The best longboard bearings
Are you exhausted from replacing your longboard bearings after every ride?
Well, I have a perfect solution for you. But before we get there, what are longboard bearings? Longboard bearings are tiny ports that you attach to the wheels of a longboard to enable them to spin well. They enhance the wheels’ speed, rotation, and smoothness, allowing you to enjoy your ride.
Low-quality longboard bearings are disappointing. They get loose and lost, forcing you to purchase new ones often. Some are made from soft materials that cannot withstand weight or harsh climatic conditions. These bearings will also not give you value for your money.
The best longboard bearings offer you an extended service life. They are constructed from sturdy materials to withstand harsh conditions. Some are pre-greased to prevent friction which also causes an irritating noise. In addition, the best longboard bearings come with spacers to balance weight and offer a smooth turn when riding. It is essential to select affordable bearings to avoid financial strains.
Check out this list of the best longboard bearings that you will be happy to own for a long time.
Best overall
Bones Precision Skate Bearings
Bones Precision Skate Bearings
These bearings are constructed with durable yet affordable steel balls instead of expensive ceramics. You can clean them with acetone or soak them in Speed cream if they get stiff. They are an excellent choice for beginners in longboard riding.
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Bones bearings are our best overall pick for the best longboard bearing. The product package contains eight bearings (including washers and spacers), logo stickers and instructions. It is ideal for beginners due to its affordability and simplicity. The bearings have a long-range in every kick, making them reliable and smooth. They are easy to use since they are pre-lubed. Also, they are easy to clean due to their removable rubber shield, enhancing their durability by reducing friction.
You will notice that these bearings spin for an extended period when riding a longboard with heavier wheels. The 608 bearings have a 22mm diameter, 8mm width and 7mm width. Each bearing weighs 0.25 pounds and has a ball retainer made from nylon that enhances its strength. They are sturdy and durable, making them an excellent choice for riding heelflips or engaging in trick riding.
However, the bearings are slightly noisy, and they get dirty quickly. Even though they are easy to clean, you have to clean them often to enhance maintenance.
Best for speed
Yellow Jacket Stripes Premium Longboard Bearings
Yellow Jacket Stripes Premium Longboard Bearings
These roller bearings packages come with washers and spacers, enhancing performance, stability, and durability. They are affordable and attractive and come in different colors, including white lightning, black mamba, bomber blue, jungle green, racer red, tropical orange, and yellow jacket.
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Are you looking for the best bearings that are excellent for high speed? Well, I have a perfect recommendation for you. The Yellow Jacket are a high precision longboard bearings that work well at high rates. They are versatile, enabling you to use them on longboards, skateboards, electric skateboards and inline skates without any challenges. They reduce friction due to their pre-lubed feature and shield seals that lubricate the wheel and bearing.
The color of the bearings is engraved with bright colors enhancing protection from dust, dirt or rocks that could damage them while you ride. The engraving also enhances the durability and precision of the bearings. They have bearing spacers which make them easy to install and maintain. The bearings spin well and have an attractive appearance that blends well with your longboard. The bearings are hand-inspected, and the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if they do not satisfy your needs.
However, the bearings are not consistent in size. Some are smaller, tighter and make more noise than the others.
Best premium
Bones Ceramic Precision Skate Bearings
Bones Ceramic Precision Skate Bearings
These bearings have an excellent spinning ability. They are top-notch bearings that are waterproof, affordable, and durable, making them ideal for your longboard.
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Bones Ceramic Super Reds skateboard bearings are high-quality, light, and smooth bearings that enhance your longboarding experience. The bearings are long-lasting, enabling you to realize value for your money. They have a standard 608 bearing size with a 22mm outer diameter, 7mm width, and 8mm inner diameter. They are pre-lubricated, making them an excellent choice for beginners and professionals. The product also has a removable rubber shield that reduces friction and makes the bearings easy to clean and maintain.
Many customers appreciate the bearing’s waterproof feature that prevents it from rusting when exposed to harsh climatic conditions. They are constructed with hard ceramic material and offer a longer service life than steel balls. The bearings are made in China. They are affordable, silent, and tight for a steady street experience.
