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Skateboarding => Shoes & Gear => Topic started by: maggotspawn on April 14, 2018, 07:33:18 PM
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What bearings are you guys using? I'm a fan of Bones Swiss and I had some blank ceramic bearings that were just as fast.
Looking for suggestions for a new build.
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Bronson Raws, it ain’t fast if it ain’t loud.
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Bronson Raws, it ain’t fast if it ain’t loud.
Actually the opposite is true.
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Seriously - this is the easiest question to answer about your whole set up , and the answer has been the same since the start of enclosed bearings . If your not riding bones Swiss you are blowing it , unless your riding bones ceramics.
Anyone who says any different is wrong .
Every other bearing company is trying to replicate them, but can't -
Case closed .
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Spitfire cheapshots
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Unsealed.....regularly maintained with sand....just to keep them noisy....
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Nice, another topic where people are coming to claim that they run reds for 5years and they are as good as swiss. They’re not. Swiss or gtfo.
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Nice, another topic where people are coming to claim that they run reds for 5years and they are as good as swiss. They’re not. Swiss or gtfo.
nah but i'll get 8 months till they break, and that's fine by me
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https://bonesbearings.com/bones-reg-swiss-skateboard-bearings-8-pack
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Swiss 6 hands down.
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main setup: bones swiss
2nd setup: 11:11
zipzagger: 11:11
cruiser: mini logo
in my opinion 11:11 bearings are the best budget bearings.
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Bones Swiss 6, first set in almost 20 years of skating and I don't think I'm going back.
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bones swiss.
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bones swiss.
end thread.
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For real tho maggot, there’s already bearing thread you can go get nutty in.
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For real tho maggot, there’s already bearing thread you can go get nutty in.
I tried a search, but my tablet was being wonky. Just ordered a couple of set of Bones Swiss. If it ain't broke...
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Hard luck 6 balls in my main setup.
Bones swiss in a different one
Black panthers in my rainy day set up
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Been running a set of bronson g2s for about a year now. Theyre still going pretty strong. Gonna grab some more in a few weeks. Had some of those 6 ball swiss and hated rhem, after 2 1/2 months they were all sludgey and two of them broke in the same day. Diggin what bronson puts out and will probably just keep skating those. 30 bucks and theyre the best bearings Ive ever skated.
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Running three setups:
Swiss Six (same set for many years)
Bronson G3s (have had them since they launched and have had ZERO issues; just cleaned and lubed them too)
Indy Blacks (still going strong, again had them since launch)
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Nice, another topic where people are coming to claim that they run reds for 5years and they are as good as swiss. They’re not. Swiss or gtfo.
ive been running my reds for about that long never had any issues, roll great. Can't beat $18 for 5 years of good times. Never saw the need to spend the extra dough. Different strokes.
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Mini Logos
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Nice, another topic where people are coming to claim that they run reds for 5years and they are as good as swiss. They’re not. Swiss or gtfo.
ive been running my reds for about that long never had any issues, roll great. Can't beat $18 for 5 years of good times. Never saw the need to spend the extra dough. Different strokes.
All my Reds, Super Reds have ended with cracked crowns.
Im on a set of swiss 6's that are 2 years strong. Ive cleaned up with acetone twice and use speed cream every 2 months and they're strong as ever.
I also have a set of Swiss in my drawer i used for 3-4 years that i stopped using to try the current 6's im using.
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Bronson Raw in one setup and Andale Blues in another.
The Raws are cool because they are indeed loud as hell. The thin stock lube evaporated and spun out after the first week. I relubed them with the Bronson ceramic lube and they've been fine ever since. I always said popping shields was moronic but then I bought shieldless bearings so what do I know ;D
From now on I only plan on buying Andale Blues. They're fast, smooth, trouble free and only cost $14.
The only bearing I've ever used that felt noticeably faster than any other bearing were Swiss 6. Those are the truth but mine started to rust early and that annoyed me
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Modus abec 7 without the shields...fast and they keep their speed. I got them from 1 year. The other bearings I got were andale abec 5 and reds, I broke them both.
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Reds in my main setup and a mix of Bronson and Mini logo bearings in my cruiser setup
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i generally try to go south-southeast
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seriously been on the same set of reds with the shields off for the last three years.
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Bones swiss with main set up. reds with cruisers
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Are Swiss really that much better? I'm riding Super Reds right now and they seem pretty great. Every time I happen to need new bearings I'm broke but I'm debating splurging on some.
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My cruiser has been riding the same Reds for about 5 years now. Those things regularly go through rain, dirt, mud, and dust and still roll flawlessly. I've been through 3 pairs of Swiss on my 'regular' board in the same time span.
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Nice, another topic where people are coming to claim that they run reds for 5years and they are as good as swiss. They’re not. Swiss or gtfo.
ive been running my reds for about that long never had any issues, roll great. Can't beat $18 for 5 years of good times. Never saw the need to spend the extra dough. Different strokes.
All my Reds, Super Reds have ended with cracked crowns.
Im on a set of swiss 6's that are 2 years strong. Ive cleaned up with acetone twice and use speed cream every 2 months and they're strong as ever.
I also have a set of Swiss in my drawer i used for 3-4 years that i stopped using to try the current 6's im using.
I basically only skate ledges, so I've never had a red break, can't recall specifically having any break. Although when I used to huck, it's highly possible. I am very much a if it's not broke don't fix it type. I never clean my bearings either, I don't spend much time obsessing over gear. I'll even ride wheels for over a year.
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My cruiser has been riding the same Reds for about 5 years now. Those things regularly go through rain, dirt, mud, and dust and still roll flawlessly. I've been through 3 pairs of Swiss on my 'regular' board in the same time span.
ha i had a set of the independent bearings on a cruiser that were the same way - super rusted and crusted but still rolled fast.. I got some red ceramics on my cruiser and they've trudged through dirty puddles, sand etc and still roll fast and silent
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Bronson Raws, it ain’t fast if it ain’t loud.
these bearings are dogshit
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half Spitfire burners half Shake Junt bearings I got from some friend in a trade. The SPitfire ones blow out kinda fast so I started using the Shake Junt ones even though they are a bit rusty since they are like 6 years old, still run great. Highly recommendable
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Modus ABEC 7, great budget bearings
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Pig Bearings...The best in the game!
Fuck Bones Swiss...
;D ::)
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Spitfire cheapshots
these, and they are sluggish. definitely a pricepoint bearing.
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Swiss 6 have been going strong for me for 3 years. They even got a bit rusty when I went out with some melty ice on the ground. Cleaned them with acetone and threw some speed cream in and they're good as new. Highly recommended.
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I have ridden them all
redz, swiss, bronson, indy, spitfire, flip...
with shields, without shields, rusted, busted, silent, loud, dirty as a whore, highly maintained...
once you put it under your feet they all roll the same
they tell you about tolerances and polishing and triple steel race finishing, but after one session all those tolerances are launched in the outer space
this is my conclusion after many years of obsessively trying it all
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ninja abec 7's - service them every time I set up some new wheels and they last for fucking years
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reds because i only spend my college money on college things
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Swiss or Reds, i havent skated anything else in a good 11 years.
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I'm finding Bones Swiss for $20 all over The Net. For that price, it's kind of a no brainer, I just ordered another set.
I must admit the Amphetamine Ceramic Silvers I'm running now seem pretty fast, though I haven't stepped on a board in years.
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sensitive question: does anyone
pop the shields on bones swiss?
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I'm finding Bones Swiss for $20 all over The Net. For that price, it's kind of a no brainer, I just ordered another set.
I must admit the Amphetamine Ceramic Silvers I'm running now seem pretty fast, though I haven't stepped on a board in years.
you bought bootleg ones
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sensitive question: does anyone
pop the shields on bones swiss?
I do after they’re few years old,never brand new tho.
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I'm finding Bones Swiss for $20 all over The Net. For that price, it's kind of a no brainer, I just ordered another set.
I must admit the Amphetamine Ceramic Silvers I'm running now seem pretty fast, though I haven't stepped on a board in years.
you bought bootleg ones
They sure look real to me.
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(https://i.imgur.com/JWkGrvbl.jpg)
If they're fake, somebody went through a lot of trouble.
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I bought fake REDS off eBay for fuck's sake and they had all the correct swag in the box. That's not too difficult for a large volume pirate.
Either those are old stock that someone just wanted to get rid of or they are fake. $20 is cheaper than Bones' wholesale price.
If you examine them closely next to a known legitimate set from Skateone you'll probably see a few tiny differences like shifting font sizes and colors on the originals, different races, etc.
Anyhow, I've never been able to justify $60 on bearings so Reds it is. Although my last set was Basic Bronsons which weren't great.
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They're fake, I got had a couple years back, looked just like em, but the feel can't be replicated. It isn't hard to print a piece of paper and cardboard and make stickers.
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(https://i.imgur.com/GK2pu8R.jpg)
I didn't even know fake bearings were a thing.
Having a hard time figuring out if mine are fake or not, but I'll just assume they are.
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They don't have the "Made in Switzerland" on the front of the box.
(https://www.skateone.com/assets/skateone/productimage/size/524x524/method/padding/v/37e6/BSAWBX88.jpg)
I know there are a couple retailers selling legit ones that show a picture of the box without it, but I believe those retailers just grabbed an image off the web for "bones swiss" and accidentally posted a box of the fakes.
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Modus blacks, cheaper and better than china bones reds
Like rockn Ron said, don’t buy Chinese bearings
I’ve had 3/4 sets of reds and they felt the same as every set of bearings I had until I tried modus cause they were cheap and cheaper on sale so I said fuck it why not new bearings feel smooth, they didn’t just feel smooth they were slightly fast out the box almost broken in fast and still silent and smooth. They felt brand new and still kinda do for the longest time
I’ve been riding them for about 2 months now no cleaning or anything no popped shields and they’re still silent, smooth and fast
Also grant Taylor rides modus
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^would you say it's the grease oiled aspect? I read that grease oiled bearings last longer (lubrication wise), but achieve less optimal speed compared to thin-oil lubricated bearings.
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mini logos fuck it
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^would you say it's the grease oiled aspect? I read that grease oiled bearings last longer (lubrication wise), but achieve less optimal speed compared to thin-oil lubricated bearings.
Maybe but really I think it’s cause modus are made in Europe/with actually controlled tolerances and qualities for skating like Swiss
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I'm still running some Diamond Smoke Rings that my girlfriend gifted me almost 3 years ago (I guess she liked the jewell case ahah)...
(https://images.tcdn.com.br/img/img_prod/595531/rolamento_diamond_smoke_rings_448_1_20171103015917.png)
They are really really good, at least I have no complains.
Fast and durable, I just need to clean and lube them because I'm super lazy and never did. I run with shields and I think they are getting a bit rusty inside (last month I had to change 1 to my back-up reds, it was not spinning properly). They cost more 10 or 15€ than reds but I think reds start feeling sluggish after a bit more than 1 year, so those have a good cost/value to me.
