It's a question we face every time we set up a skateboard board in the store: which bearings should I put on my skate?
To begin with, there are 8 bearings on a complete board, i.e. 2 on each wheel. The bearing packs you'll find will therefore all be made up of 8 bearings, but they may also include accessories or have additional features.
Abec or not?
Historically, bearings have always benefited from a testing standard that classifies them according to their performance, the ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineer Council) standard.
Without going into too much detail, this standard (created by the American Bearing Manufacturers Association) makes it easy to identify the "rolling" quality of bearings. The higher the number, the higher the quality of the bearing. For example, ABEC1 bearings are less efficient than ABEC11 bearings.
Today, there are highly efficient skateboard bearings that do not have the ABEC standard. Of course, this does not mean that they run less smoothly than others.
In any case, entry-level bearings are more than adequate for beginners at skateboard. Whether they're Abec 5, Abec 7 or other, you'll have no problem using them if you're just looking to progress at skatepark. Let's be clear: on smooth concrete, you'll never have any trouble rolling with new bearings.
But then, what are high-end bearings for?
Bearing packs costing more than €30 often offer additional options or special features. This is the case with bearings that include a set of spacers to be placed inside the wheel between the two bearings. The purpose of the spacers is to improve the parallelism of the bearings and tighten them in perfect alignment. They also add strength to the assembly.
Bearing design can also influence price. The materials used can greatly improve glide and therefore price. This is the case with ceramic bearings, a material that is highly insensitive to compression and unaffected by rust in humid environments. Ceramic bearings also limit heating when used at high speeds.
Choosing my longboard bearings
Demanding longboarders are more likely to opt for high-quality bearings to enhance their board's performance. DH longboarders in particular are looking to gain a few km/h to be faster. Top-of-the-range bearings give you the glide you need to go beyond your limits!
To maximize speed, opt for ceramic bearings fitted with spacers.
Note that top-of-the-range bearings can be dismantled to clean and lubricate the balls.
Good to know : How to maintain your bearings
Before we talk about maintenance, let's talk about protecting your bearings from knocks. So don't throw your board away in frustration, for example :)
When it comes to maintenance, the most important thing is to avoid exposing steel bearings to water. As far as possible, avoid riding during or after rain, and if you do, remember to wipe down your bearings after the session.
As far as lubrication is concerned, the bearings are supplied lubricated and therefore ready for use. Lubrication reduces friction and must therefore be maintained. To lubricate your bearings, clean them well beforehand and only dismantle the ring if you're sure your bearings can be dismantled. If in doubt, lubricate the outside of the bearings with a dedicated product.
> See also: How to maintain your skateboard or longboard