Top 7 Best Bearings for Longboards 2024: Buying Guide

Longboard bearings provide the optimum rolling speed by reducing friction. They also enhance ride comfort and give you more confidence by boosting stability. So, picking the right bearings for your longboard is crucial.

But there are a lot of factors between you and the best longboard bearings. From ABEC ratings and materials to riding style and personal preferences, you have to consider multiple perspectives to pick the right bearings.

In this comprehensive guide, I will talk about different types of longboard bearings with their pros and cons. Besides, you will learn the crucial factors for choosing the best bearings and important maintenance tips. And I will share the top 7 best longboard bearings in 2024 to help you narrow the choice list down. Let’s get started.

1. Understanding Longboard Bearings

Longboard bearings come in a wide variety. As a beginner longboard user, it might seem overwhelming to you. Let me clarify the core idea of longboard bearings a bit.

A. Demystifying Longboard Bearings

You might have already seen regular bearings. Longboard bearings are similar in design, and the primary task of these bearings is to reduce friction between the axle and the wheels. As a result, the wheels can roll freely, and you achieve that gliding ride.

• Significance in Longboarding Performance: Whatever you can do with your longboard is basically due to the bearings. They allow the board’s wheels to move smoothly. Good bearings make your longboarding effortless. But if you use low-quality bearings, you will feel a lot of vibration and lack of speed.
• Impact on Speed, Durability, and Ride Quality: The best bearings have the least friction, so they provide the highest speed. With improved ride comfort, these bearings also last for a long time.

B. Anatomy of a Longboard Bearing

To understand how the longboard bearings work, you need to understand their anatomy. Let’s see what a longboard bearing looks like when it is deconstructed.

❖    Inner and Outer Rings, Balls, and Retainers

The construction of longboard bearings is pretty simple. You will see an outer ring and an inner ring in the bearing. The topmost circular surface that rolls on the ground is the outer ring. The inner ring is inside the circle. Between the inner and outer rings are the balls and retainers.

These balls are commonly made of steel, but they can also be made of ceramic. Retainers are also called separators because they maintain a certain spacing between the balls. The inner ring is attached to the axle, so it stays stationary. With the help of the balls, the outer ring moves freely.

❖    Materials, Manufacturing Processes, and Their Effects

Different materials are used to make longboard bearings. Among them, SAE 52100 chrome steel is popular because of its high uniformity. AISI 440C stainless steel is also commonly used to make bearings.

Ceramic is used to make smoother bearings. The manufacturing process involves molding, forging, and other steps. Following these steps properly ensures higher smoothness and durability.

C. ABEC Rating Deconstructed

ABEC stands for the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It assigns numerical ratings to bearings that express the dimensional and running accuracy of bearings. The rating is called ABEC rating, and odd numbers from 1 to 9 are used to rate bearings.

❖    The ABEC Scale Explained

There are five classifications in this rating system. These are 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. These numbers indicate the dimensional precision of bearings. Let’s say a bearing has an outer diameter of two inches.

If the deviation of the width is less than 0.005 inches, the bearing will have an ABEC 1 rating.

If the deviation is much lower at 0.001 inches, the bearing will have an ABEC 7 rating. You may already assume that a higher ABEC rating indicates higher precision.

Longboard bearings typically have an ABEC rating between 5 and 9.

❖    Practical Application in Longboarding

Factors like bore diameter, outer diameter, bearing width, inner ring tapered deviation, and shape error are considered for rating bearings. But that isn’t everything when it comes to real-life use cases. In reality, a lot of factors affect the performance of a bearing.

You should always consider your riding style, riding terrains, environmental conditions, etc., to pick the right bearing. Even a lower-rated bearing can perform better than a higher-rated bearing, depending on the rider.

2. Types of Longboard Bearings

Longboard bearings can be divided into two categories according to their structure and two other categories according to their materials. Let’s have a closer look at each type below.

A. Open Bearings: Basics and Benefits

These are the bearings you commonly see where the balls inside the rings are exposed. Open bearings are usually a bit cheaper, but the build quality may be on par with sealed bearings. If you are longboarding on dry and clean surfaces, like a concrete or asphalt road, open bearings are highly suitable.

Pros

• Open bearings are more cost-effective than sealed bearings
• They are easier to customize

Cons

• Open bearings need frequent cleaning and maintenance

B. Sealed Bearings: Enhanced Protection

As the name suggests, the gap between the inner and outer rings is sealed in these bearings. Most bearings have rubber seals, whereas some high-end sealed bearings can have metal shields.