I was actually looking now at those Cortina bearings online and they look promissing. I like the fancy package and the price is not soooo bad for something that sounds fairly premium.
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^would you say it's the grease oiled aspect? I read that grease oiled bearings last longer (lubrication wise), but achieve less optimal speed compared to thin-oil lubricated bearings.
Maybe but really I think it’s cause modus are made in Europe/with actually controlled tolerances and qualities for skating like Swiss
Are they though?
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I was praising those Diamond's yesterday here and today I just broke one! I think its my first one in like forever, so its just super wierd...
Changed all of them to a set of Reds I had as a backup.
Might try something different in the future.
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Between all the different setups here we have 3 sets of Flip hkd 7s, Mini Logo, Shake Junt B. Herman, Modus Black, Bones Swiss and Super Swiss 6.
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Swiss 6's for life.
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Currently rocking a mix of Modus Blacks, Super Reds, and one Swiss 6, all with shields popped off. They get the job done.
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Those fake Bones Swiss were POS bearings, they were making noise after one day of skating. I complained to the E-bay seller and he refunded my money for the 2 sets I bought. I'm paranoid now, I'm just going to order them direct from Powell now.
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Those fake Bones Swiss were POS bearings, they were making noise after one day of skating. I complained to the E-bay seller and he refunded my money for the 2 sets I bought. I'm paranoid now, I'm just going to order them direct from Powell now.
I wouldn't buy from ebay or amazon but any reputable skate shop whether brick and mortar or online like SW, Tactics, Daddies, CCS, etc. will have the real thing.
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Those fake Bones Swiss were POS bearings, they were making noise after one day of skating. I complained to the E-bay seller and he refunded my money for the 2 sets I bought. I'm paranoid now, I'm just going to order them direct from Powell now.
I wouldn't buy from ebay or amazon but any reputable skate shop whether brick and mortar or online like SW, Tactics, Daddies, CCS, etc. will have the real thing.
Yeah, I was doing ok on eBay and then I got those fakes and got spooked. There are a few bigger outfits that have an eBay presence that might be cheaper than your local but if it seems like a great deal it probably isn't.
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http://www.oustbearings.com
Anybody ever hear of Oust bearings? Apparently a lot of downhill guys use them.
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InlineWarehouse is a sister company of SkateWarehouse, so I think I trust them. They have Bones bearings cheap, although the best deals are on sets of 16.
Currently Swiss pricing is $43 (plus shipping) for one or two sets (16 bearings) for $80 (free shipping). SW has one set for $60.
Two sets of Swiss 6 for $89.
https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Bones_Skate_Bearings/catpage-BONESBEAR.html
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InlineWarehouse is a sister company of SkateWarehouse, so I think I trust them. They have Bones bearings cheap, although the best deals are on sets of 16.
Currently Swiss pricing is $43 (plus shipping) for one or two sets (16 bearings) for $80 (free shipping). SW has one set for $60.
Two sets of Swiss 6 for $89.
https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Bones_Skate_Bearings/catpage-BONESBEAR.html
They aren't an authorized Bones Bearings dealer, according to the Skate One website.
I wouldn't mess around, and just use authorized dealers or buy direct from Powell.
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I had good luck with the Bones Race Reds with the built in spacers.
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I wanted a fresh summer complete and knew I was gonna get Bones as usual. Usually the Swiss 6. This time around I tried something different: the Swiss Labyrinth L2’s. These bearings are insane. Fresh out of the box at the local park I was getting too much speed, they felt even faster than the six balls which didn’t make sense. But that’s not a bad thing.
They’re dead silent, moreso than any other bearing when new. They also have the Swiss shield on both sides of the bearing so I have no idea whether there’s any with the cage facing out or in, in my wheels. Highly recommend these bearings.
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Does the inner race stick out enough that you can crank your axel nut? The extended you can do this which is why I like them.....to me it's mind blowing. It's the way a bearing should work. You should never crank anything back a quarter turn.......
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I went a bit gear crazy uhhh in 2018 and ended up buying two sets of the cortina "pro" bearings (among a bunch of other shit), a Kyle Walker set and either Elijah Berle or Nak, i forget. I liked them for a week then hated them. They squeaked like they were rusty or something. I ended up putting a set on a full setup I built for a friend who had lost his board. We went skating and I could hear them squeak each time he rolled past, I almost felt bad for giving them to him.
I saw him the other day, he's had those bearings 4 - 6 months now and they've actually really broken in nicely. The squeaking noise is gone and they're loud and dry, and spin super easy. I had a roll on them and they're now probably the best bearings I've skated other than Bones Swiss.
I talked a lot of shit on them at the time so I thought I'd post this to atone for my crimes.
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Small ride: Bones Big Balls, popped shields
Big ride: Swiss Six, popped shields
Cruiser: Tekton 6-Ball (Built in speed washers and spacers), shields
Used but not abused, cleaned, lubed and sitting on ice:
Zealous 'greens' - thick grease, built in spacers and rings (I rotate these out with my cruiser bearings)
Indy blacks - still going strong
Bronson G3s popped shields
Spit Burners (Thanks Reed!) never got around to skating them
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My cruiser has been riding the same Reds for about 5 years now. Those things regularly go through rain, dirt, mud, and dust and still roll flawlessly. I've been through 3 pairs of Swiss on my 'regular' board in the same time span.
did you ride them down a coke mountain or something? i need to know whats in between them bearings and stuff it in mine
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Anyone try Bones Big Balls yet
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When did Bones bearing prices jump 50%? I stopped paying attention to prices and just started looking again this past summer.
What's a good bearing for $20? $30? $40?
I'm fairly gentle on bearings nowadays, I rarely roll thru water or land primo enough to get bad axle slip. Not that I'm super on it, just old..
Bones Swiss 6. Seem like they take longer to break in than regular (2000's) Swiss but I also can't rule out me being slower now.
Pushing a year old and never cleaned them, did add a couple drops of Speed Cream a few months ago. My local curb spot is a dirt planter so they get dusty/dirty, even muddy a few times.
My only gripe about them is they don't have the same zing sound as regular Swiss. I worry that ppl won't know that a G is coming.
Gonna clean and relube soon.
Old Bones Reds. Great for the price. Not as fast as Swiss but accelerated pretty easily, lil loud but a nice zing. Had them for years but skated off and on, cleaned them randomly. Have used them to test lubes, Boeshield is slow, should try penetrating oil next.
I'm curious about Oust.
Mullen was sponsored (involved?) for a while and the bushings still use the Uber name. I think they were claiming that freestyle and 360's put stress on bearings that their design was better equipped to handle. I'm pretty sure that's from deep groove races and it seems like a normal option when you look at industrial bearing catalogs.
Also saw a vid that said the top downhill slalom guys all used them. That might mean something for its true.
Their Met-OL lube is supposed to be good stuff. Apparently fishermen love it for reel oil.
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i run the "still pretty aight" 9 ball edition abec z rated with
lost popped shields by this brand called assorted.
got em basically dirt cheap and they do the job. i like that they all look and ride a little different, adds character.
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Anyone try Bones Big Balls yet
Lots of us have. So far, they aren't impressing me, it's as if they won't break in. I've been tempted to clean and relube with speed cream just to see if it's the way they come stock or if they are just not worth it over reds or an equivalent Abecwhateverthefuck, let alone compete with Swiss Six.
My G3s feel faster than the Big Balls. And Swiss Six are lightyears ahead.
When you ride Swiss or Swiss Six, after a week or so you really start to feel the love, the big balls just feel like 'bearings'. My shields on the big balls bent pretty quick too so popped them off not giving a fuck.
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Modus Blues, pretty much the same as Reds but not as noisy as far as I can tell. How often do you guys clean your bearings?
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2 sessions on Bones Big Balls, they feel good so far, we'll see if they last
I was running some frankesteinized Rush abec7 titatiums with a mix of Lucky & Minilogo cages (stock ones all broke one after one) shiels off
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This Australian company, Aegis. Shieldless (as always) and they’re fast. In 30 years of skating I popped a lot of bearings UNTIL I started popping the shields about a decade ago. Never popped one since. I skate for transport a lot too and they’re very fast.
Waiting for someone to come on and start explaining that I’ve fallen for marketing and then explain bearing engineering to me.
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Swiss and Swiss 6. Wish I stopped fuckin' around 30 years ago and put the money down. So good.
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Cheap Andale, Modus, and Mini Logo. Pop shields and forget about em. Y’all doing too much.
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Swiss 6. Nothing better.
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Ive been riding the Bones Big Balls and i really like em. They have a really smooth and quiet roll. I wanna try the Swiss versions next.
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bones swiss... ... ...fuck the rest?
if for whatever reason I'm not riding bones swiss, then I get minilogo any thing in between is a waste of money.
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Bones 6 ball in one setup. Rock'n Ron ceramics in the other ones. I'm also using the ceramic version of those Zealous bearings in my cruisers.
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The only bones shit I buy, Reds
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Bones Swiss for the past couple years. Solid and going well.
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Cheap Andale, Modus, and Mini Logo. Pop shields and forget about em. Y’all doing too much.
My 'Cheap' Andale 7s were shit out of the box, had to clean and relube them to get 4 of them to spin. They were still fucking slow.
I've run Modus (forgot I still have a set) and ML; can't be beat for the price. ML even better now that they dropped the metal shields.
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Rockin Ron's Ceramics 4lyfe
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Bronson G3s right now, G2 before them. And I just picked up some Raws for a new setup. They're really fast and have had no problems with them. Didn't clean them or anything and still going strong.
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Yeah got the silver grade Olympia bearings. They was like $20 or $25. Some of the best bearings I’ve had. If you can get them. Try them out
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Rockin Ron's Ceramics 4lyfe
you got a connect on these? his site's been down for god knows how long haha
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Rockin Ron's Ceramics 4lyfe
I don't, but they last for years, so I think I'm good. The regulars are great backups too. Hopefully he can find some time away from rockin' to make some more.
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Been on the same set of Bones Swiss for damn near 5 years now. I clean/lube them maybe twice a year, take off the shields and cages and shake them in acetone in one of those Bones cleaner bottles. Works like a charm.
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Reg or super Swiss only. I’ve learned my lesson with lesser brands
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Reg or super Swiss only. I’ve learned my lesson with lesser brands
Same here. Maybe I would try some raws if I found them for cheap to have as back up only to hate them and return to good ole swiss.
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Been on the same set of Bones Swiss for damn near 5 years now. I clean/lube them maybe twice a year, take off the shields and cages and shake them in acetone in one of those Bones cleaner bottles. Works like a charm.
Truth. 5yrs is a long time tho, the metal has degraded but if they still hissssssssssssssssssssssssss, your're good ;)
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mini logos. surprisingly fast.
