After extensive testing across various conditions, we’ve concluded that the most expensive skateboard bearings aren’t necessarily the best. In fact, you can often find superior performance and durability in more affordable options. This guide breaks down our top picks, as well as some to avoid, based on real-world testing.
Our findings, based on a year of rigorous use, include:
- Most Durable Cheap Bearings: Bronson G2’s
- Best Cheap Bearings: Bones Reds
- Worst Bearings: Bones Ceramics
- Best Budget Bearings: Mini Logo
- Best Bearings for Cruising: Zealous Classic Bearings
The Best Skateboard Bearings to Consider
Collection of the best skateboard bearings
When evaluating skateboard bearings, it’s crucial to balance price, quality, durability, and speed. Our testing showed that the Bronson Speed Co. G2’s consistently deliver the best overall performance. These bearings provide a smooth ride, require minimal maintenance, and are suitable for both street and transition skateboarding.
We tested three of the most popular brands, using multiple sets of each under harsh conditions. Rain, mud, salty coastal areas, and even snow were no match for our year-long experiment. While all bearings eventually succumb to rust and wear, some performed significantly better than others.
Our primary takeaway is that bearings priced between $15 and $30 from reputable brands offer the best value. Anything pricier tends to be overkill for typical skateboarding needs. Here are our top picks:
Our Top Picks
- Bronson G2: Durable and fast, lasting longer than Bones Reds.
- Bones Reds: A reliable choice for all styles, though they may not last as long.
- Zealous Cruiser Bearings: Excellent for cruising, with built-in spacers and a break-in period.
1. Bronson Speed Co. G2 (Best Overall)
Bronson G2 bearings
For skaters seeking reliable bearings at a reasonable price, the Bronson G2 is our top recommendation. These bearings provide exceptional performance without breaking the bank. The straight-edge, frictionless shields resist popping off, effectively retaining oil and preventing moisture intrusion. Their linear micro-groove surface enhances lubrication, boosting roll speed, while nano-ceramic compounds offer excellent corrosion resistance and reduced wear.
Essentially, Bronson G2 bearings are durable and affordable. We found that G2’s lasted 2 to 4 months longer than Bones Reds, performing better in dusty, dirty, and wet conditions. Testing five sets, we consistently observed superior durability over Bones Reds, some of which became unskateable after just two months.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 8
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 8
- Price: 10
- Overall: 8.3
Bronson G2’s provide excellent value, excelling in impact skateboarding, gaining speed with use, and coming equipped with spacers.
Key Features:
- Deep groove raceways for better ball movement and reduced impact damage.
- Non-contact rubber shields to minimize oil leaks and protect against dirt and moisture.
- Hand-inspected twice, micro-polished, and ultrasonically solvent washed.
- Packaged in nitrogen-filled shrink wrap to prevent oxidation before use.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money.
- Fast enough for most skateboarding needs.
- Minimal maintenance required.
- Includes spacers.
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than Bones Reds.
- Not ideal for longboarding or cruising.
2. Bones Reds (Runner-up)
Bones reds skateboard bearings
Bones Reds are a popular choice due to their low cost and general reliability. While they are made in China like most bearings, they have historically been a go-to option for skaters. However, our tests indicate that Bronson G2’s now outperform Bones Reds. While Bones Reds offer a balance of performance, durability, and price, they can be inconsistent. Some sets have lasted for months, while others have failed within weeks.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 8
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 6
- Price: 9
- Overall: 7.5
Bones Reds remain a solid choice for a basic, dependable bearing that improves with use and is reasonably priced.
Key Features:
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and reduced friction.
- High-speed nylon ball retainer for added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.
- Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, materials, and lubricants for optimal performance and durability.
Pros:
- Good performance for the price.
- Made with reasonable quality steel races.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Inconsistent durability, with some sets breaking down quickly.
- Many counterfeit versions available, so buy from reputable sources.
- Only one rubber shield for protection.
3. Bronson G3
Bronson G3 skateboard bearings
Bronson G3 bearings are engineered for increased speed and impact resistance. They feature deep groove raceways to reduce side impact damage and are made with high-speed ceramic oil compounds. While they roll smoother than G2’s, they’re best for transition skateboarding and indoor skate parks. After 12 months of street skating, the G3’s held up well, but we did not conduct high-impact tests.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 8
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 8.5
- Price: 7
- Overall: 7.6
Bronson G3’s offer an upgrade in quality, handling high-impact skateboarding better than G2’s.
