Skateboard bearings are those small round devices that enable your wheels to roll. Each wheel requires eight bearings to function correctly. The efficient skateboard bearings determine that the wheel rotates fast and smoothly. The space between the two bearings is filled with a spacer (a small cylinder to keep the bearings parallel).

Size and Material of Skateboard Bearings

Almost all the skateboard bearings are the same size and can be used on any skateboard wheel and truck. The industry-standard sized bearings are “608 inches, with a bore of 8 mm, an outer diameter of 22 mm, and a breadth of 7 mm, with a few exceptions. Steel and silicon nitride (a high-tech ceramic) is occasionally used to manufacture skateboard bearings.

Formation of Skateboard Bearings

A huge outer ring and a smaller inner ring make up a bearing. Small steel balls are positioned between the rings. These are the things that make the wheels turn. Shields are placed on either side of the rings to keep the bearings from becoming dirty. The balls are kept inside a so-called “ball cage” to keep them in place.

You can also skate with open or semi-open ball bearings that do not have shields. You will be more prone to have an accident if you skate with open or semi-open bearings.

Misconceptions about ABEC Rating

Many skaters prefer the somewhat louder sound of an open-bearing skateboard. However, when it comes to skateboard bearings, one of the most popular myths is that the higher the ABEC rating (1,3,5,7 or 9) you purchase, the faster your bearings will spin and the longer they will survive. Unfortunately, this is incorrect since the ABEC rating is only a tolerance rating, and a higher ABEC rating does not always imply a bearing that spins faster or lasts longer. To minimize further confusion, some companies, like Bones, have chosen to leave out the ABEC rating of their bearings, focusing instead on offering riders high-quality craftsmanship at a low price.

Maintenance of Skateboard Bearing

Maintaining and lubricating your bearing properly is the best approach to ensure a long-lasting, fast-spinning bearing. Proper maintenance and cleaning will keep your bearings spinning quickly and extend their life, allowing you to spend less time replacing them due to wear and tear or slow speeds.

TIP: Clean and well-oiled skateboard bearings are the best. Make sure to keep clean if you want to travel fast!

You might have all the knowledge about skateboard bearings, but are you aware of the Safety gear you need to opt for while skating?

Skateboard Safety Gear Tips

When it comes to skateboarding, riders must ensure their own safety. Getting dressed properly can help in this regard. Wear a breathable cotton shirt that does not make you too sweaty. Pants are another important piece of clothing for skateboarding. You do not want a pair of pants that will restrict your movement. Loose-fitting track pants could be the best option. Use a helmet skateboard that is not too tight but fits snugly. Make sure that it has good ventilation. Since it can protect your head in case of a fall, you need to buy a top-quality one. Do not forget to wear gloves as they can improve your grip on the board and prevent blisters. Look for gloves that have padding in the palms to absorb vibration.

Conclusion

Skating could be one of the coolest kinds of sports. Undoubtedly, its popularity has risen. Everyone wants to try their luck at this. While it might sound to be fun, skateboarding does need a lot of patience and hard work for reaching the stage of perfection. The best way to go about this is to get enrolled in a skating school. The highly-trained masters can train you and better your moves.