Best Longboard Bearings in 2023 (Answered)
The best longboard bearings are the Zealous Bearings. However, there are plenty of other really great bearings for longboards out there. Some of our other favorites include Bones Reds, Bones Swiss, Bronson Speed Co, and so many more.
High-quality longboard bearings can transform how smoothly, swiftly, and quietly your longboard rides. Let’s take a look at the specs and features of all of the best longboard bearings.
What To Look For In Longboard Bearings
When it comes to choosing longboard bearings, there are several important factors to consider. Let’s expand on each of these factors to understand why they are crucial in determining the quality and cost of bearings.
- Speed: The speed of your longboard bearings is a critical factor for many riders. Bearings with a higher precision and smoother construction tend to offer faster speeds. The quality of the bearing’s components, such as the balls and raceways, plays a significant role in determining how well the bearings can maintain high speeds without excessive friction. Bearings that offer higher speed capabilities often come at a higher price due to the precision engineering and materials used.
- Durability: Longboard bearings need to withstand the demands of various riding conditions, including rough surfaces, impacts, and exposure to dirt and moisture. Bearings with better durability are typically constructed using high-quality materials that can resist wear, corrosion, and deformation over time. Bearings with enhanced durability often come with a higher price tag because they are engineered to withstand more rigorous use and last longer.
- Load Capacity: Load capacity refers to the amount of weight and pressure that the bearings can handle without compromising performance. Riders who engage in downhill or freeride longboarding where higher speeds and greater forces are involved may require bearings with a higher load capacity. Bearings with a higher load capacity often have stronger construction and utilize materials that can handle heavier loads. As a result, these bearings tend to be priced higher than those with lower load capacities.
- Finish: The finish of longboard bearings refers to the quality of the surface and the precision of the manufacturing process. Bearings with a smoother finish tend to offer reduced friction, resulting in better speed and overall performance. Higher-quality bearings undergo more precise manufacturing techniques and polishing processes to achieve a smoother finish, which can contribute to their higher price compared to bearings with rougher surfaces.
- Lubrication: Proper lubrication is crucial for reducing friction and ensuring smooth rotation of the bearings. Some longboard bearings come pre-lubricated, while others require lubrication before use. High-quality bearings often include superior lubricants that offer longer-lasting performance and improved protection against wear. Bearings that come with premium lubrication or require specialized lubricants may have a higher cost.
- Materials: Longboard bearings can be made from various materials, each offering different properties and performance characteristics. Common materials include steel, ceramic, and titanium. Steel bearings are widely used and offer a good balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Ceramic bearings, on the other hand, are known for their high-performance capabilities, including reduced friction and heat generation. However, ceramic bearings tend to be more expensive due to the cost of the materials and the precision required in their manufacturing. Titanium bearings offer a lightweight option with good strength but can be more expensive than steel bearings.
- Tolerance: The tolerance of longboard bearings refers to the precision in the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent dimensions and smooth operation. Bearings with tighter tolerances are generally more precise and offer improved performance. Higher tolerance bearings require more precise manufacturing techniques and quality control, which can contribute to their higher cost.
Considering these factors, it’s important to find the right balance between your budget and the desired performance characteristics when selecting longboard bearings. Higher-quality bearings often offer better speed, durability, load capacity, and smoother finishes, but they typically come at a higher cost due to the use of superior materials and manufacturing techniques. It’s essential to assess your riding style, preferences, and budget to choose the bearings that best suit your needs.
What Are Longboard Bearings Made Of?
Although it may appear that longboard bearings are tiny, they actually contain a lot of technical components. The following are the most common smaller components in longboard bearings:
- Ball bearings: Steel or ceramic ball set that sits in the ball retainer. They allow the bearing casing to spin around them since they are the most important components.
- Ball retainer: This component, often known as the Delrin crown, keeps each ball bearing in place while allowing the casing to rotate around it.
