Ever feel like your skateboard is just… slow? Like it’s fighting you instead of gliding smoothly? That feeling often comes down to one small but super important part: your bearings. They’re the unsung heroes that let your wheels spin freely, and picking the wrong ones can make your shredding sessions feel like a chore.
Choosing the right bearings can be confusing. There are so many brands, numbers, and materials out there. You might wonder which ones will make you faster, which ones last longer, and which ones won’t break the bank. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and just pick whatever looks cool, but that might not give you the best ride.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what makes a good skateboard bearing. We’ll break down what all those numbers mean, explore different types of bearings, and help you find the perfect set to make your board feel brand new. Get ready to roll faster and smoother!
Our Top 5 Bearings For Skateboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bearings For Skateboards Detailed Reviews
1. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This pack gives you everything you need to upgrade your skateboard or roller skates. You’ll get eight high-quality bearings, plus spacers and washers to make sure everything fits perfectly. These are designed to help you skate better and longer.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean: The rubber shields pop right off. This makes cleaning a breeze and helps reduce friction so you can go faster.
- Super strong and fast: The high-speed Nylon ball retainer makes the balls stronger and helps you pick up speed.
- Ready to go: Each bearing is pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant. This means they are ready to perform right out of the box.
- Built to last: These bearings are “Skate Rated.” This means they are made with the best materials and have the right fit and smoothness for awesome performance and durability.
- Complete kit: The bundle includes four spacers and eight washers. This ensures a perfect setup for your wheels.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve for perfect installation: While the bundle includes everything, some beginners might need a quick tutorial on how to install the spacers and washers correctly for optimal performance.
This Bones Reds Bearings bundle is a fantastic way to boost your skating experience. You’ll notice the difference in speed and smoothness right away.
2. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings – Includes 8 Bearings and Bighead Sticker – Removable Black Shields – for All Types of Skateboarding – Fits All Trucks and Wheel Combos
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to shred with the Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings! These are not your average bearings. They’re a solid step up from the basic stuff, making them the new go-to for skaters who want better performance without breaking the bank. Approved by Spitfire for speed, these bearings are built to last and keep you rolling smoothly.
What We Like:
- Smooth Rolling: The durable cage and steel races make your wheels spin super smooth.
- Keeps Dirt Out: Removable black shields are great for stopping dirt and gunk from getting inside.
- Works with Everything: They’re the standard 608 size, so they fit almost any skateboard truck and wheel.
- Pro-Tested: The Spitfire pro team tested and approved these bearings.
- Bonus Sticker: You get a cool Spitfire Bighead sticker with your purchase.
- Ready to Roll: They come pre-lubricated, so you can put them in and go skating right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not Top-Tier: While great for the price, they might not offer the absolute fastest speed for advanced pros.
- Shields Can Be Lost: The removable shields are good for cleaning, but you need to be careful not to lose them.
If you’re looking for reliable, smooth-rolling bearings that won’t cost a fortune, the Spitfire Cheapshots are a fantastic choice. They’re ready to handle all kinds of skateboarding and will definitely boost your ride.
3. Premium 20Pcs 608rs Bearings Skateboard Bearings Longboard Bearings (8x22x7mm) for Skate Double Rubber Sealed Deep Groove
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your ride with this Premium 20Pcs 608rs Bearings set! These bearings are designed for skateboards and longboards, measuring 8x22x7mm. They feature double rubber seals and a deep groove design to keep dirt out and your ride smooth. Get ready for a faster, more enjoyable experience on your board.
What We Like:
- These bearings are made from high-quality materials. They meet international standards for high quality and speed. You’ll feel a smoother ride because of their low friction.
- The size is standard 608s (22mm outer, 7mm width, 8mm inner). This means they fit perfectly with most skateboard and longboard wheels. You get 20 bearings in a pack.
- They come pre-lubricated with a fast, high-speed lube. This reduces friction, giving you a super smooth and fast ride.
- Skater tested! A skate team tested these bearings to make sure they are the best.
- Friendly customer service is available. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can also check out their store for different color options to make your skateboard stand out.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bearings are pre-lubricated for speed, some riders might prefer to apply their own specific lubricant for longer-lasting performance or different riding conditions.
- The “Skater Tested” claim is great, but specific details about the testing conditions or results are not provided, which could add more credibility.
This bearing set offers a significant upgrade for your skateboarding adventures. They provide a smooth, fast ride and are built to last.
4. Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
The Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack offers skaters a fantastic way to upgrade their ride without breaking the bank. These bearings are designed to give you a smooth and fast experience on your skateboard. They are made with high-quality materials and built to last, making them a smart choice for anyone looking for great performance.
What We Like:
- They give you almost the same speed as expensive Bones Swiss bearings but cost much less.
- The rubber shield is easy to take off for cleaning, which helps keep your bearings running smoothly.
- A strong nylon ball holder keeps the balls in place and helps you go faster.
- They come already oiled with special Speed Cream to make them ready to roll right away.
- These bearings are built to the best standards for skateboarding, giving you top performance and durability.
- You get eight bearings, instructions, and a cool sticker in the pack.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are made to Bones Skate Rated specs, they are manufactured in China, which some skaters might have concerns about.
