Imagine this: you’re carving down a hill, wind in your hair, feeling totally free. But then, your longboard suddenly slows down, feeling sluggish and rough. What’s going on? It’s probably your bearings! These tiny metal rings are super important for making your longboard roll smoothly and fast.
Choosing the right bearings can be tricky. There are so many different kinds, and it’s hard to know which ones are best. You want bearings that last a long time and keep your ride speedy, not ones that wear out quickly or make your board feel bumpy. This can be frustrating when you just want to have fun!
Don’t worry, though! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes good longboard bearings and how to pick the perfect set for your adventures. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for, so you can get back to enjoying smooth, fast rides without any worries.
Our Top 5 Bearings For Longboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bearings For Longboards Detailed Reviews
1. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This kit is designed to give your skateboard or roller skates a serious upgrade. It includes everything you need to get your wheels spinning like never before. You’ll find eight high-quality bearings, plus all the spacers and washers to make sure everything fits perfectly.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean: The rubber shields pop off easily, so you can keep your bearings in top shape.
- Super fast: The nylon ball retainer helps your wheels spin at high speeds.
- Ready to go: The bearings come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, so you can use them right away.
- Built to last: These bearings are made with the best materials and tested for top performance and durability.
- Complete package: The bundle includes spacers and washers, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve: New skaters might need a little help installing them.
- Lubricant needs topping up eventually: While pre-lubricated, you will need to re-lube them over time.
This bundle is a fantastic way to boost your ride’s performance. You’ll notice the difference in speed and smoothness with every push.
2. Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards
![Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards, Longboards, Scooters, Spinners] (8-Pack W/Tool)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GIGV3Oq6L._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for Skateboards, Longboards, Scooters, and Spinners! This pack comes with everything you need to upgrade your ride, including a handy tool. Bones Reds are famous for their incredible speed and durability, making them a top choice for riders of all levels.
What We Like:
- INCREDIBLE SPEED: Bones Reds are known for making things go fast! They’re awesome for getting that extra boost.
- BEARING SIZE: These are standard size 608 bearings. They fit perfectly on most skateboards, longboards, and scooters. The size is 22mm (outer), 7mm (width), and 8mm (inner).
- STOKED TOOL: The included tool is super useful. It has sockets for your kingpin, axle, and hardware. It also has Allen and Phillips drivers, all made from strong steel.
- DURABLE: These bearings are built to last. They use good materials and are made very precisely. They are also pre-lubricated to keep out dirt and last longer.
- AFFORDABLE: You get a lot of performance for your money. Bones Reds are priced well and offer top-notch speed and toughness.
What Could Be Improved:
- Lubricant: While pre-lubricated, some users might prefer to choose their own lubricant for specific conditions.
- Tool Material: The hardened steel tool is good, but a more robust material could be even better for heavy use.
Upgrade your ride and experience the difference with Bones Reds. They offer a fantastic combination of speed, durability, and value that’s hard to beat.
3. KVENI Ceramic Skateboard Bearings
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the KVENI Ceramic Skateboard Bearings! These premium 608rs ball bearings are designed to give your ride an instant upgrade. Whether you’re into skateboarding, longboarding, rollerblading, or even fidget spinners, these blue bearings promise top-notch performance. They’re built with high-quality chrome steel and ceramic balls, ensuring a low-friction, high-speed experience that will make you feel like you’re gliding on air.
What We Like:
- Super smooth and fast rides thanks to chrome steel and ceramic balls.
- They meet ABEC standards for quality and performance.
- The 608rs size (22mm x 7mm x 8mm) fits most wheels perfectly.
- Works great on skateboards, longboards, scooters, roller skates, and fidget spinners.
- Unique blue seals keep dirt out and are easy to clean.
- Pre-lubricated for longer life and precision.
- A stylish blue color adds a cool look to your gear.
- They are a perfect upgrade for any rider, beginner or pro.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are designed for many uses, some users might prefer bearings with slightly different specifications for very specific extreme sports.
- The blue color, while unique, might not match everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
If you’re looking to boost your speed and enjoy a smoother ride, these KVENI bearings are a fantastic choice. Upgrade your equipment and feel the difference!
4. Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
The Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is a popular choice for skaters looking for great performance without breaking the bank. These bearings are built to Bones Skate Rated standards, meaning they’re made with quality in mind. They are checked twice before they reach you, ensuring they work well right out of the package.
What We Like:
- These bearings give you almost Bones Swiss performance for much less money.
- They have a rubber shield that you can take off to clean them easily. This shield also helps reduce friction.
- A strong nylon ball retainer helps make the bearings faster and more durable.
- They come already oiled with Speed Cream lubricant for top speed.
- The clearances, materials, and lubricant are all designed for the best skateboarding performance and last a long time.
- You get eight bearings in the pack, plus instructions and a cool sticker.
What Could Be Improved:
- While very good for the price, they might not last as long as the most expensive, top-tier bearings.
- The rubber shields, while easy to remove, might not offer the absolute best protection against very fine dust or water compared to sealed bearings.
For skaters who want a significant upgrade in speed and durability without spending a lot, the Bones REDS 8 Pack is an excellent investment. They offer a fantastic balance of quality and affordability, making them a go-to option for many.
5. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings – Includes 8 Bearings and Bighead Sticker – Removable Black Shields – for All Types of Skateboarding – Fits All Trucks and Wheel Combos
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to upgrade your ride with the Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings! These bearings are a fantastic choice for skaters of all levels. They’re designed to make your skateboard roll faster and smoother. Spitfire, a trusted name in skateboarding, approves them for speed. You’ll notice the difference right away!
