17 Best Skateboard Bearings with Easy Maintenance Guide

Skateboard bearings are a must for every skater since aside from dramatically increasing your skating performance, they protect both your skateboard’s axle and wheels from wearing out. Each wheel requires two bearings. Thus, skateboard bearings are sold in sets of eight.

To get the most out of your skateboarding experience, it is necessary for you to get the best skateboard bearings from a reliable brand.

Generally, skateboard bearings come in two materials: steel and ceramic. Steel bearings are much more common, and they’re more economical too! A downside of using them is that the friction from excessive skating causes its steel balls inside to expand rendering them ineffective.

As for the ceramic ones, they’re less affected by heat and at the same time, they’re smoother and harder than their steel counterparts. Since the material doesn’t expand in the presence of heat & friction, they are technically the better choice.

One downside, of course, is its high price. It is worth noting that their effect on real-life practical skating performance is still under debate. So choose wisely and see which material fits both your needs and budget.

Best and Fastest Skateboard Bearings Compared

When it comes to sizes, skateboard bearings are classified into two categories: 608 standard and non-standard. 608 standard bearings have a core measuring 8 mm, 22 mm outer diameter, and a 7 mm width. Every bearing not following these measurements is considered non-standard.

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Skateboard Bearings In-depth Reviews

Jumping right into it, the next 15 products are what we consider to be the best skateboard bearings on Amazon. This is in terms of performance, durability, functionality and value for money.

Bones Skateboard Bearings

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The Super Swiss 6 bearings have a unique design where it makes use of six bigger than usual balls instead of seven. This innovative feature results in an increase in speed, and higher durability. This product even sports a nylon ball retainer suitable for high speeds perfect for your extreme obstacle runs!

If you’re after pace and reliability, then the Super Swiss 6 is undoubtedly one of the best choices as it comes with a removable shield for easy cleaning. The fact that it is Swiss-made and comes with a lifetime warranty adds value to the product, giving you more value for money!

Pros:

• Unique 6-Ball Design
• High-Speed Nylon Ball Retainer
• Easy-Clean Removable Shield
• Lifetime Warranty
• Reputable Company

Cons:

• Relatively Expensive

Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings

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Coming from a reputable company, millions trust the Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings because of their consistent supply of quality bearings. It makes use of high-quality, lightweight ceramic balls perfect for high-speed skating. Set your audience’s heart on fire with your precise skills.

Ceramic also doesn’t expand with heat, and it is not susceptible to any rust problems. To make sure your board’s always going to be in tip-top condition, these bearings get a removable shield for easy maintenance and reduced friction.

Pros:

• Ultra Lightweight Ceramic Balls
• High-Speed Low-Friction Design
• Pre-Lubricated with Speed Cream
• Easy-Clean Removable Shield

Cons:

• Relatively Pricey for Beginners

Bronson G3 Skateboard Bearings

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Don’t let the Bronson G3’s fashionable case fool you, for it performs as good as it looks. Its straight edge frictionless shields and max impact cage design ensures an easy to clean, high-speed performance for every one of your exhibitions. To let you go to maximum speeds, the Bronson G3 bearings sport Micro-Groove raceway surfaces which help in improving lubrication, speed, and spin.

These skateboard bearings are indeed for those who are daring in their stunts. If you’re someone who wants to get the most value out of every dollar, then the Bronson G3 fits you perfectly as it includes eight washers and four spacers too!

Pros:

• Cool Packaging Design
• Bang For The Buck Pricing
• Frictionless Shields and Max Impact Cage
• High-Velocity Micro-Groove Racewar Surface
• Washers and Spacers Included

Cons:

• Longer Than Usual Break-In Time

Bones Bearings Super Reds

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If you want a Bones bearing but can’t afford most of their models, then the Bones Bearings Super Reds are the ones for you! Don’t let its inexpensive price tag fool you, for this set of bearings uses the highest quality of steel races, and comes with a superior surface finish.

Pros:

• Best Bones Basic Set
• Superior Quality Bearings
• Affordable Bones Product
• Nylon Ball Retainer for Strength & Speed

Cons:

• No Extra Bells & Whistles

Yellow Jacket Skateboard Bearings

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The Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings come with an ABEC rating of 9 and are made with carbon steel which immensely adds to durability and load tolerance. The bearing’s bright yellow colors are sure to steal the looks of your fans as you roll your way through every obstacle.

Pros:

• Easy on the Wallet Price
• High-Precision ABEC 9 Rating
• Superior Durability Carbon Steel

Cons:

• None

Spitfire ABEC 9 Skateboard Bearings

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If you’re looking for an ultra-cheap option for your new skateboard, then get the Spitfire Red Skateboard Bearings now. Their main feature is their versatility in the sense that you can use this not just for your skateboards but also for your longboards or other action sports equipment requiring a 608 standard bearing.

With an ABEC rating of 9, these bearings are certified to have high tolerances making it a high precision part. To make sure this will last, the Spitfire ABEC 9 Skateboard Bearings come with element protection 608 rubber seal. The quality of the SpitfireABEC 9 Skateboard Bearings is undoubted for they’re made by boarders FOR boarders!

