How Many Bearings Does A Longboard Need

Are you a longboard enthusiast wondering how many bearings your board needs? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Bearings play a crucial role in the performance and speed of your longboard, and understanding the right number of bearings for your setup is essential for an optimal ride.

But before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about the importance of bearings. Bearings are small metal or ceramic balls that fit inside the wheels of your longboard and allow them to spin smoothly. They reduce friction and enable you to glide effortlessly, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride. So, let’s explore the factors that determine how many bearings your longboard needs and help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when determining the number of bearings your longboard needs, including wheel size, riding style, and personal preference. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how many bearings are ideal for your longboard setup, ensuring a smooth and thrilling ride every time.

What are longboard bearings?

Longboard bearings are small metal balls that are an integral part of a longboard’s functionality. These bearings fit inside the wheels and enable them to spin smoothly, providing a stable and enjoyable riding experience. Without bearings, the wheels would not be able to rotate freely, making the longboard inefficient and difficult to ride.

Bearing construction is a crucial factor in determining the performance and durability of a longboard. They are typically made up of several components, including steel balls, outer races, shields, and bearing spacers. These components work together to reduce friction and allow the wheels to spin with ease.

Longboard bearings come in different types and materials. Ceramic bearings, for example, are known for their superior quality and ability to provide a smooth ride. Steel bearings are more common and are an excellent choice for most riders.

The importance of bearings

The bearings on your longboard are incredibly important for the overall performance and experience of your ride. They play a vital role in reducing friction and allowing your wheels to spin smoothly and efficiently.

If your bearings are low quality or damaged, it can greatly impact your ride. Cheap or worn-out bearings can make your ride bumpy, sluggish, and less enjoyable. The friction caused by these bearings can slow you down and make it harder to maintain speed and control.

On the other hand, high-quality bearings can make a world of difference. They provide a smooth and fast ride, allowing you to glide effortlessly down the street. Quality bearings help reduce friction, making it easier to reach and maintain higher speeds with less effort. This allows you to have a more enjoyable and efficient ride, whether you’re cruising, carving, or racing on your longboard.

How Many Bearings Does A Longboard Need?

When it comes to how many bearings your longboard needs, the number can vary depending on your intended use. Some longboards require as many as 12 bearings, while others may only need eight.

For beginners who are just riding around town or using their longboard for casual cruising, eight bearings should be sufficient. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride without the need for additional bearings.

However, if you’re a more experienced rider and engage in tricks, downhill racing, or other high-intensity activities, you may benefit from having more bearings. Additional bearings can help distribute the load and provide extra stability and smoothness to handle the demands of these activities.

Types of Bearings for Longboards: Steel and Ceramic

1. Steel Bearings:

• Steel bearings are the most commonly used and affordable option for longboards.
• They are known for their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear.
• These bearings are capable of handling the demands of everyday cruising and light tricks.
• However, they may be prone to rusting and can slow down over time.
• Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for keeping steel bearings in good condition.
• Steel bearings are a reliable choice for beginners and casual riders.

2. Ceramic Bearings:

• Ceramic bearings offer superior performance compared to steel bearings.
• While they are more expensive, their benefits make them worth considering for serious longboarders.
• Ceramic bearings are lightweight, ceramic balls, are durable, and provide a smoother ride.
• They are less prone to rusting and can last longer, making them a cost-effective investment in the long run.
• The smoothness and responsiveness of ceramic bearings can enhance your riding experience.
• These bearings are particularly suitable for riders engaged in downhill racing, advanced tricks, or high-intensity activities.
• Their superior performance makes ceramic bearings a preferred choice for experienced longboarders.

ABEC rating:

When choosing bearings for your longboard, consider factors beyond just the material. The ABEC rating is one such consideration, although it does not solely determine the quality of bearings. It is important to assess other factors like material, design, and personal riding preferences to make an informed decision. Whether you opt for steel or ceramic bearings, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Accessories for Installing Bearings on a Longboard

When it comes to longboarding, having the right bearings is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, understanding the number of bearings needed for your longboard is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the various accessories required for installing bearings on a longboard and delve into common misconceptions surrounding bearing types and qualities.

