If you own a longboard, you know many components go into making the board work. Longboard bearings are one of the critical pieces that permit a longboard to operate efficiently and effectively. Skaters need to invest in excellent longboard bearings for the best ride.
Read on to learn more about the best longboard bearings out there. Once you know your options, you can select one that will work for your style.
Our 7 Top Longboard Bearings
- Best Overall: Bones Ceramic Super Reds
- Best for Style: Heady Shake Pro Longboard Bearings
- Best Ceramic: Bones Swiss Ceramic Longboard Bearings
- Best All-In-One: Zealous Longboard Bearings
- Best Precision: Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings
- Best Price: Black Panther Ceramics
- Best Skater-Owned: Andale Swiss Bearings
All of these are excellent options for skaters everywhere.
Keep reading to learn about each of these seven bearings in greater detail. With a little knowledge, you can determine which bearings are best for you depending on what you value in a ride.
There are many excellent options out there for experienced and beginner longboarders alike.
Best Overall: Bones Ceramic Super Reds Longboard Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.8in x 2.3in x 0.4in
Material: Ceramic
Bones Ceramic Super Read are lightweight compared to their counterparts, so the acceleration you can achieve from the Bones Ceramic Super Reds is much greater than that of a heavier bearing.
They minimize the friction that comes with longboarding.
Bones Ceramic Super Reds are some of the best longboard bearings because they do not rust, permitting a lengthened lifespan compared to other bearing brands.
They are fast and pass all of the clearances required for bearings. If you are on the hunt for a high-quality brand, Bones Ceramic Super Reds are sure to satisfy you.
For those who want to equip their longboards with high-class bearings, Bones Ceramic Super Reds are a great option.
They will give you a quality ride every single time you utilize them. Bones is a brand that has been making quality products for a long time, so you can be certain you will receive consistency from them.
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Best for Style: Heady Shake Pro Longboard Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 2.99in x 2.99in x 0.94in
Material: Titanium
Heady Shake Bearings are crafted in a way that permits excellent control. You will experience great stability with these bearings.
They are also excellent at spinning, so you don’t need to kick as often as other bearings.
These bearings possess a rubber shield that doesn’t interfere with friction, so you can embrace this addition without fear. It permits simpler cleaning when the time comes to polish up your longboard.
They are faster than many other brands of bearings, as well as quieter and smoother. They also come in many different colors for great style.
All around, Heady Shake Bearings are an excellent addition for any longboard.
They spin at a rate that will allow a speed hard to access with any other brand of bearings. These are some of the best longboard bearings on the market. They are also flashier and more driven for looks than other bearings, so if you crave style this is the best choice for you.
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Best Ceramic: Bones Swiss Ceramic Longboard Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 6in x 4in x 0.5in
Material: Steel
Bones Swiss Bearings have been a top choice for a long time, and they are well-established. You are sure to get exactly what you pay for when you invest in this item.
They are one of the best longboard bearings out there thanks to their reliable nature. You want bearing that will give more than they take away from your riding experience.
Bones Swiss Bearings are fast and great at reducing friction when a rider is in motion.
They have a rubber shield that does not interfere with speed, making cleaning a simple process when the time comes. Unfortunately, they can be expensive, but those who have the finances to invest in Bones Swiss Bearings can feel confident in the brand they are putting money into.
If you want to ensure that you are getting bearings that are quality-made, this choice is great for you. The company has been around for a long time and is sure to give you exactly what you paid for your longboard. Bones is a sturdy and excellent company that has garnered the trust of skaters everywhere.
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Best All-In-One: Zealous Longboard Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.5in x 4.2in x 0.8in
Material: Steel
Zealous Bearings are waterproof and come set with a rubber seal that keeps water and dirt out of the bearing.
They’re super versatile and do not require constant cleaning like most other bearings thanks to the rubber seal that coats the outside of the bearing. Zealous Bearings take care of multiple components within one excellent piece.
These are some of the best longboard bearings because they are simultaneously long-lasting and affordable. This combination is one that other bearing companies have struggled to achieve, making them impractical to invest in. Zealous Bearings found a way to combine these traits.
They are also simple to install. You don’t need to be an expert to put Zealous Bearings onto your longboard.