- Bearing shield: A small plastic ring that surrounds the bearings and prevents dirt and debris from entering.
- C-ring: A small ring that secures the shields in place by fitting around the outside of the bearings.
- Inner ring: A tiny metal ring that goes on the inside of the outer ring.
- Outer ring: The outer casing, holds all the other components.
- Rubber seal: A soft rubber ring placed on the exterior of the bearings that protects the interior of the bearings from dirt and other particles.
Longboard Bearing Materials
The material of your longboard bearings will ultimately determine the quality and performance of your ride. The three most popular materials used to construct longboard bearings are steel, ceramic, and titanium.
Steel Longboard Bearings
Steel bearings are the industry standard for their durability and cost-effectiveness. Steel bearings vary in quality from brand to brand, with steel, sealing, and interior ball bearings being the most important parts. The greater a set of longboard bearings is costly, the higher its quality, as they contain better sealing, higher-quality metals, and more inner ball bearings. When you come to an abrupt stop on your longboard, you’ll feel the difference between high-quality bearings and their lower-cost counterparts.
The one downfall to steel bearings is that they rust when exposed to moisture. The best way to avoid getting rust is to keep your bearings lubricated. If you’re not sure how you should learn how to lubricate bearings.
Ceramic Longboard Bearings
Ceramic longboard bearings are more durable and require less maintenance than steel bearings. They’re harder than steel, incredibly smooth, heat resistant, and produce little friction at higher speeds. Unlike steel bearings, they deform fewer times, do not rust when exposed to moisture, and do not need as much upkeep.
Titanium Longboard Bearings
Titanium bearings are lightweight, long-lasting, and highly resistant to oxidation. They function similarly to steel bearings, but due to the material’s strength and resistance to corrosion, they can last longer. It’s important to note that titanium bearings require lubrication in order to reduce friction.
What is the Longboard Bearing ABEC Scale?
The ABEC rating is a measurement used to evaluate the accuracy, tolerance, and physical limits of bearings. The tolerance of bearings determines how precisely the components fit together, with tighter fits leading to smoother and more efficient operations at higher speeds.
Bearings are often referred to as the “heart” of a skateboard, and there is a lot of information available on this topic. A higher ABEC rating does not necessarily indicate that longboard bearings move faster. An ABEC 9 bearing from one manufacturer may be lower than an identical ABEC 9 bearing from another.
The following are the most common ABEC grades:
- ABEC 1: The most basic, least precise, most durable, and crudest of all is wrought iron. The quality of steel used here isn’t particularly great.
- ABEC 3: These are often inexpensive, but they don’t roll very fast or smoothly.
- ABEC 5: Longboard bearings with this grade are recommended for most types of longboarding. These bearings typically provide enough speed at a reasonable price.
- ABEC 7: Quick, smooth, and pricey. It’s important to remember that if you skate too aggressively or hard, you’ll risk unintentionally damaging them.
- ABEC 9 and above: These are the fastest grade of bearings. However, that also means that they’re the most expensive.
Longboard Bearing Maintenance Tips
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your longboard bearings, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your bearings in top shape:
- Cleaning the Bearings: Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in your bearings, causing them to slow down and become less efficient. To clean them, remove the shields or seals (if applicable) and use a bearing cleaning solvent or isopropyl alcohol. Gently shake or spin the bearings in the solvent to dislodge any dirt particles. Once clean, let them air dry or use compressed air to remove excess moisture.
- Lubrication: As stated above, proper lubrication is crucial for smooth and efficient bearing performance. After cleaning, apply a few drops of high-quality skateboard bearing lubricant. Rotate the bearings to distribute the lubricant evenly. Avoid over-lubricating, as it can attract more dirt and reduce performance. Regularly check the lubrication levels and reapply as needed.
- Shield and Seal Care: If your bearings have shields or seals, inspect them regularly for damage or wear. Replace any damaged shields or seals to prevent dirt and debris from entering the bearings. Shields and seals help keep the bearings clean and maintain optimal performance.
