Longboard Bearings

The Impact of Longboard Bearings

Longboard wheel bearings are essential for enabling the wheels to rotate on the axles. The right choice of bearings significantly affects both the speed and the overall experience when riding your longboard.

Longboard bearings are designed to be compatible with any wheel type. Although they are the same as skateboard bearings, you might consider using larger bearing spacers if your longboard wheels are on the larger side.

Bearings are not all the same, despite being interchangeable. They are crafted from various materials, typically stainless steel, ceramic, or titanium. While steel bearings are the most common and cost-effective, ceramic longboard bearings often deliver quicker acceleration and have a longer lifespan.

Understanding the ABEC Bearing Rating

One of the key choices when selecting bearings is determining the appropriate ABEC rating. A common misconception is that a higher ABEC number results in faster rolling bearings, which is not accurate. The ABEC rating actually measures the bearing's tolerance, where a higher number indicates more precision and efficiency, leading to a smoother and more seamless ride. Speed can indeed be affected by the rating, but other factors, such as the rider’s weight, also play a role.

Not all bearings possess an ABEC rating, but this does not imply poor quality. Many top-tier bearings used in the most demanding longboarding conditions function without an ABEC classification.

No matter which bearings you choose, maintaining their cleanliness is crucial. For guidance on this, refer to our Bearing Cleaning and Lubrication guide.