Zealous Bearings are an excellent choice for longboarders who want affordable durability.
They are waterproof and speedy in the best way for outside boards, sure to provide a quality ride no matter where you are riding. Zealous Bearings have everything from cleanliness and speed directly inside each of their components.
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Best Precision: Yellow Jacket Premium Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 3.7in x 2in x 0.5in
Material: Steel
Yellow Jackets are one of the best longboard bearings because they are made for high precision.
They are fast and smooth, great for picking up high speeds on any plane. Those who love to go fast will enjoy all that the Yellow Jacket Premium Bearings provide to them.
This company has quickly become a reliable name in the short time they have been in existence. Even though there are various quality control issues, they quickly replace the products and provide users with something they can make the most of with their longboard. Yellow Jacket Premium Bearings have many colors you can select from for your board.
If you want to dive into a new brand of bearing, Yellow Jacket is a great one to experiment with.
They have proven to be reliable and offer high speeds to those that put them on their boards, despite being completely new in an already saturated market of bearings.
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Best Price: Black Panther Ceramics Longboard Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.6in x 2in x 0.5in
Material: Ceramic
Black Panther ceramics are made by a brand named Shorty’s that has been around for a long time.
Customers who decide to invest in these bearings can feel safe knowing they are buying from a company that has a large backing of customers. Black Panther Bearings have a fanbase of skaters who love them.
These bearings are not as fast as some of the other ceramic bearings, but for the price, you are getting a quality bearing that will satisfy any longboard user.
They can handle a lot more than steel, but these ceramics are still a bit weaker than other, more expensive, ceramic options. Still, you are getting a solid deal for the price you pay.
Black Panther Ceramics is a brand that will save you money if you want ceramic bearings.
They will only get faster over time, so you can feel safe investing in one of the best longboard bearings out there.
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Best Skater-Owned: Andale Swiss Longboard Bearings
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 5in x 5in x 2in
Material: Steel
Andale Swiss Bearings are one of the greatest out there. The brand is owned by two skateboard pros, Paul Rodriguez and Joey Brezinski, so you know they care about the experience of users.
Andale Swiss Bearings are much more affordable than many of the options out there for longboard users.
Andale Swiss Bearings are not as high-class as ceramic brands, but they are sturdy and boast a price tricky to find anywhere else.
They break in fast and provide a classy and modern look for those who appreciate an aesthetic on their longboard. Andale Swiss Bearings can last for a long time if taken care of properly.
This brand is great for those who want a high-quality bearing that will save them money in the long run.
Though they are not as old, they still boast excellent bearings that will satisfy any longboarder.
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What Are Longboard Bearings?
Before you invest in longboard bearings, you should understand what they are and what purpose they serve to the board. Once you know this, you can select a bearing that works best for the longboard you own.
A bearing has a simple task on a board and is one of the most important longboard parts. They permit the wheels to spin around, controlling the speed and smoothness of the ride the user experiences.
Selecting a great bearing is critical if you have a specific type of ride in mind.
What to Consider Before Buying a Longboard Bearing
There are a few things you should consider before investing in longboard bearings. Considering these will allow you to select the best longboard bearings for the boards you have in your home. These factors can have an impact on your ride, whether big or small.
Some of the items to consider when buying a longboard bearing includes:
- Bearing size
- ABED ratings
- Formats of lubrication
- Material of the ball
- Spacers
These items, and more, are vital to think about before deciding which longboard bearing is right for you.
Consider all of these items when performing research on potential longboard bearings. Different people may have different preferences, based on everything from price to style. There are many great options out there.
Bearings Balls Materials – Steel or Ceramic?
When deciding what bearings to get for your longboard, you might stumble across the two most popular materials on the market – steel and ceramic. Which one is the better option?
For most users, ceramic bearings are the better option for a better ride. This is because:
- They are more corrosion resistant and can last longer
- They weigh less than the steel or titanium option
- They last a long time thanks to their solid nature
- They reduce noise when someone rides
- They provide a smooth ride for the user
These, and more, are reasons why ceramic is the better material for longboard bearings.