- Check for Wear and Damage: Routinely inspect your bearings for signs of wear, such as uneven wear patterns or rough spinning. If you notice any significant damage or deterioration, it may be time to replace the bearings. Regularly checking for wear will help you catch any issues early and prevent further damage.
- Store Properly: When you’re not using your longboard, store it in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture or humidity from affecting the bearings. Avoid leaving your board in extreme temperature conditions, as it can impact bearing performance.
- Maintain Proper Axle Tightness: Ensure that the axle nuts are tightened correctly but not overly tight. Loose axle nuts can lead to wheel wobbling, while overly tight nuts can strain the bearings. Find the right balance to maintain stability without excessive pressure on the bearings.
- Replace Bearings as Needed: Even with regular maintenance, bearings will eventually wear out over time. Pay attention to any noticeable decrease in performance, such as increased friction, noise, or decreased speed. When necessary, replace worn-out bearings with new ones to maintain optimal performance.
Remember, proper maintenance and care of your longboard bearings will not only enhance your riding experience but also prolong the lifespan of your bearings. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth and effortless ride on your longboard for many sessions to come.
10 Best Longboard Bearings of 2023
- Zealous (Best Value)
- Bones Swiss Ceramic (Top Pick)
- Bones Reds (Fan Favorite)
- Bronson Speed Co. G2
- Bronson Speed Co. G3
- Shake Junt Low Rider
- Spitfire Cheapshots
- Bones Big Balls
- Yellow Jacket Premium
- Fireball Supply
Zealous (Best Value)
Material: Steel
These Zealous longboard bearings are usually sold for around $15 USD. Which is a great price considering their quality.
The unique feature of our lubricant is how the nanoceramic compound fills in deformations or asperities in the bearing. These deformations cause friction and heat around them which hardens the nano-ceramic compound to that specific area.
Features:
- This micro coating is 5 times the hardness of the host alloy and has a molecular bond with the host metal, filling in all the asperities and eliminating friction over time.
- The coefficient of friction is the lowest in the field of Tribology at 0.003% creating a near-frictionless surface. Mainly because the nanoceramic compound eliminates all asperities.
- Extremely low water washout.
- Corrosion on the inside of the bearing is nearly eliminated.
Bones Swiss Ceramic (Top Pick)
Material: Ceramic
Bones Swiss ceramics are in a class by themselves. If you want the best there is, this is it. The Cerbec ceramic balls are much lighter, harder, stronger, and longer lasting than the finest steel balls. Accelerate faster, Roll faster and farther, and resist dirt and moisture better.
Bones Swiss have high-speed nylon ball retainers which increase the strength and speed of the bearings.
Features:
- Cerbec ceramic balls are light, hard, and strong for a long-lasting performance
- Precision-grade Swiss design and manufacturing acclaimed for 25 years
- Nylon ball retainers and Bones Speed Cream lubricant for a sustained ride
- Skate Rated for better performance than any ABEC rated bearings; lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
Bones Reds (Fan Favorite)
Material: Steel
Bones Reds are quite possibly the best bang for your buck and some of the most popular bearings on the market. Not only are they inexpensive for professional-grade bearings but they’re reliable and trusted by every skater and skate shop. What’s even better, these bearings actually come with a skate tool.
Features:
- Comes with a skate tool.
- Spacers and washers included.
- Best bang for your buck.
Bronson Speed Co. G2
Material: Ceramic
The Bronson Speed Co. G2’s are quiet bearings that do not use the traditional ABEC scale. There are seven ball bearings in each of these skateboard bearings. Honestly, these are some of the cheaper ceramic skateboard bearings. However, they still pack a punch and live up to their name.
The G2 bearings are some of the finest low-cost skateboard bearings on the market, with top-tier performance. It has a straight edge and frictionless shields that pop off to keep oil in and moisture out, while its line surface improves bearing lubrication and increases roll speed.
