Ultimate Guide to Skateboard Bearings – Know the Best Brands

Skateboarding is a popular sport that has been around for decades. The skateboard bearings are what allow the rider to control their speed and direction of travel. If you have been looking to purchase new bearings but don’t know what you should be looking for, this guide will help you find what type of bearings best suit your needs!

When purchasing bearings, you will want to decide what type of material you would like your bearings to be made out of. There are three main types: steel, ceramic, and plastic.

Steel bearings tend to be the least expensive but they do not have as long of a lifespan as ceramic bearings. Ceramic bearings offer a longer lifespan than steel bearings and they can also withstand more heat than both steel and plastic bearings. Plastic bearings are the cheapest option and they have the shortest lifespan of all three types.

Best Skateboard Bearings (Bones Swiss)

Material: Metal

Price: High ($60+)

There are numerous Bones products on this list. Bones has been producing skateboard bearings since 1981 and is the industry leader as well as the brand trusted by skaters all over the world.

Bones Swiss bearings are designed to be quick and long-lasting. They’re lubricated with Speed Cream Racing Lubricant, which is formulated to be fast and durable. Bones Swiss bearings are said to have the ability to endure years of use when properly maintained, according to many customers. And according to the manufacturer, Bones Swiss bearings are the most popular high-end skateboard bearings in the United States.

Bones Swiss has been the bar that other skateboard bearing companies have attempted to reach or beat for over 30 years. Bones Swiss is a tried-and-true skateboarding experience, even as new bearing producers are finding success.

Best For The Value Skateboard Bearings (Bones Reds)

Material: Metal

Price: Low (approx. $20)

The Bones Reds are the brand’s most popular skateboard bearing. These are less expensive than other Bones products, but skaters appreciate their performance for the price.

Rather than being produced in Switzerland, like the Bones Swiss bearings, these bearings are manufactured in China, where labor costs are lower. Even while maintaining a high level, Bones passes these savings on to the client.

Before they reach the consumer, Bones Reds are double-checked for quality. They’re lubricated with Speed Cream Racing Lubricant and include a detachable outer shield to make cleaning them easier.

Bones Reds are good for all types of skateboarding from longboarding and cruising to street skateboarding. These are the best-selling bearings due to being easily available and an inexpensive yet durable option.

Best Skateboard Bearings For Beginners (Spitfire Cheapshots)

Material: Metal

Price: Very low ($10 to $15)

Skateboarding might be a costly pastime to start with. You may still need to pay for safety gear and appropriate shoes after buying your board. The good news is that several low-cost alternatives still provide a genuine skateboarding experience, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on it.

The Spitfire Cheapshots is one of the most cost-effective options on this list, and they’re also one of the lightest. For easy cleaning and maintenance, they have a detachable shield. They also come pre-lubricated and ready to ride.

Spitfire is most well-known for producing skateboard wheels, although they are a recognized brand in the field. When you’re learning to skateboard, their Cheapshots bearings will get the task done.

Best Skateboard Bearings For Speed (Bones Super Swiss 6)

Material: Metal

Price: High ($60+)

The Bones Super Swiss 6 skateboard bearings are a more advanced version of the well-known Bones Swiss. The major difference between the two is that instead of having seven small ball bearings, the Super Swiss 6 skates have six larger ball bearings.

The main advantages of utilizing these fewer but larger balls are increased speed, greater durability, and greater strength. These factors all result in bearings with a longer life if properly maintained.

Skaters who want a fast, smooth ride that can withstand more force should use these bearings.

Best Skateboard Bearings For Street (Bronson Speed Co. G2)

Material: Metal 

Price: Low ($15 to $20)

Despite their youth, Bronson Speed Co. has made a name for itself in the skateboarding industry by offering high-quality bearings at reasonable prices.

Bronson has produced high-quality goods that have been shown to be top-tier by a team of skilled professionals. They were established in 2013, and since then, they’ve grown to become one of the most well-known bearing manufacturers.

The Bronson Speed Co. G2 Dual Bearings include deep groove raceways, which help to minimize damage to the bearing from side impacts and hence reduce the chance of the bearings breaking when coming down a flight of stairs or other street gaps. These bearings are also pre-lubricated with Bronson’s high-speed ceramic oil, which helps to reduce wear while increasing speed.

For those who like street skating, these bearings are a cost-effective alternative. The Bronson company’s dedication to detail helps them endure the demands of street skateboarding.

Skateboard Bearings That Last The Longest (Bones Swiss Ceramics)

Material: Ceramic

Price: Very high ($125+)

Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings are at the top of the industry, with a price tag to match. Although these bearings are more expensive than those on this list, they’re made using superior-quality raw materials and sound engineering.

The major distinction is that, rather than steel balls, these bearings have ceramic balls that are more durable, lighter, harder, and longer-lasting than steel balls. Ceramic balls are also waterproof!

The gold standard in skateboard bearings, they’re designed to be the smoothest and fastest out there. They’ll make any board feel smoother, faster, and more efficient. These bearings are ideal for speed, smoothness, and longevity. These bearings will enhance any ride from longboards to cruisers to even street wheels.

Skateboard Bearing Maintenance FAQs

How Long Do Skateboard Bearings Last?

The life of a set of bearings is unpredictable. There is no such thing as a certain amount of time that your bearings will work at their peak efficiency. The overall craftsmanship of the bearing, the style of skating you do, and how well you care for your skates all influence the longevity of your bearings.

Does Cost Of Skateboard Bearings Matter?

When it comes to skateboard bearings, generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Cheaper bearings are frequently less durable than more expensive ones. This is due to the fact that most higher-priced bearings are constructed from superior raw materials and are meant to sustain impact and stay clean better than their lower-cost counterparts.

When Should Bearings Be Replaced?

If your skateboard bearings make squeaking noises or if one (or more) of your wheels no longer spins well, it’s time to replace them. Learn how to replace your bearings.

Skateboard bearings can be damaged by high-speed impacts, particularly if they are repeated. However, many skate bearings are more resistant to impact than other ball bearings. When a bearing breaks down, the wheel may no longer spin as well as the others or make a different sound. Individual balls may occasionally fall out of the bearing shields due to unforeseen circumstances.

How Do You Clean Skateboard Bearings?

It’s critical to clean and lubricate your bearings on a regular basis to get the most out of them. Bearing cleaning kits and bearing lubricants are accessible for this purpose.

To thoroughly clean your bearings, remove their shields and vigorously shake them in a solution like an isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any grime or debris. This may be done a couple of times for a more comprehensive clean.

After this and letting the bearings dry, apply a few drops of bearing lubricant before replacing the bearing shields. During your next session, you should notice an increase in bearing performance as the lubricant works its way throughout your freshly cleaned bearings!

Conclusion

There are many different skateboard bearings on the market and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. By understanding what to look for in a good set of bearings, as well as some of the best brands available, you can make an informed decision about what is the best skateboard bearings for your needs.

Keep in mind that price does not always reflect quality, and sometimes you do get what you pay for. Higher-priced bearings often come with better materials and engineering that make them more durable and long-lasting. However, if you are just starting out or skating casually, there are plenty of affordable options available that will still provide a great riding experience.

Remember to keep your bearings clean and lubricated using a bearing cleaning kit and lubricant for the best performance!