It depends on how often you ride your longboard and how you take care of it. If you are a frequent rider, the bearings can last for around 6 months before needing to be replaced. Keeping them free of dust and dirt will help them to stay in good condition.
If you store your board in a safe, dry place and keep the bearings lubricated, they may last up to 1 year. However, if you ride it daily and in varying conditions, you should change the bearings every 4-6 months.
Additionally, you should check the bearings regularly, as any signs of wear or damage may signify the need of them being replaced.
Do all longboard bearings fit all wheels?
No, not all longboard bearings fit all wheels. Most longboard bearings will fit most longboard wheels, but there are some cases where a particular wheel may require a specific bearing. It is important to look at the size of the wheel’s bearing seat before selecting a bearing, as some wheels have larger or smaller bearing seats which may require a different size of bearing.
Additionally, the bearing style and type may need to be considered when selecting bearings for certain wheels. While some brands may offer similar wheels and bearings, it is important to check the specifications to make sure they are compatible.
In general, ABEC-rated bearings will work with most longboard wheels.
Are longboard bearings universal?
No, longboard bearings are not universal. Different brands and models vary in size, quality and performance when it comes to bearings. One longboard bearing may be too narrow for another, due to different size axle widths and wheel bore configurations.
Additionally, the cost, type of material and the quality of the craftsmanship can also vary between bearings. Ceramic bearings, which are made of a metal/ceramic hybrid material, are considered to be of higher quality.
Therefore, it is important to do research to find out what type of bearings your specific longboard requires. That way you can make sure you are purchasing the right size, quality and performance for your board.
How do you know if your longboard bearings are bad?
First, you can test the speed of your board by pushing it forward with your hands. If the longboard does not move freely and does not accelerate after the initial push, then your bearings are probably bad.
Secondly, you can check for any visible signs of damage on the longboard bearings. Look for scratches, rust, bent balls or other signs of wear. Third, if your board is making strange noises like squealing or grinding when you ride, then it might be time to replace your longboard bearings.
Finally, you can take off the wheels and manually rotate the bearings by hand. If they feel gritty or sticky, then they are likely bad and need to be replaced.
Which bearings are the for longboarding?
The bearings used for longboarding typically depend on the specific type of longboard you are using. The most common bearing types for longboarding are ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9. ABEC 5 bearings are basic bearings, offering an economical option for recreational skating and longboarding.
ABEC 7 bearings are the most common type for longboarding, as they offer a good balance between speed and durability. ABEC 9 bearings are the highest precision bearings available and provide the fastest possible speed, but also require more maintenance and are more expensive than ABEC 5 or 7.
Which type of bearings you should use ultimately depends on the type of longboarding you prefer and the type of terrain you’re riding on. If you are riding a cruiser or cruiser-style longboard, you may prefer to opt for ABEC 5 or 7 bearings, since the terrain you’re likely to be on won’t require the speed and precision of high-grade ABEC 9 bearings.
If you are doing downhill or high-speed longboarding with tight turns and technical maneuvers, then you may want to opt for ABEC 9s for the extra precision and speed.
Why do Longboards have the trucks backwards?
Longboards typically have the trucks positioned backwards compared to a typical skateboard. This unique design feature is intended to improve the skater’s performance. The most important benefit of reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks on longboards is increased stability.
When the kingpin points toward the back of the board, the lowered hanger and higher angle of the baseplate create a deeper angle of lean and a larger center of gravity towards the back, providing the rider with a more stable platform while riding.
This reduces wheel bite and can help with speed wobbles that are common on slippery surfaces. Additionally, reverse kingpin trucks offer a better range of turn, increased agility and quicker response time.
These qualities make it easier to set up carves and turns, allowing for greater control when transitioning from turn to turn. Reverse kingpin trucks also offer more ground clearance for larger wheels, offering more protection over debris and obstacles.
How can I make my longboard faster?
First, make sure your wheels are appropriate for the terrain and conditions. Harder wheels are usually better for speed, but you will have to take into account terrain and pavement surface. For cluttered terrain, softer wheels tend to provide better grip and maneuverability.
Another way to increase speed is by improving the alignment of your trucks. Tighten the screws and replace any worn or broken parts. This will help make sure your wheels spin freely and reduce the amount of energy you’re losing through friction.
You should also use a quality lubricant like a bearing lube or regular oil to reduce friction.
You can reduce your overall weight by choosing lighter materials when building your board. For instance, swapping out heavy wood for bamboo or carbon fiber. You can also improve the aerodynamics of your board by adding a streamlined shape or spoiler to the underside of your deck.
Finally, make sure your bearings are of good quality and well-maintained. Clean them regularly and replace any that are worn or damaged. Quality bearings can help you reach higher speeds and provide a smoother, faster ride.
Are ceramic bearings worth it longboard?
Ceramic bearings are definitely worth it for a longboard. The benefit of using ceramic bearings over regular steel bearings is that they are much smoother, last longer and require less maintenance. Ceramic bearings are harder and offer less friction than steel bearings so they roll much faster and require less power.
This can help you get more speed while riding. Also, ceramic bearings resist heat better so they don’t get as hot, which can improve their longevity. The downside is that ceramic bearings are usually more expensive than regular steel ones.
However, if you’re looking for a high quality, long lasting and reliable bearing, ceramic bearings are definitely worth the extra money.
Do pros use bearing spacers?
Yes, pros use bearing spacers. Bearing spacers, also known as speed rings, are used to create an optimal spin when skating at high speeds, allowing skaters to maintain control during tricks.
