Ever watched a longboarder glide effortlessly down a hill, carving smooth turns that seem almost magical? That magic isn’t just skill—it’s science. The difference between a board that fights you and one that feels like an extension of your body often comes down to two critical components: bearings and wheels.
The heart and soul of your longboard’s performance lies in these unassuming parts.
Think of bearings and wheels as the translators between your intentions and the pavement. Quality bearings determine how efficiently your energy converts to motion, while wheels dictate how your board interacts with the surface below. Together, they create the unique personality of your ride—whether it’s the lightning-quick response needed for technical freestyle or the unwavering stability required for downhill bombing.
What makes certain bearings and wheels “better” isn’t universal—it’s deeply personal. Factors like durometer (wheel hardness), diameter, contact patch width, and bearing ABEC ratings all play crucial roles. A dancer needs different equipment than a downhill racer, just as a cruiser requires different specs than a freeride enthusiast.
Your riding style is the compass that should guide your selection. Slalom riders typically benefit from harder wheels with rounded edges for quick transitions, while distance pushers might prefer larger, softer wheels that absorb vibration and maintain momentum. The bearing that performs flawlessly for one rider might be completely wrong for another.
Understanding this relationship between components and performance isn’t just about technical specs—it’s about finding the setup that speaks your language on the pavement.
Bearing Brilliance: Unlocking Longboard Performance
When you’re cruising down hills or carving through city streets, what separates a butter-smooth ride from a frustrating experience often comes down to those tiny metal circles hidden inside your wheels. Selecting the right bearings for your longboard isn’t just about spending more money—it’s about understanding what makes these precision components tick and matching them to your riding style.
The quest to determine what bearings and wheels are better for a longboard starts with understanding the mysterious ABEC ratings that appear on nearly every bearing package. These ratings (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) measure manufacturing precision—higher numbers indicate tighter tolerances and potentially faster speeds. But here’s the catch that many riders miss: ABEC ratings weren’t designed with skateboarding in mind! They measure precision in controlled industrial environments, not how a bearing performs when subjected to the lateral forces of a hard carve.
ABEC Ratings: Beyond the Numbers
ABEC ratings provide a baseline for bearing quality, but they tell only part of the story. An ABEC 7 bearing offers tighter tolerances (±0.0001mm) than an ABEC 5 (±0.0002mm), potentially allowing for higher speeds with less friction. However, for most longboarders, anything above ABEC 5 delivers diminishing returns unless you’re bombing hills at 40+ mph.
What matters more than ABEC:
- Shield design (removable vs. non-removable)
- Lubricant quality
- Ball spacing and cage design
- Impact resistance
Ceramic vs Steel: The Material Showdown
The debate between ceramic and steel bearings rages on in longboarding circles, with passionate advocates on both sides.
| Feature | Steel Bearings | Ceramic Bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15-30 | $60-150 |
| Durability | Good, but susceptible to rust | Excellent, corrosion-resistant |
| Speed | Fast when clean | Faster, especially at high speeds |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning needed | Less frequent maintenance |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Steel bearings from quality manufacturers offer exceptional performance for most riders. They’re the workhorses of the longboard world—reliable, affordable, and replaceable. Bones Bearings Swiss bearings exemplify this category, delivering professional-grade performance without ceramic’s premium price.
Ceramic bearings use silicon nitride balls that are harder, lighter, and more heat-resistant than steel. This translates to reduced friction and higher potential speeds. They also resist corrosion, making them ideal for riders in humid or coastal environments. The downside? They’re significantly more expensive and can be more brittle under extreme impact.
Top Bearing Picks for Every Riding Style
For Cruising and Carving:
- Zealous Bearings with built-in spacers ($14)
- Perfect balance of low maintenance and smooth roll
- Their proprietary lubricant keeps them rolling longer between cleanings
For Downhill and Speed:
- Bones Ceramic Super Reds ($100)
- Precision ceramic balls with speed-oriented lubricant
- Removable rubber shields for easy cleaning after intense sessions
For All-Around Performance:
- Bronson Speed Co. G3 bearings ($30)
- Innovative straight-edge design reduces friction
- Deep groove raceways handle both speed and impact
The bearing market continues to evolve with manufacturers pushing boundaries in materials and design. While premium options exist, most riders find their sweet spot with mid-range bearings that balance performance, durability, and value. Remember that proper maintenance—regular cleaning and lubrication—often matters more than spending extra on premium bearings that you neglect.
