Best Bearings for Cruising of 2024

best skateboard bearings for beginners

Looking for an exhilarating experience on your skateboard? Nothing beats the freedom and speed it provides! However, after several months or years of use, your bearings may start losing their effectiveness, and it’s wise to replace them. The good news is that changing your bearings is an easy task that anyone can do.

Before you begin, it’s important to choose the right bearings for your skateboard. To do this, consider the axial load, which is parallel to the axis of rotation, and the radial load, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Rather than basing your choice on price, ABEC rating, or packaging, it’s best to seek advice on which brand and type of bearing will suit your needs. While Bones is a well-known brand, there are other big brand options like Diamond Supply Co, Spitfire, and Shake Junot.

best bearings for cruising skateboard

When considering other brands for your skateboard bearings, it’s important to be cautious and not solely rely on packaging. Some brands may sell the same bearings but in different packaging designs.

If you’re still deciding on which skateboard to purchase and want a recommendation, I suggest looking at models from reputable brands such as Bones, Spitfire, or Oldboy. These brands are recognized as some of the best manufacturers in the global market.

PRODUCTINFORMATIONPRICE
BONES Reds Skateboard Bearings (2)

BONES
Material: Alloy Steel
Weight: 0.22 Pounds
Size: One size
OLDBOY Premium Ceramic Skateboard Bearings (2)

OLDBOY
Material: Alloy Steel, Ceramic, Metal
Weight: 0.22 Pounds
Size: Regular
SPITFIRE Skateboard Burner Bearings (2)

SPITFIRE
Material: Alloy Steel
Weight: 0.24 Pounds
Size: One size
FUSHIBEARING 8 Pieces Ball Bearings (2)

FUSHIBEARING
Material: Chromium steel
Weight: 0.22 Pounds
Size: One size
DONEPART 20 Pcs Skateboard Bearings (2)

DONEPART
Material: Rubber and Steel
Weight: 0.52 Pounds
Size: One size

BONES Reds Skateboard Bearings

The Bones brand is known for producing high-quality, durable materials that perform exceptionally well. Having tested their skateboard bearings, I’m convinced of their quality and performance. These bearings have a removable rubber shield that can be removed without coming into contact with the bearing.

BONES Reds Skateboard Bearings (2)

One of their key features is the removable top-speed nylon ball cage. They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, providing a smoother ride and less noise. They are suitable for all wheel sizes and are easy to clean and lubricate. Plus, they come with a free sticker for skateboard enthusiasts.

Red skateboard bearings are among the strongest on the market, providing exceptional quality and a noise-free ride for maximum comfort. Bones is a top-performing brand for quality, and these bearings are no exception. I highly recommend them for their durability and superior ride on a skateboard.

PROS

Longer life
Excellent value

CONS

No drawbacks noted so far

OLDBOY Premium Ceramic Skateboard Bearings

Oldboys is a brand known for producing bearings with excellent lubrication, resulting in a smoother ride that lasts longer. They also reduce friction and limit wear caused by high speeds.

OLDBOY Premium Ceramic Skateboard Bearings (2)

For extreme sports and stunts enthusiasts, I highly recommend Oldboys ceramic bearings. These wheels can handle high speeds and are made with a chrome ring containing 7 polished, indestructible, white ceramic balls held in a waterproof nylon cage.

These bearings are strong, durable, and can withstand shocks better than metal bearings, while also lasting longer and being easy to maintain. They minimize friction for a smoother glide, increase the bearing’s lifespan by reducing wear, and support high speeds.

Oldboys bearings are of top quality, with a smooth glide that lasts even after months of intense practice. Plus, you get a skateboard sticker in the box as a bonus.

PROS

Good lubrication
Ceramic bearings for more quality

CONS

The price is a bit high

SPITFIRE Skateboard Burner Bearings

Spitfire bearings are crafted with steel cages and balls, and their shields are made of a slightly rubberized material that provides waterproofing. These bearings are suitable for all wheel sizes, offer a smooth glide, and do not make noise. They can withstand shocks and high speeds, maintaining their quality over time.