However, the bearings don’t come with spacers that help weight distribution and stability. Also, it would be best if you lubed them often to prevent them from sticking or being corroded.
Best affordable
Zealous Skateboards & Longboards Bearings
Zealous Skateboards & Longboards Bearings
The bearings are resistant to water, preventing them from rusting. They are affordable, stay clean and offer a smooth ride.
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Are you shopping for the best bearings for your longboard on a budget? Zealous bearings are affordable bearings that do not compromise on quality. They have green rubber seals that keep off debris and dirt. The bearings have 8mm precise axle holes with 0.5mm speed rings. The speed rings are mounted on the different sides of the wheel to prevent friction on the truck or axle nut. The rings are inbuilt to prevent loss common with removable ones. They are pre-lubed with Archoil Nanoceramic Grease that keeps it lubricated to function effectively.
The 608 bearings are easy to install, clean and maintain, making them ideal for all longboards. They do not make noise, and they roll quickly, enabling you to enjoy downhill riding. The ball bearings are constructed from sturdy and durable alloy steel with extended service life. However, the bearings also have a disadvantage. Their wheels are heavier, making them less fast compared to ceramics.
Best ease of clean
Fireball Dragon Firecely Precise Skate Bearings
Fireball Dragon Firecely Precise Skate Bearings
The bearings are fast, quiet and easy to clean to give you value for your money. In addition, they are nearly waterproof, affordable and have a long service life.
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The Fireball Dragon bearings have a simple installation process that will save you time compared to other traditional bearings. They have an excellent bearing movement enabling them to align perfectly when riding your longboard. The products have built-in rings and spacers, making them easy to clean and maintain. They have labyrinth seals that keep off debris and dirt, improving their performance by 50%. The bearings are also pre-lubricated for durability and enhanced performance.
Fireball bearings use ENDURE grease that lasts for an extended period and withstands all climatic conditions. It comes with a nylon ball cage that enables it to run smoothly without getting stuck. The eight pack 608 bearings are sufficient for the four longboard wheels, so you do not have to purchase numerous packages. Each bearing has a 22mm outer diameter, 7mm width and 8mm inner diameter. However, it would be best to break the bearings to prevent them from being sluggish.
Best for smooth ride
Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings
Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings
These bearings have excellent spinning power enabling you to ride at your desired speed. They are sturdy and waterproof, making them ideal for different climatic conditions.
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A smooth ride enhances your longboarding experience. The Bones Super Swiss bearings are ideal for smooth rides due to their unique ball bearing design. The bearings have six large balls for increased speed and acceleration. They are light, solid and have a long service life to save you money. The bearings’ removable rubber shield reduces friction and makes the product easy to clean. They are pre-lubricated with the speed cream lubricant to protect them from rusting, which reduces their durability.
The bearings’ dimensions are 4 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches. It is manufactured in China, and they offer a lifetime warranty to protect you from manufacturing defects. They are high-quality, affordable bearings, and their ease of use makes them ideal for various longboards. The bearings are constructed from durable alloy steel, enabling them to withstand harsh climatic conditions. But these bearings don’t come with spacers. It would be best if they did since the spacers would help in weight distribution to enhance stability.
Best smooth & quiet
Heady Shake Pro Longboard Bearings
Heady Shake Pro Longboard Bearings
These bearings are made from high-quality nylon, titanium, and steel. The materials are durable to offer you an extended service. The bearings are easy to install and affordable, making them excellent for beginners and professionals.
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Nothing irritates the ears like the loud noise produced by longboard bearings. That is why I recommend the Heady Shake Pro Bearings. These bearings are pre-lubricated to offer a fast, silent, and smooth ride. They have a high rotation speed allowing you to ride at high speeds and win competitions. The bearings are versatile, and you can use them on longboards, skateboards, roller skates, and kick scooters. The package contains eight pieces suitable for each side of four longboard wheels.
These bearings come with spacers which you mount on each wheel to balance your weight and make smooth turns while riding. They have excellent craftsmanship that guarantees your satisfaction. The product also comes with a money-back guarantee, enabling you to get a refund if the product does not perform as expected. However, some customers have expressed that the bearings get loose after frequent uses, and you need to tighten them for better stability.
