Yes it's worth it if you live in the northwest, I grew up in Olympia, WA. There's a pretty strong scene for a smaller city and everyone in my crew had a rain board at one time. Just some old trucks and a deck with soft wheels so you don't slip out just making a turn or something while you're cruising. Rain boarding almost becomes a different activity in itself, fat puddles become spots. It's dope and definitely helps you keep your sanity over the winter. Spending this winter in AZ though (-:
And just as with normal skating, "higher quality" bearings don't really matter. If your wheels are spinning too well just roll through some more puddles and that shit'll be good