Wheel Wizardry: Mastering Longboard Wheels
When it comes to longboarding, wheels aren’t just round pieces of urethane—they’re the critical interface between you and the pavement. The right wheels can transform your ride from bone-jarring to butter-smooth, while the wrong ones might leave you sliding when you want grip or stuck when you need to drift.
Size Matters More Than You Think
Wheel diameter dramatically influences your riding experience. Larger wheels (70-75mm) roll over cracks and pebbles like they’re not even there, maintaining momentum that smaller wheels can only dream about. For cruising and transportation, these bigger wheels are your best friends.
Smaller wheels (65-70mm) offer quicker acceleration and more responsive turning—perfect for technical freestyle riding where nimbleness trumps top speed.
The wheel’s durometer (hardness) is measured on the A scale, and it’s a game-changer:
- Soft wheels (78a-83a) grip the road like they’re afraid to let go—ideal for rough surfaces and downhill bombing
- Medium wheels (84a-87a) balance grip and slide capability for versatile riding
- Hard wheels (88a+) break into slides easily and are responsive for technical tricks
The shape of your wheel edge also dictates performance:
| Edge Type | Grip Level | Slide Initiation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Maximum | Challenging | Downhill, grip runs |
| Rounded | Moderate | Predictable | Freeride, sliding |
| Beveled | Balanced | Progressive | All-around riding |
Core Placement: The Hidden Performance Factor
The wheel’s core—that plastic center where your bearings sit—affects performance more than most riders realize.
A centerset core places the bearing seat directly in the middle of the wheel. This allows you to flip your wheels when they cone (wear unevenly), effectively doubling their lifespan. Orangatang Stimulus wheels use this configuration for versatility.
Offset cores push the bearing seat toward the inside edge of the wheel. This creates a more responsive turn initiation and predictable slides. Many freeride-focused wheels from Powell Peralta use this design.
Sideset cores position the bearing seat at the very edge of the wheel, creating extremely easy slide initiation but sacrificing some grip and durability.
Top Wheel Picks For Every Riding Style
Cruising Champions:
- Orangatang In Heat (75mm, 77a-83a) – These plush wheels absorb vibration like nothing else, with a wide contact patch that provides stability for long-distance pushes.
- Seismic Speed Vent (85mm, 78.5a) – The larger diameter and proprietary “Defcon” formula make these the gold standard for distance pushing and pumping.
- ABEC 11 Flywheels (76-97mm, 78a-81a) – These classics offer buttery smooth rides with sizes up to a massive 97mm for ultimate roll-over capability.
Downhill Destroyers:
- Venom Magnums (78mm, 74a-76a) – With a wide contact patch and sharp lips, these wheels grip corners like they’re on rails.
- RAD Advantages (74mm, 77a-80a) – The unique core design and premium urethane provide predictable grip-to-slide transitions at high speeds.
- Blood Orange Alpines (73mm, 78a-80a) – These wheels feature a race-inspired shape with a supportive core for consistent performance in high-speed corners.
Freestyle Favorites:
- Powell Peralta G-Slides (59mm, 85a) – Small, hard, and nimble—perfect for technical tricks and urban environments.
- Remember Collective Hoots (65mm, 78a-82a) – These slide-oriented wheels break traction easily for controlled slides and 180s.
- Orangatang Fat Free (65mm, 80a-86a) – Versatile wheels that balance maneuverability with smooth rolling for freestyle-focused riders.
The perfect wheel choice ultimately depends on your riding style, local terrain, and personal preferences. Experiment with different options to find your ideal setup—your future self will thank you when you’re carving that perfect line.