Longboard Bearings

The Impact of Longboard Bearings

Longboard wheel bearings are the essential components enabling the wheels to rotate on the axles. Selecting the correct bearings is crucial, as they significantly affect the speed and ride quality of your longboarding experience.

Longboard bearings are universally compatible and fit any wheel type. While they are identical to skateboard bearings, opting for larger bearing spacers is advisable if you possess larger longboard wheels.

However, not all bearings are alike. Bearings are crafted from various materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or titanium. Steel bearings are the classic and cost-effective choice, while ceramic bearings for longboards often deliver quicker acceleration and enhanced longevity.

Understanding the ABEC Bearing Scale

A key consideration when purchasing bearings is selecting the appropriate ABEC rating. A common misconception is that a higher ABEC number equates to faster rolling. This is inaccurate. The ABEC rating actually measures bearing tolerance, where a higher number indicates increased precision and efficiency. This enhances the smoothness and fluidity of your ride. Although this can influence speed, the bearing's turning capacity also depends on other elements like the rider's weight.

Some bearings lack an ABEC rating, yet this doesn’t imply inferior design. Numerous premium bearings without a rating are used in high-level longboarding.

Maintaining clean bearings is essential, irrespective of their type. For cleaning instructions, take a look at our Bearing Cleaning and Lubrication guide.