Best Skateboard Bearings Select the Fastest One for 2024

Skating is fun if you have the safest and best skating gear right out of the box. If you’re putting your Skateboard together, you must have recollected some perfect and durable skateboard chunks/parts. Among all skateboarding tools, bearings are something that is usually paid less heed, but your overall skating experience heavily relies on them.  

Best skateboard bearings are not merely fast but also smooth and quiet. On top of that, good bearings last longer and spin freely within their casing. On the other hand, premium bearings are usually very costly, but it doesn’t mean all expensive bearings must be picked blindly without any research.

Skate Orb have tested so many skate bearings in different situation and events before composing this circumstantial but precise review. Although dozens of brands manufacture top-of-the-line bearings for skateboard wheels, we have made it easy for you by short-listing some top-rated skateboard bearings producers alongside their products. 

Your downtown rides, getting some handsome amount of speed on vertically dropping off ramps, and other tricks and rides with your Skateboard become comforting and exciting with the right selection of Skateboard wheel bearings. Therefore, we recommend some of the tested bearings for skateboarding that skate farther and longer than other bearings. 

I have compiled a list of the top 8 skateboard wheel bearings that will fit into your skateboards for optimum riding experience. To be precise, our findings will help you pick the most reliable skateboard bearings that are true to our knowledge, experience, and belief. 

Top 3 Picks

Before advancing into our topic, I’d like to pose the criteria for judging the best skate bearings. 

• Durability
• Smoothness
• Soundness
• Performance under Severe Conditions
• Quality

6 Best Skateboard Bearings List

IMAGE	PRODUCT	Rating	PRICE
	Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 pack	9.5	Check on Amazon
	BRONSON SPEED CO. G3 Skateboard Bearings – Set of 8	9.5	Check on Amazon
	Bones Super REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack	8.7	Check on Amazon
	BRONSON SPEED CO. G2 Skateboard Bearings – Set of 8	9.5	Check on Amazon
	Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack	8.7	Check on Amazon
	Heady Shake Pro Pack	8.7	Check on Amazon

These are the prioritized factors that were considered during our testing of all skate bearings by my other skate mates before tagging any Skateboard bearing as the most suitable one. My criteria do not mention the budget because we believe in “buying once and enjoying for months.” But don’t you worry? You can also find some budgeted skateboard bearings on my list.

Here are our top picks for you to cruise on your Skateboard again. All of the below-mentioned bearings for skateboards have been recommended after at least three to six months each under variable and tough circumstances, i.e., rough surfaces, puddles, hilly areas, snow, and burning roads. Our selection of top skateboard bearings assists you in smooth skating and saves you time and money. 

I’ve managed to categorize three kinds of best skateboard bearings for your ease: 

A) Best 7-Balls skateboard bearings

B) Best Ceramics Skateboard Bearings

C) Best 6-Balls Skateboard Bearings

In the first category, the most widely used 7-ball skate bearings will let you pick the right one to get going with your Skateboard. The second category concerns the best ceramics skateboard bearings that are often preferred over seven balls. The ultimate category will unveil a couple of 6-ball skateboard bearings that are truly fast besides greater strength and durability. Let’s get to the chase with the first category.

1 – Bones REDS – Best Budgeted Skateboard Bearings

Bones REDS skateboard bearings have remained under testing for more than five months and found super quite right out of the pack. To our surprise, I have personally found someone and a half years old Bones Reds still running freely, quietly, and smoothly. In brief, these are versatile, from street skateboarding to longboard skating.

Precaution: To make them more durable and long-lasting, it’s suggested to oil them before installation.

Features:

• Bones REDS skate bearings are designed with removable rubber shields, which make them easy to clean and assist in reducing friction.
• A high-speed nylon ball retainer is placed inside Bones REDS for greater strength and speed.
• For the best performance and extreme possible durability, Bones REDS are provided with quality materials, excessive tolerances, Skate Rated clearances, and lubricants.
• On top of that, these REDS are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.

