A Guide To Skateboard Bearings
Firstly, what is your skateboard bearing? The skateboard bearing is the component that allows the wheel to spin freely so the board can be ridden. Each wheel is mounted by 2 ball bearings. Generally there is only one size to skateboard bearings, there are a few exceptions but mostly they are a standard “608″ size, a bore of 8mm, an outer diameter of 22mm, and a width of 7mm.
Buying Guide – How do you know which are the best skateboard bearings to buy?
The best piece of advice to give when buying skateboard bearings is to buy named bearings. They tend to be a little more expensive than no named bearings but they are of good quality and are worth the extra money. Brand names such as Bones, Lucky, and Black Panther are a good place to start, especially if you are a beginner, after that once you have been skating for a while you’ll know the type of skater you are and will be able to buy bearings that are right for your style. Bearings that are made in Switzerland have the best reputation for bearings, the brand name Swiss Bearings. However not all Swiss Bearings are made in Switzerland so be sure to check the packaging before you buy them.
A few things to look for when buying your bearings for your skateboard include checking how many balls are in the bearing. Bearings with 7 balls have a higher load rating than ones with 8 balls. Check the finishing touches to your bearings are they smooth or rough? Rough raceways will wear out fast and you’ll have to buy new ones sooner. Check the depth of the track, the deeper the track the better the bearing will run. Check the bearing is sealed correctly; contamination is the number one killer of bearings.
Keep your Skateboard Bearings Clean
The most important thing about your skateboard bearings is not how much you spend on them but how clean you keep them! Try not to skate on dirty or muddy surfaces because even though your bearings are sealed to protect them the dirt and mud will still harm them. To keep your skating and skateboard in top form and clean your bearings regularly with lubricant, this’ll enhance the life span of your bearings as well so you don’t have to keep paying out for new ones.