Of course, steel tends to be more affordable. It is a great material for bearings, but it is not quite as good as ceramic. If you can afford to choose, ceramic is the option that you should go with for your longboard. It is worth any extra funds you have to pay.
Best Longboard Bearings for Speed
When you ride a longboard, you want to have bearings that permit you to go as fast as possible. If you are attempting to invest in longboard bearings, you might want to know which bearings are best if you want a board that centers around speed.
The best bearings for speed are the Bones Red. This is because:
- They can be bought for a reasonable price, unlike other fast bearings
- They are well-constructed and put together
- They minimize friction in the ride, permitting speed
Bones Red are excellent if you want speed.
A longboard that goes fast is built up by a great bearing system. Turning to Bones Red is a great way to make sure you are moving as fast as you possibly can. Bones Red is a reliable brand for those who love to skate. They have been around for long enough to have established themselves in the skating world.
Longboard Bearing Components
There are a few key components that come with longboard bearings. It is vital to become familiar with these so you can know what to look for when selecting a bearing for your longboard. Every component is integral to the ride you have.
The four main components that are included with longboard bearings include:
- Outer ring
- Inner ring
- Ball cage
- Balls
These make up longboard bearings, along with a few smaller pieces that sit inside each of the rings. They are complex little pieces that mean everything to a longboard.
Each of these pieces allows the bearing to run smoothly. One cannot work without the other. Each should be high-quality to give your longboard the best possible movement. A great company will ensure every part of your bearings is put together in an efficient and quality manner.
How Much Does a Longboard Bearing Cost?
On average, longboard bearings cost between $10-$150. The more expensive you go, the better the bearing will be. However, there are also some quality bearings you can find for a low price if you put time and effort into the searching process.
Before you can invest in longboard bearings, you will need a longboard for yourself. It is vital to know how much these boards cost so you can have a better understanding of what you will need to pay to get your hands on a board. Knowing the price can assist you in preparing to own a longboard for yourself.
There are a few factors that help determine the cost of a longboard. Some of these include:
- Materials used, including ceramic, steel, and titanium
- Quality of the bearing made
- The company selling the product and where it is sold
- Location of manufacturer
All these can impact the overall cost of the longboard bearings.
5 Best Longboard Bearings Brands
The best longboard bearings brands provide a customer with quality service as well as a great longboard bearing. If you buy from a brand and you receive great bearings but poor service, it doesn’t matter how great the product is. You might be less inclined to shop there again.
The five best longboard bearings brands include:
These will give you an excellent buying experience, no matter which one you select.
Read on to learn more about five of the best longboard bearings brands on the market today. Some of them have been around for a long time, while some are brand-new on the scene. One of these is sure to be right for you.
Bones Bearings
Bones Bearings is a reliable brand that has been around for a long time. They have many bearings on the market, ideal for any price point a longboarder may have. They have gotten rave customer reviews for a long time.
Some of the best things about Bones Bearings include:
- Powerful bearings
- Reliable brand with customer backing
- Excellent quality compared to other brands
These all make Bones Bearings awesome for any user, along with some other factors.
Those looking for a brand that has been around for a long time will enjoy Bones Bearings. They have a lot to offer for customers looking for a variety of options for their longboard.
Yellow Jacket Bearings
Yellow Jacket Bearings is a quality brand that offers performance and gear that will last. Yellow Jacket Bearings are known for providing customers with excellent supplies.
Some of the best things about Yellow Jacket Bearings include:
- Precisely-made products
- Speed given to users
- Quality products
These all make Yellow Jacket Bearings great, as well as a few more features.
If you are hunting for a solid brand, look to Yellow Jacket Bearings for your next longboard. This company will give you what you need in a longboarding world with so many available options.
Zealous Bearings
Zealous is yet another reliable brand in the world of longboarding. Their bearings last a long time, can stand up to all kinds of weather and barriers, and significantly reduce the friction that comes with a ride. Zealous is a quality company that any customer can feel safe buying from for their longboards.
Some of the best things about Zealous Bearings include:
- Great bang for your buck
- Smooth skating ability
- Quality and trustworthy make
These all make Zealous Bearings great, along with many other factors.
