Introduction

Longboard bearings are one of the important parts of longboards. Everyone should be sincere in choosing the longboard bearings. It is not any tough task to choose good bearings.

You need to learn different factors about longboard bearing. You may get confused about the material, closure, ABEC ratings, and others.  I am a professional longboarder and I know well about every part of a longboard. Today, I will discuss “how to choose longboard bearings?” I will show you the different advantages and disadvantages of different parts of bearing. But if you want to save your time, you can see the best longboard bearings selected by us. So keep reading and learn how to choose quality bearings for your longboard.

 

How to Choose Longboard Bearings?

Steel or Ceramic

The first confusion creates about the material. There are mainly 2 types of bearings, steel, and ceramic. So, are you thinking about the best one? Well, both of them are appropriate for your longboard. But, there are some factors. Ceramic bearings spin better and run faster. But they are more expansive than steel bearings. On the other hand, steel bearings are disposable and cheap. They generally fit most types of longboards. So if you have a tight budget then I suggest you buy steel bearings.

 

Closure

The closure is comparable to the walls. They protect the bearing from outside wreckages and holds lubricant inside bearings.  There are two types of closures, metal shield and rubber sealed. Some metal shields are removable and some are non-removable. Both metal shield and rubber seal protect the bearing. But rubber seal closures tend to keep more lubricant inside bearings. So, it’s better to choose a rubber-sealed closure system. So it’s your choice to choose the type.

 

ABEC Rating and Brand

 There are different ABEC ratings such as ABEC 1,3,5,7,9. But which one should you choose? Some people say buy ABEC 1 and some say buy higher ABEC rating. I support the second statement. Buy bearings having higher ABEC ratings. They come with durable material and better lubes. So, choose ABEC 9 rating bearings. One thing keeps in mind, the brand is a big fact for bearings. ABEC 9 bearings of “A” brand may not be the same as ABEC 9 bearings of the “B” brand.

 

Ball Retainer – (Nylon or Metal)

There are 2 types of ball retainers available, nylon ball retainer and metal retainers )brass or steel retainers). Both of them have different advantage and disadvantages Nylon retainer offers better speed and less friction. So, you can ride smoothly having it. Metal retainers don’t offer high speed. But it offers high durability. So, metal retainers will last longer.

 

Weatherproof Technology

Your longboard must go through different types of weather conditions. You have to ride in snow, rain, sun, and others. So your bearings must be weatherproof. Otherwise, it won’t be a good value for your money.

 

Built-in Spacer

The spacer is an important part of your longboard. I ensure space between the wheels and bearings. It protects the wheels and bearings from external hurt. It increases the lifespan of the bearings. Some bearings come with a built-in spacer. I suggest you buy such bearings. They will be hassle-free and more protective.

 

Pre-Lubricated

It’s essential to lubricant before using a bearing. It makes your riding effective and ensures a better performance. But it’s a crucial task to lubricate the bearing. There are some bearings that are pre-lubricated. Obviously, the manufacturer can lubricant better than you.  Even after buying pre-lubricated bearing, you still have to lubricant it. But it will be easier for you. So get one that is already lubricated.

 

Final Thought

I have already discussed the core factors of longboard bearings. The main thing people consider is material, steel, or ceramic.  I have already mentioned, both of them are good for your longboard. But considering the pricing, I suggest steel bearings for your longboard. Read out the other factors and consider their quality. Choose bearings according to your need. Hopefully, you will be clear about the topic “How to choose longboard bearings” after reading this article.