Pros:

• Element Protection 608 Rubber Seal
• Very Affordable Price
• High-Tolerance ABEC 9 Rating

Cons:

• May require constant lubrication

Radeckal Blue ABEC 7

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Pros:

The Radeckal Blue ABEC 7 is indeed a dark horse in the skateboard bearings industry. This set is great for boarders who immediately need a new set and are very convenient for those who are just starting out as they come with pre-lubrication.

If you want a skater tested set of bearings that are also certified as high precision parts, then get the Radeckal Blue ABEC 7.

• Skater Tested™
• High-Performance Smooth Glide
• High-Precision ABEC 7 Rating
• Comes with a Y – Tool

Cons:

• Not as a well-known brand

Fireball Dragon 8 Pack Precision Bearings

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A product crafted by skaters searching for that honest to goodness bearing technology, the Fireball Dragon 8 Pack Precision Bearings are indeed a blessing for the bargain-lovers out there! If you’re looking for a gift to give to your son or daughter interested in skateboarding, then this set of bearings is your best bet.

Pros:

• Affordable cost
• Constructed in size 608 which is suitable for skateboards, longboards, penny boards, etc.
• High-Speed Durable Professional Bearings
• Bearings are completely lubricated.

Cons:

• Lesser-known brand

Bones Bearings Reds

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Coming from one of the most trusted names in the skateboarding industry, Bones, the Bones Bearings Reds are a godsend to budget-conscious amateurs and professionals! This set of bearings includes not just high-quality performance bearings, but also spacers and washers perfect for your high-speed runs.

If you’re looking for an upgrade to replace your worn out bearings, then get the Bones Bearings Reds now as they also feature a nylon ball retainer which ensures strength and durability!

Pros:

• Reputable Brand
• One of the Best-Sellers in the Market
• Easy-Clean Removable Non-Contact Shield
• Nylon Ball Retainer

Cons:

• None

Heady Shake Pro

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The Heady Shake Pro performs as good as it looks. You’ll get the most of every dollar you pay for this bearing because it includes free spacers to help you get more speed! Throw in one of the best packagings we’ve ever seen, your cravings for a perfect set will indeed be satisfied.

That’s not all; the Heady Shake Pro bearings come with pre-lubrication, quiet rotation, free spacers, and a waterproof sticker perfect for your rainy day runs! What more could you ask for? If you buy this product and you’re not satisfied with it (which we highly doubt), then you can get a refund as they come with a money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Back for the Buck Deal
• Superb Bearing & Packaging Design
• Professional-Grade Bearings & Spacers
• Waterproof Sticker
• Money-Back Guarantee

Cons:

• None

Zealous Bearings

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Sporting a unique design, the Zealous Skateboard Bearings fit boarders with a taste for innovative components! This set of bearings comes with built-in spacers and speed rings which makes them unique compared to many other products.

Sporting these integrated components means that these bearings are specially made for the high-speed boarders. Add in the fact that it sports an almost frictionless surface pre-lubed with a self-healing custom nanoceramic grease; the Zealous Bearings certainly appeal to daring skaters!

Pros:

• Made For Speed
• Unique Built-in Spacers & Speed Rings
• Very Affordable Price
• Self-Healing Nanoceramic Grease
• Near Frictionless Surface
• One of the Best-Reviewed Bearings

Cons:

• Slow break-in

Mini Skater Abec 9 Precision

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The Mini Skater Abec 9 Precision Bearings are bare and super straightforward perfect for all the cheapskate boarders out there! Being the cheapest one on this list, they are either the best bearings to get for beginners or the best emergency replacement bearings for professionals.

However, don’t let their price fool you for they are rated as an ABEC 9 component which means they are a high-precision part suitable for high-speed use. Pre-lubricated with speed lubricant, the Mini Skater Abec 9 Precision Bearings will surprise you with their real-life performance.

Pros:

• Super Inexpensive
• 16 Pieces of Bearings in One Set
• Pre-Lubricated with Speed Lube
• Hi-Precision ABEC 9 Rating

Cons:

• Needs constant lubrication
• Boring design

Bones Original Swiss Competition Skate Bearings

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Another Entry from a reputable brand, the Bones Original Swiss Competition Skate Bearings pack bearings of Swiss design & make ensuring every skateboarder of their reliability and performance. Pre-lubricated with speed cream and sporting nylon ball retainers, these bearings are claimed to surpass any of their ABEC rated counterparts.

For easy maintenance, the Bones Original Swiss Competition Skate Bearings also get removable rubber shields. If you’re not yet satisfied with those features, then let me tell you that they also come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects! One downside to all of these superb features is their price.

Pros:

• Pre-Lubricated with Speed Cream
• Nylon Ball Retainers
• Removable Rubber Shields for Easy Maintenance
• Lifetime Warranty
• Reputable Company

Cons:

• Expensive price

Mini-Logo Skateboard Bearings

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These bearings are another set that do not base their performance on ABEC ratings, just like Bones. Instead, the Mini-Logo Skateboard Bearings are Skate Rated™. They sport dual removable shields for easy maintenance, a high-speed ball retainer, and come pre-lubricated with speed cream.

