Bearing Skateboard Size: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

What is Bearing Skateboard Size?

Bearing skateboard size refers to the dimensions of the bearings used in your skateboard wheels. These bearings are small, precise components that play a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your ride. The bearing skateboard size you choose will depend on several factors, including the size of your wheels and the type of skateboarding you plan on doing.

Common Bearing Skateboard Sizes

Bearing skateboard sizes are standardized by the ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineering Committee) rating system. The most common bearing skateboard sizes are:

ABEC Rating	Inner Diameter (mm)	Outer Diameter (mm)	Width (mm)
ABEC 1	8	22	7
ABEC 3	8	22	7
ABEC 5	8	22	7
ABEC 7	8	22	7
ABEC 9	8	22	7

Choosing the Right Bearing Skateboard Size

The bearing skateboard size you choose will depend on the following factors:

Wheel size: Smaller wheels require smaller bearings, while larger wheels require larger bearings.

Riding style: If you plan on doing technical tricks or skating at high speeds, you'll need bearings with a higher ABEC rating (e.g., ABEC 7 or ABEC 9).

Effective Strategies for Choosing Bearing Skateboard Size

Use the ABEC rating system: The ABEC rating system provides a standard way to compare bearing skateboard sizes. Higher ABEC ratings indicate bearings with tighter tolerances and higher precision, which translates to better performance and durability.

Consider your wheel size: Smaller wheels require smaller bearings, while larger wheels require larger bearings.

Think about your riding style: If you plan on doing technical tricks or skating at high speeds, you'll need bearings with a higher ABEC rating (e.g., ABEC 7 or ABEC 9).

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Bearing Skateboard Size

Using the wrong bearing size: Using bearings that are too small or too large for your wheels can result in poor performance and premature wear.

Choosing bearings with a low ABEC rating: Bearings with a low ABEC rating (e.g., ABEC 1 or ABEC 3) are less precise and durable than bearings with a higher ABEC rating.

Overtightening the bearings: Overtightening the bearings can prevent them from spinning freely, which will reduce performance and increase wear.

Basic Concepts of Bearing Skateboard Size

Inner diameter: The inner diameter of a bearing is the measurement of the hole in the center of the bearing. This measurement should match the diameter of the axle on your skateboard wheels.

Outer diameter: The outer diameter of a bearing is the measurement of the outside edge of the bearing. This measurement should match the diameter of the wheel hub.

Width: The width of a bearing is the measurement of the thickness of the bearing.

Tips and Tricks for Choosing Bearing Skateboard Size

Measure your wheels: Before you purchase bearings, measure the diameter of your wheels to determine the correct bearing size.

Use a bearing size chart: Bearing size charts can be found online or in skate shops. These charts will help you determine the correct bearing skateboard size for your wheels.

Ask for help: If you're unsure about which bearing skateboard size to choose, ask for help from a salesperson at a skate shop or from a friend or family member who skateboards.

FAQs About Bearing Skateboard Size

What is the most common bearing skateboard size? The most common bearing skateboard size is ABEC 7.

What is the difference between ABEC 1 and ABEC 9 bearings? ABEC 9 bearings are more precise and durable than ABEC 1 bearings.

Can I use different bearing sizes on my skateboard? Yes, you can use different bearing skateboard sizes on your skateboard, but the bearings must be the same size for each wheel.

Success Stories

Skater A: Skater A was having trouble with his skateboard wheels rolling smoothly. He replaced his old bearings with new ABEC 7 bearings, and his skateboard now rolls much more smoothly and quickly.

Skater B: Skater B was looking for bearings that would be durable enough to withstand his aggressive skating style. He purchased ABEC 9 bearings, and his bearings have held up well despite his hard skating.

Skater C: Skater C was unsure about which bearing skateboard size to choose. He asked for help from a salesperson at a skate shop, and the salesperson helped him choose the correct size bearings for his wheels. Skater C is now happy with the performance of his new bearings.

Bearing Skateboard Size: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit