Bearings are what let your wheels spin. They're small, they're hidden inside your wheels, and most skaters don't think about them until their board starts feeling slow, gritty, or loud. But the right set can make every push go further, and a well-kept set can last a long time.
This guide covers everything you need to pick the right skateboard bearings: size, ratings, ball materials, shields, lubrication, spacers and speed washers, and how to keep them rolling. If you already know what you want, jump to the Quick Picks or shop all skateboard bearings.
What Do Bearings Actually Do?
Each wheel holds two bearings, one pressed into each side. The bearings slide onto your truck's axle, and they're what let the wheel spin freely around it. That means you need 8 bearings for one board, which is why skateboard bearings are sold in 8-packs.
Every bearing has a few parts that work together:
- Inner and outer races (rings). The inner race sits on the axle and the outer race sits in the wheel. The balls roll in grooves between them.
- Balls. Usually steel, sometimes ceramic or titanium. Most skate bearings use seven balls, and some use six larger ones.
- Cage (retainer or crown). Keeps the balls evenly spaced as they roll.
- Shields. Covers that keep dirt out and lubricant in. Most are removable for cleaning.
- Lubricant. Oil, grease, or a dry coating that reduces friction and protects against corrosion.
Bearing Size: Almost Everything Is 608
Good news: skateboard bearings are standardized. Nearly every skateboard bearing is a 608, which means an 8mm bore (the hole in the middle), a 22mm outer diameter, and a 7mm width. That fits virtually all skateboard wheels and standard 8mm truck axles, and every bearing we carry is a 608. You don't need to match bearings to your wheel or truck brand.
ABEC Ratings vs. Skate Rated
You'll see a lot of bearings labeled with an ABEC number, like ABEC 5 or ABEC 7. ABEC is a scale created for industrial machinery that measures manufacturing tolerances. A higher number means tighter tolerances.
Here's the catch: ABEC doesn't measure the things that matter most in skateboarding, like side impacts, hard landings, dirt, and moisture. That's why many skate brands don't use it at all. Bones designs every bearing to its own Skate Rated standard, with clearances, tolerances, materials, and lubricant chosen specifically for skating. Other brands focus on specific design features instead, like Bronson's deep groove raceways and Balls Out Technology or Quantum's diamond polished raceways.
Tip: Treat an ABEC number as one detail, not the whole story. Materials, shields, lubrication, and build quality usually tell you more about how a skate bearing will ride.
Ball Materials: Steel, Ceramic, and Beyond
| Material | What It Means | Examples We Carry |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | The standard. Durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. | Bones REDS, Bronson G3, Independent GP-R, SKF Standard |
| Stainless steel | Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion for all-weather skating. | Amp Stainless |
| Ceramic | Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel and won't rust. | Bones Ceramic REDS, Bones Swiss Ceramic, Bronson Ceramic, Quantum Isotope, SKF Ceramic, Amp Ceramic Gold |
| Mixed ceramic and steel | A single ceramic ball among steel balls, for ceramic benefits at a lower cost. | Amp Ceramic Hybrid (1 ceramic ball, 6 steel balls) |
| Full ceramic | Ceramic balls and ceramic rings. Must be installed with a bearing press or bearing tool, not truck axles. | Quantum Eclipse |
| Titanium | Titanium balls or coatings for hard, rust-free rolling surfaces. | Modus Titanium, Amp Titanium |
You'll also see two ceramic materials named on spec sheets: silicon nitride (Si3N4) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Both are ceramics. Quantum uses each in different bearings, for example Si3N4 in the Atom and ZrO2 in the Isotope.
6-Ball vs. 7-Ball
Most bearings use seven balls. Six-ball designs use fewer, larger balls. Brands that make them say larger balls are stronger and handle impacts better, and Bones says they roll through dirt better too. Examples include Bones Super Swiss 6, Bones Big Balls REDS, Bronson 6-Ball RAW, and Olympia Supply Silver Grade 6-Ball. A few go the other way: Amp ABEC 7 bearings use a non-standard 8-ball design.
Shields: Keeping Dirt Out
- Removable rubber shields: The most common type. They pop off for cleaning and pop back on. Non-contact designs also reduce friction.
