We were responding to the age-old question – what kind of skateboard bearings are best? We delve into a comprehensive exploration, where we’ll look far beyond just sticking any bearing onto your board.
Related: How do skateboard bearings works
By examining all sides of the controversial debate over universal vs specific types, this blog post promises to discover answers to the facts: Are Skateboard Bearings Universal? that may surprise you.
Are All Skateboard Bearings The Same?
Skateboard bearings hold the wheels in place and come in various sizes to fit an array of skateboards.
The most popular size is 8mm, but there are also 7mm, 9mm and 10mm options available for different types of trucks and guide how to choose skateboard trucks.
Moreover, skaters have various bearing choices, standard ones with reliable performance; ceramic models for more incredible speed, or Swiss versions that offer superior strength giving them ample opportunity to customize their ride according to their preferred skating style.
No matter what board you’re on,” one-size fits all” isn’t applicable here as skateboard bearings aren’t universal.
Skateboard bearings come in various shapes and sizes, each customized to meet different needs.
Longboards demand more durability than their street or cruiser counterparts their wheels feature extra-tough components tailored for higher speeds under heavier riders.
On the other hand, lighter bearings are used on Street boards to be easier manipulated into jumps and tricks – whereas Cruisers serve as a middle ground between speed and resilience.
Whether you’re out cruising around town or taking your board off some big ramps, make sure you get the right set-up.
Is The Bearing Size The Same On All Skateboards?
Regarding skateboarding, three main types of bearings vary in size.
Standard bearing diameters range from 7mm for regular-sized wheels down to 6mm for mini ones.
It’s essential to match the type and size of your board’s chosen bearing with its wheel diameter, as some brands offer sizes beyond what is regularly available.
No matter which option you go with, though, ensure a smooth ride.
A Skateboarder’s Perspective
Skateboarders often clash over the universal nature of their bearings, but is it just a matter of opinion?
Are all skateboard bearings truly interchangeable despite brand and skateboard bearing size chart skateboard bearings price size differences – or are there hidden nuances that could have an effect on your approach to skating?
So what’s really going on here in this age-old debate within the skateboarding community?
It would seem that for those looking for a straight answer – with regards to compatibility at least – then yes, most skaters can be satisfied knowing that all bears will fit any board.
Contrary to popular belief, not all skateboard bearings are the same. Although most will work adequately for general skating purposes, certain sizes and styles may be more advantageous depending on your chosen type of board sport so make sure you choose accordingly.
Why Are Skateboard Bearings Important
Skateboard bearings are small but mighty devices making a huge difference when it comes to the performance of a skateboarder.
Higher-end ones offer increased speeds and more excellent durability thanks to their superior craftsmanship, while warranties give an extra layer of protection in case something goes wrong.
Quality is vital for any aspiring boarders looking for that edge.
Skateboarding can be an expensive hobby, but investing in quality skateboard bearings is worth the added expense not only do they make your ride smoother and faster, but their durability also prevents wear on other parts of your board for a longer-lasting experience.
What Are The Right Skateboard Bearings For You?
Skateboarders have an essential decision to make – choosing the suitable bearings for their rides. The options are 8mm and 7mm, with larger sizes delivering a smoother vibe but smaller ones providing extra speed.
Durability is another factor to consider; splurge on long-lasting bearings, so your ride keeps rolling no matter what conditions you hit.
Making the right decision between sealed and open bearings could be a make or break for your skating performance.
Sealed options provide an added layer of protection against friction, while those with openings can be cleaned more easily if they become damaged.
At the end of the day, it comes down to finding what works best for you experiment until you find your perfect bearing set.
Easy Way To Install Skateboard Bearings
Have your skateboard ready for every trick with a fresh set of bearings. Start by removing the old ones from the wheels using either a socket wrench or bearing press.
Make sure to clean off any residue inside the wheel before inserting your new pieces this will help ensure that they last as long as possible and stay in place firmly when you ride.
Tighten them up and feel confident on each turn, jump, and spin.
You’re all set.
Maintaining Your Skateboard Bearings
Keeping your skateboard bearings in tip-top shape is essential for a smooth ride and to ensure their longevity.
To keep them running optimally, here are some maintenance tips you can use: Make sure the bearings stay clean – it’s easy with bearing cleaner or just soap and water; And if any rust appears, don’t wait – give those rusty spots a quick sanding down or degrease them right away so they won’t be damaged further.
Don’t let your board slow you down regular lubrication can help make sure that your skateboard’s bearings stay in top shape.
A bearing lubricant or light oil should do the trick, allowing for an effortless riding experience and smooth performance.
Things You’ll Need
Reviving your skateboard can be a breeze with the suitable materials. Rubbing alcohol will zap away any grime and grease, while small brushes ensure even those hard-to-reach inner cavities get spotless.
A crucial tool for revamping is a skateboarding tool – it lets you loosen and tighten axles, nuts or bolts with ease.
If there’s still stuck dirt that won’t budge no matter how much elbow grease you add to the equation, use tweezers or chopsticks to remove them quickly and effectively.
