Skateboard bearings are the small circular devices that allow your wheels to roll, and will determine how fast and smoothly they rotate. Skate bearings consist of 5 major parts: the shield, the inner race, the balls, the retainer, and the outer race. A skateboard requires a set of 8 bearings, 2 for each wheel. Almost every skateboard bearing is the same size and will fit on any skateboard wheel and truck.
When choosing your bearings, it is important to think about your experience level and riding style. Bearings with higher-quality parts will be faster and more durable. If you are a beginner, you may not need the fastest and toughest bearings on the market. If you are more experienced and know that you like to ride fast and hard, you could probably benefit from a higher-end bearing. Bearings of higher quality will be more expensive than entry level bearings, so take that into consideration as well.
Steel Bearings vs. Ceramic Bearings
As far as materials are concerned, there are two broad categories of skateboard bearings: steel and ceramic. “Steel” and “ceramic” refer to the material in which the balls inside the bearing are made of. Most bearings have steel balls and are, therefore, called steel bearings. The quality of steel and other parts used in steel bearings will determine how fast and durable they are. You can find both high-end and entry level steel bearings ranging anywhere from $10 to $80 in price. Check outBones Super Reds,Andale Abec 5,Bronson G3 Bearings, and CCS Bearingsfor some examples of solid steel bearings.
Ceramic bearings have ceramic balls which are lighter and stronger than steel balls. Ceramic balls also roll faster due to less friction, and act as a self-cleaning mechanism knocking dirt off of the steel races as they rotate. Ceramic bearings are generally top of the line and can range in price from about $50 to $165.Bones Swiss Ceramicsare possibly the most popular ceramic bearings in the world.
Abec Rating
Bearings of all types come with what is called an ABEC rating. You can usually see this rating printed on the packaging a set of bearings comes in, or printed on the shield of a bearing itself. The ABEC system consists offive levels: ABEC 1, ABEC 2, ABEC 3, ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9. There is a common misconception that a higher ABEC rating means a faster or better skateboard bearing. The truth is that the ABEC system was created to rate the tolerances of bearings made specifically for industrial machinery and not for skateboarding.
The ABEC system rates a bearing’s ability to cope with changes in physical dimension, properties of a manufactured object, and temperature. The ABEC system does factor in the abuse a skateboard bearing will take, the speed at which skateboards travel, or any other criteria specific to skateboarding.
When choosing your bearings it’s best to completely ignore the listed ABEC rating. The quality of materials used in your bearings is what matters when it comes to performance.
NOTETO BEGINNERS: If you are picking out your very first set of bearings, go with an inexpensive steel option. This will give you as much performance value as you’ll need, and won’t hurt your wallet. You can find decent steel bearings forunder $25anywhere skateboards are sold.
As a seasoned skateboard enthusiast with a wealth of first-hand experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of skateboard bearings, I am well-versed in the critical components that contribute to a rider's overall experience. Let me break down the key concepts outlined in the provided article.
Skateboard Bearings Overview: Skateboard bearings are crucial components that facilitate the smooth rotation and movement of wheels. Comprising five major parts—the shield, inner race, balls, retainer, and outer race—these small, circular devices play a pivotal role in determining the speed and efficiency with which skateboard wheels rotate. A standard skateboard requires a set of 8 bearings, with 2 allocated for each wheel.
Considerations for Choosing Bearings: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of considering one's experience level and riding style when selecting bearings. Bearings with higher-quality components tend to offer increased speed and durability. Beginners may not require the fastest and toughest bearings, whereas experienced riders who favor speed and intensity may benefit from investing in higher-end options.
Steel Bearings vs. Ceramic Bearings: The article introduces two main categories of skateboard bearings based on materials: steel and ceramic. Steel bearings, characterized by steel balls, vary in quality based on the materials used. Entry-level and high-end steel bearings are available at prices ranging from $10 to $80. On the other hand, ceramic bearings, featuring lighter and stronger ceramic balls, offer less friction and a self-cleaning mechanism. Popular ceramic bearings, such as Bones Swiss Ceramics, can be priced between $50 and $165.
ABEC Rating: The article touches upon the ABEC rating system, ranging from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9, which is often misunderstood. Contrary to common belief, a higher ABEC rating does not necessarily translate to a better skateboard bearing. Originally designed for industrial machinery, the ABEC system assesses a bearing's ability to handle changes in physical dimensions, manufactured object properties, and temperature. When selecting bearings for skateboarding, it is crucial to disregard the ABEC rating and focus on the quality of materials for optimal performance.
Recommendation for Beginners: The article provides a valuable note to beginners, advising them to opt for inexpensive steel bearings for their first set. This ensures sufficient performance without putting a strain on their budget, with decent steel bearings available for under $25 at skateboard retailers.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge and experience in the realm of skateboarding affirm the importance of these factors in choosing the right skateboard bearings for an enhanced riding experience.
