Skateboard bearings might just be the most important bit of gear you can upgrade on your board. They're the small, circular parts that sit inside your wheels, and they're what makes them spin. A good set is often the single best performance boost you can give your setup, whether you're working on your kickflips, cruising the boardwalk, or perfecting your surfskate snap.
The Heart of Your Ride: What Are Skateboard Bearings?
Think of bearings as the unsung heroes of your skateboard. They're tiny, precision-made rings filled with steel or ceramic balls, and their whole job is to cut down the friction between your moving wheel and the fixed axle it sits on.
Without them, your wheels simply wouldn't spin. These little mechanical marvels are what turn the force of your push into smooth, forward momentum. A quality set of bearings will have you rolling for ages, while a cheap or gritty set will make every single push feel like hard work, killing your speed and flow.
Anatomy of a Standard 608 Bearing
Here's some good news: pretty much every skateboard, longboard, and surfskate out there uses the same size bearing, called a "608." This standard size means you can pop just about any set of skate bearings into any set of skate wheels, no worries.
From the outside, they look pretty simple. But inside, each 608 bearing has a few key parts all working together to keep you rolling smoothly.
Take a look at the components that make up a standard 608 bearing. Understanding what each part does is the key to knowing why some bearings feel amazing and others... not so much.
Anatomy of a Skateboard Bearing
Understanding the components inside a standard 608 bearing. Each part plays a crucial role in performance and durability.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Outer Race | The larger, outer ring that presses firmly into the core of your wheel. |
| Inner Race | The smaller ring that the truck's axle slides through. The wheel spins around it. |
| Ball Bearings | A set of 7 or 8 tiny steel or ceramic balls that roll between the races, enabling the spin. |
| Retainer/Crown | A plastic or metal cage that keeps the balls evenly spaced to handle the load. |
| Shields/Seals | Thin rings on one or both sides that act as a barrier against dirt, grit, and water. |
These parts are what make the magic happen. The core principle isn't unique to skating; in a broad sense, even simple hinges are a type of mechanical bearings because they allow two objects to rotate against each other.
That same idea is what gets your board moving. The entire feel of your ride—whether you're just cruising down the street or trying to land a trick—comes down to how well these small but critical parts are doing their job. To get the bigger picture of how everything on your board works together, have a look at our complete guide to skateboard construction.
From Clay Wheels to Precision Speed: The Evolution of Bearings
It's easy to take for granted the small metal rings spinning inside our wheels, but skateboarding's journey from a sidewalk cruiser to a high-performance sport is all tied up in the story of the bearing. It all kicked off in the 1950s and '60s, an era where skaters were pioneers, often scrounging parts from other sports to piece their boards together.
Back then, setups were pretty crude. Think wheels made of clay or even steel. The "bearings" inside were literally just loose ball bearings rolling around in a cup-and-cone system pinched straight from old-school roller skates. They were slow, wildly inefficient, and had a nasty habit of seizing up at the worst possible time.
The ride was rough, rattly, and completely unpredictable. A single pebble could stop a wheel dead in its tracks and send you flying. This gear massively limited what skaters could do, making any kind of speed or smooth carve a real battle.
The Game-Changer: Precision Bearings Arrive
The 1970s was a massive turning point. As skateboarding blew up in popularity, so did the demand for better equipment. The real breakthrough was the move to sealed precision bearings. Instead of a handful of loose balls, these new bearings were a self-contained unit with all the parts—inner and outer rings (races), balls, and a cage—held together.
This single change had a huge impact:
-
Speed: Friction dropped dramatically, letting skaters roll faster and for much, much longer.
-
Reliability: Being sealed, they kept dirt and grit out, meaning fewer sudden stops and a ride you could actually depend on.
-
Durability: They were just plain tougher and could handle the stress of carving and landing tricks way better than the old roller skate parts.
This era also saw the industry settle on the "608" bearing size. This was huge. It created a universal fit for skate wheels, opening the door for companies to jump in and focus purely on making better bearings. All of a sudden, you could easily swap and upgrade your bearings, which pushed performance through the roof.
The standardisation to the 608 bearing was a game-changer. It allowed manufacturers to focus on refining materials and design specifically for skateboarding, rather than just adapting whatever industrial parts were available.
Built for Skating, Not Just Spinning
While industrial bearings were a massive step up, they weren't actually designed for the unique abuse of skateboarding. A standard bearing is built to handle radial loads—that’s the downward force of a wheel spinning in a straight line. But skateboarding is all about axial loads, the side-to-side stress you put on your bearings every single time you turn, carve, or land a trick even slightly sideways.