And don’t forget paper towels – not just useful in drying after washing but also essential when restoring bearings, so they run smoothly once again; this task requires an extra dab of bearing lube/grease, which helps prevent rust build-up from within as well as from metal collisions outside too.
Guidelines for Maintenance Step Wise
Before hitting the park, make sure your skateboard is ready to roll. Take apart the wheels and open up their cover or shield. Inspect any inner parts that could be causing issues, like making sure all ball bearings are intact.
Next, clean off any dirt with a tweezer and then soak it in rubbing alcohol – you may need a soft brush if there’s extra grime stuck on them.
Once wiped down with paper towels, give everything one last check before reassembling onto the trucks and tightening those axle nuts for an optimal ride time.
Fix a skateboard bearing
Revitalize your skateboard with a timely bearing change. Begin by using an extractor or screws to remove the existing bearing.
Then, give the axle and new part both a thorough clean before adding some lubricant for smooth installation.
Use either tool from home or invest in professional ones to securely press that brand-new piece in place – voila, your ride is back on track.
Skateboard-bearing material quality
Steel bearings
Skaters can attest that bearing quality matters. While most skateboard bearings are made of steel, the underlying difference between models lies in their materials and construction.
Cheaper types tend to be more prone to rusting or jamming up when put under pressure, while higher-end versions boast better sealing techniques and inner ball bearings that roll smoothly even after sudden stops, a feature worth splurging on for any avid skater looking for an improved ride.
Ceramic bearings
Skateboarders everywhere are at a conundrum – should they upgrade to skateboard bearings ceramic or stick with the tried and true metal ones?
Ceramic skateboard bearings come with certain advantages; not only do they have an incredibly smooth ride, but they also provide less friction for your board.
Plus, their longevity makes them more convenient over time than standard metal options that require frequent maintenance. However, come at a steeper price tag. Is it worth shelling out extra cash for this skating luxury?
The debate amongst enthusiasts rages on as everyone searches for the best way to optimize performance without breaking the bank.
Ceramic bearings are a premium option for cyclists looking to reduce friction and increase performance and are best skateboard bearings.
Not only do the ceramic balls provide an ultra-lightweight, durable solution, but higher quality steel parts in these bearings mean increased longevity versus traditional stainless models.
This combination of materials makes them more expensive than standard options – but well worth it.
Ultimately, they offer both strength and smoothness due to their hard exterior casing filled with fine ceramic on the inside–hence why even minor damages can cause major damage when it comes time to change out components.
Skateboard Bearings Important
Skateboard bearings are the unsung heroes of a board’s performance, allowing riders to zip around with lightning speed and agility.
High-grade bearings enable wheels to spin smoothly while reducing the friction that can wear out components over time.
Finding the right set matters: fast ones give more control for tricks like ollies and grinds, whereas slower ones increase stability on longer rides; each style is as unique as its rider.
The Number Of Bearings Does You Need For A Skateboard?
A skateboard can’t move forward without bearings. Fortunately, this critical component is easy to install – attach two of them in the trucks on the front wheels and another two for those at the back.
Bearings come in different types and qualities, but as long as your board has four, you’re ready to explore new spots with ease.
Conclusion
No two skateboarders are the same and neither is their gear. Believe it or not, there’s a variety of different bearings out on the market. But the answer is no to Are Skateboard Bearings Universal?
Whether you’re an old-school cruiser or transitioning to street skating like Tony Hawk himself – research makes sure your purchase fits with your style so that every rail slide has maximum performance.
FAQs
Are skateboard bearings universal?
Yes, most skateboard bearings are universal and will fit into any standard skateboard wheel.
However, some manufacturers may have different bearing sizes, so it is important to check that the bearings you purchase are compatible with your skateboard wheels before purchasing.
Additionally, some brands may produce speciality bearings designed for specific styles of skating or special applications, so be sure to check if these apply to your set-up.
How should I clean my skateboard bearings?
Generally speaking, it is best to use a mild soap solution when cleaning your bearings. A few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bowl of warm water should do the trick.
Soak the bearings in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse them off and let them air dry before reassembling them.
How often should I replace my skateboard bearings?
Depending on how much you use your skateboard and other environmental factors like dirt, moisture, and debris, you should plan to replace your bearings at least once every year.
If you ride frequently or notice significant wear and tear on the bearings, replace them sooner. Bearings are relatively inexpensive so replacing them regularly is an easy way to keep your skateboard running smoothly.
Will any bearing fit into any wheel?
Not necessarily. While most standard skateboard wheel sizes will accept universal bearing sizes, some wheels may require specialized sizing.
Additionally, some wheels may utilize special bearing spacers that need to be taken into consideration when selecting bearings.
It’s best to check with the manufacturer of your skateboard or wheels to make sure you are getting the right size bearings for optimal performance.
Do skateboard bearings come pre-lubricated?
While some bearings may come pre-lubricated, it’s generally recommended that you use a light oil or specifically formulated bearing lubricant when assembling your bearings and wheels.
This will ensure smoother rotation and help extend the life of your bearings.