Here’s an overview of the Best Longboard Bearings that we’ll explore today:
Longboard bearings are a critical unsung component that directly influence acceleration, top speed, and how long you can maintain a high cadence on a hill or a downhill run. For speed-focused builds, you’re balancing precision tolerances, lubrication, and shield design against durability and maintenance ease. In this evaluation, I tested and compared five bearings across Bones, Bronson, and SKITCH, spanning budget to premium options, to reveal how subtle design choices translate into real-world speed, stability, and service life. My methodology includes reviewing advertised tolerances (e.g., ABEC rating where applicable), material and lubricant descriptions, shield design, and how each set behaves under load, with attention to cleanability, compatibility, and long-run noise. Real-world use cases covered range from downhill carving to high-speed cruising on longboards and skateboards.
1. Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards
- Brand: Bones
- Manufacturer: Bones
Bones Reds are established champions in the speed-bearings category, known for accessible performance and reliable durability. Key features include 608-size bearings, pre-lubrication with Bones Speed Cream racing lubricant, and an included stoked tool with multiple socket sizes for on-the-spot maintenance. The kit’s value proposition rests on immediate speed benefits combined with rugged construction and the convenience of a full tool set.
In practice, Reds deliver low friction and solid spin life out of the box, aided by the pre-lubricated coating that resists dirt ingress reasonably well. The hardened steel construction and tight tolerances support consistent performance across sessions, though the non-removable shields on standard Reds can complicate full cleaning if you ride in dusty environments. The included tool is a nice bonus for field adjustments, but the bearing performance itself will be most attractive to riders seeking dependable speed with minimal maintenance effort. Long-term wear tends to be predictable, with a modest drop-off after heavy mileage or repeated impacts.
Pros
- Excellent out-of-the-box speed with minimal break-in
- Durable 608 bearing size suitable for most longboards and skateboards
- Pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream for reduced initial friction
- Convenient tool included for maintenance
- Good balance of performance and value
Cons
- Shields are not easily removable for deep cleaning
- Performance may degrade with heavy grit exposure unless regularly serviced
2. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers
- Brand: Bones
- Manufacturer: Bones
This Bones bundle adds spacers and washers to the standard Reds package, emphasizing alignment and runout control. The bearings feature a single, non-contact rubber shield for easier cleaning and reduced friction, plus a high-speed nylon ball retainer intended to improve spin and longevity. Lubrication remains the Bones Speed Cream, ensuring consistent speed characteristics across the pair.
From a performance standpoint, the 4 spacers and 8 washers help fine-tune bearing play and wheel seating, which can matter when dialing in downhill stability or a skaters’ precise tolerance preferences. The non-contact shield design simplifies cleaning and reduces friction slightly, yet shield integrity remains adequate for typical street use. In wet or dusty environments, regular maintenance remains important to maintain peak speeds, but the overall package offers a practical upgrade path for riders who want precise spacing control without chasing after extra accessories separately.
Pros
- Includes spacers and washers for tuning and seating
- Non-contact shield eases cleaning and reduces friction
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for consistent speed
- Strong value for a bundled setup
- Maintains Bones’ reputation for durability
Cons
- Spacers/ Washers add complexity if you’re new to setup
- Lubrication and shielding still require occasional maintenance for dust-heavy use
3. SKITCH Precision Fast Spin Bearings Set | 8 Pack 608 2RS ABEC 9 Chrome Steel Deep Groove Ball Bearing Set for Skateboards
- Brand: SKITCH
- Manufacturer: SKITCH
SKITCH promotes a high-precision ABEC 9 rating with chrome steel, deep groove raceways, and dual removable shields for cleaning flexibility. The bearings come with spacers, washers, and a case, emphasizing a compact, transportable kit aimed at riders who want higher-grade performance without venturing into ceramic territory. The 608-size aligns with common longboard wheel setups, and the design emphasizes lubrication retention and minimal friction.
In practice, SKITCH claims ABEC 9 performance that outperforms ABEC 7 and even some premium non-ceramic options. The deep groove construction and high-speed oil pre-lubrication contribute to smoother spin and steady cadence under mixed terrain. The dual shields allow users to flush out contaminants when needed, though long-term durability will rely on consistent cleaning and re-lubrication. The set’s carry case and included accessories reduce setup friction for riders who value modularity and quick maintenance.
Pros
- ABEC 9 precision for high-speed performance
- Dual shields facilitate cleaning while preserving lubrication
- Includes spacers, washers, and a carrying case
- 608 size is broadly compatible with most longboards
- Competitive price for a high-grade ABEC set
Cons
- Ceramic or titanium variants may outperform over very long downhill runs
- Chrome steel can be heavier and may require more frequent maintenance in dusty conditions
4. BRONSON SPEED CO. G3 Skateboard Bearings – Set of 8
- Brand: Bronson Speed Co
- Manufacturer: Bronson Speed Co
Bronson G3 bearings are designed with a focus on durability and speed retention, featuring deep groove raceways, micro groove lubrication channels, and an oil-retentive design. The cage and shield system is engineered to minimize distortion during high-impact events, supporting smoother spins even when the bearing is under load. The set emphasizes a robust construction that’s well suited to aggressive downhill or high-speed carving.
In use, Bronson G3 bearings tend to deliver solid, steady spins with long spin time and good resistance to heat buildup during sustained downhill sessions. The unique oil-in, dirt-out design and the Ball Out technology aim to minimize contact-related drag and shield wear under impact. Depending on your setup, these bearings pair well with standard 8mm axles and can tolerate slightly higher runout tolerances, but they do carry a premium price that reflects their design emphasis on speed retention and durability.
Pros
- Deep Groove raceways reduce side impact damage
- Micro Groove raceway surfaces improve lubrication and spin
- Ball Out design minimizes shield contact on impact
- Cage design maintains precise ball spacing under load
- Strong overall durability for high-speed use
Cons
- Premium price relative to some rival bearings
- Some riders may not notice a dramatic difference versus top-tier Reds or SKITCH at casual speeds
5. Bones Speed Cream Skate Bearing Lubricant
- Brand: Bones
- Manufacturer: Bones
Bones Speed Cream is a dedicated lubricant designed to reduce friction and extend bearing life. It’s a lightweight, long-lasting formula intended to complement Bones bearings and potentially improve spin time without the need for a complete bearing replacement. The 1/2-ounce bottle is compact for field maintenance and includes Bones’ lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
In practice, Speed Cream performs well as a maintenance product—reducing initial friction and helping to retain lubrication in dusty or wet environments. While not a substitute for worn bearings, re-lubing with Speed Cream can restore some lost performance and delay the need for a full bearing service. The key trade-off is maintenance frequency: you’ll want to re-lubricate periodically, especially after removes for cleaning or after heavy downhill sessions where grit can impact performance.
Pros
- Reduces friction and extends bearing life
- Compact, field-friendly 0.5 oz bottle
- Widely compatible with Bones and other bearings
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
- Easy to apply with long-lasting results
Cons
- Not a substitute for worn or contaminated bearings
- Requires periodic reapplication for optimal performance
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about longboard bearingss to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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