What to look for in good longboard bearings
It isn’t easy to choose the best longboard bearing if you are not aware of what to look for while shopping. The following guide will help you make the best choice. Here is what you need to consider:
Spacers & washers
You need to check if the bearings come with spacers and washers, also called speed rings. Speed rings are washers that you install on the sides of the wheels to reduce friction as you ride. They are also essential in balancing weight and ensuring smooth rotations to prevent the bearings’ over-dependence on wheel hubs. In addition, they ensure the bearings are tight even when riding through rough terrain. It is essential also to consider the size of the spacer. I recommend selecting a 1/2-inch spacer since it is compatible with most longboards.
Lubrication
There are a variety of lubricants in the market that are suitable for your longboard bearings. However, you need to select an oil that will not slow your wheels or enhance friction. The best bearings are pre-lubricated when you purchase them to save you the hassle of choosing a lubricant from scratch. You can buy similar lubrication for your bearings for consequent applications.
Bearing load capacity
Each bearing has a load capacity. A load capacity is a maximum weight that a bearing can handle. If the weight exceeds the bearing load capacity, the bearing is likely to get destroyed since it cannot withstand the weight.
Ball material
Different manufacturers produce bearings constructed from varying materials. The material used to make the ball bearing determines how long it will last. The material also determines the precision and speed of the longboard. Steel is one of the best materials used to manufacture ball bearings.
Ball bearings made from steel are resistant to cracking, affordable and durable. They are sturdy to withstand heavyweight and harsh climatic conditions. Other bearings are made from a ceramic material that is heat resistant. However, ceramic bearings are more expensive compared to steel ones. Therefore, depending on your preference, performance and value, you can select a ball made from a material that suits your needs.
Number of bearings in the pack
The number of bearings in a pack differs depending on the brand. Some packages come with six bearings, while others have up to eight. It is best to select a package with suitable bearings for all the longboard wheels. When all the wheels are secure, your longboard can move at high speed and have more stability. You can also ride on rough paths and turn on bends without challenges.
Rotational speed
Rotational speed refers to the number of times a bearing can rotate in a specific time. The best bearing should have a high rotational speed to enable you to ride your longboard at high speeds. If you select a bearing whose rotational speed is low, it will not be able to move fast. Low rotational speed bearings are best for beginners who are learning the tricks of the sport.
Parts of the bearings
It is essential to understand and check the various parts of bearings to ensure that they are all well designed before you buy them. Bearings have different pieces, including the balls, shields, outer ring, inner ring and the ball retainer. All these parts contribute to the proper functioning of the bearing, without which the bearing will not work.
The balls are the essential part of the bearings that roll as the wheels move. They are made from different materials, including ceramic and steel. Shields protect the bearings from dirt that would interfere with their performance. It also keeps the lubricant inside the bearing to facilitate smooth wheel rotations. The ball retainers ensure even spaces between the balls.
FAQ
Can ball bearings rust?
Rusting occurs depending on the construction material. Bearings constructed from steel will rust when exposed to water. However, those made from ceramics or stainless steel are rust-resistant. Stainless steel bearings can only rust if they have a low steel grade and they get exposed to corrosive substances like acids and saltwater. Ceramic bearings can withstand harsh conditions without rusting.
Which is the best lubricant for bearings?
There are various lubricants, and you select which one to use depending on your bearings. If your bearings came pre-lubed, it is best to purchase the same oil to reduce bearing friction. If it was not pre-lubed, you could use some of the best lubricants from the automotive industry or food-grade lubricants. It all depends on your preference and your bearings.
What is the ABEC rating system?
The Annular Bearing Engineers Committee (ABEC) is a committee that sets the bearing standards. ABEC measures your longboard wheels tolerance. The rating system uses machine bearings instead of longboard/springboard bearings. It is a measure that corresponds to the revolution speed of a bearing per minute. For example, if the ABEC rating is high, the revolution speed of the wheels per minute will also be increased. However, it has been argued that the ABEC rating differs depending on various factors, and some top-notch companies do not use it.
