Absolute Guide: Which Skateboard Bearings Should I Get?

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Picking the right skateboard bearings can feel like a tricky jump. You might be wondering, "which skateboard bearings should i get?" It's like choosing the right wheels for a car, but smaller! Bearings are those little round things inside your skateboard wheels that help them spin super fast. Without good bearings, your ride will be slow and bumpy. This article will break down the different types of skateboard bearings, like Bones Reds and Swiss Bones, and help you figure out which ones are best for you. We'll talk about what those ABEC numbers mean and why some bearings cost more than others. Get ready to roll into the world of skateboard bearings!

Understanding ABEC Ratings: Which Skateboard Bearings Should I Get?

What's the Deal with ABEC?

Ever seen those numbers like ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 on skateboard bearings and wondered what they mean? I know I did when I first started skating! Think of ABEC as a way to measure how precise the bearings are made. It's like a report card for how round and smooth the little metal balls inside the bearing are, and how well the different parts fit together. The higher the number, theoretically, the tighter the tolerances, meaning they *could* spin faster and smoother. It's a bit like comparing a finely tuned race car engine to a regular car engine. One is built with much tighter specifications for top performance.

But here's a little secret: ABEC ratings aren't the whole story. It's easy to get hung up on chasing the highest number, thinking that's the magic ticket to lightning speed. However, for skateboarding, other things matter just as much, maybe even more. For instance, the quality of the steel used in the bearings and how well they're maintained plays a huge role. Think of it like having a super-fast engine, but if your tires are flat, you're not going anywhere fast! Curious about keeping your board in good shape? Check out skateboards and water.

ABEC 5 vs. ABEC 7: What's the Speed Difference?

So, you're probably wondering about the difference between an ABEC 5 and an ABEC 7 bearing. Generally, ABEC 5 bearings are considered a solid, all-around choice for most skaters. They offer a good balance of speed and cost. They're like the reliable workhorse of the bearing world. On the other hand, ABEC 7 bearings are made with slightly tighter tolerances, which *can* translate to a bit more speed, at least when they're brand new and perfectly clean. It's similar to the difference between a regular bicycle and one built for racing – both will get you there, but one is designed for higher speeds. Are skateboards dangerous? Well, speed can play a part, so choosing the right bearings is important.

Is Higher Always Better?

Now, before you rush out to buy the highest ABEC-rated bearings you can find, let me drop another truth bomb. For everyday skateboarding, the difference between an ABEC 5 and an ABEC 7 might not be something you even notice, especially when you're just starting out. Things like dirt and grime can affect how your bearings roll way more than a slight difference in the ABEC rating. It’s like wearing expensive running shoes for a walk in the park – they might be great shoes, but are they really necessary for that activity? Plus, higher ABEC ratings can sometimes mean a higher price tag. It might be better to spend that extra cash on other gear, like a good helmet. Speaking of safety, using skate helmets for snowboarding is something to consider.

Steel Types and Brands: Making Smart Choices for Which Skateboard Bearings Should I Get

Picking Your Steel: It Really Matters!

Okay, so we've talked about those ABEC numbers, but guess what? The kind of steel used to make the bearings is a big deal too. Think of it like this: you can have two cookies that look the same, but one is made with cheap chocolate chips and the other with really good ones. The taste will be totally different, right? It's the same with bearings! Most skateboard bearings are made of steel, which is strong and doesn't cost a fortune. But, just like chocolate chips, there are different grades of steel. Better steel means the bearings will be smoother, faster, and last way longer. It's worth paying a little extra for good quality steel because you won't have to replace your bearings as often. Plus, who doesn't want to go faster? Ever wonder if skateboarding helps with snowboarding? Fast bearings might give you a tiny edge!

Brand Names You'll Hear

Now, let's talk brands. You'll probably hear names like Bones REDS and Swiss Bones thrown around a lot. Bones REDS are super popular, and for good reason. They're like the reliable friend who's always there for you. They're made with good quality steel and won't break the bank. A lot of skaters start with Bones REDS, and they're a solid choice. Then you've got Swiss Bones. These are like the fancy sports car of the bearing world. They're made with top-notch materials and are known for being incredibly fast and smooth. They cost more, but many skaters swear they're worth it if you're serious about skating. It's like choosing between a regular pair of sneakers and high-performance running shoes. Both work, but one is built for speed. There are other brands out there too, like Oust, Shake Junt, and Zealous. Each might have its own special sauce, like different lubricants or unique designs. Thinking about trying out some new tricks? Maybe learning if will help you decide on your gear.

Beyond the Basics: Other Factors When Deciding Which Skateboard Bearings Should I Get

Alright, so we've covered the ABEC thing and the steel stuff. But choosing the right bearings? It's kinda like picking the perfect pizza topping – there's more to it than just the main ingredients. Think about the shields on your bearings. They're like little guards that keep dirt and gunk out. Some bearings have metal shields, some have rubber, and some have both! Rubber shields are usually easier to pop off for cleaning – and trust me, you'll want to clean your bearings sometimes. Metal shields are tougher but can be a pain to remove. It's a trade-off, like choosing between a sturdy but hard-to-open jar and one that's easy to open but might spill.

And then there's the lubricant, the stuff that makes the little balls inside spin smoothly. Some bearings come with thick, greasy lube, and some come with a lighter oil. Thick lube can protect against dirt better, which is good if you're skating in dusty spots. Lighter oil can make your wheels spin faster, which is fun if you're looking for speed. It's like choosing between a heavy winter coat for a blizzard and a light jacket for a breezy day. Thinking about skating in wet conditions? You might want to check out if mix well.

Another thing? Bearing spacers. These are tiny little cylinders that go between your bearings inside the wheel. They might seem unimportant, but they help keep your bearings aligned and spinning smoothly when you tighten your wheel nuts. Without them, you could be squishing your bearings, and nobody wants squished bearings! It's like making sure all the slices of your sandwich are stacked neatly – it just works better that way. Speaking of what goes on your board, are skateboard trucks universal?

Honestly, sometimes it just comes down to what feels right for you. You might try a few different sets of bearings and find you prefer one brand over another, even if the specs look similar on paper. It's like trying different brands of soda – they're all fizzy and sweet, but you might have a favorite. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit. And hey, if you're just starting out and wondering if , know that good bearings can actually make your ride smoother and more controlled.

• Bearing shields (metal or rubber)
• Lubricant type (grease or oil)
• Use of bearing spacers

One last thing I’ve learned? Don't get too caught up in the hype. Sometimes fancy, expensive bearings aren't necessarily the best for *you*. If you're just cruising around, you might not need top-of-the-line Swiss bearings. A solid set of Bones REDS will probably do the trick just fine, and save you some cash for more skatepark snacks. It's like buying a regular bike versus a super expensive mountain bike – both will get you places, but one is overkill if you're just riding on the sidewalk. Curious about the origins of our beloved boards? You might find it interesting to know if skateboarding came from surfing.

Rolling Onward: Choosing Your Perfect Bearings

So, figuring out which skateboard bearings you should get doesn't have to be a headache. Think about how you like to skate and how much you want to spend. Whether you go for the reliable Bones REDS or decide to try something different, getting the right bearings will make a big difference. Now you have the knowledge to make a smart choice and keep your board rolling smoothly. Get out there and enjoy the ride!