SKATEBOARD BEARINGS: GENERAL INFO
Every skateboard wheel is equipped with two bearings. If you want, you can fill the space between them with a spacer. This small metal cylinder prevents the bearings from being forced into the center of the wheels when tightening the axle nut and getting damaged. Furthermore, spacers ensure that your bearings remain parallel with each other. Spacers are particularly prudent if you have soft wheels or so-called “non-core wheels”.
Check out Lucid's ABEC 7 Bearings here: Lucid ABEC 7 Bearings with Spacers
WHERE EXACTLY DO THE BEARINGS SIT IN THE WHEEL?
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1. Hanger 2. Axle 3. Wheel 4. Bearings 5. Spacer 6. Speed Ring 7. Axle Nut |
SKATEBOARD BEARINGS: COMPOSITION & PARTS
Bearings are comprised of a large outer ring and a smaller inner ring. Between these rings are small steel balls. These are what enable the wheels to turn. On either side of the rings are covers, called shields, which prevent the bearings from getting dirty. In order to keep the balls in position, they are contained inside of a so-called “ball cage.”
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1. Outer Ring 2. Inner Ring 3. Ball Cage 4. Balls |
You can also choose to skate with ball bearings without shields, which are open or semi-open. If you do skate with open or semi-open bearings, they will indeed be more susceptible to contamination, but they will be somewhat faster. Many skaters enjoy the slightly louder sound of a skateboard with open bearings.
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1. Shield 2. Ball Cage 3. Ball 4. Outer Ring 5. Inner Ring 6. Shield 7. C-Ring |