❖    Protecting Bearings from Contaminants

The rubber seal or metal shield on longboard bearings protects the balls and retainers inside the rings from dirt or debris. It also prevents moisture from going inside.

So, the greasiness inside the bearings is protected for a longer period. As a result, these bearings provide better smoothness and require less maintenance than open bearings.

❖    Ideal Conditions for Sealed Bearings

If you commonly ride on dirty or wet terrains, sealed bearings are the best for you. They don’t easily get dirty, so you don’t have to clean the bearings frequently. Plus, these bearings last longer in such conditions than open bearings.

C. Ceramic Bearings: Pinnacle of Performance

Ceramic bearings are hands down the best longboard bearings in terms of performance and comfort. Small ceramic balls are used inside these bearings that have a much lower friction than steel balls. As a result, ceramic is the first choice for most pro longboarders.

❖    Advantages of Ceramic Materials

Ceramic bearings have some noticeable advantages against steel. They have a hardness rating of 70-90 HRc and are extremely resistant to shape changes. So, ceramic balls won’t deform easily, resulting in smoother rides.

On top of that, ceramic bearings don’t need any lubrication. The chance of micro-welding is too low in ceramic bearings. This is because the imperfections on the balls and rings don’t interact. So, ceramic bearings last much longer without lubrication.

Ceramic bearings are more corrosion-resistant than steel. So, they are a better option for any environment.

❖    Performance Gains and Considerations

With less friction, ceramic bearings will provide a buttery, smooth-riding feel. So, pro riders often choose ceramic bearings. Even though ceramic bearings provide excellent performance, they are more delicate and brittle than steel in terms of shock resistance.

Under sudden shock, ceramic bearings can crack. So, the load rating of these bearings is a bit lower than steel bearings. You should also consider the higher price of ceramic bearings before choosing them for your longboarding journey.

D. Steel Bearings: Time-Tested Reliability

Steel bearing is the incredible hulk of the longboarding industry. These bearings have excellent toughness and rust, corrosion, and shock resistance. So, steel bearings are more versatile than ceramic bearings. You can use these bearings in any environmental and load conditions.

❖    Durability and Maintenance Insights

These bearings require less maintenance but are still highly durable. The chance of steel bearings failing during your ride is also very low. So, you can rely on steel bearings blindly.

You just need to keep the steel bearings lubricated properly. Otherwise, micro-welding can happen, and the bearings will lose their smoothness. You will feel more vibration during the ride and a lack of speed.

3. Key Factors in Choosing Bearings

Besides knowing about different types of bearings, you need to consider some other factors to pick the best longboard bearings. Here is a detailed overview of the necessary factors.

A. Matching Bearings to Riding Styles

Every rider has a unique riding style. And each style requires a specific bearing. So, you should consider the following.

• Analyzing Longboarding Styles: From the terrain you ride on the most to the tricks you use, each factor is important here. For example, you need smoother bearings if you do downhill riding or cruising. However, freestyle riding requires more control and stability.
• Bearings Tailored to Specific Styles: If you have adopted a specific style, average bearings might not suit you that much. For example, you need open bearings if you want to customize the bearings a lot to express your personal branding.

B. Materials Matter: Evaluating Bearings Materials

Choosing the right bearing material plays a pivotal role in longboarding. Let’s see how it impacts your riding.

• Steel Bearings: Steel bearings are the most versatile option for so many reasons. The best thing about steel bearings is you don’t need to worry about durability or reliability.

So, these are the best for newbies and even a wide range of seasoned riders. The performance-to-price ratio of steel bearings is also high. So, they are more practical for most longboarders out there.

• Ceramic Bearings: Nothing can beat ceramic bearings if you want a speedy and comfortable ride on even terrains. But balancing the performance gain and price is important here.

Beginners might not need these high-end bearings at a staggering price. If you are an experienced longboard with a budget, go for ceramic bearings.

C. ABEC Ratings and Precision Myths

Checking the ABEC rating of a bearing is fine, but focusing only on the rating is not a good idea. Here is why.

• Debunking ABEC Misconceptions: ABEC ratings just indicate how precise the bearings are. But they don’t take other factors, such as manufacturing tolerances or lubrication, into account. So, a high-rated bearing can’t always guarantee the best performance in real-world conditions.
• Real-World Application: Even if a bearing is precise enough, real-world factors like terrain, environment, etc., can impact its performance. So, riders should focus more on their riding style and preferences.

D. Lubrication and Maintenance Tips

Even if you buy the best longboard bearings, they won’t perform as desired if the lubrication isn’t right. So, you should also focus on that factor.

• Types of Lubricants and Their Impact: Different lubricants, such as oil, grease, dry lubricants, etc., are used in bearings. Oils are better for steel bearings because they can cool down the bearing.

But, the downside of oil is that bearings can lose lubrication due to evaporation. Grease may be a long-lasting lubricant, but it doesn’t have the best cooling properties.

• Comprehensive Maintenance Regimen: Whatever bearing you choose, you should develop a proper maintenance routine to keep the bearings smooth for a long time.

The routine requires regular cleaning and lubrication of the bearings. If you use bearings in adverse conditions, they will require more frequent maintenance.

E. Budget and Value Considerations

Price is a huge concern when choosing longboard bearings. Some bearings are inexpensive but don’t provide the desired quality or durability. On the other hand, some bearings can be way out of your league. You should balance all the factors to pick the right bearings.

• Finding Bearings That Match Your Budget: As longboarding requires several other pieces of equipment, you need to carefully fix the budget for bearings.

While fixing the budget, you should consider the upfront and maintenance costs. For example, open bearings may be cheaper but need more cleaning and lubrication than sealed bearings.

• Long-Term Cost of Ownership Analysis: If you have a tight budget, you may fall for cheap bearings. But these bearings typically don’t last for a long time.

So, you need to spend more on replacements. Consider such factors and settle on something that provides the best value for the money.

F. Brand Reputation and Trust

Even though brand choice is mostly a personal preference, I have something to share with you. This might save you from getting a bad deal.

• Recognized Manufacturers and Their Offerings: The best thing about recognized brands is they have the capacity to build the finest bearings on the market.

Through continuous research and development, these brands ensure the products are up to the standard and comply with regulatory specifications. They also have a huge product line-up, so finding the right bearing for your needs becomes easier.

• Significance of Trusted Brands: When you choose a well-known brand, it provides much more than just a good product. From customer service to warranty claims, trusted brands are simply more suitable.

4. Picking Up Top 7 Best Longboard Bearings

I have used a lot of different bearings from many brands. From that experience, I picked the top 7 best longboard bearings in 2024. These will guarantee a balance of performance, comfort, and durability. Check them out.

1. Bones Reds Bearings

Key Information

Size: These bearings have an outer diameter of 22 mm, a width of 7 mm, and an inner diameter of 8 mm. The size is perfect for most longboards.

Material: Among the steel bearings I have used, these bearings are just too good. High-quality chrome steel has been used to make these bearings. So, they are sturdy and highly resistant to loads or shocks.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: Bones bearings don’t have ABEC ratings. Instead, they are skate-rated because the ABEC rating doesn’t take all crucial factors into consideration.

For example, the ABEC rating doesn’t consider side loading, lubrication, retainer and ball grades, and other factors. Bones have their own ratings, and these bearings are highly precise.

Speed: Bones bearings have high-speed retainers to ensure speedy performance. I have got speeds up to 20 mph without any issues.

Lubrication: Speed Cream racing lubricant has been used in these bearings. So you don’t need to worry much about the lubrication.

Maintenance: As the bearings come with protecting rubber shields, less dirt and debris can get inside. So, you can be a bit lenient about the maintenance.

Brand Reputation: Bones is a well-known brand worldwide, so you can rely on its bearings in terms of quality and durability.

Pros

• Lightweight yet sturdy
• High-speed precision bearings
• Excellent side load resistance
• Pre-lubricated
• Protective rubber shields

Cons

• Doesn’t have an ABEC rating
• Low customizability

2. KVENI Premium Longboard Bearings

Key Information

Size: Not only does the packaging of these bearings look premium, but they are also very high-quality. As you can see, the bearing number is the same as the previous one, so the dimensions of these bearings are identical to that. In fact, this is the most suitable size I found.

Material: These bearings have titanium rings to reduce the weight and increase the strength. Inside the rings, you will find ceramic balls and nylon retainers. As a result, these bearings provide the ultimate smoothness and durability.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: You might already know that ceramic bearings are known for high precision. These bearings are no different. They have an ABEC 9 rating, which is the highest precision rating. I just love the smoothness of these bearings.

Speed: Ceramic bearings have a lower speed rating due to the low shock resistance. Still, these bearings run so smoothly that you wouldn’t focus much on the speed. I achieved 15-17 mph with these bearings.