Features:
- Deep raceways for the ball bearings to roll in which helps reduce impact and damage
- Shields with a straight, frictionless edge
- High-performance ceramic oil (moisture, rust, and corrosion resistant)
Bronson Speed Co. G3
Material: Ceramic
Bronson Speed Co. G3’s have all of the features of the G2’s and some. They’re super slick and really fast. Sure, they come at a higher price point but the additional features are totally worth the added cost.
Features:
- Micro groove raceway surfaces improve lubrication, spin, and speed
- Impact cage design keeps the ball bearings more precise which also allows for lubricants to circulate the bearing better
Shake Junt Low Rider
Material: Steel
Shake Junt Low Rider bearings are some low-cost ABEC 3 skateboard bearings that will not break the bank but will not provide the best ride out there. However, they’re well worth the money. These are entry-level bearings that are suitable for every style of skateboarding.
Even though they are meant for beginners or those on a budget, Low Rider’s still provides a smooth and fast ride. Plus, they look super stylish!
Spitfire Cheapshots
Material: Steel
Spitfire Cheapshots bearings are another inexpensive option that is best suited for beginners and those trying to save money. These are rated ABEC 3 but still provide a quiet and speedy ride.
Cheapshots have been a trusted bearing since the ’90s and continue to produce a great ride. Even though they’re cheap and have a lower ABEC, their ratings and reviews are superb.
Bones Big Balls
Material: Steel
Bones Big Balls skateboard bearings have six 17 percent larger diameter balls, high-speed ball retainers, a detachable dust shield for easy cleaning, and are pre-lubed with Bones Speed Cream to make them go faster and last longer. The construction has several benefits that will appeal to street, park, pool, ramp, and downhill skaters who wish to skate faster.
Big Balls are engineered to roll faster and last longer by using larger ball bearings like the legendary Bones Super Swiss 6 bearings. The larger balls enable you to roll at a higher speed, with quicker acceleration and fewer turns, resulting in less wear and greater longevity.
Yellow Jacket Premium
Material: Steel
Yellow Jacket Premium skateboard bearings come in ABEC 9 and ABEC 11, varying slightly in price. However, you get to choose what color bearings you get from green, blue, orange, red, yellow, and white.
Yellow Jacket Bearings are durable, high performing, and most importantly easy on the wallet. The stainless steel roller cage is lubricated with high-speed race lube, ensuring that the bearings are operational right out of the package. Most race bearings are rather costly, yet Yellow Jacket Bearings deliver the race performance you desire for a fraction of the price
Fireball Supply
Material: Steel or Ceramic
Fireball Supply bearings are great because just like Reds, there is so much to choose from. They really have a bearing for every budget and skate type. Whether you want ceramic, steel, skateboard or longboard bearings, Fireball Supply has something that will be up your alley.
Conclusion
Longboard bearings play a vital role in ensuring a smooth, swift, and enjoyable ride. With the wide range of options available, it’s important to consider factors such as material, ABEC rating, and budget when choosing the right bearings for your longboard.
From the highly regarded Zealous Bearings to the renowned Bones Swiss Ceramic and the reliable Bones Reds, there’s a bearing to suit every preference and riding style. Whether you opt for steel, ceramic, or titanium bearings, each material offers its own set of advantages and considerations.
Understanding the ABEC rating system is also essential for selecting the right bearings. Remember that higher ABEC ratings don’t always guarantee faster performance, and it’s important to consider other factors like build quality, materials, and intended use.
By properly maintaining your longboard bearings through regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection, you can ensure optimal performance and extend their lifespan. Take the time to care for your bearings, and they’ll reward you with smoother rides and longer-lasting performance.
Now armed with knowledge about longboard bearings and maintenance, it’s time to choose the perfect bearings for your longboarding adventures.
