- Best For Beginners - Bones Super REDS Skateboard Bearings
- Best Bang For Your Buck - Spitfire Cheapshots Pack of 8 Bearings
- Best All Terrain - BRONSON SPEED CO. G2 Skateboard Bearings
- Crowd Pleaser - Hard Luck MFG Six Ball Speed Precision Black Skateboard Bearings
- Splurge Worthy - Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings
Skateboard Bearings FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best skateboard bearings:
What bearings do pro skaters use?
Pro skaters use a wide range of skateboard bearings. They usually skate the bearings of the company in which they are sponsored by.
Top skateboard bearing companies include Bones, Bronson, Hard Luck, and Spitfire. There are many other companies but these are the most popular, Bones being the most well known.
How tight should your wheels and bearings be on the truck axle?
It should be tight but leave some space between the axle nut and the bearings. If you over tighten the axle nut, you could potentially damage the bearing itself. Even with spacers, make sure your axle nuts aren't too tight.
What is the highest ABEC rating?
ABEC ratings are standardized measures of the precision of bearings. The higher the rating, the more accurate the bearing.
ABEC ratings only apply to ball bearings and roller bearings. The highest rating is ABEC-9. Many skateboarders believe that an ABEC-9 bearing is necessary for skateboarding because it results in a smoother ride.
In my opinion, most skateboarders do not need anything more than an ABEC-5 or -7 rating. Higher-rated bearings are generally more expensive and offer no performance improvement for most people.
Are ABEC 7 bearings fast?
First off, this will hugely depend on the brand and the quality of their bearings. However, in general, ABEC 7 bearings will be faster than ABEC 5 and so on.
The higher the ABEC rating of a bearing, the more accurately it is manufactured and the better its quality. This results in a bearing with less friction and that is able to rotate faster.
What are the inner and outer races of new bearings?
The inner races are the inner rings of bearings. The outer races are the outer rings of bearings.
Are expensive skate bearings worth it?
This question is subjective, but in general a more expensive skate bearing is usually worth it.
It also depends on what you're looking for in a skate bearing. Some bearings are designed for speed, while others are designed for durability. Generally speaking, the more expensive a bearing is, the better it will be at performing either one or both of those functions.
If you're looking for a bearing that will provide you with the best possible performance, then an expensive option is probably worth your money.
However, if you're just looking for something that will last long and not cost a lot of money, then there are cheaper options available that will do the job just fine.
How long do skate bearings last?
This will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the bearings, how often they are used, and the conditions in which they are used.
Generally speaking, however, the average high-quality skateboard bearing should last for between six and twelve months with moderate use.
There are also ways to maintain your bearings that will help them last much longer.
How do I know if my skate bearings are good?
There are a few things you can do to test your skate bearings and see if they're still in good condition.
The easiest method is to just spin the wheels and listen to its sound and speed. If you hear a high-pitched sound, the bearing is probably still in good shape.
But if you hear or grinding rusty noise, that means the bearing is starting to wear down and will need to be replaced or cleaned soon.
How often should I lube my bearings?
It depends. If you have high quality bearings and your not skating super dirty places, lube isn't really necessary.
However, if you feel or hear a noticeable difference in your bearings performance, you can clean and lube up your speed rings as often as you'd like to.
Are Bones Swiss bearings worth it?
If you've read the entire article, then you likely already know my answer. Yes! Bones Swiss bearings are definitely worth the price.
They're some of the best bearings on the market and can last up to twice as long as other bearings. They're also very smooth and don't require much maintenance. So if you're looking for a quality set of bearings, Bones Swiss Bearings are definitely the way to go.
Are bearing spacers necessary for bearings?
There could probably be an entire article about this subject. Half of skater use skate bearing spacers and the other half doesn't. But they are in fact helpful, just not necessary.
Are Spitfire bearings good?
Spitfire is a reputable brand that is mainly known for their incredible skateboard wheels, but they also make a decent set of bearings that are also very affordable.
Are titanium bearings any good?
Titanium is 10 times stronger than steel, however, in my experience I have not noticed a difference in quality with titanium bearings over other steel bearings. To answer the question, yes I think they are good. But are titanium bearings worth it, I don't know yet.
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