Those looking for a reliable company can feel safe with Zealous Bearings. They will give you excellent equipment for the least money.
Heady Shake Bearings
Heady Shake Bearings are a great combination of flashy, affordable, and quality. They are one of the best longboard bearings companies because they focus on a style. They also focus on the quality of their products. Heady Shake is a solid brand you can rely on for the future.
Some of the best things about Heady Shake Bearings include:
- High tolerance ratings
- A flashy style for skaters
- Quality make
These all make Heady Shake Bearings great.
The money-back guarantee is a huge deal with longboard bearings. If you are not satisfied, you can head right back to the company and get your funds back in your pocket. For style and quality, select Heady Shake as your company.
Andale Bearings
Andale Bearings is a brand owned by skateboarders Paul Rodriguez and Joey Brezinski. Besides understanding that you have skateboarder input on the bearings, they have become well-known for producing quality products.
Some of the best things about Andale Bearings include:
- High-quality products
- Skateboarder input
- Affordable bearings
These all make Andale Bearings great.
If you are hunting for a solid brand, look to Andale Bearings for your next longboard. They provide products you can count on and a system that has proven reliable.
Longboard Bearing Size
The size of your longboard bearing should stay the same no matter which one you select.
This continuation will permit you to pick and choose between a variety of brands without having to worry whether or not it will fit your longboard. Most brands of bearings will fit on any longboard in existence. You simply need to select the best option.
Wheels matter more than the size of your longboard bearing. Larger means faster, while smaller will give you a much quicker acceleration.
These are not worries when it comes to size with longboard bearings. All you need to worry about is what that specific brand can give to you with your ride.
Best Longboard Bearings for Commuting and Cruising
For many, a longboard serves as a method of transportation. It might mean a ride down to work, or it could come in handy for hanging out with friends or getting to the grocery store.
Some do not want speed with their longboard. They want a way to cruise the town and get where they need to be. If this is you, you might wonder what the best longboard bearings are for commuting and cruising.
Out of those listed above, there are two options great for commuting and cruising longboards. These include:
- Heady Shake Pro Bearings
- Zealous Bearings
Both of these are ideal for getting where you need to be in a city or town.
Heady and Zealous Bearings stand out from the rest because they have protection from dirt and debris you might encounter on the road.
If you are riding long distances, the cleaner you can keep your bearings, the better. Heady Shake and Zealous have the protection you desire.
Cleaning and Lubing the Bearings
At some point in your time owning a longboard, you will need to maintain your bearings. This action means cleaning and lubing them so you can continue to ride your longboard without a problem. Cleaning and lubing are two separate items that will improve the way you ride tremendously.
Read on to learn how you can both clean and lube your longboard bearings. With this knowledge, you will have everything back up and working in no time at all.
Cleaning the Bearings
To clean the bearings on a longboard, there are a few steps you need to follow. These will give you the best possible results and ensure you don’t harm your longboard as you go about the cleaning process.
To clean the bearings, you should:
- Remove the bearings from your longboard
- Take off the rubber shield
- Remove the cages and balls if they need to be cleaned
- Soak the bearings in degreaser
- Clean them off with a rag
- Allow them to dry
- Following these will help you clean your bearings off in no time at all.
Once the bearings have been dealt with and are clean, you are ready to lube them up once again.
Keep reading to learn how to take on this step with little trouble. Lubing them up is just as critical as cleaning them off is in the process.
Lubing the Bearings
Lubing the bearings up should immediately follow a good clean. This action will permit your wheels to spin quickly and allow each and every ride you take on your longboard to go smoothly.
To grease up the bearings, you should:
- Dab a spot on each ball, if using thin grease
- Pack the race, if using thick grease
Apply the proper amount to the bearings.
Once you’ve done this, you can put the shields back on and reattach the bearings to the longboard.
You’ll be ready to take off and ride your longboard with bearings that are just like new.
Final Words
The best longboard bearings help the wheel go around efficiently and smoothly. They should also be affordable and accessible to any boarder who wants to access a great ride every single time they go out.
With this foundational knowledge of bearings, along with the best longboard bearings on the market, you should be able to select one that will work for you. These are critical to any board and making the right choice will benefit you.