Key Features:
- Micro-groove raceway surfaces for better lubrication and spin.
- Max impact cage design made from non-distortion glass-filled nylon.
- High-quality ceramic oil blend with nano-ceramic compounds for anti-wear protection.
Pros:
- Long-lasting, with at least a year of good performance.
- Maintains speed over time.
- Minimal maintenance required.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Damage can occur without proper spacers.
- Not ideal for longboarding.
4. Bones Super Reds
Bones Super Reds bearings
Bones Super Reds are an upgrade from standard Reds, designed for transition skateboarding and indoor park skating, but they quickly lose performance on the street. While they are advertised to provide improved momentum, we didn’t notice a significant difference. They do not last much longer than standard Bones Reds and perform worse over time. These bearings are more expensive but are not worth the premium.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 8
- Installation Ease: 6
- Durability: 7.5
- Price: 4
- Overall: 6.4
Bones Super Reds don’t offer much more than Bones Reds and are not worth the extra cost.
Key Features:
- High-quality steel races and balls with a superior surface finish.
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction.
- High-speed nylon ball retainer for strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.
Pros:
- Uses high-quality steel races.
- Pre-lubricated.
- Good for indoor transition skating.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to standard Reds.
- Not durable, with some bearings failing after six months.
- Bronson G3’s offer better performance for the same price.
5. Bronson Raw
Bronson raw beargins
Bronson Raw bearings are shieldless, offering similar premium quality to Bones Swiss 6 balls. The lack of shields reduces dirt buildup and provides easy access to inner parts. They feature a micro-thin tungsten lubricant coating, which helps them roll smoothly for longer. We tested these bearings on cruiser setups, where they performed well even after being left in storage for six months. The dust and rust could be easily removed, restoring their performance.
Bronson raw bearings in casing
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 9
- Installation Ease: 8
- Durability: 9
- Price: 6.5
- Overall: 8.1
Bronson Raw bearings excel in acceleration and maintaining momentum. While they make a rattling noise, their durability is impressive.
Key Features:
- Deep groove raceways.
- Micro-groove raceway surfaces for improved lubrication and spin.
- Max impact cage design.
- High-Speed ceramic oil blend.
- Hand-inspected and micro-polished.
- Tungsten-coated races and shield-free design.
Pros:
- Handles dust and dirt better than other bearings.
- Fast and smooth riding experience.
- Minimal maintenance needed.
- Great for cruising.
Cons:
- Rattling noise may be distracting to some users.
- Better suited for cruising than street skating.
6. Bronson Ceramics
Bronson ceramic bearings
While ceramic bearings are often marketed as premium options, our tests revealed that Bronson Ceramics don’t offer a significant performance advantage over G3’s. Despite being greasier than Bones ceramics, they perform no better and come with a higher price tag. These bearings come sealed in a reusable case that doubles as a bearing cleaner and include steel spacers and washers. However, the high cost isn’t justified by their performance, making G3’s the superior, more economical choice.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 8
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 6
- Price: 3
- Overall: 6
While cheaper than Bones Ceramics, Bronson Ceramics are still overpriced.
Key Features:
- Deep groove raceways to reduce side impact damage.
- Frictionless edge shields that resist popping off.
- Max impact cage design.
- Micro-groove raceway surfaces.
- High-speed ceramic oil.
- Balls-out technology to reduce friction.
- Includes a bearing cleaning unit case, spacers, washers, and replacement shields.
Pros:
- Good for indoor skateboarding.
- Maintains speed for a long time.
- Minimal maintenance needed.
- Comes with extra accessories such as a cleaning container.
Cons:
- Expensive and an overkill for most skateboarders.
- No noticeable performance difference from regular steel bearings.
7. Bones Swiss 6 balls
Bones super swiss 6 bearings
Bones Swiss 6 ball bearings are known for their unique design, featuring six larger balls instead of the standard seven. This design supposedly offers increased strength and durability. However, one set of bearings came with one completely stuck bearing, highlighting quality control issues. While they performed well initially, they are not worth the premium price. We recommend sticking with standard Reds if you are buying Bones.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 7
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 6
- Price: 4
- Overall: 6
Bones Swiss 6 ball bearings do not offer much more than Bones Reds or Bronson G2’s and are not the best choice for the money.
Key Features:
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield.