This is where true skate-specific innovation began. Companies realised that to survive, a skateboard bearing needed to be tough. Early sealed bearings would often blow out from the constant side impacts of street and vert skating. So, manufacturers started playing with stronger steel, tougher ball cages (retainers), and better lubricants to create bearings that could take a proper beating.
This whole journey, from clunky roller skate parts to purpose-built hardware, is why the bearings we ride today are so incredibly good. Every fast carve, smooth roll, and sketchy landing you stick is thanks to decades of trial, error, and skaters pushing for something better. This evolution set the stage for brands like Bones Bearings to totally rethink what a skateboard bearing could be, which is a story we'll get into next.
Decoding Bearing Materials: Steel vs. Ceramic and Ratings
Ever stood there staring at a wall of bearings, wondering why one set is $30 and another is over $100? It’s a common question. The answer almost always boils down to two things: what they’re made of and how precisely they’re put together. Getting your head around these differences is the key to picking the right set for your skateboard or surfskate.
The vast majority of bearings you'll find are made from chrome steel. Think of it as the reliable workhorse of the bearing world. It’s tough, it’s durable, and it gives you fantastic performance for the price. For most skaters, from park rats to street cruisers, a good set of steel bearings is all you’ll ever need.
But as you climb the price ladder, you’ll run into more advanced materials. You might see high-grade Swiss steel, which is purer and more refined for a smoother, faster roll that lasts. And then you have the top-of-the-line option: ceramic.
The Great Debate: Steel vs. Ceramic
Ceramic bearings aren't actually made entirely from ceramic. They’re a hybrid, using incredibly hard, perfectly round ceramic balls that roll inside traditional steel races. This combo brings some serious advantages to the table.
-
Less Friction, More Speed: Ceramic balls are way smoother and harder than steel. This means less friction as they spin, giving you a higher top speed and letting you roll for longer with every single push.
-
Heat Resistance: When you’re bombing a massive hill, friction builds up a lot of heat. This can cause steel bearings to expand just enough to slow you down. Ceramic is far more resistant to heat, so your bearings stay fast even during high-speed runs.
-
Corrosion Proof: Simple as this: ceramic balls don’t rust. This makes them a brilliant choice if you often skate in damp conditions or live near the coast where moisture is always in the air.
Of course, all that performance comes with a higher price tag. For most skaters, a quality set of steel bearings will do the job perfectly. But if you’re into longboarding, downhill racing, or just want the absolute fastest and longest-lasting roll you can get, ceramics are tough to beat.
Just like the hardness of your wheels affects your ride, your bearing material plays a massive part in your speed and feel. You can dive deeper into how different parts work together in our guide to understanding skateboard wheel durometer.
To make it even clearer, here’s a quick head-to-head comparison to help you decide which material fits your budget and riding style.
Steel vs Ceramic Bearing Showdown
| Feature | Steel Bearings | Ceramic Bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More affordable, great value. | Premium price point. |
| Speed | Good, reliable speed for most uses. | Faster, with less friction for higher top speeds. |
| Durability | Very tough, but can rust if neglected. | Ceramic balls don't rust; extremely hard and long-lasting. |
| Heat | Can expand and slow down with high friction. | Excellent heat resistance, maintaining speed on long runs. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust. | More resistant to dirt and moisture, but still needs care. |
| Best For | Everyday street, park, and cruiser skating. | Downhill, long-distance, and competitive skating. |
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you need. Steel bearings are the go-to for a reason—they offer solid performance without breaking the bank. But if speed is your top priority and you have the budget, ceramics offer a noticeable upgrade.
What About the ABEC Rating?
You’ll see an ABEC rating (like ABEC 3, 5, 7, or 9) printed on a lot of bearing packages, and it's probably one of the most misunderstood specs in all of skateboarding.
The ABEC scale is an industrial standard that measures the manufacturing precision and tolerances of a bearing. A higher number just means it’s made more precisely. Simple enough, right?
The catch is that the ABEC scale was designed for industrial machines that spin at incredible speeds in a perfectly clean, controlled environment. This is the complete opposite of skateboarding, which involves relatively slow speeds, constant dirt and grime, and massive side-to-side impacts every time you turn or land a trick.
The ABEC rating is a measure of precision, not a measure of durability, material quality, or how well a bearing handles side-load. A high ABEC rating doesn't automatically mean a bearing is good for skating.