1. Axle nuts: Axle nuts are an important part of the longboard setup, securing the bearings and wheels onto the truck axles. These nuts are typically made of metal and come in various sizes to accommodate different longboard setups.
2. Bearing spacers: Bearing spacers are small metal cylinders placed between the bearings to maintain proper spacing and alignment. They not only improve the overall stability of the longboard but also help reduce friction and prevent the bearings from binding.
3. Speed rings and washers: Speed rings and washers are thin metal discs that serve as additional support and protection for the bearings. They are often placed between the bearing’s outer races and the longboard wheels, promoting smooth rolling and preventing dirt buildup.
4. Bearing shields: Bearing shields, usually made of rubber or metal, serve as protective covers for the bearings. They prevent debris, dust, and moisture from entering the bearings, thus prolonging their lifespan and maintaining optimal performance.
5. Bearing lubrication: To keep the longboard bearings running smoothly, regular maintenance and lubrication are necessary. Products like Bones Speed Cream can improve the speed and durability of the bearings and should be applied periodically to reduce friction and increase overall performance.

Speed Rings

Speed rings are an essential component when it comes to skateboard bearings. These small, thin metal discs play a crucial role in ensuring the smoothness and functionality of your skate bearings.

The main purpose of speed rings is to prevent fouling between the outer race of the bearing and the skate axle nut. When properly installed, speed rings create a buffer between the bearing and the nut, allowing for proper tightening without causing any damage or interference. This helps to maintain optimal alignment and stability, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of your skateboard.

Bearing Spacers

Bearing spacers are small metal cylinders that are placed between the bearings on a longboard. While seemingly insignificant, these spacers play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and durability of your longboard setup.

One of the primary functions of bearing spacers is to keep the bearings properly aligned and in place. Without spacers, the bearings can shift and become misaligned during rides, affecting the overall performance of your longboard. By keeping the bearings in position, spacers ensure smooth and efficient wheel rotation for a better riding experience.

Another important aspect of bearing spacers is their ability to protect the bearings from being crushed. When tightened properly, spacers create a space between the bearings that prevents excessive pressure and damage caused by overtightening the axle nuts. This not only prolongs the lifespan of the bearings but also maintains their performance over time.

Speed Washers

Speed washers are thin, metal washers that are placed between the nut and the bearing, as well as between the hanger and the bearing on a longboard truck axle. They serve an important purpose in longboarding, as they help reduce friction and allow the wheels to rotate quickly while also protecting the bearing face from damage.

By placing speed washers between the nut and the bearing, the washers create a smooth interface that allows the bearing to rotate freely. This reduces friction and ensures that the wheels can spin smoothly, resulting in a faster and more efficient ride. Speed washers also help distribute the pressure evenly across the bearing, preventing excessive wear and tear on the bearing face.

Rubber Shields and Metal Shields

Rubber shields and metal shields are two common types of shields used on skateboard bearings to provide protection and seal against contaminants. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Rubber shields, also known as rubber seals, come in different variants such as light contact, non-contact, and labyrinth. Light contact rubber shields provide a minimal amount of contact with the inner race of the bearing, allowing for reduced friction and increased speed. Non-contact rubber seals, on the other hand, have no contact with the inner race, resulting in even less friction and faster speed. Labyrinth rubber seals utilize a maze-like structure to create a barrier against contaminants while still maintaining low friction.

Metal shields come in two main types – pressed-in non-removable shields and removable shields held in with a C-ring. Pressed-in non-removable shields are firmly fixed onto the outer race of the bearing and cannot be easily removed. While they offer good protection against contaminants, they can be difficult to clean and maintain.

FAQs

Conclusion:

The number of bearings a longboard needs is not just a matter of preference, but also a crucial factor in determining your riding experience. Whether you opt for a board with 2, 4, or even 8 bearings, make sure to consider your riding style, skill level, and desired speed.

So, the next time you hit the pavement, remember that the right number of bearings can take your longboarding to a whole new level of smoothness and control. Happy riding!