Lubrication: These bearings are pre-lubricated with high-quality speed oil. The lubrication lasts for a long time.

Maintenance: As one side of the bearing has a rubber shield, the bearing will require less cleaning and maintenance. But as ceramic bearings, their maintenance will be higher than steel bearings.

Brand Reputation: KVENI is reputed for providing top-quality longboard bearings. Its bearings are performance-oriented and durable.

Pros

• High-precision bearing
• Ceramic balls and titanium races
• Flexible rubber shielding
• Excellent smoothness
• Longer lasting than regular bearings

Cons

• Only one side has shielding
• The speed of the bearings is a bit low

3. Yellow Jacket Premium Longboard Bearings

Key Information

Size: The dimensions of this bearing are no different because all of them are made for a wide range of longboards and skateboards. So, there is nothing much to talk about the size.

Material: These are some of my favorite steel bearings because of the material and design. The bearing uses stainless steel races and cylinders. Yes, you have heard right.

These bearings have small steel cylinders inside. As a result, the bearings produce less vibration and noise.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: Yellow Jacket bearings have the ABEC 9 rating, which means they have the highest precision. And that is noticeable when you hold the bearings. The cylinders are so precisely located that the assembly looks like a whole object.

Speed: With stainless steel rollers, these bearings provide enough speed for your longboarding adventures. More than 20 mph of speed can be achieved with these bearings under the right conditions.

Lubrication: High-grade racing lube is used in these bearings to reduce friction. The lubricant is long-lasting and remains protected under the seal.

Maintenance: These bearings need minimal maintenance, so you can choose them if you ride on adverse terrains a lot. The shielding prevents debris or moisture from getting inside the bearing.

Brand Reputation: Yellow Jacket is popular among pro longboarders due to its premium build quality and ultimate precision. It is also known for providing longboard bearings at a competitive price.

Pros

• High-density steel rollers
• Improved races for better strength
• ABEC 9 precision rating
• Shields prevent moisture and dirt
• High-speed performance

Cons

• The material color looks dull
• A bit heavier

4. Heady Skate Pro Longboard Bearings

Key Information

Size: The bearing number is 608, which means they have the same dimensions as the previous bearings.

Material: These bearings are genuinely a sight to behold. I was amazed by the elegant look of these bearings. They have inner and outer rings made of titanium. As a result, the bearings are super lightweight but sturdy.

Chrome steel balls are used in these bearings with nylon retainers. These balls have excellent smoothness, so the bearings provide the ultimate comfort.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: The chrome steel balls and titanium rings are so precisely machined that these bearings have an ABEC 9 rating. The highest rating means the best precision available. So, these bearings are highly versatile.

Speed: Among the bearings I have used till now, these bearings achieved the highest speed of over 20 mph. The chrome steel balls are very smooth, so I get confidence while speeding.

Lubrication: Like the previous bearings, these are also pre-lubricated. But I needed to relubricate the bearings after some time. Better lubricants could be used to make these bearings even more premium.

Maintenance: The protective shielding on these bearings is also precise, so it prevents even the smallest debris from going inside. But titanium rings require more maintenance than steel rings.

Brand Reputation: Heady Shake is getting popular among young longboarders due to the combination of high-quality material, affordable price, and trendy design.

Pros

• Super smooth chrome steel balls
• High precision rating
• Lightweight and speedy
• Well protected from debris or moisture
• Looks stunning

Cons

• Needs more maintenance
• Lubrication could be better

5. Zealous Bearings for Longboards

Key Information

Size: The dimensions of these bearings are identical to the other bearings. So, they will fit any 8 mm axle. The outer diameter and width are very precise, so installing the bearings should be easy.

Material: These are basic steel bearings. Both the rings and the balls are made of stainless steel. I would be happier if they used chrome steel or hardened steel to make these bearings. Better bearings than these are available at the same price, which is kind of frustrating.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: The precision of these bearings is a bit lower than the previous one because it has an ABEC 7 rating. So, you can expect a less smooth performance from these bearings.

Speed: In terms of speed, Zealous bearings do a decent job. In the beginning, the speed feels a bit slower because of the grease lubrication. But after some time, the speed and performance of the bearings improved slightly.

Lubrication: Archoil nanoceramic grease is used in these bearings to give them long-lasting protection against friction. But still, I prefer the oil lubrication because that delivers greater speed.