This is exactly why a brand like Bones Bearings ditched the ABEC system and created their own "Skate Rated™" standard. They focus on what actually matters for a skateboard bearing:
-
Impact Strength: How well it can take a beating from landings and rough pavement.
-
Side-Load Resistance: The ability to handle the constant forces from carving and turning.
-
Quality of Materials & Lubricant: Using better steel and a lube designed specifically for skate speeds and conditions.
While you'll see the ABEC system used for all sorts of things, like these ABEC 5 bearings for RC cars, it's just not the whole story for skating. A "Skate Rated" bearing from a trusted brand will almost always give you a better ride than a generic industrial bearing with a high ABEC number.
How Bones Bearings Changed the Game
While industrial bearings got skateboarding on its feet, the sport’s unique punishment called for something built specifically for the job. This is where George Powell and Bones Bearings roll into the story, completely changing the game for skate hardware forever. Fed up with the ABEC rating system and how little it meant for real-world skating, Powell decided to build a bearing from scratch, designed purely for the abuse skaters dish out.
This wasn't just about tweaking an existing design; it was a whole new way of thinking. Instead of chasing a high ABEC number that didn't translate to the street or park, Powell zeroed in on what actually mattered: impact strength, resistance to side-loads, and keeping speed in gritty, unpredictable environments. The result was the "Skate Rated™" standard—a seal of approval that told skaters these bearings were made for them, by people who get it.
This simple but powerful idea set Bones miles apart. They stepped out of the industrial precision race and put all their energy into building bearings that could handle huge gaps, survive powerslides without blowing apart, and keep rolling smoothly over rough asphalt. It was a focus on performance that skaters could actually feel under their feet.
The Bearing That Started It All: Bones Reds®
The product that truly cemented the Bones legacy was the iconic Bones Reds®. They weren't the fanciest or most expensive bearings you could buy, but they delivered incredible performance at a price every skater could get behind. It didn't take long for them to become the go-to for everyone, from seasoned pros to kids just getting their first board.
For a massive number of skaters, a set of Bones Reds® bearings was their first real upgrade. The difference was night and day—they were faster, smoother, and way more durable than the generic bearings that came standard on most complete skateboards. Bones Reds® created a new benchmark for what an affordable bearing could do, and they're still the best-selling skate bearings on the planet for good reason.
The success of Bones Reds® proved that skaters cared more about real-world performance than industrial specifications. They demonstrated that a "Skate Rated" design focusing on durability and a smooth roll was far more valuable than a high ABEC number.
This focus on accessible, top-tier performance built a massively loyal following. Skaters learned they could trust the Bones name, a reputation built one smooth, fast roll at a time. The brand became a non-negotiable staple in skate shops everywhere, including right here at Blitz Surf Shop, because they just plain work.
The Progression to Elite Performance
With Reds® firmly planted as the industry's workhorse, Bones then shifted its focus to creating a premium line for skaters demanding the absolute best. This mission led to the creation of Bones Swiss bearings, a product that would become legendary in its own right.
Manufactured in Switzerland to incredibly precise standards, Bones Swiss used higher-grade steel, top-quality balls, and a refined design for maximum speed and a super long life. They quickly became the bearing of choice for professional skaters and anyone serious about their setup. For vert skaters, bowl riders, and street skaters pushing the boundaries, the speed and rock-solid reliability of Swiss were simply unmatched.
The Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade—the iconic team with legends like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Rodney Mullen—put these bearings through the ultimate test. Their groundbreaking video parts, packed with massive airs and mind-bending technical tricks, were proof of what was possible with top-of-the-line gear. The team's massive success and visibility made Bones Swiss synonymous with pro-level skateboarding. Our in-depth look into Bones Bearings and their impact on skateboarding performance dives deeper into this history.
Pushing the Boundaries with Bones Swiss Ceramics
Never ones to rest, Bones continued to innovate, eventually dropping their top-of-the-line product: Bones Swiss Ceramics. These bearings are the absolute pinnacle of skate technology, swapping out traditional steel balls for ultra-hard, perfectly round ceramic ones.
The advantages were immediately clear and seriously significant:
-
Lighter Weight: Ceramic balls are much lighter than steel, which reduces rotational weight and helps you accelerate faster.
-
Less Friction: Their ridiculously smooth surface creates almost no friction, giving you a faster roll that just keeps going.
-
Corrosion-Proof: Ceramic doesn't rust. This makes them a dream for skaters in humid climates or anyone who isn't afraid to roll through a damp patch now and then.
