How Many Bearings Does a Skateboard Need?

Skateboarding is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is also a great way to stay physically active and improve your balance and coordination. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned pro, it’s important to know about its special parts. There are a lot of moving parts in a skateboard- from the deck to the trucks to the wheels. But one of the most important parts is often overlooked: the bearings.

So, how many bearings does a skateboard need? This question lacks a clear-cut solution because it is dependent on the kind of skateboard, the rider’s weight, and the surface. Skateboards, however, typically require at least four bearings, two for each wheel.

How many bearings does a skateboard have?

A skateboard has 8 bearings, two for each wheel.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the role of bearings in skateboarding and explore how to find the right number for your setup. Keep reading to learn more!

How Many Bearings Are In A Skateboard And What Size Are They?

Eight bearings are standard on skateboards. This makes it possible for you to glide across the pavement with ease. The number of bearings utilized in skateboards might vary, though. As little as four or as many as twelve bearings may be included on some boards.

Bearing type is also important. Abec 3 and Abec 5 are the two primary bearing types. The greater the bearing quality, the higher the number. Because they are more dependable and offer a smoother ride, Abec 5 bearings are preferred by the majority of skateboarders.

How To Determine The Number Of Bearings Needed For Your Skateboard?

To determine the number of bearings needed for your skateboard, you need to consider the following factors that we have discussed below in detail for your guidance.

Weight of Rider

The weight of the rider is one of the primary factors that determine how many bearings a skateboard needs. Heavier riders will put more pressure on the bearings, which can cause them to wear out faster.

Contrastingly, lighter riders can get away with fewer bearings. This is because they put less pressure on the bearings, which means they will last longer. If you’re a lighter rider, you might be able to get away with just four bearings.

Type of Skateboard

Longboards, for example, need more bearings than traditional skateboards. This is because longboards are longer and heavier, which puts more pressure on the bearings. As a result, longboards typically need six or more bearings.

Surface

The number of bearings in your skateboard wheels affects the type of surface you’ll be riding on. Wheels with fewer bearings are more likely to slip on smooth surfaces like polished concrete or asphalt. Rougher surfaces like sidewalks require more bearings to prevent slippage.

Pros Of Using High-Quality Bearings

1. Increased efficiency – High-quality bearings help machines run smoother and faster, which saves energy in the long run
2. Extended lifespan – These bearings are built to last longer than lower-quality bearings, you’ll end up needing to replace them less often.
3. Less wear and tear on other machine parts – When a machine has high-quality bearings, it puts less stress on other parts, leading to fewer mechanical failures overall.
4. Safer operation – In some cases, lower-quality bearings can cause a machine to vibrate excessively or even break apart. This can lead to serious injury if you’re operating the machine at the time.
5. Higher tolerance for extreme conditions – High-quality bearings are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high speeds, and heavy loads without failing.
6. Improved performance – With good bearings performing at their best, your machines will be able to do their jobs better and faster.

How To Keep Your Bearings In Good Condition?

Avoiding Water

Water is one of the worst enemies of bearings. It can cause rust and other forms of corrosion, which will damage the bearings and reduce their lifespan.

If you must ride in the rain, try to avoid puddles and other sources of standing water. And if your bearings do get wet, make sure to dry them off as soon as possible.

Avoiding Dirt and Debris

Dirt, sand, and other debris can also damage bearings. These particles can work their way into the bearing and cause friction, which will damage the bearings over time.

To avoid this, try to keep your bearings clean and free of debris. You can do this by wiping them down with a clean cloth after each ride.

Lubricating Your Bearings

Lubricating your bearings is one of the best ways to keep them in good condition. This helps to reduce friction and prevent the bearings from overheating. There are a few different types of lubricants you can use, but we recommend using light oil or grease.

Storing Your Bearings Properly

When you’re not using your skateboard, it’s important to store the bearings properly. This helps to protect them from dirt, water, and other potential sources of damage.

One of the best ways to store bearings is in a clean, dry place. You can also put them in a zip-top bag or a container with a lid.

Replacing Your Bearings

Even if you take good care of your bearings, they will eventually need to be replaced. The frequency of replacement will depend on how often you use your skateboard and the conditions you ride in.

In general, you should expect to replace your bearings every few months to a year. If you ride frequently or in harsh conditions, you may need to replace them more often.

Tips For Riding With Better Control And More Speed

1. Lean into your turns – When you’re turning, lean your body in the direction you want to go. This will help you keep your balance and increase your speed.
2. Use your weight to control your speed – You can use your weight to go faster or slower by shifting from your toes to your heels. To go faster, transfer your weight to your toes. To go slower, shift your weight to your heels.
3. Pump your legs – As you’re riding, pump your legs up and down to generate more speed.
4. Stay low to the ground – When you’re riding, try to keep your body close to the ground. This will help you stay more stable and increase your speed.
5. Practice – The more you practice, the better you’ll get at riding. So get out there and ride as much as you can!

Conclusion

Bearings are the small metal balls that help your wheels spin. Generally speaking, most boards require eight bearings. 

If you ride street tricks or have a smaller board, you may only need six bearings. And if you have a larger board or like to go downhill skating, you may need up to twelve bearings. 

No matter what size board you have or what kind of riding you do, it’s always a good idea to keep an extra set of bearings on hand just in case something happens to one of yours.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you want to learn more about skateboarding, be sure to check out our other articles. Thanks for reading!