- Metal shields: The Independent GP-S pairs a dust proof crimped metal outer shield with an open, serviceable back.
- Labyrinth shields: Removable, non-contact shields used on Independent GP-R and GP-B.
- Shield-free: No shields at all. Bronson RAW bearings have nothing to drag or trap dirt, and they have that raw, loud sound of speed.
- Spare shields: Most Quantum kits include 8 extra shields, so a bent shield isn't the end of your bearing.
Lubrication: Oil, Grease, or Dry
Every bearing ships lubricated, but not all lube is the same:
- Oil: Used in bearings like Bronson (High-Speed Oil), Independent (light oil), and Ace (race ready oil).
- Grease: Modus bearings are grease lubricated, and SKF uses a low friction grease.
- Dry coatings: Bronson RAW bearings use a micro-thin tungsten coating on the races that works with or without liquid lube.
After you clean your bearings, you'll need to re-lube them. Bones Speed Cream is the racing lubricant every Bones bearing ships with, Amp Synthetic Speed Oil is a light synthetic blend for any bearing (most Amp bearings ship pre-lubricated with it), SKF Speed Oil comes in a dropper bottle made for precise application, and Quantum StackZ is made in the USA to fill micro-scratches in worn raceways.
Spacers and Speed Washers
These two small parts make a big difference, and not every bearing pack includes them.
- Bearing spacers sit between the two bearings inside each wheel. They let you tighten your axle nut to stop wheel wobble without squeezing the bearings together. You need 4 per board.
- Speed washers sit on the axle between your bearings and the axle nut and hanger. They reduce friction and help your bearings last longer. You need 8 per board.
Here's what's in the box with the bearings we carry:
| What's Included | Bearings |
|---|---|
| Spacers and speed washers | Bronson G3, Bronson Ceramic, Independent GP-R, Independent GP-B |
| Spacers only | Bones Swiss, Bones Super Swiss 6, Bones Swiss Ceramic, Bronson G2, Ace High Performance, Ace AF1 Ultimate Performance, Modus ABEC 5, ABEC 7, Titanium, and Ceramic, Shake Junt Triple OG's, and every Amp bearing, from ABEC 5 to Ceramic Gold |
| Speed washers only | All Quantum Bearing Science kits |
| Built-in spacers (no separate parts needed) | Bones Race REDS |
If your bearings don't include them, grab the Dime Bag Hardware Axle Washer & Spacer Kit: 8 speed washers and 4 bearing spacers, enough for one board. The Bronson Bearing Cleaning Unit also comes with spacers and axle washers.
Choosing Bearings by How You Skate
- Beginners and everyday skating: A quality steel bearing with removable shields is all you need. It'll be fast, durable, and easy to clean.
- Street and park: Look for impact resistance. Deep groove raceways, like Bronson's, and bearings built for high impact, like Quantum Metallics and Isotope, are made to take hard landings.
- Transition and cruising: Look for bearings that hold speed so you pump and push less. Quantum designed the Atom for transition and the Fusion for cruising and the long haul.
- Speed and downhill: Bronson says 6-ball designs like the 6-Ball RAW are often preferred for downhill skating and high-speed cruising.
- Wet or dirty conditions: Ceramic balls won't rust, stainless and titanium bearings like Amp Stainless are built for all-weather skating, and shield-free designs have nowhere for dirt to build up.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your bearings every so often keeps them fast and makes them last much longer. The basic process: pop off the shields, flush the bearings with a cleaning solvent, let them dry completely, re-lube, and reinstall.
A cleaning unit makes the job easier. The Bones Bearing Cleaning Unit cleans up to 8 bearings at once, and the Bronson Bearing Cleaning Unit works with any set of bearings. Bronson Ceramic bearings even come packaged in a case that doubles as a cleaning unit.
Installing precision bearings? Pushing bearings in and out with your truck axle can strip the axle threads, damage the bearing, or keep it from sitting flush. A bearing press like the Amp Bearing Press uses leverage instead of force, and our installation and removal guides walk you through it. For skating on the go, the Quantum Bearing Install/Removal Tool is small enough for a key chain, and full ceramic bearings like the Quantum Eclipse must be installed with a bearing press or this tool.
