A while back, I decided to put various skateboard bearings from well-known brands to the test, including two sets of Bones ceramic bearings and one set from Bronson Speed Co. The goal? To see if ceramic bearings live up to the hype. I tested them myself and shared them with some local skaters who ride in all types of conditions. While there was initial excitement, the reality is that expensive ceramic skateboard bearings are, in most cases, not worth the investment. They might last a bit longer than standard steel bearings, but they’re not faster, still rust, and don’t really provide any significant advantage while skateboarding.
Despite my suspicions, the results were still somewhat disappointing. So, let’s delve into some common questions about ceramic bearings and discuss some more affordable alternatives.
Bones and Bronson ceramic skateboard bearings
Understanding Ceramic Skateboard Bearings
Many people assume ceramic skateboard bearings are made entirely of ceramic material. However, only the balls within the bearings are ceramic. A bearing can be labeled as ceramic even if just one ball is made of ceramic. This is actually beneficial, as while ceramic is lighter and harder than steel, it’s also more brittle.
Full ceramic bearings are available but not suitable for skateboarding because they can’t handle impacts and are prone to fracturing. Ceramic skate bearings are essentially steel bearings with ceramic balls. These ceramic balls are typically made from silicon nitride, which is about 60% lighter and harder than steel.
However, here’s the problem: if the ceramic balls are harder than the steel races, over time they will wear down the steel components.
Ceramic Bearings: Pros and Cons
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic skateboard bearings. The cons far outweigh the pros, which means you can save your money and invest in more useful skate gear.
Pros of Ceramic Skateboard Bearings:
- They might last a little longer than standard steel bearings (though not significantly).
- They may require less maintenance.
- They might perform slightly better in freezing temperatures compared to steel bearings.
- You get to show off your expensive bearings to your skate buddies.
Note: One skater mentioned that ceramic bearings roll much better when frozen, but the difference disappears as the bearings heat up.
And that’s about it for the benefits. Now let’s explore the downsides:
Cons of Ceramic Bearings:
- They are incredibly expensive.
- They don’t provide any noticeable speed increase under normal conditions.
- Quality standard bearings cost significantly less (around 80%).
- They are still prone to rust.
- They still require lubrication and maintenance.
- They are not stronger than steel bearings.
Do Ceramic Bearings Make You Faster?
Despite the lower friction of ceramic balls, ceramic skateboard bearings don’t make you faster than other quality bearings. New bearings always feel fast. In the end, there is no discernible speed difference between good-quality steel bearings and ceramic bearings.
Some sources suggest that reducing friction increases bearing speed. However, this seems to be based on theory rather than real-world testing. For instance, the breakdown of friction is often cited as:
- 60% caused by the shield
- 30% caused by lubricant
- 3% caused by the balls
- The rest from the cage itself.
So, with steel balls only contributing 3% of the total friction, the difference ceramic makes is negligible. In our experience, ceramic bearings won’t make you faster; it’s all psychological.
To potentially increase speed, you could remove the bearing shields. Some brands sell shieldless bearings which might support this idea, but it is more likely a placebo effect than anything else.
Are Ceramic Bearings Waterproof?
Ceramic bearings are not waterproof. The ceramic balls themselves don’t rust, but the other components are made from steel. Steel will rust when exposed to rain or wet surfaces.
It’s wise to dry your bearings when they get wet, or replace them every few months. I personally enjoy a fresh set of bearings a couple of times a year.
Ceramic Bearing Lifespan
Some users on Reddit suggest that ceramic skateboard bearings can last over 5 years with proper care. However, like regular bearings, they won’t last long if exposed to moisture and dirt. They might perform marginally better over time than steel bearings like Bronson G2’s and require less frequent cleaning.
After about eight months of testing, it’s hard to say conclusively. One of the local skaters who tested the bearings for me, was asked to skate in the worst conditions possible and his bearings are already showing rust and squeaking.
Do Ceramic Skate Bearings Need Lube?
Bones Ceramics bearings
Ceramic skateboard bearings do require lubrication. Only full ceramic bearings can run dry. There is still friction between the ceramic balls and the steel components which necessitates silicon lube. Ceramic bearings aren’t ‘self-lubricating’. The balls can still wear down the steel races due to friction.
Upon unboxing Bones Ceramics and Bronson Speed Ceramics, you’ll notice they’re generously greased. Neither of these brands produces full ceramic bearings.
If you live near the coast, salty air can cause them to erode much faster. Skating on wet, dusty, or muddy surfaces will also accelerate wear.
Ceramic skateboard bearings components
One challenge I found is getting the balls back into the bearings after cleaning. It can be frustrating and quite time-consuming.
Ceramic Bearings on a Longboard?
Experienced longboarders also agree that ceramic bearings aren’t worth it. They won’t last longer, increase speed, or offer any other benefit on a longboard. They are simply not worth the extra cost.
When Should You Buy Ceramic Bearings?
Basically, you shouldn’t buy them unless you’re curious and have money to spare. They’re expensive and don’t provide enough value. I bought them to test, so you don’t have to waste your money. People who claim they are faster are probably experiencing a placebo effect. If you think your bearings are faster, you might feel like you’re skating harder.
Which Bearings to Avoid
Steer clear of cheap bearings under $10. Stick with reputable brands like Bones and Bronson Speed Co. Also, avoid longboard bearings for street or transition skating. While they may keep rolling once you gain momentum, acceleration isn’t great. There are also many fake bearings on Amazon, so buy directly from the brand.
Recommended Alternatives
Bonnes reds bearings and Bronson G2
It’s clear that ceramic bearings aren’t worth the money, so what should you get instead? Despite the popular “buy Bones Reds” mantra, I recommend Bronson Bearings.
We’ve tested them extensively, and they seem to last a bit longer than Bones Reds. Bronson G2’s are a great alternative, or G3’s for slightly better performance. While not affiliated with any brand, this is my honest opinion, though Bones Reds are still a top pick.
Bones Reds
You can’t go wrong with Bones Reds. They are the industry standard. They’re affordable, reliable, and can last a season without cleaning. The lifespan depends on weather conditions. In wet autumn/winter conditions, they might last 2-3 months but can last a year with proper care.
Bronson Speed Co. G2
I’ve always been a Bones Reds fan, but I’ve recently switched to Bronson. Bronson G2’s seem to last longer than Bones Reds, but this is not a scientific claim. Overall, I consider Bronson G2 the best skateboard bearings you can buy.
Bronson bearings seem to shake off rust while riding and maintain their performance. This wasn’t the case with Bones Reds. Cleaning might help for a short time, but once they rust, it’s time to buy new bearings.
Conclusion
The price for eight Bones ceramic bearings is excessive and doesn’t even include spacers and washers. If you are set on ceramic bearings, consider Bronson Ceramics, which are just as good and much cheaper and come with spacers, washers, and a cleaning unit (but no lube).
Stick with standard bearings, or slightly more expensive ones that last a bit longer. Forget the hype around ceramics, and use that money to invest in some good trucks or wheels instead.
Ultimately, ceramic bearings are overkill. Spend the extra money on other components to improve your setup.
Ruben Vee
I’m an experienced skateboarder and still shred responsibly. I started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride today. I’m a total gear geek who loves testing stuff and sharing my findings.