What We Like:
- These bearings are a step above the usual beginner bearings.
- They offer great speed, approved by Spitfire.
- Removable black shields keep dirt and dust out, making them last longer.
- The durable construction means they will keep rolling smoothly.
- They fit all standard skateboard trucks and wheels because they are the common 608 size.
- The Spitfire pro team tested them, so you know they are good.
- You get 8 pre-lubricated bearings, so they are ready to go.
- A cool Spitfire Bighead sticker is included as a bonus!
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are great for beginners and intermediate skaters, advanced skaters might want even higher-performance bearings for extreme conditions.
These Spitfire Cheapshots bearings are a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their skateboarding experience without breaking the bank. They offer a noticeable upgrade in speed and durability, making them a fantastic value.
Choosing the Best Bearings for Your Longboard
Longboarding is all about smooth rides and effortless cruising. The secret to that perfect glide often lies in the smallest but most crucial part of your setup: the bearings. These little wonders let your wheels spin freely, allowing you to go further and faster. But not all bearings are created equal. This guide will help you pick the perfect set for your longboard adventures.
What to Look For in Longboard Bearings
Key Features to Consider
- Durability: You want bearings that can handle bumps and grinds without breaking.
- Speed: Faster bearings mean a quicker ride and less effort to keep rolling.
- Smoothness: A smooth bearing feels good and makes your ride quiet and enjoyable.
- Resistance to Dirt and Water: Keeping debris out is key to bearing longevity.
Important Materials
Most longboard bearings use steel or ceramic for their balls. Steel is strong and affordable. Ceramic balls are lighter and can resist heat better, leading to less friction and faster speeds. The outer and inner rings are usually made of steel too. Some bearings have special shields made of rubber or metal to keep dirt out.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Makes Bearings Better?
- Precision Manufacturing: Well-made bearings have tight tolerances, meaning everything fits perfectly. This reduces wobble and makes them spin faster and smoother.
- High-Quality Lubricant: The grease or oil inside the bearing is super important. The right amount and type of lubricant reduce friction and protect against rust.
- Good Seals: Shields that keep dirt and water out are a big deal. A clean bearing lasts much longer and performs better.
What Can Hurt Bearing Quality?
- Dirt and Grime: Riding in dusty or wet conditions without protection will quickly ruin your bearings.
- Impacts: Hitting hard objects or doing tricks that put a lot of stress on the bearings can damage them.
- Lack of Maintenance: Not cleaning or lubricating your bearings means they will wear out faster.
User Experience and Use Cases
The type of riding you do matters a lot. If you’re a commuter just rolling around town, you’ll want durable bearings that can handle different surfaces and maybe a bit of wet weather. Speed demons and downhill skaters need bearings that offer maximum speed and minimal friction. For freestyle riders who do tricks, strong and impact-resistant bearings are essential.
A good bearing set will feel almost silent as you push off. You’ll notice your board keeps rolling for a longer time after you stop pushing. If your bearings are noisy or your board stops quickly, it might be time for an upgrade or some maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the ABEC rating mean for longboard bearings?
A: ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It’s a standard that rates how precise a bearing is made. Higher ABEC numbers (like ABEC-7 or ABEC-9) mean more precision, which can lead to better performance and speed. However, for longboarding, durability is often more important than just a high ABEC rating.
Q: How many bearings do I need for one longboard?
A: You need eight bearings in total for one longboard. Each of your four wheels needs two bearings.
Q: How do I clean my longboard bearings?
A: You can clean bearings by removing them from the wheels and soaking them in a cleaner like isopropyl alcohol or a specialized bearing cleaner. After cleaning, make sure they are completely dry before re-lubricating them.
Q: How often should I clean and lubricate my bearings?
A: It depends on how much you ride and the conditions. If you ride often or in dirty/wet conditions, cleaning every 1-3 months is a good idea. For casual riders, every 6 months might be enough.
Q: Can I use skateboard bearings on my longboard?
A: Yes, most skateboard bearings are the same size and will fit on longboard wheels. However, longboard-specific bearings are often built to be more durable for the heavier loads and longer rides associated with longboarding.
Q: What is a “built-in” bearing spacer?
A: Some bearings have a spacer built into them. This spacer helps keep the bearing perfectly aligned within the wheel, which can improve performance and prevent damage.
Q: Are ceramic bearings better than steel bearings?
A: Ceramic bearings are generally faster and require less lubrication than steel bearings. They also don’t rust. However, they can be more expensive and might be more prone to cracking under very hard impacts.
Q: How do I know if my bearings need replacing?
A: If your wheels feel slow, noisy, or wobbly, your bearings likely need attention. You can test them by spinning a wheel; if it doesn’t spin freely and for a good amount of time, it’s time to check your bearings.
Q: Should I get shielded or unshielded bearings?
A: Shielded bearings have a cover to protect the inside from dirt and water. Unshielded bearings are more exposed but can offer slightly less friction. For most longboarders, especially those riding in varied conditions, shielded bearings are the better choice for longevity.
Q: What’s the difference between speed cream and regular grease?
A: Speed cream is a light lubricant designed to reduce friction and maximize speed. Regular grease is thicker and offers more protection but can slow down your bearings. For longboarding, a good quality speed cream or a specialized bearing lubricant is usually preferred.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.