Signs It's Time to Clean or Replace Your Bearings
- Your wheels don't spin as long as they used to
- Your bearings feel gritty or sound grinding when they spin
- They've been soaked in water or show rust
- A shield is bent or missing
- Cleaning and re-lubing doesn't bring back the speed
Quick Picks
| If You Want... | Try This |
|---|---|
| A proven everyday bearing | Bones REDS or Bronson G3 |
| A budget-friendly setup | Spitfire Cheapshots, Modus Black, or Shake Junt Low Riders |
| Everything in the box | Bronson G3 or Independent GP-R |
| Ceramic speed | Bones Ceramic REDS, Bones Swiss Ceramic, or Bronson Ceramic |
| All-weather rust resistance | Amp Stainless or Amp Titanium |
| Ceramic speed on a budget | Amp Ceramic Hybrid |
| Made in Switzerland | Bones Swiss |
| No shields, low maintenance | Bronson RAW |
| A 6-ball design | Bones Super Swiss 6, Bones Big Balls REDS, or Bronson 6-Ball RAW |
| Transition and cruising | Quantum Atom or Quantum Fusion |
| Built-in spacers for racing or freestyle | Bones Race REDS |
| Your favorite pro's signature | SKF Tiago Lemos, SKF Ishod Wair, Quantum Kelvin Hoefler, or Quantum Ryan Decenzo |
Shop Bearings by Brand
We carry bearings from the brands skaters trust most, and every product page includes specs and a comparison table to help you choose:
- Bones: The REDS family and Swiss bearings, all Skate Rated and pre-lubricated with Speed Cream
- Bronson Speed Co.: G2, G3, RAW, 6-Ball RAW, and Ceramic, plus pro and collab releases
- Amp: ABEC 5, ABEC 7, Stainless, Titanium, and Ceramic Hybrid, Silver, and Gold, all with 4 spacers included
- SKF: Standard, Ceramic, and pro signature bearings, made in Italy
- Quantum Bearing Science: Steel, ceramic hybrid, and full ceramic kits with speed washers included
- Independent: Genuine Parts GP-S, GP-R, and GP-B
- Modus: Black, Blue, ABEC 5, ABEC 7, Titanium, and Ceramic
- Spitfire: Classics, Burners, and Cheapshots
- Shake Junt: Triple OG's, Low Riders, and Night Train
- Ace: High Performance and AF1 Ultimate Performance
- Olympia Supply: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Grade
- Chocolate: ABEC 5 and Swiss
- Slappy: Super Lube Precision
Bearings FAQ
How many bearings do I need?
8 for one board. Each of your 4 wheels uses 2 bearings, which is why bearings are sold in 8-packs.
Will these bearings fit my wheels?
Almost certainly. Skateboard bearings are a standard 608 size with an 8mm bore, which fits virtually all skateboard wheels and 8mm truck axles.
Does a higher ABEC rating mean a faster bearing?
Not necessarily. ABEC measures manufacturing tolerances, not the impacts, dirt, and side loads skate bearings deal with. Materials, shields, lubrication, and build quality matter just as much.
Are ceramic bearings worth it?
If you want maximum speed or skate in wet conditions, they can be. Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel and won't rust. For most everyday skating, a quality steel bearing is plenty.
Do I need spacers?
They're highly recommended. Spacers let you tighten your axle nut to stop wheel wobble without crushing your bearings. Check the pack contents, and if spacers aren't included, a kit like the Dime Bag Hardware Axle Washer & Spacer Kit covers one board.
How often should I clean my bearings?
Whenever they start to feel slow, gritty, or noisy, and anytime they get wet. Skaters who ride in dirty conditions will need to clean them more often.
Keep Building Your Setup
Bearings are just one piece of the puzzle. Check out our other guides:
- Skateboard Bushings Guide: How to Choose the Right Hardness, Shape, and Fit
- Skateboard Wheels Buyer's Guide: Size, Hardness, and Shape Explained
- Skateboard Truck Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Trucks
- Sizing Guide for Decks, Trucks, Wheels, Hardware, and Risers
Ready to roll faster? Shop all skateboard bearings.