- High-speed nylon ball retainer.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.
Pros:
- Provides a smooth ride.
- Maintains speed for a longer time.
Cons:
- Not as durable as advertised, with some sets failing quickly.
- Not worth the price.
8. Bones Red Ceramics (The Worst bearings)
Bones Ceramics Bearings
Bones Red Ceramics are the most overhyped and overpriced bearings on the market. They don’t live up to claims that they are excellent for downhill longboarding, create less friction, require no maintenance or lubrication, or are more durable than steel bearings. The reality is that they are a marketing scam. These bearings still rust and are not waterproof. Only the ceramic balls don’t rust, but they cannot handle impacts any better than steel bearings. We found no noticeable speed difference compared to Bronson G3’s or Bones Swiss 6.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 6
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 3
- Price: 1
- Overall: 4.2
Bones Reds Ceramics are one of the worst skateboard bearings you can buy, with no performance benefit to justify the price.
Key Features:
- Seven grade 5, silicon nitride, hot isostatic pressed ceramic balls.
- High-quality steel races.
- Single non-contact, removable rubber shield.
- High-speed nylon ball retainer.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.
Pros:
- May roll smoother slightly longer compared to cheaper bearings.
- When left to rust, they may work again.
- May resist dirt slightly better than full steel bearings.
Cons:
- Extremely overpriced.
- Still require maintenance and lubrication.
- Not faster compared to standard Bones Reds.
- Do not last longer than steel bearings.
9. Zealous – Classic (Best For Cruising)
Zealous skateboard bearings
Zealous Classic skateboard bearings feature green rubber seals to keep out dirt and debris. They are lubricated with custom nanoceramic grease, which fills in deformations to reduce friction. These bearings require a break-in period, with performance improving over time. Zealous bearings are ideal for longboarding and cruising and are the only bearings on this list that require this process. The classics perform just as well as the ceramic version.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 7
- Installation Ease: 8
- Durability: 8
- Price: 9
- Overall: 8
Zealous Classics are great for cruising, maintaining speed longer than standard bearings. They are fairly priced and improve with use.
Key Features:
- Extremely low water washout.
- Corrosion is nearly eliminated.
- Precision 8mm axle holes.
- Built-in spacers and speed rings.
- Green rubber seals lubricated with Archoil Nanoceramic grease.
Pros:
- Great for longboarding and cruising.
- Maintains speed for a long time.
- Fair price.
Cons:
- Not for impact skateboarding.
- Slower acceleration compared to skateboard bearings.
10. Mini Logo Bearings
mini logo bearings
Mini Logo bearings are a budget-friendly option for those assembling a complete skateboard on a tight budget. While they aren’t the most durable, they are better than most bearings that come with complete skateboards. They feature a removable rubber shield on one side and a removable metal shield on the other, along with a high-speed molded ball retainer. They are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, making them easy to install and maintain, and roll smoothly in skate parks.
Performance Ratings (out of 10)
- Speed: 7
- Installation Ease: 7
- Durability: 5
- Price: 10
- Overall: 7.2
Mini Logo Bearings are excellent budget bearings, suitable for beginners and smooth skate park riding, but they are not durable for high-impact skateboarding.
Key Features:
- High-performance, skate-rated construction.
- Chromium steel balls and rings.
- Precision-ground and super-finished raceways.
- High-speed, extra-tough ball cage.
- Flexible rubber shield on one side.
- Rigid metal shield on the other side.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream synthetic racing oil.
Pros:
- Well-constructed for the price.
- Reasonably smooth ride.
Cons:
- Not suitable for hardcore skating.
- Not good for cruising or longboarding.
Skateboard Bearings Buying Guide
bronson vs bones reds bearings
When buying new bearings, consider your budget, style (cruising/longboarding vs. skateboarding), and the reputation of the brand. Be cautious when forcing bearings into wheels, as it can cause damage. Applying a small amount of silicon lube can ease installation.
Skateboard Bearing Material Quality & Parts
Bones Ceramic skateboard bearing parts
The real difference in bearing quality is apparent when you buy bearings below $15, which should be your minimum.
Steel Bearings
Steel bearings are the industry standard, with varying qualities across brands. They are durable and economical, but they tend to rust in moist conditions. Drying your bearings after riding in the wet can make them last longer. Avoid puddles, dust, and dirt for better durability.
