Having high-quality longboard bearings can completely change how smooth, fast, and quietly you roll when you ride your longboard.
Not all longboard bearings are created equal. You will notice the difference between a good set of bearings that will change how you ride.
Whether you are a beginner or a pro or value speed and acceleration, this guide will help you pick the best longboard bearing for whatever you want.
The 15 Best Longboard Bearings
Bones Reds Skateboard Bearings
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction
- High speed Nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant provide the best performance and durability possible
- Includes 4 spacers and 8 washers
If you are looking for the best longboard bearings, Bones Bearings are the industry standard in skateboard and longboard bearings.
There are so many different Bones Bearings models, but the Bones Reds Bearings are entry-level and affordable, making them perfect for beginners.
The Bones Reds are made with steel balls rather than the more expensive counterparts made with ceramic. This helps make the reds so affordable.
Bones Reds Bearings are classic, reliable, smooth, and roll like a dream.
These bearings have a long-range per kick and are easy to take apart.
They do come pre-lubed and are ready to use out of the box. First, the bearings must be broken in, but if they feel stiff or are catching, I recommend soaking them in Speed Cream by Bones or cleaning them with acetone.
These bearings spin longer on heavier wheels and are durable for trick riding like ollies and heelflips.
The bearings’ have a nylon ball retainer for strength, which is suitable for riding gaps, curbs, streets, and rails.
The downfall is the bearings have no groove in the inner race so that the shield can form a labyrinth. As a result, the bearings will fail from contamination before wearing out.
However, the removable rubber shield makes cleaning easy. Clean up with bones speed cream.
The Bones Reds come with a set of 8 bearings, spacers and washers. In addition, they include a single non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction and a high-speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed.
Although Bones Reds do not use the ABEC system, they are comparable to ABEC 7s.
The Bones Reds Bearings are 608 bearings that measure 22mm (diameter) x 8mm (inner diameter) x 7mm (width)
What We Like
- Inexpensive
- Great for beginners
- Pre-lubed ready for use
- Strong Construction
- It comes with spacers and washers
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- The rubber shield doesn’t completely seal the bearings as one side is covered only.
- It gets dirty and sluggish quickly
- Slightly noisy
- Lower quality bones bearings
608 Berra Sk8
Check out the latest bearings from Eenox Sports. The Swiss-made Berra Sk8 High Carbon Steal Bearings are incredibly smooth and perfect for skateboarders looking for high-quality and durable bearings.
These 608 Berra Sk8 bearings have high-carbon steel rings and balls, which offer serious durability and high-quality performance. They are perfect for people who want to skate at breakneck speeds while still providing a bearing that will last you ages.
These are the best longboard bearings for both professionals looking to achieve peak performance and beginners who want to start with excellent-quality bearings.
The bearings include 8x skateboard bearings, 1000Cr6 Balls & 100Cr6 Rings, eight no-contact seals and four aluminum spacers.
What We Like
- The bearings offer an incredibly smooth ride
- Durable – will last you years
- Perfect for serious athletes and beginners
- Very fast – great for high speeds
- Pre-lubed ready for use
- Made with Swiss precision
- It comes with spacers, seals, and rings
- Versatile – great for skateboards & rollerblades
What We Don’t Like
- Nothing yet!
Bronson Speed Co Bearings
- Deep Groove raceways balls roll deep in raceway channels reduces side impact damage & breakage
- Straight edge frictionless shields pop off resistant holds oil in, dirt and moisture out easy to clean
- Micro Groove raceway surfaces linear microgroove surfaces improve bearing lubrication, speed and spin
- Max impact cage design non distortion custom cage keeps the balls precision spaced & oil circulating
- Balls out technology eliminates shield and cage contact on impact for a go fast, stay fast bearing
Bronson Speed Bearings are gaining popularity and giving the industry’s favorite, Bones, a ride for their money.
The G2 and G3 bearings are the standard 608 size and are great for downhill and high speeds. They are fast, smooth, and have low friction.
The Bronson Speed bearings have deep groove raceways, which reduce side impact damage and breakage. In addition, the strong shields go all the way to the inner race, which keeps sand and dirt out.
Bronson Speed bearings do not get dirty quickly. You can ride through mud, dirt and rain, and they will still roll forever while not rusting.
They require minimal cleaning due to the shield on both sides of the bearing, but if you do need to clean, they are effortless to take apart and clean.
One downfall is that the bearings can be sloppy and loud, and your wheels may wiggle a bit. On the other hand, they feel soft but are great at keeping grit and dirt out compared to Bones Reds.
The two different types of Bronson Speed bearings are the G2 & G3. They are both high-speed bearings with straight edge frictional shields that are great for riding off-road.
What makes these some of the best longboard bearings?
The Bronson Speed bearings roll smoothly under load or during a free spin. They take high impact well, and the roll distance is impressive. They are comparable to Bones Swiss at a fraction of the cost.
The only difference between G2 and G3 is quality control. The G3 bearings come sealed in plastic in a metal container still pre-lubed. The G2s come in a paper box and are usually pretty dry, making the G3’s the better bearing out of the box.
What We Like
- Fast
- Durable
- It comes with spacers & washers
- Good Seals
- Handle vertical and horizontal pressure
- Gaining popularity
- Requires minimal cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Longer than usual break-in time
- Noisy
Zealous Bearings for Longboards – best value
- BUILT IN SPACERS AND SPEED RINGS - .4045″ built in spacers and .5mm built in speed rings mean no more small parts to lose when changing wheels/bearings.
- LOW FRICTION = FAST - The coefficient of friction is the lowest in the field of Tribology at 0.003% creating a near frictionless surface.
- GREEN (Steel) and WHITE (Ceramic) - Color coordinated rubber seals to keep dirt and debris on the outside of the bearing increasing the longevity.
- PREMIUM LUBRICANT - Lubed with a Custom Nanoceramic Grease that "self heals". Grease enters imperfections in the metal and smooths them out, making for a faster bearing.
- 8MM AXLES - Precision 8mm axle holes fit all skateboard trucks for a super fast and smooth ride. Comes with 8 bearings (enough for 4 wheels).
If you are looking for waterproof longboard bearings, Zealous Bearings are for you.
The steel bearings have green rubber seals that keep water, dirt, and debris outside the bearing.
Zealous Bearings are standard 608 bearings with extended inner races, precision 8mm axle holes and 0.5mm built-in speed rings and spacers, making swapping them onto your board a breeze.
You won’t lose your speed rings because everything is built-in. In addition, they come lubed with archoil nanoceramic grease, which reduces friction, making for a smoother ride.
What makes Zealous Bearings some of the best longboard bearings?
They are versatile, easy to install, long-lasting and affordable. In addition, Zealous Bearings are very quiet, and you do not need to clean them often.
They do need to be broken in, which takes about a week but once broken in, they roll forever and are very fast, perfect for downhill riding but also great for cruising.
One downside of Zealous Bearings is that the spacers are attached to the bearings, which may make the wheels feel heavier.
What We Like
- Stay Clean
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Resistant to water
- Very fast. You can ride up to 50mph
- It rides smooth, and your board will glide easily
What We Don’t Like
- Slower than ceramic
Yellow Jacket Premium Bearings
Yellow Jack Premium Longboard Bearings is a high precision, high-speed bearing that is perfect for street skating & downhill riding.
The ABEC 9-rated 8mm steel ball bearings come pre-lubricated with high-speed racing lube, which offers a super speedy, smooth ride.
They are easy to install and come with spacers. The bearings are sealed for protection against rocks, dirt and dust and are long-lasting while maintaining precision.
Yellow Jack Premium Longboard Bearings are affordable and perfectly balanced with speed and control. As a result, they are excellent bearings for heavy riders.
Some downfalls include inconsistency with some bearings; some are noisy, others are quiet, and others are tighter.
If you have any issues with the bearings not being consistent, Yellow Jacket will replace any faulty pieces. So keep yourself safe and pick up a set of the best skateboard pads.
What We Like
- Spin well
- Inexpensive
- It comes in tons of different colors
- Look good
- Nylon crown
- It comes with washers and spacers
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy
- It doesn’t spin as long as Bones Reds
Fireball Dragon Precision Bearings
- 🔥 BEAST GUARANTEE - Dragons are fully backed by the Fireball Beast Guarantee which promises 100% satisfaction on all Fireball products.
- 🔥 RACE and ENDURE LUBRICANTS - Light oil is applied in the RACE for high speed and slightly heavier grease is applied in the ENDURE for maximum longevity.
- 🔥 DUAL LABYRINTH SHIELDS - Dragons come standard with two shields on either side of the bearing for maximum protection from the elements. Install and forget. Dragons are designed to last.
- 🔥 PRECISION FITMENT - The bearing size is 608 and measures 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) x 8mm (inner diameter/axle).
Fireball Dragon Precision Bearings are a size 608 with a 22mm diameter, 8mm inner diameter and a 7mm width. The double shield design offers an incredibly resilient, durable bearing. They are easily the best bearings for a longboard.
With race-grade steel balls, the bearings are covered in light oil, making them ultra-smooth and fast.
The dual labyrinth shields protect the bearings from the elements and have lubrication retention. In addition, the nylon ball cage that surrounds the bearings help reduce friction.
The steel bearings are excellent for heavier riders as they are extremely durable and resilient. They require a short break-in period, making the bearings appear sluggish, but they will ride as smooth as butter.
Fireball Dragon Precision bearings can be taken apart, cleaned, and rebuilt. They use a rubber bearing shield that is easy to remove.
These bearings have a special inner stepped lip that prevents water and dirt from entering the bearing. Be careful not to damage the lip, and these bearings shouldn’t need to be cleaned for quite a while.
The seals keep the lubricant in and the dirt out. The Fireball bearings are excellent for wet conditions due to the seals.
There is no sideways rattle while riding, they withstand horizontal pressures of sliding, and they are the best longboard bearings for downhill riding. Find the best longboard for sliding here.
What We Like
- Easy to clean
- Great value
- Quiet and fast
- Nearly waterproof
What We Don’t Like
- A bit sluggish until broken in
Bones Ceramic Super Reds Bearings
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic balls.
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction.
- High speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.
If you love Bones Reds Bearings but want something that will ride smoother and be longer-lasting, pick up a set of Bones Ceramic Super Reds Bearings.
The bearing size is the standard 608 and measures 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) x 8mm (inner diameter/axle).
The Cerbec ceramic balls are lighter, harder, stronger, waterproof and longer lasting than steel balls. In addition, there is a single removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction.
The bearings come pre-lubricated with speed cream racing lubricant. As a result, the ceramic balls are virtually silent and very durable. One downside is the bearings do not come with spacers.
The Bones Ceramic Super Reds are manufactured in China, so they are cheaper than the Swiss bearings but still a top-quality bearing. As a result, they hold up under harsh conditions while being super smooth and efficient.
These bearings keep spinning and spinning! Be sure to lube up often because they get dirty with only one shield.
Pick up the best skateboard backpack to carry your extra bearings. I recommend looking for the best cheap skate shoes too.
What We Like
- Ceramic bearings
- Super durable
- Nearly waterproof
- Spins like butter
What We Don’t Like
- It needs to be cleaned often due to having one shield
CCS PremiumBlue Steel Bearings
- SET OF 8 BEARINGS: Enough for one complete skateboard.
- ABEC-7 RATED: Pre-lubricated chrome steel ball bearings ride smooth and fast.
- DURABLE & LONG LASTING: Our Blue Steel bearings are precision engineered to endure the wear and tear of the streets.
- REMOVABLE RUBBER SHIELDS: Pop off the shields for easy bearing maintenance.
- SKATE TESTED HERE IN PORTLAND: From the pros on our team, to our friends around the office and warehouse, we have tested and approved these bearings in the rough and rainy streets of Portland, Oregon.
If you are looking for the best longboard bearing that won’t break the bank check out the CCS Premium Longboard Bearings. They come in at an ABEC 7 rating and are often comparable to Bones Reds but are cheaper.
The CCS Bearings are made with 7 chrome steel ball bearings pre-lubed, giving you a smooth and fast ride.
Considering they are less expensive than most, the CCS bearings are durable and can hit speeds of 30+ on a longboard.
These bearings have a removable blue double shield for easy cleaning and maintenance. One of the best things about the CCS bearings is that you do not need spacers!
If you need new hardware, check out the best skateboard hardware to help you find the right hardware.
What We Like
- Very inexpensive
- Smooth & Fast
- Double shield to keep out dirt
What We Don’t Like
- Can feel wobbly as you ride
Neal Precision Skate Bearings
- BE AMAZING: NEAL Precision Skate Bearings won't make you amazing, but we'll help you get there!
- CRUSH THE COMPETITION: New Titanium Stingers and Pro Signature Vinnie Banh Ceramics. We love them and so will you.
- BEST SELLING: Instantly feel the difference in our bearings, stop worrying about your skate bearings breaking, because our quality construction has you covered.
- PLUS: Includes a reusable aluminium case: 8 Precision Bearings. 4 Skateboard Spacers. Sticker.
- ROLL ON: Guaranteed to get your Skateboard, Longboard, Pennyboard, Inline Skates, and Scooter rolling smoother and longer.
Neal Precision Bearings are fast, quiet and smooth and are some of the best longboard bearings for cruising.
With a maximum spin rating of 100,000 rpm, the bearings are incredibly durable. In addition, the bearings come with spacers.
The bearings are the standard 608RS and 8mm size, gliding effortlessly right out of the box. They are made with an aluminum case, steel races, and a single non-contact, removable rubber shield.
There are 5 different kinds of bearings, but the Blackout Ceramic bearings are best for longboarding. The ceramics are tough and are virtually waterproof as the ceramic bearings do not rust.
Unlike most bearings, Neal Precision Bearings do not have a broken-in period. As a result, they are the smoothest bearings I have ever used. They spin forever, super fast and are completely silent.
The bearings do not require much maintenance but can always be re-lubed. Clean if they’re dirty, or just add a drop or two of lube to keep them extra smooth. Like most anything, these will last very well if properly maintained.
What We Like
- Very affordable for ceramics
- Easy to install
- No break-in period
- Very little maintenance required
- Fast
- Smooth
- Durable
- Silent
What We Don’t Like
- None
Heady Shake Pro Longboard Bearings
- ULTRA SMOOTH, ULTRA-FAST – These precision skateboard bearings are pre-lubricated with special lubricant to make the fastest, smoothest bearings out.
- UNMATCHED PRECISION DESIGN – Heady Shake bearings for skateboards offer a quiet rotation, high-spinning speed, and long-lasting durability for more efficient support.
- BLAZING SPEEDS FOR ALL YOUR GEAR – These top-quality bearings can be used for a variety of skates, including inline and roller skates, longboards, skateboards and kick scooters.
- HIT THE SKATE PARK IN STYLE – These inline bearings don’t just boast sleek, skater-friendly designs, they come complete with 8 professional-grade bearings, 4 skateboard spacers, and a waterproof sticker.
- GUARANTEED SATISFACTION – Heady Shake longboard bearings are backed by superior craftsmanship, reliability, and a true satisfaction guarantee. We’ll refund your money 100% if you aren’t completely happy.
Heady Shake Pro Bearings are a 608RS Skate bearing at an ABEC-9 Rating. They come pre-lubricated with a lubricant that makes them fast, smooth, quiet and durable.
These bearings are lighter and stronger than steel as they are made with titanium, which gives you more stability and control than standard bearings.
They spin for more than 3 minutes, so you don’t need to kick often, so they are perfect for cruising.
Heady Shake Bearings have a single-side sealed rubber shield, which causes less friction and is easy to clean. However, they need to be cleaned often as debris gets caught easily.
If you are looking for a super smooth and quiet experience all around you, you need to check out Heady Shake. They are noticeably faster and stronger than Bones Reds.
What We Like
- Spins for 3 minutes
- Super smooth
- Quiet
- Fast
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Gets dirty easily
- Long break-in period
- Bearings will sometimes leak if flooded with oil
Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings
- This unique design features six larger diameter balls instead of the seven balls used in most 608 bearings. The advantage of this design is higher speed, greater strength and durability. Made in Switzerland.
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield allows for easy cleaning and less friction.
- High speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant provide the best performance and durability possible.
If you want an elite bearing that glides smoothly and is dead silent; you must ride the Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings.
The Bones Super Swiss Bearings have 6 balls rather than the standard 7 balls, making them faster and stronger. As a result, they offer an increased speed and faster acceleration.
The standard 608 bearing is 8mm with an outer diameter of 22mm. They come pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream and are easy to clean by removing the single non-contact rubber shield.
These bearings are smooth like butter. They keep going forever without making a sound. Bones Super Swiss are excellent bearings that will last you a lifetime.
They need to be broken in, and my biggest issue with reds is that it only has one rubber shield, which allows dirt to get trapped inside.
I recommend buying the installation tool made by Bones to avoid damaging the inner ring during installation.
What We Like
- Smooth like butter
- Fast
- Quiet
- Incredibly durable
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Replacement parts are too expensive
- Only one rubber shield so debris gets in
Oust MOC Skateboard Bearings
- Oust Bearings are world renown as the best and fastest in the world. Developed by Oust in Torrance CA.
If you are into downhill racing or slalom longboarding, the Oust Moc 9 Bearings are top of the line and used by the pros.
The bearing size is standard 608 and measures 22mm (diameter) x 8mm (inner diameter) x 7mm (width).
You will feel like you are riding on air with these bearings. They are fast, smooth and hold their roll. They are smooth during carve turns.
One downfall is they do have a slight rolling noise while rolling and take a while to break in.
The bearings are easy to clean, and the labyrinth shield locks in lubricant and helps keep out dirt and other debris.
Every part of the bearing is removable for cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, you do not need to clean these bearings very often.
The MOC 7 bearings have a longer spinning duration, but if you want more speed, get the MOC 9.
I recommend using bearing spacers and speed rings, which are not included.
What We Like
- Long spin duration
- Extremely smooth
- Durable
- Fast
- Great for slalom and downhill racers
What We Don’t Like
- Do not come with spacers
- Expensive
- Slight rolling noise
KVENI Ceramic Bearings
- 1.High quality and smooth: KVENI skateboard bearing is made of high quality Chrome steel and ceramic ball ,the bearings of skateboard meet international ABEC standards, high quality, high speed , low friction, it will give you a smoother feeling.
- 2.Precision fitment: The red skateboard bearings size is 608rs and measures 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) x 8mm (inner diameter/axle)and(8 pack of skateboard ceramic bearings). Able to fit perfectly with most of the wheels on the market.
- 3.Scope of application: KVENI ceramic skateboard bearing make you enjoy longer spins for your skateboard wheels, mini cruiser, longboard, kick scooter, trike, inline skates, roller skates, fidget spinner and more.
- 4.Red unique color seals: This waterproof skateboard bearings easy to disassemble and clean and protection from dirt, rocks, dust, Pre-lubricated with racing lubricant to lengthen the life of the bearing and maintain precision.
- 5. Upgrade now: Whether you're a seasoned skateboarder or just starting out, KVENI ceramic skate bearings are the perfect upgrade for your ride. With a sleek blue design and premium ceramic construction, they offer the ultimate combination of style and performance. Upgrade your skateboard today!
The KVENI Ceramic Bearings are perfect for high debris and rainy day riding if you are looking for the best waterproof longboard bearing.
The high-quality Chrome steel and ceramic balls are high quality, high speed, smooth and low friction. The bearings are the standard 608RS ceramic balls size are ABEC 9 and measure 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) x 8mm (inner diameter/axle).
Expect longer spins, quiet rides and a smooth roll without regular cleaning. KVENI Ceramic bearings are easy to disassemble, clean, and protect from dirt, rocks and dust.
They come pre-lubricated with racing lubricant to lengthen the life of the bearing and maintain precision. In addition, the inner part of the skateboard bearing is made of racing car lubricant, making the bearing rotate faster and quieter.
What We Like
- Good for beginners
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive, especially for ceramic
- Quiet
- Waterproof
- These have a smooth, consistent and fast roll even without regular cleaning.
- Great for cruising
- Smooth
What We Don’t Like
- Don’t spin as well as some steel ball bearings
- Inconsistent
- Pretty slow until broken in
- Do not come with spacers
Bones Super Reds Bearings
- Features Higher quality steel races, better quality and grade balls, and a superior surface finish
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction.
- High speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant provide the best performance and durability possible.
If you love Bones Reds but want a higher quality bearing, be sure to get the Bones Super Reds Bearings.
They have higher quality steel races and better quality ball bearings that come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.
The Bones Super Reds bearing size is 608 and measures 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) x 8mm (inner diameter/axle). They include a single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction.
These bearings are ready to roll right out of the box! The 6-ball design offers greater speed, strength and faster acceleration. In addition, the spin is quicker and more consistent than the regular Bone Red bearings.
These bearings are insanely fast, smooth and virtually silent, which means little friction. In addition, these bearings are black and come with free spacers and speed washers.
What We Like
- Durable
- Fast
- Virtually silent
- Very little friction
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- It comes with free spacers and speed washers
- Super Smooth
What We Don’t Like
- Single shield rather than double, meaning dirt can get inside the bearing
Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings
- Swiss Ceramics accelerate faster, roll faster & farther, and resist dirt and moisture better.
- Help to repair injuries to your races caused by dirt.
- 1 non-contact, removable rubber shields allow easy cleaning
- High speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed.
- Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant provide the best performance and durability possible.
If you want a bearing in a league of its own, you must have Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings.
They have Cerbec ceramic balls instead of steel, which means they are harder, lighter, stronger, less friction, and do not rust.
The Bones Swiss Ceramics bearing size is 608 and measures 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) x 8mm (inner diameter/axle).
The bearings come with nylon ball retainers and bones speed cream lubricant, which gives you a sustained ride.
These bearings are lightweight, roll very smoothly and can take a ton of heat! You will kick and never stop.
If you are looking for the best longboard bearings for downhill longboarding, Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings are the ones to get. You will be flying past cars as you bomb the hill.
Bones Swiss Ceramic Bearings are high-speed, quiet and smooth. They are perfect for street tricks because you won’t need to push much.
These bearings are recommended for professional and competition use rather than for beginners. This is because they are superior quality bearings.
What We Like
- Incredibly smooth ride
- Silent
- Easy installation
- Very fast
And What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
What are Skateboard and Longboard Bearings?
Longboard and skateboard bearings are tiny steel or ceramic balls in between an outer and an inner race that works with the best longboard trucks, the best longboard decks and longboard wheels that allow the wheel to spin on your board.
You need good quality longboard bearings to ride with precision, speed, and long spin duration and truly enjoy your ride.
Longboards and skateboards use the same bearings, but you can get a larger spacer for larger longboard wheels. If you want to know the best skateboard bearings for specific styles of riding, check out the best skateboard bearings post here.
Be sure to check your bearing spacer’s dimension. If you use smaller wheels, pick the 8x8mm spacers; larger wheels will use 8x10mm spacers.
Add the best skateboard grip tape and the best skateboard deck! If you want to know what the best skateboard brands are out there, you need to check out my post to help you choose!
The Different Types of Bearings
There are several different bearings for different styles of longboarding. What may be necessary for cruising and commuting may not be as important for downhill racing.
The Best Bearings for Cruising and Commuting
If you plan on using your longboard for cruising and commuting, you need to look for bearings that have a great roll speed, durability, stability and bearings that stay clean, so maintenance is a breeze.
I recommend any bearing that has a double shield to keep dirt out of the bearing.
The best longboard bearings for cruising are the Zealous Bearings, Neal Precision Bearings, Heady Shake Pro Bearings, and KVENI Ceramic bearings.
The Best Bearings for Speed
Whether you are cruising, slalom skateboarding or downhill longboarding, you will want a bearing that will give you tons of speed.
The fastest bearings are: Bronson Speed bearings, Oust MOC 9, Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings and KVENI Ceramic Bearings.
10 Things to Considering When Buying the Best Longboard Bearings
When looking for the perfect longboard bearing, you should consider a few features before deciding.
Bearings are made with balls, inner and outer races, retainer cages and shields.
Check out other things to consider when buying your longboard bearings below.
Ball Material – Steel or Ceramic
When choosing the right longboard or skateboard bearing, there are a few things you need to consider before buying the best longboard bearing for you.
The balls of bearings are one of the most important aspects when picking the best longboard bearing. You will want a good quality bearing to ensure you have great spin, speed and precision when longboarding.
Both ball materials have pros and cons, and it is best to choose what works for you – whether you are cruising, downhill racing or riding through tons of mud and dirt.
Steel
Steel balls are your best choice if you are on a budget or a beginner. Steel bearings heat up while you ride, which helps with their elasticity under a heavy load. Steel bearings are also resistant to cracking.
Ceramic
If you are an avid downhill racer or looking for a bearing that will outlast your board, you should pick up a bearing with ceramic balls. The ceramic ball bearings are not affected by heat, so it is safer to use during downhill racing. The only downfall is that ceramic bearings can be quite a bit more expensive than steel.
ABEC Rating System
When looking for which bearings to choose, you will hear mention of the ABEC Rating. What is an ABEC rating, and is it important in longboarding and skateboarding?
ABEC, which stands for Annular Bearing Engineers Committee) rating is a general rating system that applies more to machine bearings rather than skateboard and longboard bearings. The higher the ABEC, the greater the revolution per minute of the wheel.
ABEC doesn’t properly measure spinning speed or the acceleration of skateboard bearings. As a result, many companies like Bones, Zealous and Bronson do not use the ABEC system. Instead, they designed their own skate rating system to meet skateboarding and longboarding standards like side load and impact resistance.
As you will see in my reviews, some companies still rely on the ABEC system, so if you are looking for a better bearing, the higher the rating, the better.
Bearing Size
Longboard and Skateboard bearings come in a standard 608 Bearing Size. These bearings measure 22mm (outer diameter) x 7mm (width) and 8mm (inner diameter/axle).
This bearing size is the most common and will fit on your longboards and skateboard axles.
Spacers
Spacers and washers (speed rings) provide the clearance on the longboard axle and truck. They are essential to installing a bearing as they prevent bearings from relying on wheel hubs for placement.
Washers and spacers will optimize your spin and keep your bearings tight – preventing crooked bearings.
What size of spacer should you pick? I recommend getting space that measures ½ inch as that will fit most longboard and skateboard axles.
Pre-Lubrication
Most bearings you will buy are pre-lubricated so that they will spin faster right away and are ready to install right out of the box.
There is no need to lubricate brand new bearings before installation. Still, if they are not pre-lubricated, you can use many different lubricant options to ensure your bearings roll smoothly.
Lubrication
There are several different lubricants that you can use on your bearings to make them run smoothly.
As bearings, use a thin lubricant. I suggest picking a lubricant that will not cause too much friction, thus slowing down your wheel.
As many bearings are already pre-lubricated when purchased. I suggest using the same style of lubricant used initially on your bearing set.
If you want to change or maintain your bearings, you will need a skate tool. Be sure to find the best skate tool that works for you here.
What is the Best Lubricant?
The most popular types of bearing lubricants are Speed Cream and nanoceramic grease.
I recommend trying out Bones Speed Cream, Liberty Oil, or Oust Metol Speed oil.
Bearing Shields
A bearing shield is the rubber or metal wall of a bearing that prevents debris and dirt from getting inside. I prefer bearings with a double shield to ensure the entire bearing is protected from the elements.
Another thing to be aware of is that bearings with rubber shields can be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly, whereas metal shields stay in place, making maintenance more difficult.
What are Built In Bearings?
Built in bearings, like Zealous Bearings or Heady Shake Bearings, are bearings that are prebuilt with spacers and speed rings.
If you are a beginner or do not want to deal with installing spacers and speed rings, or you are worried about dropping the tiny little pieces, you should try out built-in bearings.
How Do You Install Bearings?
Installing bearings, spacers and washers may seem a bit confusing, but it is pretty simple.
Each wheel requires two bearings, so be sure to get a pack of 8.
The spacers and washers are the small pieces that go on the axle with the bearings.
The spacers and washers provide the clearance needed for a fast spinning bearing.
Otherwise, the bearings rely on the wheel hubs for placement, and the axle nut cannot be fully tightened, which leads to misaligned bearings.
Washers, otherwise known as speed rings, give the bearings extra clearance from the truck hanger and axle nut, allowing them to spin freely.
Everything should be installed in this order on the axle from the truck hanger to the axle nut.
Speed ring (washer)BearingSpacerBearingSpeed ring Axle nut
Conclusion
The best longboard bearing completely depends on your riding style and how much money you are willing to spend.
Whether you are picking the best longboard bearings for cruising or the best longboard bearing for downhill racing, I have three that stand out the most.
Neal Precision Skate Bearings are my top choice for the best longboard bearings for cruising and commuting. They are super fast, quiet and do not require too much maintenance. They are perfect for your daily commute.
Bronson Speed Co – not only are they gaining popularity and outranking Bones Reds, but they are also the best longboard bearings for downhill racing. They are durable and handle vertical and horizontal pressure, making slalom riding a breeze.
Zealous Bearings are the best value for money. They are easy to install and great for beginners as Zealous are built-in bearings.
If you love longboarding, you should check out who the best longboarding brands are! Or, if you are just getting into longboarding, check out the best longboards for beginners or the best longboards for 100 dollars.
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