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I went a bit gear crazy uhhh in 2018 and ended up buying two sets of the cortina "pro" bearings (among a bunch of other shit), a Kyle Walker set and either Elijah Berle or Nak, i forget. I liked them for a week then hated them. They squeaked like they were rusty or something. I ended up putting a set on a full setup I built for a friend who had lost his board. We went skating and I could hear them squeak each time he rolled past, I almost felt bad for giving them to him.
I saw him the other day, he's had those bearings 4 - 6 months now and they've actually really broken in nicely. The squeaking noise is gone and they're loud and dry, and spin super easy. I had a roll on them and they're now probably the best bearings I've skated other than Bones Swiss.
I talked a lot of shit on them at the time so I thought I'd post this to atone for my crimes.
I picked up some Cortina GT for stupidly cheap a month or two ago thinking they'd just be another set of cheapies I could throw in my winter wheels and not feel bad about but they surprised the shit out of me. Just doing the hand spin test they spun longer than I think anything else I've tried, it was well over a minute and closer to 2 if I recall correctly and thats fresh out of the box with the factory lube in them. I know thats not an actual test or indicator of how a bearing will perform under load but you can still get a general idea of whether or not a bearing is trash. Anyways from the lasered logos on the races and the cages/shields they reminded me a lot of Bronson raws but with shields, and they were quite fast and had a lovely hiss to them. Sadly I did use them for winter wheels and got them soaked then ended up getting swamped at work that morning. By the time I remembered and went to pop them out it was too late and they'd already rusted a little bit... not enough to seize up so I was able to salvage them but theres some noticeable rough spots now and they aren't quite as fast. I still have them in one of my setups and skate them from time to time but I wish I hadn't fucked them up so I could see if they held up long-term or were just a "start strong but turn to shit in a few weeks" thing like the raws were for me.
I tried Andale swiss a while back and they sucked fat dong, and for some reason I just mentally grouped Cortina in with them and assumed they'd be shit too but they weren't at all. I'd totally buy them again, if I found those GT ones on sale again it would be a no-brainer for me.
Currently running Big Balls, Modus 7, and Bronson G2 (I switch between wheels depending on if theres snow or lots of salt or whatever) and the Modus are great but the other 2 haven't really impressed me.
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mini logos. surprisingly fast.
just set these up w a softer wheel and have been fine so far. Not enough of a test sample though
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2 set ups, one with Swiss 6 and one with Minilogos
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Currently rocking Nothing Special bearings. But I got them in rotation with white andale Swiss, Swiss 6, and shake junts.
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Had Big Balls and loved em - things took a turn and they were compromised
Now I'm riding a $9 Modus set until the snow melts and I don't have to worry about ruining my next set of Big Balls.
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I was hyped on the reds big balls until I recently noticed 4 of the 8 had busted cages. Granted I skated when it was below freezing but never had THAT much of an issue. Not so hyped on em now. Will be coughing up the extra cash and getting the swiss 6 this go 'round.
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Had Big Balls and loved em - things took a turn and they were compromised
Now I'm riding a $9 Modus set until the snow melts and I don't have to worry about ruining my next set of Big Balls.
Yo! May I ask what happened to the big balls? I literally JUST replied with big ball issues..(HAHAHA) Broken cages?!
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FAG 608RS's from the bearing shop. they're working great.
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Any of you bladers out there fuck with ILQ bearings?
Twincam, powerslide, wicked brands?
ILQ 9 sounds good. Also interesting to see that they usually use gel or grease, not oil.
https://www.twincambearing.com/product-category/ilq-9-2/
http://www.wicked-hardware.com/portfolio/wcd-twincam-ilq-9-pro-bearings/
http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=44178&postcount=2
As fast as Swiss?
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Just set up conical fulls with these bearings. They Bear Spaceballs, and apparently they're equivalent to Bones Race Reds. I had em for a while and ran em until they stopped cause they were full of dirt. I just acetoned and bones speed creamed them, and they're seeming pretty fast from the free spin test I did. I think they'll be pretty good. They're also a lot like the zealous regular bearings, the green, fast ones. They were reasonably cheap too, at $25 canadian. I don't think theyre comparable to swiss, but they should be worth a go, anyway.
https://landyachtz.com/ca/product/spaceballs-8mm-steel-bearings/
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I usually run Bones Reds... But they don't last very long, I just get them cause they're the cheapest decent bearings I can get in my shop.
I once had some bronsons but the blew out pretty quickly, eventhough everybody I skate with told me that they were the best and they last a lifetime...
Once I head some ShakeJunt bearings and I didn't really expect too much from them but they were excellent. Unfortunately I can't find them nowhere these days...
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Oust bearings or bust srsly what’s wrong with you guys haven’t you seen this video https://youtu.be/wxpQnEGHg34
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we're all really blowing it
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Bearings commonly used by downhill longboarders etc are really good, especially those with built-in spacers. Theres truly no "skateboard" designed bearing, designed to handle more impact loads. Thats all just a bunch of gimmicky marketing.
Besides that, I think its safe to say that most broken bearings on here are duo to user error.
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Oust bearings or bust srsly what’s wrong with you guys haven’t you seen this video https://youtu.be/wxpQnEGHg34
dudes wearing more makeup than tim and eric in drag
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Any of you bladers out there fuck with ILQ bearings?
Twincam, powerslide, wicked brands?
ILQ 9 sounds good. Also interesting to see that they usually use gel or grease, not oil.
https://www.twincambearing.com/product-category/ilq-9-2/
http://www.wicked-hardware.com/portfolio/wcd-twincam-ilq-9-pro-bearings/
http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=44178&postcount=2
As fast as Swiss?
I got a couple of them mixed in with a bunch of random shit in an ebay lot. From what I can tell they're just your standard chinese bearing, nothing special to them. They don't seem to spin particularly well and the shields aren't even good non-contact ones. From what I remember the metal shielded ones are the bearings that rollerblades always came with, and were pretty much their version of the "gmn speed bearing" from back in the day. Maybe head down to goodwill with your allen wrench and start popping rollerblade wheels and see if you can find yourself a set for cheap?
Also grease lubrication is really not ideal for skate bearings unless you're doing some serious downhill or mega ramp style shit or doing really long non-stop commuting. You're not likely to reach the speeds or temperatures where it would be a benefit in the course of your average street skating session. Light oil like speed cream or sewing machine oil is used by bearing manufacturers because its the best fit for the job.
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lucky bearings
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FAG 608RS's from the bearing shop. they're working great.
Are they the ones with the steel cage retainer? I have a set of those and they were pretty disappointing for me, I even tried cleaning all the grease out and re-lubing with oil and running them without shields and I still can't seem to get them to run any better than mini-logos.
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Bones Swiss ceramics !!
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currently using andale MJ pros for couple of years already, but then again i skate like once a month now. the push still smooth, might considering a set of G3 soon.
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FAG 608RS's from the bearing shop. they're working great.
Are they the ones with the steel cage retainer? I have a set of those and they were pretty disappointing for me, I even tried cleaning all the grease out and re-lubing with oil and running them without shields and I still can't seem to get them to run any better than mini-logos.
to be honest i don't know, i haven't pulled the shields off, i just stuck them in and off i went
they did take a bit to break in, but yeah no complaints here
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Had Big Balls and loved em - things took a turn and they were compromised
Now I'm riding a $9 Modus set until the snow melts and I don't have to worry about ruining my next set of Big Balls.
Yo! May I ask what happened to the big balls? I literally JUST replied with big ball issues..(HAHAHA) Broken cages?!
My board flew out from under me into a deep puddle. They got ruined big time.
Totally my fault - It was a super wet day and I should've known better than to go out skating.
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Any of you bladers out there fuck with ILQ bearings?
Twincam, powerslide, wicked brands?
ILQ 9 sounds good. Also interesting to see that they usually use gel or grease, not oil.
https://www.twincambearing.com/product-category/ilq-9-2/
http://www.wicked-hardware.com/portfolio/wcd-twincam-ilq-9-pro-bearings/
http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=44178&postcount=2
As fast as Swiss?
I got a couple of them mixed in with a bunch of random shit in an ebay lot. From what I can tell they're just your standard chinese bearing, nothing special to them. They don't seem to spin particularly well and the shields aren't even good non-contact ones. From what I remember the metal shielded ones are the bearings that rollerblades always came with, and were pretty much their version of the "gmn speed bearing" from back in the day. Maybe head down to goodwill with your allen wrench and start popping rollerblade wheels and see if you can find yourself a set for cheap?
Also grease lubrication is really not ideal for skate bearings unless you're doing some serious downhill or mega ramp style shit or doing really long non-stop commuting. You're not likely to reach the speeds or temperatures where it would be a benefit in the course of your average street skating session. Light oil like speed cream or sewing machine oil is used by bearing manufacturers because its the best fit for the job.
Thanks. That made me laugh.
"Ideal"..
I know grease is slower but if you're rolling thru water that's really your only option. And these greases aren't as thick as NGLI 2 automotive wheel bearing grease. The gels are probably NGLI 00 or 0, so soupy. Some of the greases look like Krytox! That's not cheap stuff. I'm not a chem nerd but it's a flouro-something grease. It's cheater stuff that the pinewood derby dads use.
On the cheap end a silicone grease for brakes or plumbers would work. Work as in protect the metal, ain't gonna be as fast as oil.
Grease or gel lube will also last longer. Helpful if you don't wanna mess with re-oiling.
It's weird to me that some ILQ use steel shields. But when you read their lube info it sounds like they're using good stuff.
edit: For light oils I'm pretty sure I can give you a viscosity range to start looking in if you wanna hunt for a bearing lube.
ISO 10 on the thicker end, then ISO 5, ISO 2 is thinnest.
That translates to 10cst @ 40*C. Then 5cst, and 2cst..
Or try hunt for a 2wt racing motor oil, 0w-2...
0wt too, but not 0w-20, etc.
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Oust bearings or bust srsly what’s wrong with you guys haven’t you seen this video https://youtu.be/wxpQnEGHg34
I noticed the eyeliner and it was bugging me. But now you got me thinking. Is he wearing lipstick?
Anyhow. I think this is the Oust slalom racer vid I saw.
edit
Anyone got suggestions for bearings by price range? $20, $30, $40, Swiss
Reds, then Super Reds? Then Oust?
Wicked sells a dozen or so different bearings. I think the metal shield ones go from budget to decent quality but really only paid attention to their 2-3 skate bearings, not inline or quad stuff.
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I like my bearings how I like my watches ... SWISS!
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Four year old Swiss
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In case anyone has wondered about titanium bearings I'm fairly certain they're just titanium nitride (TiN) coated like the gold colored drillbits at the parts store.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_nitride
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Found some interesting info on 608 bearings.
I've seen those rpm #'s before so I think that's standard for the 608 size. Ceramic might do higher max rpm, idk.
Load is in newtons. For kg divide by 10, 9.8, or 9.81..
