How to Select Skateboard Bearings

Bearings are small round metal components that fit inside your skateboard wheels, connecting them to the axle of the trucks. The part is relatively low-cost and can be replaced easily, but higher-quality bearings roll faster and last longer. Follow these steps to purchase the right bearings for your wheels and your budget and experience level.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ignore the rating for the most part, as most skate companies tend to. You'll find a range of ABEC 1 to 9, with 3 to 7 being of normal skateboard quality. The ratings on bearings were not designed for a skateboard, so it tends to have very little value. However, since this small part takes a lot of abuse, you may want to select a higher rating for durability.

2. Look for 608 bearings, which are the standard size for skateboards. Since this is the norm, most skate companies don't mention a size.

3. Save money with generic German or Swiss bearings. Swiss bearings tend to roll a bit faster and may last longer, but they also cost more than their German counterparts. Just ask your local skate shop for whatever bearings they keep in stock.

4. Select the highest quality bearing available with Powell Swiss Bones (see Resources below). These bearings were custom designed by George Powell and a small Swiss factory to withstand the loads imposed by skateboarding. Since Swiss Bones are rather pricey, they are not a good choice for beginners who are likely to crack bearings while learning to skate.

5. Find the same quality as the highly coveted Bones Swiss with Bones Red bearings (see Resources below). Made in China, Reds provide the same fast ride and durability with cheaper manufacturing costs, which make them quite affordable for the average skater. These are a good long-lasting choice for beginners.

6. Select Girl bearings in blue or precision styles for a reliable bearing that doesn't empty your wallet (see Resources below). Besides coming in a stylish tin, these bearings provide a smooth, fast ride.

7. Look for the coffin to find Zero Black Widow bearings (see Resources below). Packaged in a coffin, Black Widow bearings have a mid-range ABEC rating with a low price.

Tips & Warnings

• Bearings come in a set of eight or 16, with two being needed to mount each wheel. Some sets come with spacers, but you usually have to buy these separately if your wheels do not have them built in.

Resources

• Swiss bearings from Bones
• Bones for moderately priced bearings
• Bearings from Girl Skateboard
• Black Widow bearings from Zero Skateboards

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[skateboard-guy]

on 3/6/2009 You might want to try skateboardballbearings.com for more in depth information.