If you’ve ever shopped for skateboard bearings, you’ve probably been bombarded with flashy marketing, confusing ratings, and mad claims about speed and performance. With so many brands promising “Swiss precision,” “ceramic speed,” or “ABEC 11 smoothness,” it’s easy to get lost in the hype. But what actually matters when it comes to skateboard bearings? Let’s cut through the noise and get to the real facts, so you can make the best choice for your setup and your skating.

What Are Skateboard Bearings?

At their core, skateboard bearings are small, round components that fit inside your wheels, allowing them to spin freely on your axles. Each wheel uses two bearings, and a typical skateboard set comes with eight bearings total. Inside each bearing are tiny balls (usually steel or ceramic) that roll between two metal rings, reducing friction and letting your wheels spin.

The Marketing Myths: What Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think

Let’s start by busting some of the most common myths and marketing claims you’ll see about skateboard bearings.

1. ABEC Ratings: Not the Whole Story

You’ll see bearings advertised as ABEC 3, 5, 7, 9, or even higher. The ABEC rating is an industrial standard for the precision of ball bearings, but here’s the catch:
ABEC ratings are designed for industrial machinery, not skateboards.

A higher ABEC rating means the bearing is made to tighter tolerances, but it doesn’t guarantee more speed or better performance for skating. In fact, most skaters can’t tell the difference between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 in real-world use.

What matters more: Quality of materials, lubrication, and how well the bearings are maintained.

2. Swiss, Ceramic, Titanium: Are They Worth It?

• Swiss Bearings: Originally, “Swiss” bearings were made in Switzerland to very high standards. Today, many “Swiss” bearings are just a marketing term. Unless you’re buying from a reputable brand (like Bones Swiss), you’re likely just paying for a name.

• Ceramic Bearings: Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel, which can mean less friction and longer life. But for most skaters, the difference is marginal, and ceramics are expensive and fragile if you skate street or in the rain.

• Titanium Bearings: Titanium is corrosion-resistant, but again, the benefits are often overstated for skateboarding. Most titanium bearings are simply steel bearings with a titanium coating.

3. Speed Claims and “Pro” Endorsements

Bearings don’t make you a better skater or instantly faster. The biggest factors in speed are your wheels, your pushing technique, and the surface you skate on. Pro skaters often ride standard bearings, not the most expensive ones on the market.

What Actually Matters in Skateboard Bearings

Now that we’ve cleared away the hype, let’s focus on what really makes a difference in bearing performance and longevity.

1. Material Quality

• Steel Bearings: The industry standard. Good steel bearings are durable, affordable, and perform well for most skaters.

• Stainless Steel Bearings: More resistant to rust, making them a better choice for wet conditions, but not necessarily faster or smoother.

• Ceramic Bearings: Can be smoother and longer-lasting but are expensive and can shatter under heavy impact.

Bottom Line: For most skaters, high-quality steel bearings from a reputable brand are all you need.

2. Shield Design

Bearings come with shields to keep dirt and debris out. There are two main types:

• Rubber Shields: Easier to remove for cleaning, offer good protection.

• Metal Shields: Harder to remove, but can be more durable.

Some bearings are “shieldless” for less friction, but they require more maintenance and are more vulnerable to dirt.

3. Lubrication

The type and amount of lubricant inside your bearings affect how they spin and how long they last.

• Thicker grease: More protection, less speed.

• Thinner oil: Faster spinning, but more frequent cleaning needed.

4. Tolerance and Build Quality

How well the bearing is made – the smoothness of the balls, the roundness of the races, and the fit of the shields – all contribute to performance. A well-made ABEC 3 bearing can outperform a poorly made ABEC 7.

5. Brand Reputation

Stick with brands that have a good reputation among skaters. Bones, Bronson, Quantum, and Modus are known for quality and reliability.

Let’s break down the main types of bearings you’ll encounter and who they’re best for.

1. Standard Steel Bearings

• Best for: Most skaters, from beginners to pros.

• Pros: Affordable, reliable, easy to maintain.

• Cons: Can rust if exposed to water.

2. Stainless Steel Bearings

• Best for: Skaters who ride in wet conditions or near the coast.

• Pros: Rust-resistant, low maintenance.

• Cons: Slightly more expensive, not necessarily faster.

3. Ceramic Bearings

• Best for: Downhill or long-distance riders chasing every bit of speed.

• Pros: Low friction, long lifespan, don’t rust.

• Cons: Expensive, can shatter on big impacts, not necessary for street/park skating.

4. Swiss Bearings

• Best for: Skaters who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it.

• Pros: Precision-made, smooth, long-lasting.

• Cons: Expensive, only worth it if you can tell the difference.

5. Titanium Bearings

• Best for: Skaters who want corrosion resistance and a bit of marketing flair.

• Pros: Corrosion-resistant.

• Cons: Often just a coating, not a game-changer.

6. Built-in Bearings

• Best for: Longboarders and downhill skaters.

• Pros: Built-in spacers and speed rings, easy setup, less slop.

• Cons: Limited brands, not always compatible with all wheels.

7. Shieldless Bearings

• Best for: Advanced skaters who want the least friction and don’t mind frequent cleaning.

• Pros: Super fast, less drag.

• Cons: High maintenance, not for dirty or wet environments.

The Real Impact of Bearings on Your Ride

Here’s the truth: Bearings are only one part of the speed equation.

• Wheels: Softer, larger wheels roll faster and smoother over rough ground.

• Pushing: Good technique will make more difference than any bearing upgrade.

• Surface: Smooth concrete is always faster than rough tarmac.

A decent set of bearings, kept clean and lubricated, will serve you well for years. Don’t fall for the hype that you need the most expensive or highest-rated bearings to skate well.

How to Choose the Right Bearings for You

1. Consider your skating style:

   • Street/park: Standard steel bearings from a reputable brand.

   • Downhill/long-distance: Consider ceramics or Swiss if you want every edge.

   • Wet conditions: Stainless steel or well-maintained steel bearings.

2. Set a realistic budget:

   • You don’t need to spend a fortune. Many great bearings are under £20-£30 per set.

3. Prioritise maintenance:

   • Even the best bearings need cleaning and lubing to stay fast.

4. Ignore the ABEC hype:

   • Focus on real-world performance, not numbers.

5. Buy from trusted shops:

   • Avoid cheap, unbranded bearings from unknown sellers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will expensive bearings make me faster?
A: Only marginally, and only if you’re already skating at a high level. For most skaters, clean, well-lubed standard bearings are just as good.

Q: Are ceramic bearings worth it?
A: Only for downhill or distance skating, and if you’re willing to pay the price.

Q: What’s the best bearing for street skating?
A: A high-quality steel bearing from a reputable brand.

Q: Do I need to worry about ABEC ratings?
A: Not really. Focus on brand reputation and maintenance.

Conclusion: Cut Through the Hype

Skateboard bearings don’t need to be complicated. Don’t get distracted by marketing gimmicks or overhyped ratings. Choose a well-made bearing from a trusted brand, keep them clean, and you’ll enjoy smooth, fast rides for a long time.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into bearing shields, maintenance tips, and practical advice to keep your bearings spinning fast!