Longboard ball bearings
The right ball bearing is essential if you want your longboard to roll properly. As always, there are various options that affect the handling of your longboard. Choosing the right ball bearing therefore requires careful consideration. You can find our selection of longboard bearings here
The basics: what you should know about longboard bearings
As a general rule, the bearings that you may have already preferred for skateboarding can also be used for longboarding. However, you should always bear the following tips in mind:
- If you want to equip your longboard with ball bearings, remember that each wheel has two ball bearings. That makes a total of eight bearings per longboard - another reason why most manufacturers usually offer their bearings in packs of eight.
- To prevent two bearings from being pressed together, there are special spacers that you should also get yourself.
- When choosing ball bearings, you should definitely know the diameter of your axle pins. Most ball bearings are designed for axles with an 8 mm diameter. This is the standard that you will come across most often. However, there are also models that fit 10 mm axles.
A good choice: ceramic ball bearings
If you do a lot of downhill riding, it's worth considering special ceramic ball bearings. Although they are a little more expensive, they are of a much higher quality than conventional ball bearings.
The special thing about ceramic ball bearings is that they are extremely heat-resistant and therefore more durable. In addition, these ball bearings are better able to cope with wet conditions - so they are just right for downhillers.
Stroke: the seat of the ball bearing
Have you decided on a ball bearing? Very good - now it's time to choose the stroke, i.e. the position where you attach the bearings. Your decision will have a major impact on the handling of your board and the wear and tear on the wheels. There are basically three different types of hubs:
- Center set: The bearings are positioned in the middle so that the wheels wear evenly.
- Side set: The bearings are positioned very close to the edge. This means that the longboard can slide better. The disadvantage is that the wheels wear in a cone shape.
- Off-set: This is a compromise between the center and side set.
Without ball bearings, your wheels cannot turn. So it's no wonder that they are so important for your longboard. It is important that you always have eight ball bearings together and check whether they fit on your axle pins - if this is the case, all you have to do is decide on the position of the ball bearing (hub) and you're ready to go.