Bones REDS were first introduced in August 2004. These bearings are still the top priority of most skaters just because:

2 – Bronson Speed Co. G3: Most Durable Skateboard Bearings

If we look for the best skateboard bearings, the two most prominent skateboard bearings manufacturers are stealing the show. If we relate “Good Value of the Price” to Bronson Speed Co. G3 skateboard bearings, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration. These’re my 2nd best product as it just a few bucks costlier than the former. I’d have carried the day if it were the same price as Bones REDS. 

As the name indicates, and it’s true to my experience,” Bronson Spped Co. G3 is famous for speed. They let you roll faster and farther than any other skate bearings. Therefore, if you’re in pursuit of buying the fastest skateboard bearings, then no other bearing is best in business than them within this means. Moreover, these best skateboard bearings for street skating are tested on grinds and ledges, which satisfied my team and me.

Precaution: Bronson Speed Co. G3 is too quick in skateboard bearings. Thereupon, you must adjust your speed when in a hilly area.

Features:

• To reduce side damage and breakage, these outperforming Bronson are designed with deep groove raceways balls that roll deep in those channels.
• Bronson Speed Co. G3 is envisioned with straight-edge, frictionless shields to disappear resistance, withholding oil in and dirt out.
• Besides ball-out technology, microgroove raceway surfaces are the secret behind their speed and spin.
• These bearings are conceived with a max impact cage design for keeping the balls precision spaced and circulating oil among them.

Being almost eight years old, Bronson Speed Co. G3 has won millions of hearts with its quality and performance. 

Do you know?

George A. Powell, the CEO of Bones Wheels, established the firm to provide economical, fast, and durable skateboard bearings in the early 80s.

3 – Bones Super REDS: Fastest Reasonable Skateboard Bearings

 

To your surprise, one of my friends cruised them at 32mph. So, if you’re looking for speed, these bearings might be your final destination. Moreover, I’m a 105 kg guy, but still, these bearings managed the load even on rough surfaces. On top of that, these are useful for locking the tricks.

Another reason for placing them at this number is because these bearings spoil too quickly if used in sand and dirt. Therefore, one thing is sure newly deployed regular REDS spin better than dirty super REDS. Consequently, you must maintain them regularly to make them your best upgrade.

Precaution: These bearings are quite fast, so be careful if you’re a beginner but don’t worry if you are an intermediate skater.

Features:

• Bones Super REDS are designed with higher-quality steel races.
• These bearings are well-polished.
• These bearings possess a high-speed nylon ball retainer that provides greater speed and strengthens the bearings.
• Bones Super REDS are pre-lubed, so they don’t need oil at the time of installation.

Since 1983, Bones have been envisioning some top-of-the-line skateboard bearings. Bones Super REDS was also unveiled in August 2003. Since then, these Supers have been in demand due to the following redeeming features.

Do you know?

Titanium is the most lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant bearing though they are similar to steel bearings, but last longer than them.

4 – Bronson Speed Co G2: Best Skateboard Bearings for Newbies

Though the firm claims to have G2 as its front-line skateboard bearings, we’ve found several reasons for placing Bronson Speed Co G2 at the fourth spot. I was, at first, expecting G2 might surpass Boss REDS after reading the spectacular introduction. But, after thorough testing, I have concluded that these bearings don’t offer what Bronson has proclaimed.

Firstly, these bearings are factory lubed but must be faster and shorter. The other factor that keeps Bronson Speed Co G2 at the bottom of the list is its need for more versatility. For instance, these skate bearings can’t be used for electric skateboarding, longboards, and cruising. Moreover, they get slower after a couple of sessions of regular skating on that account and need extra maintenance after every 10-15 days.

In addition to the above deficiencies, Bronson Speed Co G2 is unsuitable for locking tricks due to the rattling they may cause during the performance. Another shortcoming one will notice during skateboarding is that these need to be faster. If you’re a newbie, try it, but if you’ve got some extra bucks, do go with G3.

Precaution: You might initially find your Bronson Speed Co G2 fast, but they clog up quickly. You may need to grease them regularly to get the maximum out of them and get you rolling again.

