Skateboard bearings are an essential part of any skateboard setup, and even more so when it comes to street skating. The bearings allow the wheels to spin freely and smoothly, allowing skaters to achieve maximum speed and maintain it throughout their ride.
Without good bearings, street skaters would struggle to execute tricks and maneuvers that require momentum or sustained speed. Bearings can also affect the overall performance of your skateboard.
A good set of bearings can make your ride smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. On the other hand, poor quality or worn-out bearings can slow you down and make your board feel sluggish.
Different Types of Bearings Available in the Market
There are several different types of skateboard bearings available in the market today. The most common types are steel ball bearings, ceramic ball bearings, and hybrid ceramic ball bearings. Steel ball bearings are made from high-quality steel material and are generally affordable.
They have been around for a long time and have a proven track record when it comes to durability. They work well for most street skateboarding activities but may not be suitable for extremely fast speeds or rough surfaces.
Ceramic ball bearings are relatively new to the market but have quickly gained popularity due to their impressive performance characteristics. Ceramic balls provide better acceleration than steel balls due to their lighter weight, which also helps reduce friction between parts as they move against each other.
Hybrid ceramic ball bearings combine the best features of both steel and ceramic materials by using ceramic balls with steel races or shields. They offer faster speeds than steel while still providing long-lasting durability similar to that of traditional steel ball bearing models.
Overall, choosing a good set of skateboard bearings is crucial for any serious street skater looking to improve their performance on the board. With so many options available on the market today, it’s essential to do your research and choose the type of bearing that best suits your skating style and personal preferences.
Top 3 Skateboard Bearings for Street Skating
Bones Reds: Popular choice among street skaters
Bones Reds are one of the most popular skateboard bearings out there, and it’s not hard to see why. They offer great durability and reliability at a very affordable price point.
In fact, they’re often referred to as the “gold standard” for skateboard bearings because they’re so widely used and highly respected in the skateboarding community. One of the main reasons why Bones Reds are such a popular choice among street skaters is their ability to maintain speed over time.
Their design features pre-lubricated raceways that provide a smooth ride even after extended periods of use. Plus, the removable non-contact rubber shields make maintenance a breeze.
Bronson Speed Co G3: Speed and smoothness with unique design features
For those seeking even greater speed and smoothness, Bronson Speed Co G3 bearings are an excellent option. Their unique design includes deep groove races that provide precision alignment and stability, resulting in more speed and better roll. Bronson Speed Co G3 bearings also feature advanced micro-polished steel balls for added durability.
They come pre-lubricated with high-speed ceramic oil, which helps reduce friction for a faster ride. Additionally, their distinctive orange shield seals help set them apart from other bearings on the market.
Spitfire Burner: High-quality materials and precision engineering
Spitfire Burner bearings are known for their high-quality materials and precision engineering. They feature chrome steel races that are heat-treated to ensure maximum hardness, which makes them incredibly durable against wear-and-tear from street skating.
In addition to their tough construction, Spitfire Burner bearings also have custom lubricants that enhance their performance on rough surfaces. Their removable shields allow you to easily clean and maintain the bearings, ensuring a longer lifespan.
Overall, these top three skateboard bearings offer a range of features and benefits for street skaters. It’s ultimately up to personal preference which one you choose, but any of these options will provide a reliable and enjoyable ride.
Factors to consider when choosing skateboard bearings for street skating
ABEC rating: What it means and how it affects performance
When looking at skateboard bearings, you’ll often see a number followed by “ABEC”. This is the ABEC rating, which stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee.
Essentially, the higher the ABEC rating, the more precise and consistent the manufacturing process was when making the bearings. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a higher ABEC rating will result in better performance for street skating.
In fact, many skaters prefer lower ABEC ratings (such as 5 or 7) because they allow for more speed and maneuverability on rougher surfaces. On the other hand, if you’re planning on doing a lot of downhill or high-speed skating, you may want to consider bearings with a higher ABEC rating (such as 9 or 11) for maximum precision.
Material: Pros and cons of steel, ceramic, and hybrid materials
Skateboard bearings can be made from various materials such as steel, ceramic or hybrid materials that combine both. Steel is the most common material used in skateboard bearings due to its durability and affordability. Ceramic bearings are becoming more popular because they offer less friction than steel but come with a higher price tag.
Hybrid bearings have both steel and ceramic components. Steel may be more affordable but it may also require frequent lubrication due to its tendency to rust easily especially when exposed to rain or humid environments.
Ceramic materials offer less friction than steel but can be expensive. They have no magnetic charge which makes them immune to rusting therefore require minimal maintenance compared to steel ones.
Shield type: Non-contact vs contact shields
The shield type refers to how much protection your bearing has from dirt and debris getting inside it while riding your skateboard on different terrains. Non-contact shields are typically made of a rubber or plastic material which sits on the outer race of the bearing and keeps dirt and debris out without causing too much drag. Contact shields, on the other hand, have metal shields that actually touch the inner race of the bearing and offer more protection but can cause more friction.
This can decrease overall speed and maneuverability, so it’s important to find a balance depending on your specific skating style. Overall, non-contact shields may be better suited for street skating as they provide sufficient protection while allowing for optimal performance.
Maintenance tips for skateboard bearings
Cleaning techniques
Keeping your skateboard bearings clean is crucial to maintain their longevity and performance. There are many effective ways to clean your bearings, but one of the most common methods is using a solvent or lubricant. You can use acetone, rubbing alcohol, or a specialized bearing cleaner to dissolve dirt and grime buildup.
Once you’ve applied the solvent, rotate the bearing around vigorously for a few minutes until all the dirt has been removed. Afterward, wipe the bearings with a dry cloth.
Lubrication methods
Lubrication is another vital aspect of maintaining your skateboard bearings. Depending on how frequently you use your skateboard, you may need to apply lubricant more or less often. As a general rule, it’s good practice to lube your bearings once every two months if you skate regularly.
Skateboard-specific lubricants come in various forms such as sprays, oils, or greases; they each have their benefits and drawbacks. For example, oil-based lubricants tend to be fast but attract more dirt and debris than other types of lubes.
Storage tips
Proper storage can preserve your skateboard bearings’ condition and prolong their lifespan significantly; here are some guidelines that can help: – Keep them away from moisture: Store them in a dry place where they won’t get damp. – Protect them from dust: Cover them with an air-tight container or zip-lock bag.
– Store them separately: Avoid piling up multiple sets of bearings since they may scratch each other. – Rotate them occasionally: If you don’t use your board regularly, rotate the wheels occasionally so that one side doesn’t experience unnecessary pressure for an extended period.
Taking care of your skateboard’s bearings should not be overlooked if you want to enjoy optimal performance while also saving money in the long run. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and proper storage are all essential practices to maintain your bearings’ quality and ensure a smooth ride.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right skateboard bearings is crucial for street skaters. Bones Reds, Bronson Speed Co G3, and Spitfire Burner are all top-notch options to consider when looking for high-quality bearings.
When choosing a bearing, it’s important to consider factors such as ABEC rating, material, and shield type. It’s also essential to properly maintain your bearings through cleaning techniques and lubrication methods to ensure the longevity of their lifespan.
Skateboarding is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that requires passion and dedication. As a skater, you know how much small details can have a significant impact on your overall performance.
Choosing the right skateboard bearings can elevate your game to new heights and help you achieve amazing things. So don’t settle for mediocre bearings; invest in high-quality ones that will give you the performance you deserve.
By doing so, you’ll feel more confident in your skating abilities and be able to push yourself further than ever before. Happy skating!