Additionally, their balls are made from the most excellent chromium steel races with superior-finishing. Doesn’t this all sound familiar? Well, it does because they are similar to what Bones bearings offer BUT the difference is that the Mini-Logo Skateboard Bearings are much cheaper than what Bones’ got to offer!

Pros:

• Skate Rated™ Bearings
• Dual Removable Shields
• Super-Finished Chromium Steel Race
• Affordable Price for its Specs
• Hign on Performance

Cons:

• Straightforward packaging

Bronson Speed Co. Raw

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Are you someone who loves speed and wants to hear those sweet high-RPM sounds? Look no further as the Bronson Speed Co. Raw sports an innovative design where there are no shields so you can go fast and feel fast at the same time.

The Bronson Speed Co. Raw sports Audible Speed Technology designed to enhance the sound of speed as you glide through every corner. Aside from the new bells & whistles, the high-speed balls are secured using a nylon-reinforced fiberglass cage which ensures superior durability and pace precision. Feel secured once you buy them as each bearing is inspected twice and ultrasonically washed thrice before packaging!

Pros:

• Innovative Audible Speed Technology
• Pure Nylon-Reinforced Fiberglass Cage
• Strict Quality Assurance Enforcement
• Cool Shieldless Design

Cons:

• Dust may easily enter the bearings

Maintaining Skateboard Bearings

There are five key points when it comes to maintaining skateboard bearings:

• Make sure your bearings are dry, dirt-free, and lubricated. Dirt increases friction while water can rust your bearings.
• When your skateboard bearings become noisy or you notice them becoming dirty. Clean them with isopropyl alcohol or acetone.
• Never add oil to a dirty bearing as it spreads the dirt around eventually ruining your bearings.

How To Remove Skateboard Bearings

There are two ways to extract your bearings from your skateboard correctly, namely: by using a bearing puller, and by using your bare hands. Take note though that manually removing them can damage the bearing.

Removing Bearings With Hands

For the first method, you’ll be using your bare hands and your board’s axle. Remove the wheel and slip the wheel on the board’s axle until the tip is halfway through the bearing. Using some force with your two hands, pop the bearing off by pushing down the wheel so that the axle will grip onto the bearing and eventually slip out.

Removing Bearings With A Skate Tool

To ensure the best results, use a skate tool. A skate tool that has a bearing puller does a similar action to what do axle does but, in this case, the bearing puller is much more appropriately fitted to the bearing. Put some sideways pressure on the bearing puller, and the bearing will immediately pop off.

Below are some of the best tools for your skateboard bearings available on the market today. These can all be used for adjusting axle nuts, mounting hardware, and for the kingpin nut on the top of the truck.

Zeato All in One Skate Tool

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The Zeato All in One is a multi-functional tool with a sleek, all in one design. It’s got everything you need to tigten up or repair your skateboard.

It’s the cheapest of our selection, and comes with an Allen key and Philips head wrench screwdriver, making it one of the best value-for-money skateboard tools on the market today.

Bones Swiss Bearing Press/Puller

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The Bones Swiss brand has been featured a lot in this article. That’s because they’re one of the most reliable brands out there for all your skateboarding needs.

This bearing press/puller is designed in the U.S by professional skateboarders. It’s extremely high quality for the price and, as with all Bones Swiss products, it comes with a warranty.

Bona Skate Tool

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The Bona Skate Tool comes in a sleek all in one design, and has many practical functions. These tools are mostly very similar in their design. They can all be used for similar things such as tightening srews, changing wheels, changing grip tape, cleaning your bearings, repairing the screw thread… The list goes on and on.

This an essential multi-tool for skateboards and skateboarders.

How To Clean Skateboard Bearings

Cleaning skateboard bearings require some time and effort, but it is worth it! Follow the steps from above to remove the bearings first. After you’ve set up your workplace for cleaning, wipe away built-up dirt then soak them in a jar of cleaner. 

Then after soaking, wipe them so they’ll be dry then apply your bearing lubricant to each bearing. To make drying fast, wrap each bearing in a soft cloth and shake.

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Additionally, you can soak them off in acetone for 10 minutes and put a couple of drops lubricant after drying. After these steps, replace the rubber shield and pop it back on your board!

How To Change or Install Skateboard Bearings

To safely put your bearings on to your wheels again, let’s make use of your board’s axle. Firstly, remove the nut and washers then place the bearings on the axle. Insert the wheel and press hard until the bearing fits. Do this too on the other side and voila! You’re done! You’ll just have to install the wheel again, and you’re set to skate.

Buying your Skateboard Bearings

As mentioned above, the best decision to make is to invest in quality bearings. We’ve already collected the best ones for you! Each set is priced differently, but they all come with their features, or bells & whistles.

Another factor you’ll have to consider is the style that would complement your board. Some skateboard bearings have a minimal design while others come in different colors.

Choose from one of our selections of best skateboard bearings that fit both your style and your budget, and you’ll certainly feel the benefits of getting a quality set. You can also check out some of our other skateboarding tips so you’d have a better grasp of what you’re trying to find!