The bearing spacers are placed between two bearings in each wheel and can be adjusted to create the right amount of tension to achieve the right speed. Pros choose to use bearing spacers to reduce friction between the bearings and the axle and decrease the risk of wheels locking up while skating.
The reduced friction also ensures that the wheels move freely in order to generate the highest speed and enable tight turns.
Additionally, professional skaters seek to adjust the tightness of the bearings to get the most efficient results for their style of skating. Bearing spacers allow for optimal adjustment, and because of this, pros use bearing spacers to create custom solutions for their desired performance.
Which ABEC bearings are the fastest?
The answer to which ABEC bearings are the fastest depends largely on the type of skating you are doing. Generally speaking, ABEC 9 bearings are considered the fastest, because they are the highest quality bearings and the closest tolerances allow for less resistance.
ABEC 7 and ABEC 5 bearings are both popular as well, and are good for skateboarders and inline skaters alike. ABEC 3 bearings are the lowest quality and do provide some speed but not as much as ABEC 5 or higher.
Ultimately, it boils down to how fast you want to go and what type of skating you are doing, as different bearings are better suited to particular disciplines.
Do skateboard bearings work in longboard wheels?
Yes, skateboard bearings can work in longboard wheels. The bearings used in skateboard wheels and longboard wheels are the same size – typically 8mm axles. Some longboard wheels are larger, which means they may require larger bearings.
If that’s the case, you can usually purchase compatible bearings that are designed to fit larger wheels. Bearings can also vary in quality and durability, but many skateboard bearings are designed to be strong and long-lasting, so they should be a suitable choice for longboard wheels.
Make sure you check and double-check the size and dimensions before purchasing to ensure you get the right fit.
How long do skateboard wheels last?
The length of time that a skateboard wheel will last depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of wheel, the frequency of use, and the terrain on which it is used. Generally speaking, softer wheels, such as those made of urethane, will last for about one to two months of regular use on smooth surfaces.
Meanwhile, harder wheels, such as those made of polyurethane, can last anywhere from six to twelve months of regular use on smooth surfaces. However, if skateboarding is done more aggressively, then wheels may need to be replaced more often than usual.
Additionally, if the terrain is not smooth, such as the street, concrete, or gravel, then the wheels will wear down more quickly and will need to be replaced sooner than usual. Ultimately, the length of time that a skateboard wheel will last depends on a variety of factors, but with regular use, most skateboard wheels will need to be replaced in about one to two months.
Are 54mm wheels good for street skating?
54mm wheels are a great choice for street skating and are very popular among skaters, especially street skaters. They provide a good balance of grip and speed, making them a perfect choice for grinding, flip tricks and cruising around.
The size of the wheels also helps to give extra stability when you are hitting larger gaps or big flat surfaces. The softer urethane will also provide a smoother ride, helping to absorb some of the shock of hitting landings or rails.
Overall, 54mm wheels are a great all round choice for street skating.
How do you remove bearings from longboard wheels?
Removing bearings from longboard wheels is a relatively simple process. You will need a few basic tools, such as needle-nosed pliers, an adjustable wrench, and/or an axle nut driver. Here are the steps for removing bearings from longboard wheels:
1. Use the needle-nosed pliers to remove the bearing spacers. These are the small metal discs that sit between the bearing and the wheel core.
2. With the adjustable wrench or axle nut driver, loosen and remove the axle nut holding the wheel in place.
3. Slide the wheel off the axle and set it aside.
4. Flip the wheel over and you will see the bearing on the other side.
5. Use the needle-nosed pliers to gently pry the bearing out of the wheel.
6. Remove the bearing, and then repeat the same process with the other wheel.
Once you have removed the bearings, you can make any necessary repairs or replacements and then reassemble the wheels. It is important to ensure the spacers are installed properly, and to make sure the axle nut is firmly secured.
When you have successfully reassembled the wheels, you can put the wheels back on the board and continue to enjoy your longboard ride!.
How long do Swiss bearings last?
The lifespan of Swiss bearings depends on several factors, such as the quality of their construction, the type of lubrication used, and the conditions of the environment in which they are used. In general, Swiss bearings are known to be extremely durable and can last for years when maintained properly.
With regular cleaning and proper lubrication, Swiss bearings can last for up to 5-10 years, depending on the specific model, size, and speed of the bearing. If they are used in an environment with very little exposure to dirt and debris, they can last even longer.
Additionally, high quality Swiss bearings can last significantly longer than those of lower quality, depending on the application.
Do I need new bearings skateboard?
It depends on the condition of your existing bearings and also the type of skateboarding you’re doing. If your bearings become noisy or brittle when you spin them, you may need to replace them. Skateboard bearings usually need to be replaced every 6 months to a year depending on how often you skate and the environment you skate in.
If you’re doing more high-impact skateboarding such as street skating or some more technical forms of skateboarding that involve more tricks, then you’ll probably want to replace your bearings more often.
If you’re doing less intense skateboarding, such as cruising around a skatepark, then you may not need to replace your bearings as often. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide when you need new bearings based on how your old bearings are performing.
Are longboard bearings the same as skateboard bearings?
No, longboard bearings are not the same as skateboard bearings. Longboard bearings are typically larger and have a higher ABEC rating than skateboard bearings. Longboard bearings also tend to use softer and thicker bearing shields to protect from dirt, dust, and moisture.
Longboard bearings may also have slightly different bearing spacers compared to skateboard bearings, as they are designed to accommodate the larger dimensions of longboard axles and wheels.