SPITFIRE Skateboard Burner Bearings (2)

Each box contains 8 ABEC 7 bearings that retain their quality even after 5 months of use. They still run smoothly and quietly, making them a reliable choice. Spitfire bearings are affordable compared to other brands, but it’s important to clean and maintain them to preserve their quality.

PROS

Resistant, withstand shocks
Long life expectancy

CONS

Makes noise if we don’t take care of it

FUSHIBEARING 8 Pieces Ball Bearings

These ABEC-9 skate bearings offer high speed, low noise, and reduced friction. Made entirely of steel, they are durable and long-lasting. They can be used for skateboards, inline skates, or scooters. The non-contact and removable rubber shield makes cleaning easy and helps preserve bearing lubrication.

FUSHIBEARING 8 Pieces Ball Bearings (2)

These bearings are made from steel and plastic, providing good impact resistance and maximum bearing protection. I highly recommend these bearings as they are well lubricated, resistant, and easy to maintain. They are also affordable for their quality.

PROS

Increased speed and life
Good protection thanks to shields

CONS

Can wear out quickly without maintenance

DONEPART 20 Pcs Skateboard Bearings

This 608ZZ ball bearing is designed for high speed with minimal noise. Its metal shield protects the ball from dust and preserves the lubrication inside the bearing.

DONEPART 20 Pcs Skateboard Bearings (2)

Made of ABB-5 608ZZ steel, it minimizes friction and increases speed. It is suitable for all types of boards and industrial machines due to its universal size. The bearings are built for durability and affordability.

Despite being the cheapest on the market, these bearings are of high quality. They are sturdy, the size is perfect, and the lubrication is good. I recommend them to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option.

PROS

Unbeatable price
Dust protection and lubrication for more quality

CONS

Maybe too greasy for some

BEST SKATEBOARD BEARINGS BUYING GUIDE

Ball bearings are an essential component of skateboards and other similar boards. They consist of a ring, typically made of steel, that houses six small balls. The outer ring of the bearing is in contact with the inside of the wheel, while the small steel balls rotate inside the bearing against the inner wall. The bearing inner race is the cage with the balls, which is in contact with both the balls and the axis of the skateboard truck.

While fitting a bearing may seem difficult at first, it is not a complex task that only professionals can perform. Following some simple steps, anyone can assemble their bearings like a pro. It is important to remember that bearings are precision mechanical parts that can only roll properly if they are airtight and the balls are not damaged or subjected to strong pressure. Therefore, care must be taken during the installation process to avoid damaging them.

To preserve your bearings, it is advisable to use professional tools for assembly. This investment may seem expensive at first, but it is worth it to avoid damaging your bearings and potentially over-spending in the long run.

best bearings

TAKE OUT THE OLD BEARINGS

Replacing old bearings is a simple process, but it requires some care to avoid damaging the bearing or the wheel. The first step is to remove the old bearings. To do this, apply pressure evenly on the outer ring using a tool like a screwdriver. Apply lateral force to dislodge the bearing gradually from the wheel.

Once the old bearing is removed, it’s time to fit the new one. Begin by positioning the bearing in the right direction on the truck axle, and then thread the wheel on the same truck axle. Apply even pressure on the wheel to ensure the bearing sinks gradually into the wheel. Repeat this process about eight times to ensure the bearing seats correctly. Press the inner ring with both hands to avoid damaging the bearing. If the bearings are too tight, use rubber seals on both sides of the bearings to distribute the pressure and reduce the risk of damage.

After integrating the bearing into the wheel, put the bolt back on and tighten it with a cricket wrench. Make sure to leave some space between the bolt and the bearing to avoid any pressure on the bearing.

best skateboard bearings for cruising

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SKATE BEARINGS?

Are you looking to improve your skateboarding experience? If so, it’s important to take good care of your bearings. Even if you have high-quality bearings, they will eventually need maintenance and replacement. To avoid premature wear and tear, it’s important to protect your skateboard from moisture and dust. Don’t leave it outside in the rain, store it in a dusty area, or let it sit unused for too long.