For skaters wanting a significant boost in performance and durability at an affordable price, the Bones REDS 8 Pack is an excellent option. They provide a top-notch skating experience that’s hard to beat for the cost.
5. SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings – Bearing Steel and Double Rubber Sealed Miniature Deep Groove Ball Bearings (8mm x 22mm x 7mm) (608 2RS)
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your equipment with the SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings. These miniature deep groove ball bearings are built with tough bearing steel and feature double rubber seals. They measure 8mm x 22mm x 7mm, making them a standard 608 2RS size.
What We Like:
- Made from strong bearing steel, these bearings are very hard and tough. This means they can handle heavy loads and last a long time.
- They are made with great care to be very precise. This helps them work smoothly and efficiently, even when carrying a lot of weight.
- These bearings are super useful for many small machines. Think skateboard wheels, inline skates, and even small electric motors.
- They have very little friction. This lets them spin easily with less effort, saving energy and making them last longer.
- The double rubber seals keep dirt and water out, protecting the bearings and helping them work better for longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are versatile, they are specifically designed for smaller applications. Larger or more demanding industrial uses might require different bearings.
These SHKI 608 2RS ball bearings offer excellent durability and smooth performance for a wide range of projects. They are a solid choice for anyone needing reliable miniature bearings.
Choosing the Right Bearings: Your Skateboard’s Best Friend
Your skateboard bearings are like the tiny engines that make your wheels spin. Without good ones, your ride will be slow and bumpy. Picking the right bearings can make a huge difference in how your skateboard feels and performs. This guide will help you find the perfect set.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for skateboard bearings, keep these important features in mind.
- ABEC Rating: This is a number (like 3, 5, 7, or 9) that tells you how precise the bearing is. Higher numbers mean more precise. For skateboarding, ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 are usually the best choices. They offer a good balance of speed and durability.
- Shields: Bearings have shields to keep dirt and dust out. Some bearings have metal shields, while others have rubber shields. Rubber shields are better at keeping out dirt and grime. They also help the bearing spin a bit smoother.
- Lubrication: Bearings come with either oil or grease inside. Oil usually makes bearings spin faster, but it can dry out quicker. Grease lasts longer and protects the bearing better, but it might slow things down a little.
Important Materials
The materials used in bearings affect how they perform and how long they last.
- Steel: Most skateboard bearings are made of steel. This is a strong and common material. High-quality steel is important for durability.
- Ceramic: Some high-end bearings use ceramic balls instead of steel. Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel. This can make them spin faster and last longer. They are also more resistant to heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a bearing great or not so great?
- Precision Manufacturing: Bearings made with great care and precision will spin smoother and faster. Poorly made bearings can be wobbly and slow.
- Dirt and Grime: Dirt is the enemy of bearings. It gets inside and slows them down. It can also cause them to wear out faster. Keeping your bearings clean is super important.
- Proper Maintenance: Cleaning and lubricating your bearings regularly will make them last much longer. If you don’t take care of them, they won’t perform well.
- Impact and Stress: Landing hard tricks or riding on rough surfaces puts a lot of stress on bearings. Stronger bearings can handle more stress.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do different bearings feel when you’re riding?
- Speed Demons: If you want to go really fast, look for bearings with smooth spinning and good lubrication. ABEC 7 or 9 bearings with oil are often good for speed.
- Street Cruisers: For everyday riding and street skating, durability is key. Bearings with good shields and grease will protect against dirt and last longer. ABEC 5 bearings are a solid choice.
- Tricks and Jumps: If you do a lot of tricks and jumps, you need bearings that can handle impact. Strong steel bearings or even ceramic bearings can be a good investment.
- Beginners: For those just starting out, a good set of ABEC 5 steel bearings is perfect. They offer a great mix of performance and value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Bearings
Q: What does ABEC mean?
A: ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It’s a standard that tells you how precise a bearing is. Higher numbers mean more precise.
Q: Do I need expensive bearings to skate well?
A: Not necessarily. Good quality ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 bearings will work great for most skaters. You don’t always need the most expensive ones.
Q: How often should I clean my bearings?
A: It depends on how much you skate and where. If you skate in dusty or wet conditions, you might need to clean them every month. If you skate on clean surfaces, maybe every few months.
Q: Can I wash my bearings with water?
A: It’s best not to use water. Water can cause rust. Use a bearing cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol instead.
Q: What are ceramic bearings?
A: Ceramic bearings have balls made of ceramic material instead of steel. They are lighter, spin faster, and can last longer than steel bearings.
Q: How do I know if my bearings are bad?
A: If your wheels don’t spin freely, or if you hear grinding noises, your bearings might be bad. They might also feel wobbly.
Q: Can I replace just one bearing?
A: You can, but it’s usually best to replace all four bearings on a skateboard at the same time. This ensures consistent performance.
Q: Do shields really make a difference?
A: Yes, shields help keep dirt and debris out of your bearings. This keeps them spinning smoothly and lasting longer.
Q: What’s the difference between oil and grease in bearings?
A: Oil usually makes bearings spin faster but dries out quicker. Grease lasts longer and offers more protection but might slow things down a bit.
Q: How do I put bearings in my skateboard wheels?
A: You usually press them into the wheel. Sometimes you might need a bearing press tool, but often you can use the truck axle to push them in.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.