Skateboard Bearings

Does the ABEC rating matter?

Less than the marketing suggests. ABEC is a manufacturing-precision standard, and higher numbers mean tighter tolerances, but for skateboarding the difference between ABEC 5 and ABEC 9 is marginal compared to the bearing's build quality and how clean and lubricated it is. Plenty of the best skate bearings do not use the ABEC scale at all. Buy on brand reputation and build, not the ABEC number.

Which bearings should you get?

• Bones Reds — the benchmark for price-to-performance, and the set most skaters start with. Reliable, fast and affordable.
• Bones Swiss — the step up, faster and longer-lasting for riders who want the best.
• Bronson — modern design with integrated spacers and shields, easy to maintain and very popular.

All are a universal fit — eight bearings per set, one for each side of your four wheels, and they work in any skateboard, longboard or cruiser wheel.

How do you look after your bearings?

Keep them dry and clean. The fastest way to kill bearings is water and grit, so avoid wet ground and clean them when they start to slow or grind. A clean and re-lubricated set of good bearings often outperforms a brand-new set of cheap ones. We stock bearing cleaner and lube, and spacers and washers help them sit correctly and last longer.

Do you need spacers and washers?

They help. Spacers sit between the two bearings inside each wheel and stop them compressing when you tighten the axle nut, which keeps them spinning freely and lasting longer. Washers sit either side to reduce friction against the truck and wheel. Not essential, but a cheap upgrade that protects the bearings you just bought.

Buying skateboard bearings in Australia

Bones, Bronson, Spitfire and more, plus cleaner, lube, spacers and washers. Free shipping on orders over $90 and same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond showroom. Not sure what to get? It is a quick question — ask us.

Wheels · Trucks · Decks · Complete Skateboards · Skateboard Setup Guide