To keep your bearings in good condition, it’s important to clean and dry them thoroughly. Use a degreaser to remove any dirt and grime. If your bearings need to be disassembled, carefully remove the cage and balls. After cleaning, you can lubricate your bearings to improve their performance. Remember, regular maintenance can help extend the life of your skate bearings and keep you rolling smoothly.

How to Lubricate Your Skateboard Bearings?

To lubricate your skateboard bearings, start by cleaning any dirt or debris from the outside of the bearings. Then, remove the flanges and clean the inside of the bearings. You may need to remove the cage and balls to thoroughly clean the bearing.

Once the bearings are clean, apply lubricant to the inside of the bearing. Be sure to lubricate your bearings regularly to prevent rust.

If you have disassembled the bearings, soak them in a cleaning solution and then dry them before reassembling them. Remember to reinstall all the components after lubricating them.

HOW TO WASH YOUR SKATE BEARINGS?

Cleaning your skate bearings is an important step before lubrication. The first step is to remove the flanges and clean the outside of the bearings. Then, separate the cage and balls before soaking them in a cleaning solution. It’s best to use a metal container and avoid glass or plastic. After cleaning, remember to lubricate the bearings before reinstalling the flanges.

When choosing a cleaning solution, use denatured alcohol, acetone, or isopropanol. You can also use an engine cleaner, but avoid diesel, kerosene, turpentine, and petroleum derivatives.

If the bearing is in poor condition and difficult to take apart, it’s best to replace it with a new one.

best skateboard bearings for speed

Top Skate Bearing Brands

There are many brands that offer skate bearings in the market. However, the most renowned brand in this category is Bones Bearings. This brand is solely dedicated to producing high-quality skate bearings, and it has earned a reputation for being the best. Bones Bearings offer a vast range of bearings suitable for all budgets. You can find various models and series of Bones Bearings in skate shops or online.

Bones Skate Bearings

Bones Bearings are the most sought-after and popular products in the market. They are highly rated for their quality and effectiveness by customers. These bearings meet the “Skate Rated” standards, which is equivalent to ABEC 5 standard. They are three times more durable than bearings of the same range. Additionally, Bones also offer customized models, tailor-made for all types of machines requiring bearings.

Spitfire Skate Bearings

Spitfire Burners is another brand that provides high-quality bearings. All its bearings meet ABEC 7 and ABEC 5 standards. The brand mainly offers bearings for street skateboards, including many eight-piece bearings suitable for skateparks. Spitfire is part of the Deluxe Distribution group and specializes in designing and manufacturing skate wheels and bearings. The brand is known for its value for money products.

Oldboy Skate Bearings

Oldboy is an American brand that produces skate, wheel, and roller bearings. It is well-known for its excellent quality, durable, and resilient products. Oldboy’s innovative approach to the sector and customer service has made it one of the most popular brands in the market. Besides producing skateboard items, Oldboy also designs urban outfits such as caps and t-shirts.

WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR SKATE BEARINGS?

Determining when it’s time to change your skate bearings depends on usage conditions. Typically, bearings can last between 150,000 km to 200,000 km. However, if you’re unsure of the mileage on your skateboard, you can check by tipping it over and spinning the wheels. If you feel vibrations or hear muffled noises, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace the bearings. This is an important reminder to ensure your safety and prevent accidents.

best bearings for longboards

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKATE BEARINGS

Skate bearings come in different types including ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and needle bearings. The choice of bearings depends on the intended use of the Skateboard. For street park tricks, ball bearings are the most popular as they are efficient and durable. For high-quality and strong Skateboards, cylindrical roller bearings are suitable. Street cruiser bearings are ideal for those who prefer more movement on their Skateboard. Tapered bearings, on the other hand, are practical and support heavy loads, allowing for increased speed and acceleration on-ramps.

Hi, I’m Jason Tie

I have been passionate about electric scooters and bicycles since they came on the market, but I really took to skateboarding when I was young.

I started with the skateboard at 7 years old when my dad taught me how to ride. Since then, I have mostly owned freestyle skates and longboards- even if they were difficult for some people in our town.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *