The best bearings for longboards include the bones swiss ceramic bearings and the bronson speed co g3 bearings. Longboarding is a popular sport and transportation method that requires high-quality bearings to ensure a smooth ride.
The best bearings for longboards are durable, corrosion-resistant, have high-speed performance, and require minimal maintenance. Bones swiss ceramic bearings are made with high-grade, precision ceramic balls that provide exceptional speed and longevity. Bronson speed co g3 bearings feature a deep groove raceway design that reduces friction and increases speed. Other popular bearings include the oust moc 9 airrr bearings and the zealous bearings. When choosing the best bearings for your longboard, consider your riding style, budget, and desired level of performance. Investing in high-quality bearings can drastically improve your longboarding experience.
Credit: longboarding.co
Factors To Consider When Selecting Bearings
Longboard bearings are essential components that allow the smooth and quick rotation of the wheels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, choosing the right bearings can significantly impact your ride quality and overall experience. In this post, we will be discussing the factors you should consider when selecting bearings for your longboard.
Size
Size is one of the most critical factors you should consider when selecting bearings for your longboard. The size of a bearing determines its compatibility with the axle and wheel of your longboard. Bearings come in three standard sizes; 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm.
Most longboard trucks can accommodate 8mm bearings, but it’s always advisable to check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Material
Bearings can be made from different materials, such as stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium, among others. Stainless steel bearings are widely used and commonly available. They are durable, cost-effective, and require minimal maintenance. Ceramic bearings, on the other hand, are more expensive but are more durable, faster, and smoother.
Titanium bearings are the most expensive but are lightweight and durable.
Abec Rating
The abec rating is a standard measure used to rate the precision and tolerances of bearings. The rating ranges from abec 1 to abec 9, with abec 9 being the highest rating. The higher the abec rating, the more precise and higher quality the bearing is.
However, higher abec ratings do not necessarily mean faster or better bearings.
Type Of Riding
The type of riding you prefer will influence your choice of bearings. Different bearings are designed for different styles of riding. For example, downhill riders need bearings that are fast, smooth, and durable to withstand high speeds and harsh conditions.
In contrast, cruiser riders prefer bearings that are quieter and provide a smoother ride.
Price
Price is a significant factor to consider when selecting bearings. Bearings can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on the materials and quality. While high-end bearings may provide better performance, they may not be necessary for all riders.
It’s always wise to buy bearings that match your riding style and budget.
Selecting the right bearings for your longboard is crucial for the best riding experience. Consider factors such as size, material, abec rating, type of riding, and price when making your decision. Always choose bearings that match your riding style and budget for the best results.
Size
Overview Of Each Size
Longboard bearings come in different sizes, but the most common ones are the 608 and the 6902 bearings.
- 608 bearings: these are standard-sized bearings that are commonly used in longboards and other skateboards. The 608 bearings measure 8mm in width, 22mm in outer diameter, and 7mm in inner diameter.
- 6902 bearings: these bearings are a larger size, and they are more commonly used by downhill longboarders because of their higher speed. The 6902 bearings measure 15mm in outer diameter, 28mm in width, and 7mm in inner diameter.
Pros And Cons Of Each Size
Every longboarder has different preferences for their bearings size, and there are pros and cons to both the 608 and 6902 sizes.
- 608 bearings advantages:
- They are widely available and inexpensive.
- They are versatile and can be used in all types of longboard setup.
- They require less maintenance than 6902 bearings.
- 608 bearings disadvantages:
- They are not suitable for high-speed downhill longboarding.
- They are not as durable as 6902 bearings.
- 6902 bearings advantages:
- They are suitable for high-speed downhill longboarding because of their size.
- They are more durable than 608 bearings.
- 6902 bearings disadvantages:
- They are more expensive than the 608 bearings.
- They are harder to find than the 608 bearings.
Compatibility With Different Longboard Wheels
Longboard bearings compatibility with the wheels is also an important factor to consider when choosing the right size of bearings for your longboard setup.
- compatible wheels for 608 bearings:
- 608 bearings are compatible with all types of longboard wheels, including small, medium, and large diameter wheels.
- compatible wheels for 6902 bearings:
- 6902 bearings are compatible with large diameter longboard wheels that measure 70mm or more.
Choosing the right size of bearings for your longboard setup depends on your riding style and preferences. If you’re a beginner or a casual rider, the 608 bearings will be a suitable choice. However, if you’re a more experienced longboarder and enjoy downhill longboarding, the 6902 bearings will be a better option.
Both sizes of bearings are widely available and compatible with all types of longboard wheels, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Longboarding Tips: Bearings
Material
Longboard bearings play a critical role in determining the overall performance of a longboard. Without proper bearings, you won’t be able to achieve the speed and performance you desire. Bearings come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, so it’s important to choose the right ones based on your specific needs and goals.
In this article, we will focus on the different materials used to make longboard bearings and the pros and cons of each material to help you make an informed decision.
Overview Of Materials
There are three main materials used to make longboard bearings: steel, ceramic, and hybrid.
Pros And Cons Of Each Material
Steel Bearings
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Durable and long-lasting
- Good for beginners or casual riders
- Cons:
- Unable to withstand high speeds and intense riding conditions
- More prone to rust and corrosion compared to ceramic and hybrid bearings
Ceramic Bearings
- Pros:
- Faster and smoother compared to steel bearings
- Lightweight and low friction
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Cons:
- Expensive, making them less accessible to some riders
- Fragile and can easily break when subjected to high stress or impact
- Requires careful handling and maintenance to prevent damage
Hybrid Bearings
- Pros:
- Combines the best features of steel and ceramic bearings
- Durable and long-lasting with low friction
- Great for high-speed and intense riding conditions
- Cons:
- More expensive than steel bearings, but less expensive than ceramic bearings
- Requires proper maintenance to maximize performance and longevity
Which Material Is Best For Longboards And Why
The ideal material for longboard bearings depends on various factors such as skill level, riding style, and intended use. Beginners or casual riders may prefer steel bearings due to their affordability and durability. However, advanced riders who demand faster speeds and smoother rides may opt for ceramic or hybrid bearings.
Hybrid bearings are a great compromise between steel and ceramic bearings, offering durability, low friction, and high-speed capabilities at a reasonable price.
Selecting the right bearing material for your longboard should be a priority. By understanding the different materials and their pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that will ensure the optimal performance of your longboard. Ultimately, the perfect bearings will enhance your riding experience, allowing you to ride with speed and precision.
Abec Rating
Longboarding is an exciting sport that requires high-performance equipment to deliver an unforgettable experience. One of the critical components that every longboarder considers is the bearings used in building their board. Bearings play a vital role, allowing the wheels to spin with minimum resistance and smoothly.
Bearings are rated based on the abec scale, which stands for annular bearing engineers committee. In this section, we will explore the effects of the abec rating on the performance of longboards.
Overview Of Abec Rating
Abec rating measures the tolerance level of bearing components, such as the bearing diameter, ball precision, and raceway precision. It ranges from abec 1 to abec 9. The higher the abec rating, the tighter the tolerances of the bearing components and the smoother the bearing will operate.
How Abec Rating Affects Longboard Performance
The abec rating affects longboard performance in several ways, including:
- Friction: higher abec rated bearings experience less friction, which helps your longboard wheels spin faster and longer.
- Speed: longboards equipped with higher abec rated bearings can reach higher speeds with less energy input.
- Durability: higher abec rated bearings are more durable and can withstand the elements, including dirt, water, and grime.
Do Higher Abec Ratings Mean Better Performance?
While it’s tempting to assume that a higher abec rating automatically translates to better performance, it’s not always the case. Other factors such as design, material, and lubrication can impact bearing performance. Longboards with abec 3 or 5 rated bearings can deliver exceptional performance if well designed and maintained.
Additionally, a high abec rating might not be necessary for beginners who are learning how to ride longboards.
The abec rating plays a crucial role in determining the performance of longboard bearings. However, it’s not the only factor, as other elements come into play. If you’re a beginner or don’t plan on pushing your longboard to its limits, lower abec rated bearings would suffice.
Conversely, experienced riders on the lookout for maximum speed and performance should consider using higher rated abec bearings on their longboards.
Type Of Riding
Overview Of Different Types Of Longboarding
Longboarding has become a popular recreational activity, sport, and mode of transportation worldwide. It’s a diverse activity with different styles of riding. Each style requires different types of bearings to achieve optimal performance. Here are some of the common types of longboarding.
- Cruising: this is the most common form of longboarding, which involves traveling on flat surfaces or gently sloping hills at a leisurely pace.
- Downhill: this style involves riding at high speeds on steep hills and requires precise control, stability, and speed.
- Freestyle: freestyle longboarding involves performing tricks, slides, and other maneuvers with the board.
- Dancing: this style involves performing fluid, graceful movements, turns, and spins on the board, often with music.
Optimal Bearings For Each Type Of Longboarding
Bearings are an essential part of a longboard, responsible for the speed and smoothness of the ride. Based on the above types of longboarding, here are the optimal bearings for each style.
- Cruising: cruising requires bearings with a relatively low abec (annular bearing engineering committee) rating, such as abec 3 or abec 5, as they allow for a smoother and more effortless ride.