-
Self-Healing: This is the wild part. The insane hardness of the ceramic balls actually helps re-polish the steel races inside the bearing as you skate, clearing out grit and keeping their path smooth.
While the price tag puts them firmly in the enthusiast category, Bones Swiss Ceramics deliver a level of performance that nothing else can touch. They're the ultimate upgrade for downhill racers, long-distance skaters, and anyone who simply refuses to compromise on speed and durability. From the affordable and trusty Reds® to the elite Ceramics, the Bones lineup offers a clear performance pathway for every skater out there.
Choosing the Right Bones Bearings for Your Style
The Bones Bearings lineup is pretty stacked, and picking the right set can seem like a tough call. But honestly, it’s straightforward once you know what you’re looking for. It all comes down to how you ride and what you want to spend. We’ll break down the whole family so you can get the best bang for your buck.
It doesn't matter if you're on a standard skateboard, longboard, or a surfskate—there’s a Bones bearing made to get you rolling smoother and faster. Let's run through the options, from the legendary value of Reds® all the way up to the mind-blowing speed of Swiss Ceramics.
The Best for Beginners and All-Round Value: Bones Reds®
For most skaters, the conversation pretty much starts and ends with Bones Reds®. There's a reason they're the best-selling skate bearings on the planet: you get incredible performance and durability without breaking the bank. They're built to the "Skate Rated" standard, not some industrial ABEC rating, which means they're designed specifically to handle the side loads and hard knocks of actual skateboarding.
If you're:
-
Just getting started with your first board.
-
A regular street or park skater who needs something reliable, fast, and affordable.
-
On a tight budget but still want quality gear.
Then a set of Bones Reds® bearings is a no-brainer. They're a massive step up from the stock bearings that come in most pre-built completes and give you a dependable, fast roll you can count on.
The Upgrade for Street and Park: Super Reds® and Swiss
For those skaters who are really putting their gear through its paces and want more speed and a longer lifespan, the next steps up are the Super Reds® and the iconic Swiss bearings.
Bones Super Reds® are basically a beefed-up version of the classic Reds®. They use a higher grade of steel, better quality balls, and have a finer surface polish. What that means for you is a bearing that's quieter, smoother, faster, and will last you longer. They’re a solid mid-range choice if you want more performance without the premium price tag of the Swiss.
Bones Swiss Bearings have been the gold standard for pro-level skating for decades. Made in Switzerland, these things are engineered with top-tier materials and a level of precision that delivers unreal speed and longevity. They're the go-to for serious skaters who need bearings that can handle competitive street, park, and vert skating.
Deciding between them really comes down to your priorities. Super Reds® give you a noticeable jump in smoothness and speed for a small price bump, while Bones Swiss bearings are a true investment in top-tier performance that will last for ages.
For Longboard, Surfskate, and Speed Freaks: Big Balls® and Ceramics
Longboarders, cruisers, and especially us surfskate riders are often chasing a different kind of performance. It's less about taking big impacts and more about holding momentum and getting that effortless, endless roll. If you want to dive deeper into this style, check out our guide to freeride surf and skate.
Bones Big Balls® are an excellent pick for this. They use six larger balls instead of the usual seven, which gives them a higher top speed and makes them better at handling dirt and grit. This design makes them faster and tougher for skaters who are covering a lot of ground.
For the absolute pinnacle of performance, you’ve got Bones Swiss Ceramics. They swap out the steel balls for super-hard ceramic ones, giving you the lowest friction you can get. They’re lighter, faster, waterproof, and even "self-heal" by crushing any dirt that finds its way inside. For downhill racers, long-distance pushers, or any rider who just wants the fastest, longest-lasting roll money can buy, Bones Swiss Ceramics are the top of the food chain.
Keep Them Fast A Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Bearings
Every skater knows the feeling of a fresh set of bearings—that fast, silent glide is pure magic. But over time, dirt, grime, and moisture inevitably find their way inside, turning that smooth roll into something slow, gritty, and noisy. Learning how to properly clean and lube your bearings is the single best thing you can do to bring back that new-board speed, make them last longer, and save a bit of money.
This guide will walk you through the whole process, from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from popping off the shields without wrecking them to choosing the right cleaners, so you can get your gear spinning like new again.
Your Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Giving your bearings a proper deep clean isn’t hard, but it does take a little bit of patience. Set aside about 30-45 minutes and get your supplies ready. You’ll need a skate tool, a small container with a lid (an old jar works great), a cleaning solvent, some paper towels, and your bearing lube.
-
Get the Wheels and Bearings Off: Use your skate tool to get the wheels off the trucks. Then, gently use the tip of the truck's axle as a lever to pry the two bearings out of each wheel.
-
Pop Off the Shields: This is the most delicate part of the job. Grab a small pin or the very tip of a craft knife and carefully pry the rubber shield off from the inner edge of each bearing. Go easy here—if you bend them, they won’t go back on properly.
-
Choose Your Cleaner: Drop all eight unshielded bearings into your container. You can use a dedicated bearing cleaning unit, like the one from Bones, or go the DIY route with isopropyl alcohol or a citrus-based degreaser. Never use water or water-based cleaners, as they’ll cause the steel to rust almost immediately.
-
Shake and Soak: Pour in enough solvent to completely cover the bearings. Screw the lid on tight and give it a solid shake for about a minute to loosen the major gunk. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, giving the container a good rattle every few minutes to break free any stubborn grime.
-
Dry Them Completely: Pour out the now-filthy solvent and lay your bearings out on a clean paper towel. This next part is critical: they need to be 100% dry before you even think about adding lubricant. You can let them air dry for a while or speed things up with a hairdryer on a low, cool setting.
The infographic below shows how different bearing choices suit different riding styles—a good thing to keep in mind when you're starting out or upgrading.
This visual guide shows how your choice of bearings can align with your skating style, from the all-around performance of Reds® to the elite speed of Swiss models.
The Final Touch: Lubrication and Reassembly
Once your bearings are spotless and bone dry, it’s time for the most satisfying step: lubrication. This is what protects the metal from corrosion and gives you that fast, smooth spin you’re after.
Critical Tip: Always use a lubricant made specifically for skate bearings, like the ever-popular Bones Speed Cream®. Stay away from thick greases or all-purpose sprays like WD-40. These products are far too heavy and will actually attract more dirt, slowing your bearings down in no time.
Add just two or three small drops of proper bearing oil into each one. Give them a few spins with your fingers to help the lube work its way evenly around the balls inside.
All that’s left is to gently press the rubber shields back on, pop your bearings back into your wheels, and get them mounted on your trucks. Now go for a roll and enjoy that "brand new" feeling.
Your Skateboard Bearing Questions Answered
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the guts of a bearing to keeping them clean, but a few questions always seem to crop up. Let's tackle some of the most common ones we hear in the shop.
Can I Use Different Bearings in My Wheels?
Can you? Yep. Should you? Probably not. While there's nothing stopping you from mixing and matching brands or even chucking a ceramic bearing in with your steel ones, you'll get a much more predictable and consistent roll by sticking with a full set of eight identical bearings. It just keeps things feeling right under your feet.
How Often Should I Clean My Bearings?
This one really comes down to where you're skating. If you spend most of your time at a clean, smooth skatepark, you might only need to give them a clean every few months. But if you’re out hitting crusty street spots or skating near the beach where sand and salt are in the air, you’ll want to do it monthly to keep them spinning freely.
What's That Clicking or Rattling Noise?
A clicking or rattling sound is usually your board's way of telling you something's up. Most of the time, it's one of two things: either your axle nuts are a bit loose, letting the wheel wobble, or your bearings are bone dry and screaming for some lube.
First, try tightening your axle nuts just enough so there’s no side-to-side play. If the noise is still there, it's a sure sign they need a proper clean and lube.
Did you know that a bit of regular TLC can make a massive difference? Consistent cleaning and lubrication can extend a bearing's lifespan by up to 300% and help it maintain 95% of its original speed. A survey of 500 skaters found that those who did maintenance every 2-3 months reported way better performance. You can read the full research about these skate maintenance findings to see the numbers for yourself.
Why Do My New Bearings Feel Slow?
It might seem strange, but brand-new bearings can feel a bit sluggish right out of the box, especially if they're packed with a thicker grease. This is totally normal. They just need a short break-in period for the lubricant to spread evenly. Give them a few solid skate sessions, and you'll feel them free up and start rolling much faster.
Remember, looking after your gear is just as important as looking after yourself. For more tips on staying safe out there, check out our guide on skateboarding safety and injury prevention.
Whether you need your first set of Bones Reds®, are ready to upgrade to some top-tier Swiss Ceramics, or just need a bottle of Speed Cream to keep your ride smooth, Blitz Surf Shop has you sorted. We've got all the bearings and maintenance gear you'll ever need. Shop our full collection online today
