Skateboard Bearing Buying Guide

At Skate Warehouse, we’ve been fueling skateboarding passion since 2002. Delivering top-quality gear from our San Luis Obispo, California headquarters. Bearings might be a small part of your setup, but they’re the heartbeat of your skateboard, keeping your wheels spinning smoothly whether you’re grinding chunky ledges, cruising the boardwalk, or skating the local park or DIY. With so many options out there, picking the right bearing can feel daunting. That’s where we come in! This Skateboard Bearing Buying Guide will break down everything you need to know to choose bearings that match your style, skill, and budget. Let’s get rolling!

Skateboard bearings are precision-engineered metal components that fit inside your wheels, allowing them to spin freely on your truck axles. Each wheel needs two bearings, so a standard skateboard requires a set of eight. By reducing friction, bearings ensure your wheels roll fast, smooth, and responsive.

All skateboard bearings use the same universal 608 size: 8mm (inner core), 22mm (outer diameter), and 7mm (width). This means any bearing from Skate Warehouse will fit any standard skateboard wheel, so your decision comes down to quality, material, and performance.

A bearing includes:

• Inner and Outer Rings: Metal rings that connect to the axle and wheel.
• Balls: 6 or 7 steel or ceramic balls that roll to minimize friction
• Retainer/Cage: A nylon or steel piece that spaces the balls evenly
• C-Ring: A clip that secures the shield on some bearings.

Finding the perfect bearings depends on your skating style, experience, and budget. Here’s what to consider:

• Steel Bearings: The go-to choice for most skaters, steel bearings are affordable ($10-$50) and durable but can rust if exposed to water. High-quality steel, like that in Bones or Bronson bearings, offers excellent speed and longevity.
• Ceramic Bearings: Featuring ceramic balls (often with steel rings), these are lighter, harder, and produce less friction for faster spins. They’re rust-resistant and ideal for downhill or wet conditions but cost more ($70-$200). Best for skaters seeking peak performance and longevity.

The ABEC scale (1,3,5,7,9) measures manufacturing precision, with higher numbers indicating tighter tolerances. However, ABEC is designed for industrial applications, not skateboarding, and doesn’t account for durability, impact resistance, or skating conditions. A generic ABEC 9 bearing may underperform compared to lower-rated, skate-specific bearing.

Brands like Bones Bearings use a “Skate Rated” system, prioritizing performance for skateboarding over ABEC numbers.

Shields protect bearings from dirt and moisture:

• Metal Shields: Common in budget bearings, they’re fast but prone to rust and harder to clean.
• Rubber Seals: Easier to remove for maintenance, rubber seals (especially labyrinth deigns, which are non-contacting seals) keep bearings cleaner longer. Ideal for most skaters.
• Open Bearings: Faster but collect debris quickly, best for controlled environments or those who don’t mind more frequent cleaning(LINK)

Opt for serviceable bearings with removable rubber seals for easy cleaning and longer life.

Match your bearings to how and where you skate:

• Beginners/Cruisers: Budget or mid-range steel bearings (e.g., Bones Reds, Spitfire Cheapshots, Independent GP-S) offer reliability and speed at a low cost.
• Street Skaters: Mid-range bearings (e.g., Ace High Performance Bearings, Bronson G3 Bearings, Bones Big Balls Reds) handle tricks and impacts well.
• Park/Vert Skaters: Premium Bearings (e.g., Bones Original Swiss Bearings, Bronson Raw Bearings, SKF Standard Bearings) maximize speed for transitions and airs.
• Downhill/Longboarding: Ceramic or high-end steel bearings (e.g., Bones Ceramic Super Reds, Bronson Ceramics, SKF Ceramics, Bones Race Reds) deliver top speed and durability.

New skaters can start with affordable options, while seasoned riders may invest in premium bearings for specific applications.

Bearings range from $10 to over $100. Budget bearings work fine for beginners, but mid-range or premium options offer better speed, durability, and maintenance ease. Skate Warehouse stocks bearings for every price point, ensuring quality without breaking the bank.