Ceramic Bearings
Ceramic bearings are not recommended for skateboarding. They don’t offer any real advantage, do not last as long as claimed, are not faster, still require maintenance, and are 4 to 5 times as expensive as steel bearings. Only the balls are ceramic, and there is no such thing as full ceramic bearings for skateboarding. The material is brittle and prone to breaking under high impact, only suitable for low-impact skating.
Titanium Bearings
Titanium is lightweight, durable, and highly rust-resistant, similar to steel but more durable. Titanium bearings are not suited for skateboarding.
Bearing Spacers
Bearing spacers are small cylinders placed on the truck axle between the bearings. They reduce weight distribution on bearings for smoother, more stable turns and extend the lifespan of bearings. Spacers are not optional and prevent crushing bearings when tightening the axle nut. They are made of steel, aluminum, or plastic.
Speed Washers
Speed washers are thin metal rings placed over the axle between the nut and the bearing and the hanger and the bearing. They minimize friction and help wheels turn faster, protecting bearings from damage. They typically come in 8mm diameter to fit most truck axles.
Removable Shields
Removable shields cover bearing sides to protect balls from dust and debris. Some bearings have removable shields, while others have one or zero shields for reduced friction. Shieldless bearings throw out dust, water, and dirt through centrifugal force. When skating near the ocean, use bearings with rubber shields on both sides.
Inner and Outer Races
The inner and outer races form the track for the balls to roll and create the bearing’s inner and outer walls.
Balls
Six to eight balls roll freely along a track formed by the races, held in place by the retainer. Fewer balls mean less friction and more speed.
Retainer
The retainer keeps the balls in place, equidistant from each other to reduce friction and increase strength, usually made of plastic.
Skateboard Bearings Maintenance
broken skateboard bearing
Cleaning bearings is only necessary if you skate in wet conditions. Clean and relube them when bearings start to squeak. Lubricants enhance speed, reduce friction, and protect against corrosion. Cleaning bearings too often leads to more frequent cleaning. Some bearings aren’t worth cleaning, as cleaning sets can be expensive. Avoid using WD40, as it attracts dust and removes grease. Use silicon-based lube, instead.
Are Skateboard Bearings Universal?
Yes, skateboard bearings are universal, with a core of 8mm, outer diameter of 22mm, and a width of 7mm, requiring 608 size skate bearings. Most are sold in sets of eight. Electric skateboards may have different bearing sizes.
Will Skateboard Bearings Fit All Wheels?
Yes, skateboard bearings fit all four wheels of your skateboard.
What Are The Fastest Bearings?
New skateboard bearings are generally the fastest, with the exception of Zealous bearings. There is no difference based on number of balls, ceramic material or steel given they are of quality. Zealous bearings aren’t made for speed but for maintaining it.
When To Replace Your Bearings?
Replace your skateboard bearings when they break or no longer spin. Cleaning helps temporarily. Replace bearings that are missing shields or balls to avoid accidents. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can prolong their life.
Are Skateboard Bearings Waterproof?
All skateboard bearings rust, even ceramics (except for the balls). Only full ceramic bearings are water-resistant. Maintain bearings that get wet to prevent the need for replacement.
Is There a Difference Between Skateboard and Longboard Bearings?
Longboard and skateboard bearings are interchangeable, but there are differences. Skateboard bearings accelerate faster but lose momentum quickly, while longboard bearings roll longer but accelerate slower. The grease used varies, and longboard bearings often have built-in spacers.
Does ABEC Rating Matter?
No, higher ABEC ratings are not relevant for skateboards. Ceramic bearings do not have ABEC ratings, and Bones uses their own rating system (Skate Rated).
Do Expensive Bearings Make You Go Faster?
Expensive bearings do not make you go faster on a skateboard. Speed is primarily affected by wheel hardness, diameter, and surface type. Concrete is fast, while rough asphalt is slow. Downhillers need more reliable bearings due to heat buildup and speed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion:
- Expensive bearings are unnecessary, the best are between $20 and $30.
- Choose higher quality for hardcore skating, cheaper for casual use.
- Ceramics are a waste of money.
- The fastest bearings are new, made from quality material.
Our tests revealed that Bronson bearings consistently outperformed others. SkateboardersHQ is independent, and our recommendations are based on our findings. We’ll update this post as we gain new insights.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder, still shredding responsibly. I’ve been skating for 25 years, and I’m a gear geek who loves to test and share findings.
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