Features: 

• The best element of Bronson Speed Co G2 is their deep groove raceways, where all seven balls roll deep, which reduces side impact damage and breakage.
• Factory-lubed G2 comes with High-Speed Ceramic Oil that protects them from moisture, rust, and corrosion.
• They have straight-edge frictionless shields for popping off resistance.

At the launch in Nov 2015, these bearings successfully pulled off a massive crowd just because of the brand name, besides less competition. Bronson Speed Co G2 doesn’t propound what you deserve in this price range.

Do you know?

Leonardo Da Vinci is called the father of modern bearings. He was the first to propose the basic bearing structure 500 years ago.

5 – Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings: Best Skateboard Bearings for Speed

The only valid reason I could find for placing Bones Swiss at the 5th place is its high cost. These bearings are 3-4 times costlier than my first-choice bearings. But their performance is worth the extra money because it’s based on precision. Likewise, their different speed may prove dangerous for beginners.

One of my fellows told me that he’d repurchased Bones Swiss way in 2018, and still, they are rolling without any trouble. Thereupon, it is inevitable that these Switzerland-made skateboard bearings tend to last several times longer than other cheap skateboard bearings.

Most brands compare their bearings against Bones Swiss. Thus, it is right to say that these bearings are considered the judging criteria for the industry’s skate bearings. To be precise, Bones Swiss is the industry’s gold Standard. 

On top of that, these bearings have versatile applications. They are fast, possess excellent tolerance, provide smoother roll, and are easily serviceable. You will get more speed out of them once they are broken smartly. Above all, their vital shock resistance feature lets you bomb a hill with them. Once you go with Bones Swiss, there is no going back.

Precaution: To avoid premature wear and tear, it’s recommended to break Bones Swiss in as bringing them up to high temperature right out of the package may spoil all your well-spent money. In addition to it, do research for original Bones Swiss before buying them because many counterfeit products are also selling with the same price tag and description.

Features:

• These are designed with high-speed nylon balls for added strength and speed.
• Like the above top four bearings, these bearings are also pre-lubed.
• The removable rubber shield allows easy cleaning and assists in low friction.
• One of the very best factors: they’re a combination of Bones Skate Rated optimum design and remarkable Swiss precision.

As the name indicates, these are Swiss-made skateboard bearings in fashion for almost two decades. Since their launch, they’ve been flying victory flags due to their performance and carrying off the trust of most skaters.

Do you know?

Sperm whales are the largest bearings having 18m diameters.

6 – Heady Shake Pro: Best Crowd Pleaser & Versatile Bearings

Besides its performance, the best part of Heady Shake Pro bearings is their unique and catchy design. If you want to make your Skateboard super stylish, try them. Moreover, these bearings are versatile. These can be used for longboards, skateboards, rollers, skates, kick scooters, and more. Above all, these are proved handy for locking tricks.

On top of that, after six months of testing, we have concluded that these high-end skateboard bearings provide unrivaled performance compared to other ABEC-9-rated bearings. They’re also above par when it comes to bearing sturdy weights. One of my most weighing fellows, 255 lbs, has cruised with these bearings over his longboard and found them more convenient than the rest. 

There’re a couple of reasons for placing them in the last position. First, they’re a bit costlier than Bones REDS and Bronson G3. On the other hand, the extra bucks are worth every penny. Secondly, these contain more significant gaps and cruder edges than other bearings retainers. Debris may easily pass through the retainers of the Heady Shake Pro bearings and prove a significant long-term impediment. 

Precaution: These bearings are beast on smooth surfaces, but they can’t bear jerks and may break in while riding through puddles. Therefore, if you need to get the most out of them to the right of the tin, be careful while cruising through small bumps, cracks, or mud puddles.

Features:

• They come with high-quality Titanium coating.
• These’re pre-lubed with premium speed oil.
• These can survive from -320 degrees F to 750 degrees F.
• Heady Shake Pro has got reinforced design for gnarly rides.
• Lastly, a single-sided rubber shield offers easy maintenance.