Maintenance: Both sides of these bearings are protected with rubber seals. The seals aren’t that high in quality, so you might be looking to replace them with aftermarket seals. These bearings require a bit more maintenance than the other bearings on this list.

Brand Reputation: Zealous is a comparatively newer brand in the industry, so it has to earn the trust of the customers. If you have a tight budget, these bearings can be suitable.

Pros

• Decent precision
• Grease lubrication forms micro-coating to reduce friction
• Lasts for a long time
• Both sides have protective shielding
• Standard dimensions are suitable for multiple purposes

Cons

• Material quality could be better
• Grease lubrication hinders speed in the beginning

6. BRAVORD TG11PRO Skateboard Bearings

Key Information

Size: TG11 bearings have the same size number as the other bearings on the list. So, the outer diameter will be 22 mm, and the inner diameter will be 8 mm. And these bearings are 7 mm wide.

Material: Besides high-density chromium steel races, these bearings have ceramic balls. The bearing is a combination of violet and black, which looks stunning. Spacers are made of aluminum, and the retainers are made of nylon. You also get rubber shields on both sides.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: Even though these ceramics are very smooth, no ABEC rating is found. In my experience, these are similar to ABEC 9 bearings, which means the highest level of precision.

Speed: These are super fast bearings because of the ceramic balls. Anti-deformation balls are used in these bearings to make them faster than regular ceramic bearings. So, you can achieve speeds of more than 20 mph with these bearings:

Lubrication: These bearings are pre-lubricated, which increases the corrosion resistance of the ceramic balls. As a result, the bearings last for a longer period.

Maintenance: The maintenance routine is a bit strict in this case. Even though there are double-sided rubber shields, you need to keep the bearings clean and lubricated to get optimal performance.

Brand Reputation: BRAVORD is not among the most reputed bearing brands. But it is gradually making its position with high precision and durable bearing.

Pros

• Super fast bearings
• Smooth riding experience
• Long-lasting ceramic balls
• Hardened chromium steel races
• Shielding on both sides

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Needs more maintenance

7. Oldboy Ceramic Longboard Bearings

Key Information

Size: This is the last bearing on my list today and has the same universal dimensions as the other standard bearings. They are suitable for a lot of different riding types.

Material: These lightweight bearings use chrome steel races and white ceramic balls. Nylon retainers keep the ceramic balls in place, and the protective rubber shielding on both sides keeps the dirt away.

Precision and ABEC Ratings: Oldboy bearings usually have an ABEC 9 rating, but I didn’t find the exact rating of this model. Still, the precision feels decent. The ride quality of these bearings is so smooth.

Speed: Due to the high-density ceramic balls, these bearings can achieve faster speed than regular ceramic bearings. They can withstand 20 mph or even higher speeds without any problem.

Lubrication: Besides the hardened ceramic balls, these bearings are fully lubed. So, the smoothness is much better than metal bearings. Though it might take some time for the lubricant to disperse, the bearings are still a great buy.

Maintenance: Ceramic bearings always require higher maintenance than steel bearings. These are no different, but as the rubber shielding is present on both sides, these bearings will get less dirty. And the shielding will keep the lube protected for a long time.

Brand Reputation: Oldboy bearings have pretty good customer reviews, and the brand is well-known in the longboarding community. So, you can rely on this brand.

Pros

• Higher load capacity
• Ceramic balls make it smooth and fast
• Fairly durable
• Fully lubed
• Double-sided protective shields

Cons

• A bit pricey
• There is a break-in period

5. Installation and Maintenance Guide for Longboard Bearing

Once you have bought the best longboard bearings, you need to install and maintain them properly. Follow this detailed installation and maintenance guide to perform the task effortlessly.

A. Step-By-Step Installation Instructions

Every rider has their own style of setting things up while installing longboard bearings. Here is what I do for my longboards.

• Step 1: Arrange the bearings, a skate tool, a bearing press, and lubricant if you need it.
• Step 2: The longboard should be upside down so that the trucks are facing up. Remove the axle nut using the skate tool. Push one bearing to the end of the axle.
• Step 3: Then, insert a spacer that sits between two bearings. After that, push another bearing so that it touches the spacer. You can use a bearing press if necessary.

You can check this video:

❖    Ensuring Proper Bearing Seating and Hub Placement

• To make sure the wheel hubs are properly aligned with the bearings, you need to push the outer side of the wheel first. The outer bearing will snap in place if you push it hard. Then, insert the inner side of the wheel into the axle and push the wheel onto the inner bearing.
• It should also snap in place. Then, tighten the axle nut with the skate tool. Check if the bearings are snugly fitted to the axle and the wheels are properly aligned with the bearings. There should be no wobble between the bearings and wheels.

