Skateboard Bearings 101: What They Are and Why They Matter

Imagine cutting along the boardwalk on a gorgeous summer evening while your board is buzzing like it has its own life. You feel like Nyjah Huston is going to deliver a game-changing portion as the sun sets and your team gets you hyped up. That magic? Your skateboard bearings—those microscopic metal or ceramic MVPs rotating within your wheels—are solely responsible for this. The core of your ride, these nasty guys transform your pushes into a fluid, effortless glide.

However, what are they and why are they important? We're about to dive headfirst into the world of bearings with a narrative that will make you want to kiss those little spinners, so fasten your seatbelt (or, like, lace up your Vans).

Why Bearings Matter: A Skater's Tale

Meet Joey, a skater from Venice Beach who learned the hard way why bearings are everything. One day, he’s bombing a hill, feeling like a skate god, when his board starts wobbling like a bad TikTok dance. Turns out, his crusty old bearings were screaming for help.

Spoiler: new bearings saved his vibe and his board. So, whether you’re a park rat or a street cruiser, let’s break down why these tiny titans are the key to keeping your sessions lit.

Materials Used in Bearings: Steel vs. Ceramic, the Ultimate Throwdown

Bearings come in two flavors: steel and ceramic, and choosing between them is like picking your favorite skate video part—both slap, but they’ve got different vibes.

Steel Bearings

• The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 of the bunch: classic, affordable, and tough as nails.

• Made with hardened steel balls and races.

• Lubed up with grease or oil to keep things slicker than a freshly waxed curb.

• Your go-to for everyday shredding—from street sessions to late-night Taco Bell runs.

Ceramic Bearings

• The skate world’s equivalent of a limited-edition Supreme drop.

• Made with ceramic balls (usually silicon nitride) and steel or ceramic races.

• Smoother, lighter, and rust-resistant.

• Spin like you're in a Fast & Furious chase scene.

• Joey upgraded to ceramics before a local skate comp and swore his board was floating.

Which team are you riding for?

How Bearings Affect Performance: Speed, Style, and Straight-Up Swagger

Ever watched a skater like Lizzie Armanto flow through a bowl like it’s a dance? That’s not just skill—it’s the bearings working overtime to keep you rolling smooth. Quality skateboard bearings cut friction to the bone, letting your wheels spin faster and longer with less effort.

It’s the difference between zooming past your crew and panting like you just ran a marathon.

But it’s not just about speed—bearings bring smoothness and control to the table, making your carves sharper and your tricks cleaner.

Cheap bearings? They’re like skating with a backpack full of bricks—clunky and soul-crushing. Joey learned this when his old bearings turned a chill cruise into a wobbly nightmare.

High-quality ones, though? They’re like upgrading from a flip phone to an iPhone 16—suddenly, your board’s responsive, your ollies pop, and you’re landing tricks like you’re in a Skate 3 montage.

Upgrade Your Bearings, Upgrade Your Ride

So, next time you’re eyeing new bearings, ask yourself: are you trying to roll like a pro or rattle like a shopping cart?

Check out our collection of high-quality bearings to upgrade your ride — and keep rolling smooth!