Choosing the right Skateboard Bearing Size
Skateboard bearings are essential components of a skateboard that can determine the style of skateboarding. They are fit into the wheels to enable them to roll smoothly with reduced friction. Skateboard bearings may look small and simple, but they are actually complex with regards to their components. The main components of a skateboard bearing include:
The Shield
The shield is an average-sized ring that helps to prevent debris and dirt from entering the balls of the bearings.
The Outer and Inner Rings
The outer ring is the platform in the bearing on which other parts of the bearing are attached. The inner ring is attached to the outer ring. The axles also fit into the inner ring.
The Balls
The balls move freely along the racers while allowing the casing of the bearing to rotate.
The Retainer
The retainer holds the balls in their positions while allowing them to move freely with reduced friction.
The Rubber Seal
The rubber seal helps to further protect the bearing from dirt and debris. They are soft, removable and fit snugly. Skateboard bearings generally have a uniform size and will match the wheels and trucks of different skateboards. So, the size of a skateboard bearing isn’t exactly an important factor to consider when choosing a skateboard bearing. The standard sizes of bearings are 8mm for the core, 22mm for the diameter and 7mm for the width.
ABEC BEARING RATING
ABEC is an acronym for the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It is a standard developed to rate the tolerance level of bearings to some industrial parameters related to the specific use of the bearing. Some of these parameters include changes in temperature, changes in the physical properties of an object, etc. However, the rating doesn’t really constitute a factor in specifying the type of skateboard the bearings will be used for, the skating style of the skater, or the amount of pressure the bearings will be subjected to during riding.
So, the ABEC rating shouldn’t also be a major factor to consider when deciding on a skateboard bearing. Even at this, skateboard bearings often still come with ABEC ratings of ABEC -1, ABEC -3, ABEC -5, ABEC -7, and ABEC -9 inscribed on them. These ratings simply show the capability of the bearings for speed and the tolerance level of the bearing material.
Skateboard bearings are also made from different types of materials. The material a bearing is made from is important because it can determine the quality of the bearing, the speed of the bearing, and how durable the bearing will be. The major materials used in composing bearings are:
Steel
Steel is the most common material used in making bearings. They are usually in grades depending on the quality of the steel material. Usually, a bearing with a higher quality steel material would be more expensive than the one with lower quality material. Also, the better the steel material, usually, the faster and more durable the bearing will be. However, steel bearings tend to rust, especially when wet. So it’s best to avoid moisture if you are using steel bearings.
Ceramic
Some skateboard bearings are made of ceramic these days. The ceramic bearings are somewhat smoother than steel bearings and do not rust. Since they don’t rust, they require less maintenance than steel bearings. The ceramic bearings come with more balls compared to steel bearings. This makes them achieve higher performance. Nonetheless, they are brittle and so tend to break under serious pressure. Also, they are generally more expensive than steel bearings.
Titanium
Titanium bearings tend to perform better than steel bearings. They are resistant to corrosion. They are also more durable than some grades of steel bearings because of their strength. They do require maintenance in the form of lubrication to keep the balls smooth and to reduce friction.
No matter the material used in making a skateboard bearing, the bearing should always be kept free from debris and dirt by cleaning regularly. Also, the bearings should be properly lubricated to reduce friction and enhance smooth roll.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Skateboard Bearings
There are two major factors to consider when choosing skateboard bearings. They are the level of experience of the skater and the durability of the skateboard bearings.
Level Of Experience
In choosing the bearing of a skateboard, the level of experience of the skater matters. Since bearings offer different levels of speed in skating, a skater should choose a skateboard bearing that is relative to his/her skating skill level. Beginners in skating should normally go for bearings with relatively low speed until they advance in skating. The low-speed bearings would mean a lower cost for the bearings and reduced quality of the bearings. This is until they are better in their skating performance and able to go on faster skating. Conversely, experienced skaters that are capable of handling faster speeds can go for the more advanced bearings with faster speeds.
Skating Style
Different styles of skating require different types of skateboard bearings. Some skateboard bearings are more suited for street skating and park skating, some others are better for cruising and transportation, and others are preferable for bowl skating, ramp skating, performing elaborate tricks and manoeuvrings. So, skaters should go for bearings suitable for their style of skating. For beginners who are still inexperienced, it is recommended that they choose bearings that are not too fast but still offer a smooth ride while they improve their skating performance. Experienced skaters, on the other hand, would be able to choose high-performing bearings that match their skating style.
Affordability
The price of a bearing is usually dependent on the quality of the bearing. The higher the quality of the bearing, the higher the price. Nevertheless, a bearing can be affordable and still come with desired good quality. It all depends on what the skater is looking for and his riding style. There are good bearings made of steel, titanium, or ceramic that can serve beginners very well and are inexpensive.
Conclusion
Skateboard bearings are important components of a skateboard that can impact your skateboarding performance. Your riding style, affordability, and durability of the skateboard bearing are important factors to consider when choosing skateboard bearings. Fortunately, this article details these factors and much more for you for an enjoyable skateboard experience.