How to Find the Right Skateboard Bearings

Over the past several decades, skateboarding has become a popular hobby and extreme sport among children, teens and adults alike. The development of different types of skateboards with improved technology has resulted in advances in skateboard bearing technology that allows for a faster and smoother ride than ever before. If you are looking for new bearings for your skateboard, you should consider a variety of factors before deciding on the right bearings to suit your needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Skateboard deck
  • Trucks
  • Wheels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the type of skateboard bearing you need. Some bearings are meant to improve wheel speed while others are more durable and used for skateboards that are meant for tricks. If you intend to use your board for transportation, you should focus on bearings with higher "abec" ratings, which indicate the bearing's ability to increase wheel speed.

    • 2

      Measure the impression on your skateboard wheel that holds the bearing to determine the correct size bearing. Different sized wheels require different sized bearings. Larger wheels, meant for speed and carving, require bearings with a large diameter, while skateboard wheels used on a deck meant for tricks are typically smaller and lighter.

    • 3

      Decide on the appearance of your bearings. Many skateboard bearings are available in a variety of colors and with different graphics and other features. You may want to consider the color and design of your wheels, trucks and deck before choosing the appearance of your bearings.

    • 4

      Determine how much money you are willing to spend on your bearings. Higher abec bearings and those that are larger and distinctively designed typically cost more than smaller bearings that are not as focused on performance.

    • 5

      Purchase your bearings at a local skateboard shop or on an online retailer such as CCS or Skate America. Online retailers often have a wider selection of bearings but do not offer installation services that you can find at brick-and-mortar skateboard shops.