- Downhill: downhill longboarding requires high-precision and high-speed bearings, such as abec 7, abec 9, or abec 11. Ceramic bearings are also popular in downhill longboarding, as they offer excellent speed and wear resistance.
- Freestyle: freestyle longboarding requires bearings that can handle the intense maneuvering and friction caused by tricks, slides, and turns. Hybrid ceramic bearings with a titanium coating provide excellent durability and speed for freestyle longboarding.
- Dancing: dancing longboarding requires bearings with high shock absorption and excellent smoothness, such as abec 5 or abec 7 bearings.
Considerations For All-Around Bearings That Can Handle Different Types Of Longboarding
If you’re looking for bearings that can handle multiple styles of longboarding, here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Abec rating: choosing bearings with a mid-range abec rating, such as abec 5 or abec 7, can provide a balance between speed and durability suitable for different riding styles.
- Construction: bearings can have different configurations, including open, shielded, and sealed. Open bearings provide maximum speed but less protection against dirt and debris. Shielded bearings are protected with a metal shield but do not provide as much speed as open bearings. Sealed bearings are fully protected against dirt and debris but may sacrifice speed.
- Cost: bearings can range from affordable to high-end, with more expensive options providing higher speeds, precision, and durability. Consider your budget versus your desired level of performance.
Bearings play a crucial role in longboarding. Choosing the right bearings for your riding style can enhance your experience significantly.
Price
Longboarding is an exciting sport that requires the best gear to perform at your best. As important as wheels, deck, and trucks are for a smooth ride, bearings contribute significantly to a longboard’s performance. Bearings come in different prices, but do more expensive bearings perform better?
What are the best options for those on a budget? In this article, we will explore the price ranges for longboard bearings and highlight the best options for those who are looking to balance quality with affordability.
Price Ranges For Longboard Bearings
Longboard bearings come in a range of prices, from affordable options to high-end bearings. Each price range caters to a rider’s specific needs, riding style, and budget.
- $5 to $20: these are the most affordable bearings, ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget. They usually come with steel casings and are suitable for casual riding. However, they require frequent maintenance, and may not perform well under high speed or rigorous riding.
- $20 to $60: mid-range bearings offer better quality than affordable options, with superior speed, durability and smoother rides. They usually come with rubber or ceramic casings. They are ideal for amateur or experienced riders looking for high-performance. They require less maintenance and can withstand rigorous riding.
- $60 and above: high-end bearings are suitable for advanced riders, downhill racers, and professionals. The bearings offer the highest quality, with greater speed, precision, and durability. They are usually made of advanced materials such as ceramics, titanium, or hybrid ceramic/titanium. They require minimal maintenance and can last for years.
Do More Expensive Bearings Perform Better?
Many riders ask this question, and the answer depends on your riding style, expertise, and budget. Expensive bearings offer more advanced features such as precision, durability, and smooth rides. Nonetheless, cheaper bearings can perform well under specific situations. For instance, if you are a beginner or a casual rider, affordable bearings can work for you.
On the other hand, if you are a downhill racer or a professional, high-end bearings can help you achieve the highest speeds and precision. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, not necessarily the price tag.
Best Options For Those On A Budget
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find good quality longboard bearings that offer decent performance.
- bones reds bearings: one of the most popular bearings for longboarding, bones reds, are affordable and offer superior speed and durability. They feature a steel casing and a pre-lubricated design that requires minimal maintenance.
- zealous bearings: zealous are affordable bearings with a unique design that features built-in spacers and speed rings. They come with a waterproof grease that makes them low maintenance and suitable for all weather conditions.
- yellow jacket bearings: yellow jacket bearings are another affordable option that offers decent performance and durability. They come with a nylon cage that provides stability and allows for smooth rides. They require minimal maintenance and are also suitable for all weather conditions.
The best longboard bearings depend on your riding style, expertise, and budget. Whether you are looking for affordability, durability, or high-end performance, there is always a bearing that suits your needs. Before purchasing, consider the price range, features, and compatibility with your longboard.
Happy shopping!
Conclusion
Choosing the right bearings for your longboard is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ride. There are various factors to consider when making your decision, such as speed, durability, and cost. Some of the best bearings on the market include bones reds, zealous bearings, and oust moc 9.
With their high-quality materials and precision engineering, these bearings provide an excellent balance of speed and durability. However, it’s important to remember that the best bearings for you will ultimately depend on your own preferences and riding style. By taking your time and considering all relevant factors, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a long-lasting and satisfying ride.
So, go ahead and pick your best bearings to take your longboarding experience to the next level!