If you think it’s very tough to come out of the magic of Bones and Bronson, then Heady Shake is proving it wrong. These stylish skateboard bearings have all the features to beat any ABEC-9 bearing. From 2017 till now, they have become a crazy choice among skaters because:

Do you know?

70% of bearing failure depends on improper lubrication.

Buying Guide for Best Skateboard Bearings

Better and enjoyable skating needs proper maintenance of your board. Therefore, all skateboard parts should be nurtured timely. Skate Orb’s team of expert skaters will assist you with your queries regarding skating, skateboarding, and its various anatomical features as per their experience, expertise, and knowledge. 

In our comprehensive buying guide, you can find when and how to take out skate bearings and how to replace them. Moreover, what bearings to get for Skateboard and what size bearings for Skateboard are required have all been discussed in our far-reaching guide.

1 Significance

Though bearing is a small and hidden part of a skateboard, its significance still can’t be neglected. A bearing is fixed inside the wheel of a skate. Performing skating tricks, generating speed, and riding your skate smoothly all depend on this small metallic circular object. Picking the right skateboard wheel bearings will reduce friction across an axis and offer an unparalleled skating experience handsomely. 

2 What Size Bearings for Skateboards are Usually Required

Almost all skate bearings are the same size, with few exceptions. Currently, 608 bearings are being used in almost all skate wheels. Dimensions of 608 skateboard bearings are 8mm core, 22mm outer diameter, and 7mm width. If you are a true skate fanatic and have been skating for a long time, you might have used 627 bearings knowingly or unknowingly. These two are the same: the 627 has a 7mm core (inside diameter/bore size), while the 608 comes with an 8mm core. 

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It is a wrong perception that 627 bearings are done and dusted with the introduction of 608 bearings. Six hundred twenty-seven skate bearings are still in fashion and are preferred by many professional skateboarders. The reason behind it is that the 627 bearings are comparatively bigger. It causes them to roll faster but also increases friction.

608 is way better due to its ease of maintenance, durability, and less friction. Adding quietness to the other two traits makes them more choosy than the 627 skate bearings.

3 Components of a Bearing

One of the widely used mechanical instruments for reducing friction is known as a bearing. It generally consists of the following five components:

• Inner Race: One of the most crucial parts of a bearing. The inner race rotates around the bearing’s axis.
• Solid Balls: Next comes seven solid balls, the fundamental unit behind reducing friction.
• Cage/Ball Container: Balls Container, sometimes known as the retainer, is the third part of the bearing that holds all seven balls in place and keeps them evenly separated. Moreover, these are always designed in steel.
• Outer Race: The penultimate part of a bearing is called the outer race. Unlike the inner race, this component is stationary. On top of that, it surrounds balls together with the inner race.
• Shields: The ultimate component of a bearing, shields, are also known as seals. Most bearings come envisioned with ‘RS’ shield stamps. The ‘RS’ on the shield refers to Rubber Shield. A few are designed with ‘ZZ’ or 2-Z shield stamps which means both seals are made up of metal. The basic purpose of this shield is to keep all kinds of dirt, smut, dust, filth, etc, away from penetration into the bearing. Some bearings, commonly known as ceramic, don’t contain any shield.

Do you know?

Plastic bushings are the alternative to bearings. These are low-cost and offer less friction. Moreover, they are easy to maintain and can be used in wet surroundings. 

4 Bearing by Types

Though almost half a dozen types of bearings are being used for hundreds of purposes, we will discuss the top bearings currently tested and used on skateboards. 

Ceramic Bearing for Skating

No monkey business when it comes to ceramic skateboard bearings. As the name suggests, these bearings are made up of ceramic. That is why they are lightweight but possess high strength. Above all, these are fast skateboard bearings. Surprisingly, these bearings aren’t covered by shields on either side. 

Be very cautious if you are eyeing these shieldless bearings. Despite having no shield, these bearings last longer than all others in town. 

Loose Ball Bearing for Skating:

These are the cheapest skateboard bearing. As the name implies, these bearings contain loose balls without ball containers. It means that nothing is there to keep all those balls intact. That is why these bearings are mostly used on budgeted boards. Be cautious if you buy these cheap skateboard bearings as these will only survive for a while and rust before time.

Shielded Bearing for Skating:

The next Skateboard bearing in queue is protected bearings which are durable, cost-effective, and offer ease of maintenance. In to the bargain, these skate bearings can easily bear heavy loads. Above all, they come in a metal cage which not only assists them in keeping all sorts of contamination away but also aids them in spinning freely.

5 How Many Bearings Does A Skateboard Need?

If you’re a beginner and looking to replace the bearings on your Skateboard, then you must know the following:

• How many bearings does a skateboard typically have? 
• Do all bearings need replacement?
• How to check which bearing is out of order?

NOTE: If you know the answers to all the questions mentioned above, you can skip this information. 

There’re four wheels on a skateboard, each requiring one bearing for proper functioning. Moreover, your board also holds two trucks attached to each end of the deck. Each truck requires two bearings. Thereupon, A skateboard typically needs eight bearings in all.

Another question arises when it comes to replacing your skate bearings. There isn’t any need to replace all bearings together. You have to look for the damaged or run-down and restore it. 

There’re several ways of checking the soundness of a bearing. Firstly, if the bearing is rusty, it is done and dusted. Secondly, please take out the wheel on a skateboard and move it with your hands. It must be replaced if its rotation is uneven or makes a noise.

Thirdly, if you’re a newbie and can’t decide the soundness of a bearing, compare it with the new one. Pass both the bearings through the spin test and compare their results. 

Fourthly, try to hold the suspected bearing between your thumb and index finger and rotate it keeping a tight hold over it. If rotation is smooth and sound, its fine; otherwise, replace it.  

Lastly, if you can manage a fidget spinner and adjust your old bearings on it, it will easily gauge the smoothness, free spin, noise, and uneven rotation like a connoisseur. 

6 When and how to replace skateboard bearings!

Though all your queries about replacing bearings on a skateboard were answered earlier, we can still summarize them. If the bearing is rusty, making a noise, showing uneven rotation, resists spinning, etc., it should be replaced immediately. 

Do you know?

 Deep Groove Ball Bearings are ideal for high-speed applications. 

7 How to change the bearings on a skateboard

It’d be an amazing experience to mend your Skateboard by yourself. If you’re going to replace bearings on your Skateboard, you’d need to collect a socket wrench and screwdriver before executing your adventure. 

First of all, remove the wheel with the help of a socket wrench by loosening the axle nut. Now, uninstall the old bearing in front of the wheel by using a screwdriver. Thoroughly clean the inside area of the wheel. It’s time to place the new bearing in the wheel correctly. In the end, put the wheel back onto the truck and screw up the nut axle. Your newly bought best skateboard bearings are installed, and your can cruise on your skate again.

8 How does a bearing work?

We have discussed in detail all the components of a bearing earlier. If you need to understand the actual working mechanism of a bearing, then you must wade through that topic before advancing further. 

When some load is applied to the bearing, that load is shifted from the inner race towards the outer race by means of solid spherical balls present inside the balls container. These evenly distributed balls disburse the load uniformly. Moreover, these balls allow smooth movement by reducing friction. That is how a bearing serves you the right way.

9 Maintenance

For increasing the lifespan of your skate bearings, it’s, therefore, crucial to regularly clean and lubricate the bearings. You can find some best lubricants and cleaning kits for your bearings in order to take full advantage of them. 

Tips and Guidelines For Maintaining Skateboard Bearings

• Satisfactory skateboard bearings require everyday maintenance to ensure superior performance and toughness.
• Using on wet streets can cause rust and damage to bearings, main to noise and reduced pace.
• Two techniques for disposing of bearings include using a bearing puller or DIY removal with arms and pressure, though the latter can also harm the bearings.
• changing bearings entails setting new ones onto the axle, sliding the wheel on top, and securing the bearing in location.
• cleaning and lubricating bearings complements overall performance and toughness, involving wiping away dust, soaking in a cleanser, applying lubricant, and reattaching the rubber shields.
• keep away from the usage of WD40 as bearing lubricant, as it could cause clogging.
• Warehouse Skateboards offers an expansion of skateboard bearings and lubricants for upkeep desires.

