Changing bearings, does it make a difference?

I have been looking into changing bearings and would like to know if there is a big difference on performance (=more miles/kilometres) when using more professional bearings?

Looking at the stock bearings which are only 29 euro and comparing them to the Bones ceramics (Bones® Swiss Ceramics Bearings (8 pack)) which set you back a whopping 140 USD (179 euro even when buying them in NL), what difference would they make?

I checked some videos and it clearly shows the more expensive bearings spin a lot better (and handle dirt better) but would it be a big difference on mileage? Would you get an extra 1 or even 5 kms when changing bearings.....just curious.

 

I honestly don't think they're worth it for what we use them for. I was one of those people who bought the $40+ premium bearings thinking they'd be better. Well, had one blow out on my way to work. Contacted the bearing company where they came back saying you need to clean and lube them every 6 hours. What? I wasn't hard on these things at all one bit and only had about 3 hours on them. The company I bought my board from and made it said that was ridiculous and gave me some Independent Reds bearings since he felt bad. I asked what he runs and he said the cheapest, just toss them when they start to go since they're cheap enough.

So now I've been buying and running the cheap Abec 5, 7, or 9's now and have not had any issues at all. Also have been riding the bearings in the rain. I can get 16 of these babies for $6 to $7.

As for ceramic, they're not worth it either. They are not as durable as the full stainless version. And if you go full ceramic the forces exerted on them can easily cause the races to crack and in some cases the Zirconia (white ceramic material) disintegrates. I then looked at the $90 / bearing dark ceramic silicone nitride ones. And again I couldn't justify the cost and risk again going down in durability.

The ceramic bearings are quite impressive for low rolling resistance, but after all the research trying to convince myself to buy them I finally said no for that there's no real advantage for the way I use my board. I also didn't feel any difference between my $40 USA made precision bearings ve the cheap ABECs. If I was sponsored, didn't have to pay for them, and counted on every milisecond of quickness / speed, then yes I'd run the ceramics.

 

That is crystal clear....no need for very expensive bearings, just some basic good ones. Thanks

 

I bought some from F1 ceramics that were super expensive- they do racing bike bearings, I haven't noticed that they are any better than the evolve stock bearings.

 

They only reason I see now with the feedback is to choose bearings which are better sealed for dirt. And these do not need to be very expensive as I now found some options for alternatives to the stock bearings. Indepent seems to be a good choice.

 

If you have a 2 in 1 it's definitely more convenient to use bearings with built in spacers and speed rings. It means not having to mess with aligning the spacers in the wheels or mess with the speed rings. Zelous bearings are relatively inexpensive and are reported to be decent in most ways. They're reputation is for durability.

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Perhaps they're something to consider when the stock bearings need replacing.

 

ok, so changing bearings will make some difference, but it is all relative. I have been using a new set for a few weeks and noticed better roll and less resistance, but there is no need to go to expensive ceramic bearings, you wont get the added difference for the cost (Law of diminishing returns). and good set of bearings will do you better than the stock ones. you can get ones that have in built spacers and speed rings too, which is nice and hassle free. you will see many views on what bearings are good to use but it is all personal taste. If you check the video of the worlds fastest longboarder record, he did not use expensive ceramics, just good quality normal bearings, so if that gives you any indicator

 

good idea to get a bearing cleaner kit too, very cheap, and will keep your bearings lasting a while, use that if they get dirty, or you just like to refresh them, and use some bones speed cream, happy days

 

For the cost of the cleaner and time I'll just stick with my cheap ABECs and toss them in the trash when needed But now its all personal preference, just do whatever makes you happy and fits your wallet and schedule.

What I found to be more important that 'good bearings' for lower rolling resistance is that stupid spacer and washer. Possibly the ones that are "built in" don't have this issue, but what I've always found is that from putting the wheel on / off that the cheap materials used in those parts tend to mush them down when tight. Or even from the start the spacers/washer are not to tolerance so then things rub slowing you down. I ended up buying on ebay aluminum spacers made in the USA and stainless washers. You can most likely hit your hardware store to pair up something similar which I'll do in the future. What I found is that there's less resistance on the wheel when spinning and the reason behind that is that the spacer/washer is stronger in terms of the aluminum / steel as well as made to the correct tolerance. So I;m throwing that setup on all my boards from now on.





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