B. Knowing When to Replace Bearings

Besides installing and maintaining bearings, you also need to know when a replacement is a must. Learn them below.

❖    Recognizing Signs of Worn-Out or Damaged Bearings:

If the bearings are worn or damaged, you will notice the following symptoms.

• The friction of bearings will increase drastically. You will lose the smooth feel while riding.
• There can be grinding, whining, or rumbling noises from the bearings if they are damaged.
• Worn bearings can also make noise, and they will wobble.

❖    Safety Implications of Neglected Bearings:

If worn or damaged bearings aren’t replaced timely, they can be hazardous. For example, excessive friction can lock up wheels while riding. You may get thrown out of the board. Sometimes, you can lose control of the board and hit something. So, you must replace the bearings whenever you see the above signs.

C. Bearing Cleaning and Lubrication

Cleaning and lubricating the bearings is a crucial part of the maintenance routine. Here is a detailed guide on how you can clean and lubricate longboard bearings. Follow this comprehensive maintenance routine to keep the bearings in perfect riding condition.

• Step 1: Arrange the necessary tools, such as a skate tool, cleaning solution, toothbrush, box cutter or c-clip, lubricant, etc.
• Step 2: Remove the bearings from the longboard.
• Step 3: Take an old toothbrush and lightly scrub the outside of the bearing to remove any dirt.
• Step 4: If the bearings are closed, you need to remove the shielding. Use a box cutter or c-clip to pry open the rubber shields. Then, scrub the inner side of the bearing with the toothbrush.
• Step 5: After cleaning loose dirt, you need to take the cleaning solution in a bow. Then, submerge the bearings in the bowl and let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
• Step 6: The dirt and debris will be dissolved in the solution. Take the bearings out and rinse them with a fresh cleaning solution. Then, spin the bearing a few times to remove any remaining solution. You can also use compressed air to remove the cleaning solution.
• Step 7: Pat the bearings with a paper towel to dry them up. Now, you need to lubricate the bearings. Apply tiny drops of oil or grease to the bearings and spin the bearings a few times. This will ensure the lubricant gets distributed evenly.

D. Storing Longboards and Bearings

When you aren’t riding, longboards and bearings should be stored correctly to prevent them from degrading. Here is a detailed guide on how to protect bearings during storage.

• Clean and Lubricate Bearings Before Storing: Follow the process above to clean and lubricate the bearings. Also, clean the longboard so that there is no dirt or moisture on it.
• Hang the Longboards in a Cool and Dry Place: The best way to store longboards is to hand them on a wall rack. If you don’t have a wall rack, you can keep the longboards vertically in a cool and dry place. Storing longboards and bearings in a damp place can affect their durability.
• Remove the Bearings from Longboards: It is better to remove the bearings before storing longboards so that the longboards don’t roll.

D. Troubleshooting Common Issues

You may face various issues with your longboards and bearings, depending on your riding frequency, environment, terrains, etc. So, you should know how to troubleshoot some common issues.

Check how to diagnose problems with your bearings or longboards and address those problems.

• Jammed Bearings: If your longboard wheels are stuck, it means the bearings are jammed due to dirt or debris. You need to remove the bearings, clean them, and reinstall the wheels.
• The Wheels Are Wobbling: It happens if the bearings are worn. The board may wander to the sides due to wobbling. You need to replace the bearings if the wheels wobble.
• Lower Speeds: Your riding speed may decrease if the friction of the bearing increases. You need to clean the bearings and lubricate them to restore the speed.
• Noise from the Wheels: If the bearings are worn or damaged, various noises can appear. You will hear grinding or rumbling noises commonly. In this case, you need to replace the bearings.

Conclusion

No matter how fancy your longboard is or how sturdy the trucks are, the unsung hero of your longboarding performance is these tiny bearings. They are at the very center of the wheels to make them spin freely. You might understand how vital bearings are for a longboard.

This is why you need to choose the best longboard bearings upon careful consideration. Take factors like bearing material, precision, protection, individual riding style, terrain preferences, etc., into account. Then,  choose the most suitable bearing for your needs.

Look forward to the new horizons of advancements in the bearing technologies. Finally, be open to new innovations to take your longboarding experience to the next level.