Tips for Cleaning Skateboard Bearings

• Disassemble with Care: Take aside the bearings from the wheels, making sure you no longer lose any small components like shields or spacers.
• Soak in cleansing solution: Submerge the bearings in a suitable cleaning solution, inclusive of isopropyl alcohol, to dissolve dust and grease.
• Agitate and Scrub: Swirl or agitate the bearings within the solution, the usage of a broom or toothbrush to scrub away cussed dirt and particles.
• Thorough Rinse: Rinse the bearings with clean water to do away with any final cleansing answer and debris, making sure a residue-loose end.

Complete Drying and Lubrication: permit the bearings to air dry completely earlier than reassembly, then observe skateboard bearing lubricant to every bearing for easy operation.

Eco-Friendly Skateboard Bearings

For skateboard bearings, don’t forget options made from sustainable materials like recycled steel or ceramics, which have a discounted environmental effect as compared to traditional substances. additionally, opt for biodegradable lubricants to minimize damage to the surroundings in the course of upkeep. pick bearings with minimum or recyclable packaging to lessen waste, and prioritize durability and toughness to limit the need for common replacements. assisting organizations that implement sustainable practices, which includes the usage of renewable strength resources and recycling packages, can further make contributions to eco-aware skateboarding.

Bones Reds

Bones Reds skateboard bearings are famous for their durability, excessive overall performance, and attributes. these bearings are crafted with metal materials, with a few components doubtlessly sourced from recycled substances, decreasing the reliance on new resources. Bones Bearings, the manufacturer of the back of Bones Reds, is dedicated to sustainable practices, making sure that their production processes have a minimum environmental impact. 

Bronson G3

Bronson G3 skateboard bearings are every other option in the world of skateboarding. these bearings are designed with sturdiness and sustainability in mind, featuring long-lasting metallic components that are built to remain. with the aid of prioritizing sturdiness, Bronson G3 bearings assist reduce the need for common replacements, thereby minimizing waste generation.

Compatibility and Fitment Guide for Skateboard Bearings

Choosing the proper skateboard bearings relies upon various factors, starting with your revel in level. Beginners may not require excessive-give-up bearings designed for maximum speed, making it more practical to choose cheap alternatives that still offer smooth performance.

Subsequent, don’t forget you’re using fashion: whether or not you are an informal cruiser or pick tackling stair units, your bearings must be healthy for the needs of your chosen skating sports. understanding those factors facilitates slender down the fabric and specs that fine health your desires. Ultimately, keep in mind that the right preservation is essential for best performance and longevity, so make yourself familiar with cleaning and preservation strategies to maintain your bearings in pinnacle situations.

Essential Parts and Material Quality Of the Skate Bearings

Material

Skateboard bearings play an important function in the overall performance and durability of a skateboard, and they’re commonly made from various materials, each with its advantages and concerns.

Steel Bearings

Metallic bearings are the enterprise trend, recognized for their sturdiness and affordability. metallic bearings offer first-rate performance and may withstand heavy use. however, low-grade metal bearings can also rust when exposed to moisture. 

Ceramic Bearings

Ceramic bearings are renowned for their durability and resistance to deformation beneath strain. additionally, they have the advantage of being warmness resistant, which reduces friction and allows for smoother rolling, specifically at high speeds. not like metallic bearings, ceramic bearings no longer rust when exposed to moisture, making them suitable for skating in moist or moist environments. 

Titanium Bearings

Titanium bearings provide an aggregate of durability, lightweight construction, and rust resistance. similar to metal bearings in performance, titanium bearings have the added gain of an extended lifespan due to titanium’s high tensile energy and corrosion resistance. To preserve the longevity of titanium bearings, normal lubrication is recommended to lessen friction in the course of skating.

Stay away from fast skateboard bearings but reliable and smooth ones.

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