Check out these top picks from our inventory at Skatewarehouse.com:

• Budget: Independent GP-S Bearings ($9.99) – Affordable and reliable these steel bearings are perfect for beginners or casual cruisers looking for smooth rolls on a budget. [Shop Now]
• Budget: Modus Blacks Bearings ($10.00) – These bearings come with removable black rubber shields and are grease lubricated for excellent performance and durability at an awesome price. [Shop Now]
• Mid-Range: Bones Reds Bearings ($17.95) – The industry standard, Bones Reds offer Skate Rated performance with excellent speed and durability. Great for street and park skating. [Shop Now]
• Mid-Range: Ace High Performance Bearings ($25.95) – Built for speed and toughness, these bearings are ideal for skaters who push their boards to the limit. Perfect for all-around use. [Shop Now]
• Premium: Bones Original Swiss Bearings ($49.95) – Known for their legendary speed and smoothness, Bones Swiss are a top choice for vert or downhill skaters. [Shop Now]
• Premium: Bones Ceramic Swiss Bearings ($124.95) – With Ceramic balls, these bearings provide blazing speed and rust resistance, ideal for high-speed downhill or wet conditions. [Shop Now]

Keep your bearings spinning like new with proper care:

Cleaning Your Bearings

• Remove Bearings: Use the axle of your truck or a bearing puller to remove bearings from your wheels. (See our article on How to Insert and Remove Skateboard Bearings By Hand
• Pop Off Shields: Gently pry off rubber shields with a pin.
• Clean: Soak bearings in a skate-safe cleaner (e.g., acetone or rubbing alcohol) for 5-10 minutes, and then shake to remove dirt. This is way easier if you use the Bones Bearing Cleaning Unit
• Dry: Air-dry or wipe with dry cloth to prevent rust.
• Lubricate: Apply 1-2 drops of skate-specific lubricant (e.g., Bones Speed Cream or Bronson Speed Oil to each bearing.
• Reassemble: Replace shields and press bearings back into wheels using your truck axle or a bearing tool.

Clean every 3-6 months or after skating in wet or dirty conditions. Never ride in the rain, as water can rust steel bearings and dilute lubricant

Replace bearings if you notice:

• Squeaking or grinding sounds.
• Wheels stopping abruptly instead of slowing gradually.
• Visible rust, missing balls, or damaged shields.
• A “blown out” bearing (broken retainer, scattered balls).

Pro Tip: If your bearings get wet, dry and re-lubricate them immediately to prevent rust.

Boost your bearings’ performance with these add-ons, available at skatewarehouse.com:

• Bearing Spacers: Metal cylinders that sit between bearings in the wheel, ensuring proper alignment and reducing wear. Essential for soft or non-core wheels.
• Speed Washers: Thin metal washers placed between the bearing and axle nut to reduce friction and protect bearings. Often included with trucks or bearing sets.
• Bearing Tools: Tools like the Bones Bearing Puller make removing and installing bearings easier and prevent damage.
• Cleaning Tools: The Bones Bearing Cleaning Unit makes cleaning your bearings a breeze.
• Lubricant: Applying a bearing specific lubricant periodically and after cleanings will ensure your bearings are performing at their best and rolling smooth.

A: Not for Skateboarding. ABEC ratings measure precision for industrial use, not skate-specific performance. Skate Rated bearings from brands like Bones often outperform high ABEC ratings.

A: Every 3-6 months or after skating in wet or dirty conditions. Regular cleaning keeps bearings fast and extends their lifespan.

A: For casual or street skaters, steel bearings are sufficient. Ceramic bearings are ideal for downhill skaters or those in wet climates due to their speed and rust resistance.

A: Yes, all 608 bearings fit any standard skateboard wheels, but choose based on your style. Budget for beginners and cruising, mid-range for street and park skating, and premium for downhill, competition, and those just looking for the smoothest possible ride.

Your skateboard bearings are the heart of a smooth, fast ride. By considering factors like material, riding style, and maintenance, you can find the perfect set to match your needs and elevate your skating experience. At Skate Warehouse, we’re here to help you find the perfect bearings from top brands like Bones, Spitfire, and Bronson. With our massive selection and free ground shipping on orders over $75, it’s never been easier to get rolling. Got questions? Call our customer service team at 1-800-467-5283 or visit skatewarehouse.com to shop now.

Ready to upgrade your ride? Explore our skateboard bearings and check out our guides on choosing decks, trucks, or building a custom setup!