Full Guide: Wheel Bearings for Surfskating
What is the best bearings for SurfSkate?
Have you ever wondered why some athletes can achieve high speeds on the surf skate track while you keep putting in the effort but seem to get nowhere?
There are 4 factors that can directly influence speed gain in surfskate:
- Truck technology
- Projection technique
- Wheel size
- Bearings
I suggest you read this guide thoroughly as we will delve deep into everything you need to know about the 4th main aspect: Bearings for SurfSkate. Check it out!
Surfskate athletes usually seek to update their equipment configuration only when the surfsimulator exhibits different behaviors due to natural wear and tear over time.
When it comes to speed projection, the main symptoms can be directly related to the lack of maintenance of the front truck, excessive wheel wear, or bearing lock-ups.
Buying a new surfsimulator might seem convenient, but if you intend to save money or simply enhance your equipment, follow our hot tips to easily upgrade your surfsimulator.
Performing regular maintenance on your surfsimulator is undoubtedly an excellent preventive practice. However, be aware that this recurring activity can consume a significant amount of your lifetime.
Therefore, I suggest that before anything else, you conduct some basic tests to identify if the real need is just cleaning/lubrication or permanently replacing the original bearings of your surfskate.
Make sure the wheels are NOT excessively tightened by the screw to the truck. Rotate them slowly and assess how they come to a stop…
Do you have questions about how to maintain your surfsimulator?
Click to access our guide: How to maintain Carver SurfSkateboards
Topics Of Article
Why Use Ceramic Bearings In Your SurfSimulator?
Ceramic bearings are considered the fastest when compared to any other bearing option for surfskates currently available in the market. This is because ceramic balls are smoother and lighter, allowing the bearing to spin more smoothly and with less resistance due to reduced friction between the balls and the casing.
Another crucial factor regarding the main benefits of ceramic bearings is their thermal stability; that is, ceramics do not expand or contract easily when subjected to drastic temperature variations.
When we compare ceramic bearings to other bearings made of stainless steel, the latter easily deforms due to its high thermal sensitivity, thus compromising its precision and efficiency during the rotation process.
Meanwhile, ceramic balls maintain their shape and stable dimensions even when exposed to high temperatures, ensuring the highest standard of quality in operation.
About ABEC Rating in Bearings for SurfSimulator
The ABEC rating in bearings is not related to the quality and performance parameters for surfsimulators.
Bearings with higher ABEC ratings are not necessarily faster than other bearings with lower ABEC ratings.
The ABEC rating was established by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA). Among its various tasks, this organization is responsible for measuring the tolerances of ball bearings used in high-speed spinning machinery.
The ABEC rating can range from 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. In other words, the higher the number, the tighter the tolerance.
Note: Abec 11 is a manufacturing brand and does not belong to the ABEC rating scale.
The ABEC rating only measures dimensional tolerances in manufacturing.Therefore, it does not provide information about the construction, materials, lubrication, speed, or load capacity.
Disclaimer About Freeroll Spin Test
Don’t be fooled by the free spin test, as if you flip the surfsimulator upside down and spin the wheels, the duration they roll doesn’t exactly refer to the quality and performance.Bearings that spin for an extended period in the free spin test are not necessarily better than others that stop earlier.
In other words, the free spin test doesn’t precisely reveal the bearing performance under load!
Different bearings use various lubricants. If you compare thick lithium grease with thin oil, you’ll certainly notice that bearings with low-viscosity oil will spin better.
However, when riding a surfskate, it’s an entirely different scenario as it involves the application of weight and speed. As bearings heat up due to friction, the lubricant becomes less viscous and rolls faster.
In fact, it’s advisable to apply thicker lubricant to the wheels of your surfsimulator. Thin oil is likely to leak from the seals due to centrifugal force. On the other hand, thick lubricant stays in the bearings and keeps them lubricated for a longer time.
The only reason the free spin test could be relevant is when the bearings are damaged or rusted. If they produce strange noises or stop quickly, it may be necessary to clean, lubricate, or even replace them.
Standard Bearings vs Integrated Bearings
“If you’re upgrading your surfsimulator, get integrated bearings to eliminate the need for spacers and speed rings.” WSSL – CEO Rafael Azevêdo
Standard bearings require the use of spacers inside the wheel between them, as well as speed rings on both sides.
Speed rings are tiny components and can be easily lost if you’re not careful and organized during your surfsimulator maintenance.
Additionally, spacers may vary in size depending on the core of wheels from different manufacturers, leading to internal clearances and potential equipment damage.
That said, check out above to more detail the best bearing options in the market to enhance your surfsimulator.
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