I need to read up on the different load ratings but factoring in 8 bearings, 2691 kg and 1117 kg
http://catalog.ezo-usa.com/item/metric-series-bearings/open-metric-ball-bearings/608
There's a typo here. It's not 1000^2 for oiled bearings. That'd be 39 million.
39,000 rpm for oiled
33,000 rpm for greased. And I think that's with a minimal amount of grease, check the pdf below.
Try crunching the numbers for those rpm's and a skate wheel. I think it's crazy fast.
http://catalog.ezo-usa.com/Asset/Lubrication.pdf
Temp ranges, loads, viscosity..
dn is bore x rpm? And not max rpm? The rpm in use seems right. Thoughts?
Bore is 8mm
Viscosity. ISO # = cst @ 40*C. Cst is centistokes, and = mm^2/s
ISO 10, 15, 22..
I'm seeing mega ramp speeds online saying 40mph or 55mph. Anyone got info on that?
73-75ft roll-in if someone wants to do that math.
Any ideas for average street skating speeds? Probably putt-putt in comparison.
How about a big, long gap? Wallenberg, Love, UC Davis?
Hillbombing speeds might be interesting but gravity.. I'm more thinking pushing for street skating.
Which brings me to acceleration. No one talks about how easily a bearing accelerates except for maybe inline racers. Seems like it would apply to street skating, pushing.
And I don't think we're getting anywhere near the max rpm (speed) of the bearings. Maybe why some inline stuff use thin gels/greases?
Also found another source thin oil, aviation oils. There's a super thin Aeroshell oil for gimbles and a bunch for turbines.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pdf/aeroshell.pdf
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Spent 2 hours trying to clean out my set of Bones Swiss bearings and even with the cages removed I couldn't get them to spin well. Hell even the cheaper set I picked up off an old setup work better.
I'm sticking to the buy'em and toss'em camp from now on, cleaning them aren't worth the effort. Sticking to Reds or Big Balls.
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Rx ceramics
very nice, go fast
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unrelated, but
*So, just for context*
I really like having built-in spacers with my bearings, they make them quieter and smoother. I also really like bones swiss, they last forever and spin really well. Sadly, Bones doesn't make a built-in Swiss bearing. As a project, I thought that it would be interesting to try and swap the swiss balls into the built-in cages of the other bearings. I already have both sets ready to go, and normally wouldn't do this, but the built-ins started dying after 2 weeks or so of mixed street and park use (the balls are steel). Do I need to switch the ball cages/races over as well? I've never done this before, but there are videos online on how to take them apart and put them back together. So, is it worth the trouble? Are the balls going to be the same size? Does anyone have experience with switching balls between bearings like this?
Thanks, PALS, and s h a l o m
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unrelated, but
*So, just for context*
I really like having built-in spacers with my bearings, they make them quieter and smoother. I also really like bones swiss, they last forever and spin really well. Sadly, Bones doesn't make a built-in Swiss bearing. As a project, I thought that it would be interesting to try and swap the swiss balls into the built-in cages of the other bearings. I already have both sets ready to go, and normally wouldn't do this, but the built-ins started dying after 2 weeks or so of mixed street and park use (the balls are steel). Do I need to switch the ball cages/races over as well? I've never done this before, but there are videos online on how to take them apart and put them back together. So, is it worth the trouble? Are the balls going to be the same size? Does anyone have experience with switching balls between bearings like this?
Thanks, PALS, and s h a l o m
I wouldn’t even bother.
I’m running super reds for like 2 years straight.
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unrelated, but
*So, just for context*
I really like having built-in spacers with my bearings, they make them quieter and smoother. I also really like bones swiss, they last forever and spin really well. Sadly, Bones doesn't make a built-in Swiss bearing. As a project, I thought that it would be interesting to try and swap the swiss balls into the built-in cages of the other bearings. I already have both sets ready to go, and normally wouldn't do this, but the built-ins started dying after 2 weeks or so of mixed street and park use (the balls are steel). Do I need to switch the ball cages/races over as well? I've never done this before, but there are videos online on how to take them apart and put them back together. So, is it worth the trouble? Are the balls going to be the same size? Does anyone have experience with switching balls between bearings like this?
Thanks, PALS, and s h a l o m
I’m running super reds for like 2 years straight.
I just don't wanna buy new bearings, as im kinda broke and already have all the parts. thanks for the heads up tho.
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I’m running some MxM brand bearings right now, which is basically a Japanese shop brand that’s the cheapest at many of the shops here. It’s only solidified my opinion that outside of Swiss, there is little difference between non Swiss Chinese made bearings of non steel cage design.
They performed like any bearing I’ve ever used out of the box, took a bit to break in but spun fast after. After a particularly harsh week were I skated in light rain once and after that in an area with heavy dirt/debris wash off from said rain, they got fucked and would not spin fast and a couple were jammed up. I took em out, popped the shields, and spun them by hand for a bit(didn’t have any cleaner on me and all together it would cost about the same as another set of bearings) then popped them back in with shields. Nothing really changed. A week later did the same thing but left the shields popped. When spun by hand after re installation they were even worse then before, but my first ride was traveling about 1km to a friends and after that they spin faster than ever and my setup is noticeabley faster and smoother, and has been for about 3 weeks now.
I know a lot of people think the popped shields thing is dumb, but I do think the theory that it lets debris clear out is sound and that keeping the shields on does accumulate debris. The best route is obviously to clean your bearing regularly then put the shields back in, but popping the shields is effective. Unless you are set on getting the absolute most longevity out of your bearings, the popped shields method is great for the lazy skater that doesn’t mind getting only getting 6-12 months out of their 20 dollar bearings vs 2 years and perhaps a tiny boost in speed. Basically I’ve concluded that: shields on w/ sporadic maintenance < no shields w/ sporadic maintenance < shields with regular maintenance
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Anyone know if you can pop the shields on G2s and G3s? Just curious.
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(https://i.imgur.com/5HmhSeD.jpg)
I bought these a few years ago. Not gonna lie, just wanted the pez dispenser.
The bearings are pretty good though. They still roll. I like them. Had two sets of standard reds before that, but had bad luck with them locking up. I want to try big balls next. Thought about bronson raw, but people here hating them made me change my mind. My cruiser setup has bronson g2's, they're smoother than the Toy Machines but not as fast.
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Anyone know if you can pop the shields on G2s and G3s? Just curious.
Yeah. They're just normal rubber shields. Be careful though, Bronson might get mad at you for using their "audible speed technology" on a lower priced bearing. Normally you have to pay an extra $15 for it.
Since it's been pretty much nonstop rain and a little snow around here lately I've ruined like 3 sets of bearings in the last month (Who'da thought water and rock salt would be bad for precision steel parts?) so I've been skating mostly really cheap no-name bearings. I got 2 sets of Amphetamine Titanium for $6 on Amazon and they've been pretty good. They have these weird clear plastic shields that look kind of cool and they haven't rusted up on me yet.
Once the weather breaks I have a set of hard luck Swiss (actually made in Switzerland) that I'm going to switch over to.
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I've got zealous bearings in. No complaints and I've skated with it wet a few times. Seem to hold up we'll.
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Shake Junt Triple Ogs and Indy Black. Both great bearings and removable shields and under $15.
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i am and will always be of the opinion that bearings matter like 0%. whatever is cheap and sealed on both sides + spacers is fine. I only don't like bearings with metal shields on the outside, or bearings with rubber shields that fall off. i wont ride bones bearings either just because i wanna be different.
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i am and will always be of the opinion that bearings matter like 0%. whatever is cheap and sealed on both sides + spacers is fine. I only don't like bearings with metal shields on the outside, or bearings with rubber shields that fall off. i wont ride bones bearings either just because i wanna be different.
Yeah man, just keep them clean and dry and they will last really long. I never noticed a major diff between good bearings made to skate.
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Swiss 6 and OG Swiss baby. Everything else is trash after heavy sessions, and I’ve had original sets for 4 years running but I do clean them once a month! I’m sure ceramics are the GODS but I don’t think I’ll ever need those
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Is it worth cleaning Reds like how people clean the bones swiss?
Eventually, I'll get swiss 6 when I can afford them but until then I've got a set of reds, an old set of black panther swiss that I should really clean, and some no name bearings I got from someone on here that are actually spinning better than my reds at the moment.
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I've got zealous bearings in. No complaints and I've skated with it wet a few times. Seem to hold up we'll.
Great bearings.
I setup some spitfire burners (blue ones) man, for low/midrange bearings they really scream out of the box.
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Is it worth cleaning Reds like how people clean the bones swiss?
Eventually, I'll get swiss 6 when I can afford them but until then I've got a set of reds, an old set of black panther swiss that I should really clean, and some no name bearings I got from someone on here that are actually spinning better than my reds at the moment.
Ehh, I'd probably just add a drop of lube or two when they start feeling/sounding sluggish.
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Is it worth cleaning Reds like how people clean the bones swiss?
Eventually, I'll get swiss 6 when I can afford them but until then I've got a set of reds, an old set of black panther swiss that I should really clean, and some no name bearings I got from someone on here that are actually spinning better than my reds at the moment.
100% yes. Treat them like the said swiss and even regular reds will last a really long time. If you grab a bearing cleaner kit like the bones one and some oust or sewing machine oil you can make bearing last a very long time. The relevance is really at higher speeds like downhill guys. I couldnt tell much of a difference between the shake junt bearings and oust
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Reds and mini logo
Fine for now, both fairly new. Haven’t grabbed speed cream or a cleaner yet.
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I've got zealous bearings in. No complaints and I've skated with it wet a few times. Seem to hold up we'll.
Great bearings.
I setup some spitfire burners classics (blue ones) man, for low/midrange bearings they really scream out of the box.
Fixed it for you buddy.
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Bones ceramic reds that I take good care of.
I wish everyone to send their old bearings instead of throwing them away.
I can strip them down organize all the different pieces and rebuild them recycle them. Send them back out into the world
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Someone in another thread recommended Zealous bearings but they're definitely the shittiest bearings I've ever skated. Skated them for 2 months and they never "broke in", slow as fuck the whole time. Got a set of Reds and the difference was noticeable instantly.
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it looks like if you buy race reds on amazon, you can get 3 year product protection for 4.99. will they really replace them whenever a bearing shits out??
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unrelated, but
*So, just for context*
I really like having built-in spacers with my bearings, they make them quieter and smoother. I also really like bones swiss, they last forever and spin really well. Sadly, Bones doesn't make a built-in Swiss bearing. As a project, I thought that it would be interesting to try and swap the swiss balls into the built-in cages of the other bearings. I already have both sets ready to go, and normally wouldn't do this, but the built-ins started dying after 2 weeks or so of mixed street and park use (the balls are steel). Do I need to switch the ball cages/races over as well? I've never done this before, but there are videos online on how to take them apart and put them back together. So, is it worth the trouble? Are the balls going to be the same size? Does anyone have experience with switching balls between bearings like this?
Thanks, PALS, and s h a l o m
I’m running super reds for like 2 years straight.
I just don't wanna buy new bearings, as im kinda broke and already have all the parts. thanks for the heads up tho.
The 'precision [inner] race' won't be there to hug your swiss balls.
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i am and will always be of the opinion that bearings matter like 0%. whatever is cheap and sealed on both sides + spacers is fine. I only don't like bearings with metal shields on the outside, or bearings with rubber shields that fall off. i wont ride bones bearings either just because i wanna be different.
This is my opinion as well for non Swiss simply caused I’ve never owned a set and can’t speak on it. I’ve tried basically every non Swiss bearing under the sun and never felt any huge difference. They all get fucked up if you ride a lot through debris or moisture, they all last about a year, they all spin fast if you pop them open and let the gunk clear out once in a while. I think where people’s preference comes in is marketing and attributing randomly encountered debris heavy sessions as bearing performance
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it looks like if you buy race reds on amazon, you can get 3 year product protection for 4.99. will they really replace them whenever a bearing shits out??
if it works like that, im all over some swiss 6
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saw these and it broke my brain.
(https://a2.vnda.com.br/500x/hondarskateboards/2019/12/03/hr10-rolamento-double-ten-513.jpg?1575415526)
(https://a4.vnda.com.br/1000x/hondarskateboards/2019/12/03/hr10-rolamento-double-ten-512.jpg?1575415560)
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saw these and it broke my brain.
(https://a2.vnda.com.br/500x/hondarskateboards/2019/12/03/hr10-rolamento-double-ten-513.jpg?1575415526)
(https://a4.vnda.com.br/1000x/hondarskateboards/2019/12/03/hr10-rolamento-double-ten-512.jpg?1575415560)
Brazilians love to do weird shit like that
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On the cheap side Reds can’t be beat. Running some Modus within the same price as Reds and they blow.
Got some Ceramic Black Panthers and those are some hot shit. Always dug BP.
Swiss are a dream. Never could pull the trigger on some.
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1-2 set of Reds a year, I just can't convince myself that Swiss wouldn't lock up like Reds.
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I’m running some MxM brand bearings right now, which is basically a Japanese shop brand that’s the cheapest at many of the shops here. It’s only solidified my opinion that outside of Swiss, there is little difference between non Swiss Chinese made bearings of non steel cage design.
They performed like any bearing I’ve ever used out of the box, took a bit to break in but spun fast after. After a particularly harsh week were I skated in light rain once and after that in an area with heavy dirt/debris wash off from said rain, they got fucked and would not spin fast and a couple were jammed up. I took em out, popped the shields, and spun them by hand for a bit(didn’t have any cleaner on me and all together it would cost about the same as another set of bearings) then popped them back in with shields. Nothing really changed. A week later did the same thing but left the shields popped. When spun by hand after re installation they were even worse then before, but my first ride was traveling about 1km to a friends and after that they spin faster than ever and my setup is noticeabley faster and smoother, and has been for about 3 weeks now.
I know a lot of people think the popped shields thing is dumb, but I do think the theory that it lets debris clear out is sound and that keeping the shields on does accumulate debris. The best route is obviously to clean your bearing regularly then put the shields back in, but popping the shields is effective. Unless you are set on getting the absolute most longevity out of your bearings, the popped shields method is great for the lazy skater that doesn’t mind getting only getting 6-12 months out of their 20 dollar bearings vs 2 years and perhaps a tiny boost in speed. Basically I’ve concluded that: shields on w/ sporadic maintenance < no shields w/ sporadic maintenance < shields with regular maintenance
i remember a year or two back i blew a bearing and asked my homie if he had a spare, kid pulled out this bag full of bearings (probably 2/3 sets in there) and says "you can try one of these but they're all pretty fucked). took a couple out, they didn't spin - looked closer and all the shields had been slightly dented. popped them all off and they were fine, afaik they were a mix of spitfire and indy bearings. happened on a few occasions when my andales (never buy those) blew out and people had "fucked" spares that were just bent shields. ran shields off ever since.
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I’m running some MxM brand bearings right now, which is basically a Japanese shop brand that’s the cheapest at many of the shops here. It’s only solidified my opinion that outside of Swiss, there is little difference between non Swiss Chinese made bearings of non steel cage design.
They performed like any bearing I’ve ever used out of the box, took a bit to break in but spun fast after. After a particularly harsh week were I skated in light rain once and after that in an area with heavy dirt/debris wash off from said rain, they got fucked and would not spin fast and a couple were jammed up. I took em out, popped the shields, and spun them by hand for a bit(didn’t have any cleaner on me and all together it would cost about the same as another set of bearings) then popped them back in with shields. Nothing really changed. A week later did the same thing but left the shields popped. When spun by hand after re installation they were even worse then before, but my first ride was traveling about 1km to a friends and after that they spin faster than ever and my setup is noticeabley faster and smoother, and has been for about 3 weeks now.
I know a lot of people think the popped shields thing is dumb, but I do think the theory that it lets debris clear out is sound and that keeping the shields on does accumulate debris. The best route is obviously to clean your bearing regularly then put the shields back in, but popping the shields is effective. Unless you are set on getting the absolute most longevity out of your bearings, the popped shields method is great for the lazy skater that doesn’t mind getting only getting 6-12 months out of their 20 dollar bearings vs 2 years and perhaps a tiny boost in speed. Basically I’ve concluded that: shields on w/ sporadic maintenance < no shields w/ sporadic maintenance < shields with regular maintenance
i remember a year or two back i blew a bearing and asked my homie if he had a spare, kid pulled out this bag full of bearings (probably 2/3 sets in there) and says "you can try one of these but they're all pretty fucked). took a couple out, they didn't spin - looked closer and all the shields had been slightly dented. popped them all off and they were fine, afaik they were a mix of spitfire and indy bearings. happened on a few occasions when my andales (never buy those) blew out and people had "fucked" spares that were just bent shields. ran shields off ever since.
I hate that. Bent shield
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I feel like at this point if my "budget" bearing crapped out, I'd remove the rubber shield drop a bit of speed oil in them and ride them shieldless to see if that does get them spinning freely again. Haven't tried that yet but they're cheap enough why not.
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Bent shields are the fucking worst, it's a pretty flawed design for our use (for machine use, it's fine).
Cleaning them requires the shields to be removed, something that can't be done perfectly every time and results in them bending anyway; in the grand scheme of things it's probably better to pop them when they seize and replace as needed.
Bearings are probably the worst scam in the skate game. ABEC (doesn't apply) Skate Rated (bullshit). The exception to this are BONES Swiss and Swiss Six, they really are head and shoulders above the rest (Shields on or off).
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Is so fucking hard to clean bearings with out shields.
I use an old shield I don't care about to hold the bearings in place for re assembly.
With out a shield on it won't just snap back together.
I had a home made bones shake cup for cleaning but now I just pull them completely apart snap them back together.
I can get 10 plus years out of a nice ceramic bearings.
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Bones 6ball when flush.
Indy blacks on a budget (or rocking rons)
about to try some Big Balls (Chinese made 6balls I believe)
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Bones 6ball when flush.
Indy blacks on a budget (or rocking rons)
about to try some Big Balls (Chinese made 6balls I believe)
I'm not feeling the Big Balls yet...
;D
They don't feel like a 'budget' swiss six, and by that I mean I don't feel any of the benefits (speed, smoothness, acceleration) that I do with Swiss Six and quite honestly no noticeable bump over regular old redz or Abec7 whatevers...my indy blacks or Bronson G3s both feel 'better' than the Big Balls.
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Good to know. I hope they are durable at least. I have them in some cruiser wheels so not super worried about performance.
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Bones 6ball when flush.
Indy blacks on a budget (or rocking rons)
about to try some Big Balls (Chinese made 6balls I believe)
I'm not feeling the Big Balls yet...
;D
They don't feel like a 'budget' swiss six, and by that I mean I don't feel any of the benefits (speed, smoothness, acceleration) that I do with Swiss Six and quite honestly no noticeable bump over regular old redz or Abec7 whatevers...my indy blacks or Bronson G3s both feel 'better' than the Big Balls.
pretty ironic that the big balls suck
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Bones 6ball when flush.
Indy blacks on a budget (or rocking rons)
about to try some Big Balls (Chinese made 6balls I believe)
I'm not feeling the Big Balls yet...
;D
They don't feel like a 'budget' swiss six, and by that I mean I don't feel any of the benefits (speed, smoothness, acceleration) that I do with Swiss Six and quite honestly no noticeable bump over regular old redz or Abec7 whatevers...my indy blacks or Bronson G3s both feel 'better' than the Big Balls.
(https://www.memesmonkey.com/images/memesmonkey/01/018e06e6465c6075bcf07217346ad23a.jpeg)
I thought riding them would be a swell experience.
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Aight so figgy now Dickson right after Green part dropped
???
https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x (https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x)
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Aight so figgy now Dickson right after Green part dropped
???
https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x (https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x)
Wonder if they're any good or if they're just another cheap Chinese bearing.
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Aight so figgy now Dickson right after Green part dropped
???
https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x (https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x)
Wonder if they're any good or if they're just another cheap Chinese bearing.
Same. We need more bearing companies?? You made the comment about the JJ affiliation right? Part owner or something?
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Aight so figgy now Dickson right after Green part dropped
???
https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x (https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x)
Wonder if they're any good or if they're just another cheap Chinese bearing.
Seems to be.
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Aight so figgy now Dickson right after Green part dropped
???
https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x (https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x)
Wonder if they're any good or if they're just another cheap Chinese bearing.
Seems to be.
99% sure they are Chinese bearings. Come to think of it bearings might be one of the easier brands to start. Get a good colour shield on them, nice packaging and you got yourself a brand. Probably has a good margin on them too with lower risks compared to boards or trucks.
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I’d agree 100%. Marketing and branding more important than actual product. Gotta sell a lot more of em though. And market share is tougher to crack.
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I’d agree 100%. Marketing and branding more important than actual product. Gotta sell a lot more of em though. And market share is tougher to crack.
With bearing people don't expect them to last forever, especially if they are getting a mid-range pair, none of that fancy Swiss ceramic shit. They get mass produced in China for use outside of skateboarding, so there has to be some consistency there if they are making millions of them.
With wheels, boards and trucks people may hold them to a much higher expectation, and you can feel if they are shitty within the first session. The bearings would have it be a manufacturing defect if they couldn't last even 1 session.
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Aight so figgy now Dickson right after Green part dropped
???
https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x (https://www.instagram.com/p/B82KpPcFAzH/?igshid=1666n9rbu6k8x)
Wonder if they're any good or if they're just another cheap Chinese bearing.
I'll go for option B chief.
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I've been on and regularly cleaning the same set of Swiss for the last 3 years, but they seem to be getting to the end of their performance advantage and feel sluggish even after cleaning. Should I say fuck it and pop the shields off to get whatever is left in these?
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Bones Reds. Swiss are better apparently but they're expensive and I'm not good enough to warrant the purchase.
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I’ve been running reds forever. I know Swiss are better and I make enough where spending the extra money isn’t an issue. But I still don’t wanna pay that much for bearings. My dude that works at the local swears by bronsons but I refuse.
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
Astroglide?
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
Astroglide?
Well.. if you've got it sitting around, its better than nothing..
But.. if you've got it sitting around, you probably already knew that.. ;)
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
Astroglide?
But.. if you've got it sitting around, you probably already knew that.. ;)
Protip - Astroglide should not be used as a replacement for wax on a ledge
Real talk - Bones Super Reds, worth the price difference versus regular Reds?
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
Astroglide?
But.. if you've got it sitting around, you probably already knew that.. ;)
Protip - Astroglide should not be used as a replacement for wax on a ledge
Real talk - Bones Super Reds, worth the price difference versus regular Reds?
Nope, is not worth it. The only super red set I had lasted me nothing and during that time I was like "i really got this shit instead of reds?"
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
any amazon links to specific products? Got a few bearings I’d like to try to free up and get rolling again. I’d take off shield and use as you mentioned.
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Been running Bones Swiss. Don't think I''l ever run anything else again except for maybe Swiss 6 Ball.
I clean them every 2-3 months and run them without shields. I've had the same set for 3 years now and they are still going strong.
On a side note I am and older guy who mainly skates bowl and ramp 3-4 days a week.... So my bearing don't take any big impacts.
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Swiss. Powell. No shields.
It’s the only way.
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Industrial bearings from a German hardware store. 4 bearings for 2 bucks.
I bought them in an emergency type situation and boy was I surprised.
Cost/performance is through the roof.
Not as fast as other high-end bearings but equally good as the budged lines of bronson, spitfire, indy, etc.
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I do want to try the Reds Big Balls
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I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.
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I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.
if you are willing to try something besides bones. These are prob the best bearings vs price value imo. I prefer to reds and they last a while for me. Same as the current 7s.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?epid=1440199454&hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
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Are Swiss really that much better? I'm riding Super Reds right now and they seem pretty great. Every time I happen to need new bearings I'm broke but I'm debating splurging on some.
Yes
.
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I've had a set of G3's in for over a year that have miraculously lasted this entire time without any major failures, probably because most of my skating is low impact in parks nowadays but still I'm pretty impressed. I have a set of Reds Big Balls and some new F4's on ice that I'm really excited to set up because I've heard only good stuff about the Big Balls so far.
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I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.
if you are willing to try something besides bones. These are prob the best bearings vs price value imo. I prefer to reds and they last a while for me. Same as the current 7s.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?epid=1440199454&hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
There are discontinued now? So no info on them at nhsfunfactory..
Iirc they were a step up from 7's and cost about $5 more.
7's have a black retainer and the races are silver, raw steel, they don't have that black oxide coating like the Blacks.
Edit. Spaced.. I think it's a phosphate coating cuz grayish..
These are the bearings that used Shell Morlina oil and got me thinking about industrial oils for bearing lube..
I had 7's but never ran them myself. They seemed good.. ended up giving a relative a complete..
Anyone tried Super Reds and used Speed Cream before you ran them?
Typically cheaper oils are used in cheaper bearings..
Better oil, more zing..
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I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..
I was more looking at cheap/easy options so was only looking at mail ordering good stuff, $15-20 range..
I remember seeing Renewalube on Amazon. They have a couple good options, both thin and regular/standard thickness.
Scroll way down..
This is actually tough for me to whittle down into a short post. I could write an essay and was working on an outline to organize everything.
Cheap.. I'm thinking under $10. There's some $2 options, most stuff is in the $4-6 range.
And I'm talking spray cans, regular size is 11oz, small is 4oz.
Easy.. I'm feeling lazy. I want a cleaner/lube combo. On cheap bearings I wanna just spray thru the shields.
Deep clean is shields of, soak in lube, toothbrush, spin em, possibly repeat. Not disassembling bearings again unless they're Swiss. Rinse with WD40 and then a quick shot of lube.
You can use the same lube for everything above..
And I don't wanna mail order.. I'm think 30-40min round trip to get something local.
So Walmart.. Hardware stores, Ace, Home Depot, Lowes. Auto parts stores, Napa, Carquest, Autozone, Pepboys, etc..
Canadian Tire has some STRONG stuff with solvents that's probably banned in the US now..
*warning*
- I'm not super good at chemistry but I get the basics. None of this stuff will eat plastic.. I don't think they contain any harsh solvents. They use an oil and/or other petroleum product to clean out the gum/varnish left by other oils.. Some might have synthetic oil in the mix, or a hydrocracked "synthetic" oil.
For synthetics I think ester based would be best cuz it's polar and clings to steel. Also reduces friction. Sometimes listed on SDS as diester.. I think veggie oil is ester but I'm not sure.
- I say spray a lot when I really mean spray can or aerosol. Just saying it cuz if you google for spray you might find hand pump spray bottles. Those might work too if they don't have a mister spray pattern. I never tried them..
- I was wrong on sewing machine oil, it's just USP white mineral oil. Didn't realize sewing machines drank oil like they do..
Fuck me. This is turning into an essay..
https://blastercorp.com/blaster-corp-products/
I like the og PB B'laster but it's got strong fumes and I wouldn't use in indoors.
The Multi-Max might be a better lube but not clean as well. I haven't tried it yet.
Walmart has both. Seems like all auto parts and big hardware stores carry this brand now.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Lubricant-8-oz/21618346
Super Tech lube from Walmart. $2 for the small can..
I think the new can is grey. Looked good on an old forum SDS, I gotta look up a newer one.
In the auto and hardware sections.
Gun stuff..
This might be a good choice for indoor use.
Anyone remember the old Consolidated bearing cleaner/lube in a spray can?
I think it was gun CLP. Cleaner, lubricant, protectant. Smelled nice.
Walmart has the stuff below. Some stuff was out of stock at places and oddly prices varied by location.
Break Free CLP gets good reviews and I'm definitely gonna try it
https://www.safariland.com/products/holsters-and-gear/cleaning-components/cleaners-and-solvents/gun-lubricants-and-protectants/clp-cleaner-lubricant-and-preservative-15337.html
https://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/oils-lubricants/lubricant-protectant-oils/break-free-clp-prod1683.aspx
Walmart stuff was black like this
https://www.remington.com/shop/Oils%20&%20Lubricants/c/Oils%26Lubricants
Remington oil and spray. Oil is just oil but it's $2..
Spray can reads like it's a cleaner/lube but doesn't say dissolve or break up rust or anything. I don't think it's an all in one CLP.
Pro3 looks interesting but WM doesn't carry it. Gun or fishing, outdoorsy store..
https://www.hoppes.com/new-products/hoppe’s®-boresnake®-clp (https://www.hoppes.com/new-products/hoppe’s®-boresnake®-clp)
They also had Hoppes but I didn't notice this CLP
https://birchwoodcasey.com/products?category=95
Don't have CLP but have cleaners, oil and grease
http://www.kanolabs.com/penLub.html
https://www.crcindustries.com/products/knock-er-loose-174-penetrating-solvent-13-wt-oz-03020.html
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KW_401712 $5.50 for 9oz
Kroil by Kano Labs. Old car guys swear by this stuff, I've never tried it but they say it's better than PB Blaster. I'd like to try it but idk if I'd mail order it.
I think they got bought by CRC and CRC's Knock'er Loose is the same stuff. Available at Napa, if your local store doesn't stock it I think you can ship to store for free.
https://www.3inone.com/products/penetrant/
3in1 Fast-Acting Penetrant
Orange bottle. Might be super thin. Maybe. Like ISO 2!?!?!?
Drip bottle only, no spray. Haven't tried it yet.
https://www.wd40.com/products/penetrating-oil/
WD40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant
I think it's easy to find at hardware stores. Doesn't seem super special but might be worth trying.
Auto part store brands..
https://www.royalpurple.com/product/maxfilm-synthetic-penetrating-lubricant/
https://www.royalpurple.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2018_maxfilm_pds.pdf
https://www.pepboys.com/royal-purple-maxfilm-synthetic-penetrating-spray-lubricant/product/670531 $8, 4oz
RP Maxfilm. Synthetic. Idk if I'd call RP a boutique oil company but they make (blend?) good stuff. They used to sell this in 4oz cans. Seems like a pretty good lube, no crazy fumes, but haven't used it to clean/soak. I need to "race" some of this vs Speed Cream to see which is thinner. Listed viscosity is ISO 22, 7, or 5? I don't have any super thin oils for comparison..
https://www.liquidwrench.com/products/
Liquid Wrench. I think everything uses cerflon, a ceramic/teflon mix. Pro stuff looks good, synthetic blend, I'd probably try it before the WD40 above.
https://seafoamsales.com/product/deep-creep-penetrating-oil/
Sea Foam Deep Creep. Idk doesn't seem like anything special.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/automotive/oils-fluids-additives-chemicals/grease-gear-oils-lubricants/lubricants-penetrates.html
Oh Canada
Good stuff
http://renewablelube.com/store/penetrating-lubricants
http://renewablelube.com/products/penetrating-lubricants/ Safety data sheet has viscosity? Idr..
https://www.amazon.com/Renewable-Lubricants-Bio-Blast-Penetrant-Lubricant/dp/B00C3LZTG4/
I remember this company as Renewalube, RLI.. they will do custom oils..
It's veggie (soy?) and biodegradable. I think it's an ester. Seems like it'd be good for indoor use.
BPL is a standard thickness/viscosity, a thin ISO 15
Bio-Blast is super thin, ISO 5
Tacky stuff will be like grease..
Now this stuff I would mail order. I'm interested in the Bio-Blast. Stuff with moly seems nla?
If you wanna mail order here's more higher end stuff
https://www.super-lube.com/syncopen-synthetic-penetrant-2
It's Kosher!!
And super thin, ISO 3!!!
https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/mp-metal-protector/
LPS
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/tkx TKX, ISO 10? vanilla flavor
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/lst LST
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/lps-1 LPS 1, super thin
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/b-88 KB-88, like water
https://www.maximausa.com/product/mppl/
https://www.schaefferoil.com/penetro.html
https://torcousa.com/collections/torco-service-products/products/pl-50
Ok. I'm done for now..
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I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.
if you are willing to try something besides bones. These are prob the best bearings vs price value imo. I prefer to reds and they last a while for me. Same as the current 7s.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?epid=1440199454&hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
Iirc they were a step up from 7's and cost about $5 more.
7's have a black retainer and the races are silver, raw steel, they don't have that black oxide coating like the Blacks.
Edit. Spaced.. I think it's a phosphate coating cuz grayish..
These are the bearings that used Shell Morlina oil and got me thinking about industrial oils for bearing lube..
I had 7's but never ran them myself. They seemed good.. ended up giving a relative a complete..
Anyone tried Super Reds and used Speed Cream before you ran them?
Typically cheaper oils are used in cheaper bearings..
Better oil, more zing..
yes discontinued. Theyre the same as the 7 bearings in build, only the aesthetics are different. Smooth matte black finish and metal case is what I was told is the only difference. great deal.
Yes. Higher end oil in these as well.
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whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was
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whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was
White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube
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whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was
White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube
yes exactly that. is wd40 good?
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whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was
White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube
WD40 is good at removing water. Water Displacer, 40th try..
IIRC, if you look at the Euro SDS its mostly naphtha.
It's not a good lubricant, doesn't really break up rust, but it coats a surface well and keeps moisture away. Prevents rust and corrosion..
I think it's main early use was protecting missiles inside silos. Yeah, nukes..
The penetrating lubricants I listed would work vs water. Just gotta use them regularly.
Did you roll thru a puddle that day? Then do a quick spray and spin at the end of the day..
If it's just humid where you live try every week or two?
This is where I was going with "cheap and easy" but forgot to mention it..
I'm glad twanked said lithium grease.. I'm not so good with greases and would have said silicone grease. Both are waterproof but lithium seems like the better option cuz I sorta under its chemistry, just oil + thickener. You might be able to add a thin oil (Speed Cream, etc) to thin out this kind of grease.
Idk wtf is going on with silicone grease chem but I doubt you could mix a petroleum product into it.
Plumber's grease and some brake lubes are silicone..
Standard grease thickness is NGLI #2. NGLI 1.5, 1, 0, 00, and 000 are all progressively thinner, eventually getting soupy.
Dropping point is another thing to look at. There's the temp the grease turns to liquid. Ideally you want it being liquid at operating temps for max speed.
If you want grease + speed the thing to do is use less grease.
A lil dab inside the retainer and a quick wipe to cover the balls might be enough.
If you don't wanna fully disassemble then just wipe over the balls.
BALLZ!! BALLZ!! BALLZ!! Lol
Might need to push a lil into the grooves? Toothpick might work.
Wear gloves or you'll be washing your hands with dish soap..
http://catalog.ezo-usa.com/Asset/Lubrication.pdf
Info on lubes for 608 bearings
Grease amount (% fill) info at the bottom
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I've not regretted buying Bones Swiss or 6s in the years i've had them. Do regret not buying them sooner.
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whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was
White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube
No, is the worst thing you can do for your bearings. Sure at beginning felt they're awesome but with time they will be screwed in a non reversible way.
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Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.
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Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.
This was me buying Swiss 6 3 weeks ago for the first time, ran & threw down - rolled for hours with a smile on my face
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Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.
Are you still rolling while typing this?
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Same set of Swiss with shields off going 3,4...maybe 5 years strong now.
Slight crud corrosion crust buildup on outer areas of bearing, but they still work pretty good.
I want to try Raw’s but I picked up a backup set of new Swiss with a gift card I got for Xmas.
Would try Raw’s if I got some for free, or at cost.
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I’ve been doing the no shields for a couple years now, decided with the new Bones I installed yesterday I’m gonna keep them on and see if they last any longer. Man I hate new quiet bearings.
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I don't know why anybody that isn't a penniless child would buy anything other than Swiss. Instant speed boost for $65. It somehow took me decades to realize this.
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Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.
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I’ve been doing the no shields for a couple years now, decided with the new Bones I installed yesterday I’m gonna keep them on and see if they last any longer. Man I hate new quiet bearings.
I’m trying so hard to keep the shields on my Swiss 6 but this is the first time I’ve had “nice” bearings. My board sounds dead though, it’s the worst
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Got Andales swiss in and I do not like them. My andale pudwill's worked well so I figured swiss would be better and boy is my face red. Going back to reds.
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Running Swiss, Big Balls, Race Reds and NMB's on my setups.
Swiss are Swiss and always what I've defaulted to but I just wanted to give something less expensive a try because corrosion happens fast where I live now (sub-tropical island) and Bones Swiss cost around $85 a set here. The outer races of my Bones bearings start rusting quick here without ever rolling through water so I thought if I could save a few bucks it would be worth it. I've tried the whole wiping a tiny bit of speed cream on them but that just attracts dirt and they still start to corrode just as fast. I'm fine with performing basic maintenance on bearings but as far as spending time doing regular corrosion control on tiny bearing races, not so much.
The Big Balls are disappointing. Noisy, not a good noisy, a cheap noisy and even with spacers they're noticeably slower. Race Reds are fast, really fast and have a great sound to them. I like them a lot but they only work well if the cores in all four wheels are manufactured to spec. One goofed up wheel core and the whole thing goes to hell. Another thing I love about the Race Reds is the Bones Bearing tool actually works as an extractor with them, the little balls lock into the inner race so you can pull them straight out (something you can't do without wiggling if you have individual bearings and spacers). The no washers or spacer chatter is a nice bonus too. At around $48 I'll probably use these on all my precision cored wheels in the future.
The big surprise here is the $22 ($14.99 in the US) NMB's. I decided to get a set a few months ago (haven't had NMB's since the early 90's) when ordering some new Acid Chemical Co wheels from SOP. They're really fast and really quiet. I've been skating them a lot the past few months and they're holding up well. They're completely sealed on both sides so the "no maintenance" claim seems to be holding true. There's also no visible signs of corrosion yet either like I get within a month or two with Bones. I'll definitely be going with these for my budget bearings over regular Bones Reds. Yes, once one goes bad all you can really do is dispose of it (unless you're a bearing maintenance wizard) but where I live I can have the metals recycling pick them up just like they do my old cracked or used up trucks. So I don't feel so bad about buying disposable bearings.
Bearings are always a hard topic. Everyone installs them differently, maintains them differently, spacers versus no spacers etc etc. There's so many variables that can change the experience from one person to the next. This is just my experience as an "always spacers/no wheel play" skater.
(https://i.imgur.com/368ccMs.jpg)
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Nice write up. Where to find NMB’s here in the US?
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Thanks! I found them at SOP Distribution here: https://sopdistribution.com/collections/bearings/products/no-maintenance-bearing-pack-set-of-8 (https://sopdistribution.com/collections/bearings/products/no-maintenance-bearing-pack-set-of-8)
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I set up bones big balls and a set of f4 classics last night and it was problems all night
Even stopped midway and put spacers in went back out and still fucckery
This wheel bearing combo not working at all
I saw above old mate above wasn't impressed by big balls either..
Haha
What's the consensus do big balls suck balls?? Or is this a qc issue
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I set up bones big balls and a set of f4 classics last night and it was problems all night
Even stopped midway and put spacers in went back out and still fucckery
This wheel bearing combo not working at all
I saw above old mate above wasn't impressed by big balls either..
Haha
What's the consensus do big balls suck balls?? Or is this a qc issue
I just ordered a set. Should be here on tuesday, going to use them with 53mm slime balls. Lots of balls going on here.
Usually you can get a general idea of a product, but big balls have the most insanely polarizing opinions. Doesn't take long to find out bronson raw isn't all that great, but then you have people that really love the big balls and others who think they're shittier reds.
Guess I'm going to find out first hand.
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I set up bones big balls and a set of f4 classics last night and it was problems all night
Even stopped midway and put spacers in went back out and still fucckery
This wheel bearing combo not working at all
I saw above old mate above wasn't impressed by big balls either..
Haha
What's the consensus do big balls suck balls?? Or is this a qc issue
I just ordered a set. Should be here on tuesday, going to use them with 53mm slime balls. Lots of balls going on here.
Usually you can get a general idea of a product, but big balls have the most insanely polarizing opinions. Doesn't take long to find out bronson raw isn't all that great, but then you have people that really love the big balls and others who think they're shittier reds.
Guess I'm going to find out first hand.
Best of luck to you. I'm swapping them out for a set of reds I bought at the same
Modus black are very good for a budget bearing
Only had a couple of sets of each but found them smoother and more reliable than reds
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Modus Blues at the moment. I prefer them over Reds as a reliable and cheap bearing.
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honestly, been running cheapshots, and have no issue with them. ever since i heard a lot of guys on spitfire who don't have a bearing sponsor will run the cheapshots, i've barely thought about my bearings.
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Big balls are more durable than reds in my experience
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Just got me some Bones Super Reds, the smoothness was throwing me off since my previous bearings were cheap and shitty.
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Just got me some Bones Super Reds, the smoothness was throwing me off since my previous bearings were cheap and shitty.
take care of them they will be smooth 10 years from now.
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No problem with my Bigballs/Radials slim F4 with spacers after a good amount of sessions in a month, they're still great and smooth, you guys are crazy lol
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Legit? Reds for $11?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F283795420424
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Legit? Reds for $11?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F283795420424
Honestly speaking since the dude has like no rep on eBay, I'd say good chance these are fakes. I mean realistically though, how much different can be they be from actual reds, especially since most of the time the fakes and the real red are made in the same factory.
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https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-8.htm (https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-8.htm)
I've been running a set of these ceramics in my cruiser all winter and they're quick! Had to replace a couple damaged shields, but they've put up with water, salt, and sub freezing temps.
No word on how they hold up to impact of regular skating yet, but I'll be trying them out in a regular setup this summer
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I was selling rebuilds for
https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-8.htm (https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-8.htm)
I've been running a set of these ceramics in my cruiser all winter and they're quick! Had to replace a couple damaged shields, but they've put up with water, salt, and sub freezing temps.
No word on how they hold up to impact of regular skating yet, but I'll be trying them out in a regular setup this summer
10
If gnar you if I could. I'm definitely going to try these. https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-8.htm (https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-8.htm)
I've been running a set of these ceramics in my cruiser all winter and they're quick! Had to replace a couple damaged shields, but they've put up with water, salt, and sub freezing temps.
No word on how they hold up to impact of regular skating yet, but I'll be trying them out in a regular setup this summer
that's a super red. I know bearings very well. I would gnar you if I could
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$15.54 to ship those ground geez
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$15.54 to ship those ground geez
USPS standard shipping is $3.69 if you select "other carriers"
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$15.54 to ship those ground geez
USPS standard shipping is $3.69 if you select "other carriers"
missed tht first time around I guess. thanks. How did you find these? And what happened with the shields? Was it only bc you used them in shit weather?
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$15.54 to ship those ground geez
USPS standard shipping is $3.69 if you select "other carriers"
I read somewhere, maybe a post on here, that the majority of bearings are made in the same factory so I went looking for a wholesaler. The shields were all fine when I got them but a couple of them started to rub after a couple weeks. Once I replaced them with random shields I had lying around they've needed zero maintenance for the past few months. They don't have any sort of labyrinth / fancy shields or come with any packaging / spacers, but the bearings have been more than worth it for a rain and winter setup.
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They come in a set of 8, right? or is it just one? 9.95 seems awfully cheap for 8
shalom
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They come in a set of 8, right? or is it just one? 9.95 seems awfully cheap for 8
shalom
not sure if troll.
Pack of 8 Ball Bearings
608-2RS with Ceramic Balls
(https://www.vxb.com/v/vspfiles/photos/8bearings-2rs-2.jpg)
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They come in a set of 8, right? or is it just one? 9.95 seems awfully cheap for 8
Not troll, just unsure.
shalom
Pack of 8 Ball Bearings
608-2RS with Ceramic Balls
(https://www.vxb.com/v/vspfiles/photos/8bearings-2rs-2.jpg)
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that's a super red. I know bearings very well. I would gnar you if I could
Aren't reds ceramics made of Silicon Nitride balls - which are dark in appearance? These are Zirconia ones - white balls.
VXB also makes Silicon Nitride ones, but they are closer to $50 for a set.
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Like, a gross mashup of china reds and china ceramics from more than 5 years ago. I just swap out the ceramic when they eventually break. I went through a really weird bearing breaking phase which I assume was just cause the ceramics were all starting to get old after 5 years and a bunch started to blow out, thus the reds added to the mix
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swiss for like 5 years now
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vxb has some silicone nitride ceramic bearings with built in spacers for $35. peaks the shit out of my curiosity
https://www.vxb.com/8-Skateboard-Extended-SI3N4-Ceramic-Built-in-p/kit16855.htm
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swiss 6 are on my shopping list. tired of having to push forever on china reds
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swiss 6 are on my shopping list. tired of having to push forever on china reds
Not a huge bargain, but amazon is selling super Swiss 6 for 55 bucks. They’re legit if you get them from the seller “fish bone apparel”
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speed oil? "This is our secret formula. We private label this to a few companies but cannot disclose which ones.."
https://tgmskateboards.com/bearing-speed-oil/
or bones speed cream?
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I just cleaned an old ass set of Reds rather than put in a new set of Bronson G2s. Figured the Reds would still be better.
A friend gave me the Bronsons for my birthday over 2 years ago. I feel bad about not using them but my last set was terrible.
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buying anything other than Bones is a future inconvenience
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I’ve spouted it many times and I’m gonna keep going
MODUS
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
Probably they're all the same but I would go for Bones speedcream.
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
I guess my real question is do you guys have good experience with 3n1 oil? Is it too thick?
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riding those indy abec 5 and as of right now i love em. Will check back in in a month
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
Is ok, back in the day I used for years and never had any problem
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2
(https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2)
i've been using this for the past year to lube my bearings. cheap, food-grade, and non-toxic.
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
cheetah cum only
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ime three in one is way too thick. i like tri-flow
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2
(https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2)
i've been using this for the past year to lube my bearings. cheap, food-grade, and non-toxic.
ISO 68 is really thick. Super Lube has thinner oils.
Stay away from the 20wt 3in1 and Triflow oils. 3in1 has 2 thinner versions that should work, with and without PTFE.
I'd do Speed Cream or Oust over Bronson.
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Are super reds / race reds worth it over regular reds? I used to have swiss but I don't have 80 bucks to spend. Big Balls were ok for me, but there seems to be mixed opinions on them now.
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I've been skating two sets of Bones Swiss, one from around 2002-ish. The other from around 2008-ish. They still spin and roll perfectly.
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I've been skating two sets of Bones Swiss, one from around 2002-ish. The other from around 2008-ish. They still spin and roll perfectly.
whats your maintenance routine? over 10 years of use is insane value
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
cheetah cum only
Do I have to milk the cheetah myself or can I just buy a bottle? Locally sourced non GMO cheetah cum may be my only option though hard to come by.
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
cheetah cum only
wring out some old cheetahsheets
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Expand Quote
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2
(https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2)
i've been using this for the past year to lube my bearings. cheap, food-grade, and non-toxic.
Stay away from the 20wt 3in1 and Triflow oils. 3in1 has 2 thinner versions that should work, with and without PTFE.
I'd do Speed Cream or Oust over Bronson.
Sewing machine oil from your local haberdashery. Correct viscosity and a third the price of "Speed cream".
Oh and I have run the same Swiss 6 for a couple of years and am trying out some big balls.
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2
(https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-
Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2)
i've been using this for the past year to lube my bearings. cheap, food-grade, and non-toxic.
Thanks for the link. I’m going to order some today.
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Link not working?
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3n1 oil, Bronson oil, or Bones speedcream for relube?
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2
(https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZQLNN8O2WZXJ&dchild=1&keywords=superlube+synthetic+oil&qid=1584658517&sprefix=superlube+synt%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2)
i've been using this for the past year to lube my bearings. cheap, food-grade, and non-toxic.
Stay away from the 20wt 3in1 and Triflow oils. 3in1 has 2 thinner versions that should work, with and without PTFE.
I'd do Speed Cream or Oust over Bronson.
Sewing machine oil from your local haberdashery. Correct viscosity and a third the price of "Speed cream".
Oh and I have run the same Swiss 6 for a couple of years and am trying out some big balls.
Sewing machine oil is also on the thicker side. And usually just mineral oil, nothing special.
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that's a super red. I know bearings very well. I would gnar you if I could
Aren't reds ceramics made of Silicon Nitride balls - which are dark in appearance? These are Zirconia ones - white balls.
VXB also makes Silicon Nitride ones, but they are closer to $50 for a set.
engine swap. It the housing I need.
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Link not working?
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YQQSL8E9OCNM&keywords=super%2Blube%2Bsynthetic%2Blightweight%2Boil&qid=1584915776&sprefix=super%2Blube%2Blight%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1&swrs=402A80CCFB10A27829735CD2D9244A17&th=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YQQSL8E9OCNM&keywords=super%2Blube%2Bsynthetic%2Blightweight%2Boil&qid=1584915776&sprefix=super%2Blube%2Blight%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1&swrs=402A80CCFB10A27829735CD2D9244A17&th=1)
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feels like i've given a bunch of different options in bones' catalog a try. i liked the big balls at first but they got a little noisy on me after a while, they still roll fine i put em on a cruiser.
i have some regular swiss that are a few years old that have held up well, but they got rusty enough to get stuck in a set of STF's even though they didn't get wet or whatever. i just put reds on a setup and they are fast as hell, i might stick with them from here. unless someone can vouch for super reds.
i have this set of rush ceramics that are several years old, i've cleaned them twice and they still rip. only bearings i've liked other than bones, but they have since changed packaging and kind of market to longboarders now. that's all i got on bearings...
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(https://i.imgflip.com/3u6ivk.jpg) (https://imgflip.com/i/3u6ivk)via Imgflip Meme Generator (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator)
spring cleaning they're going in my main ride.
So this is how you snap bearings back together if you want to clean them properly I suggest you learn.
You must have a shield or it's a pain but the shield is holding the bearings in then you press and click they're in.
I need new shields the plating is going on these
I wish I had green bones shields.
I wish I had my own brand. Id rebuild and hand assemble ceramics and put my shields on them. Green for recycled. $10
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https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YQQSL8E9OCNM&keywords=super%2Blube%2Bsynthetic%2Blightweight%2Boil&qid=1584915776&sprefix=super%2Blube%2Blight%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1&swrs=402A80CCFB10A27829735CD2D9244A17&th=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-52004-Lightweight-Translucent/dp/B00175VGUA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YQQSL8E9OCNM&keywords=super%2Blube%2Bsynthetic%2Blightweight%2Boil&qid=1584915776&sprefix=super%2Blube%2Blight%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1&swrs=402A80CCFB10A27829735CD2D9244A17&th=1)
ISO 68 is pretty thick. I'll try looking for a comparison..
Edit.. ISO 68 is ~68 cSt @ 40*C, there's a range (65-71?)
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Public/Document/18452/3bd67f54-0d7e-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3/1281f130-fbbc-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1 (https://sharena21.springcm.com/Public/Document/18452/3bd67f54-0d7e-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3/1281f130-fbbc-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1)
this Valvoline synthetic 10w-30 is 67.2 cSt @ 40*C (KV40)
0w-20 or 5w-20 would be faster
The stuff below is super thin.
https://www.super-lube.com/syncopen-synthetic-penetrant-2 pn 85004
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-85004-Synthetic-Translucent/dp/B07C3PCK4Z/
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Bearing companies hate this one simple trick...leaving the shields on. Can’t believe I kept going along with the no shields trend. I’ve had some super reds for about a month now and usually at least one bearing would crap out by now. These are still pretty quiet but spin longer and no dead pop sound. Keep your shields on, folks.
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the one set of cortinas I have would disagree with shields. Hot garbage the first 2 months, ran them through rain one day thinking I would ditch them soon after. Ended up cleaning them with acetone the next morning and popping the shields and they have been running for 6 months raw. Upgraded to swiss and didn’t look back. Shields on the Swiss tho ;)
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Bearing companies hate this one simple trick...leaving the shields on. Can’t believe I kept going along with the no shields trend. I’ve had some super reds for about a month now and usually at least one bearing would crap out by now. These are still pretty quiet but spin longer and no dead pop sound. Keep your shields on, folks.
i ride shields on till they crap out. pooping them off after a midlife cleaning usually gives reds a second wind for me
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Bearing companies hate this one simple trick...leaving the shields on. Can’t believe I kept going along with the no shields trend. I’ve had some super reds for about a month now and usually at least one bearing would crap out by now. These are still pretty quiet but spin longer and no dead pop sound. Keep your shields on, folks.
A quick spray of oil should help prolong their life and your cleaning interval.
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Does anyone have experience with any of the bulk retailers? I was thinking about starting a homie bearing company.
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I've been skating only Reds for years. Now my local shop seems to have Mini-Logo too so I'm gonna give them a try. I just can't convince myself that Swiss would last years and not lock up like Reds.
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Can’t remember if I already posted in here or not but I’m currently riding a mix of Enjoi abec 7s, HKD abec 7s, and shake junt abec 7s; might be a Modus black or a mini logo in there as well, can’t remember; all with the shields popped off though. As long as the shields are removable and it’s got a cage that’s not metal then I’ll skate whatever really. Bearings are the one thing I probably care about the least; I put them in then forget about them and I’ll skate em and then replace em one by one as they break over time from wear n tear. Used to bother me when I was younger if all my bearings weren’t the same brand and didn’t match (my gear OCD was a lot worse back then, which is funny because usually it gets worse as you get older, but these days I stopped caring and obsessing over little minute gear details as much), but now I just ride my shit all Frankensteined out.
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tiny truck thread made me stumble onto these:
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/KwiK-Bearings/102291
Set of 16 Swiss bearings for like 80 bucks? 8mm as well so should be all good. what’s yalls take?
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tiny truck thread made me stumble onto these:
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/KwiK-Bearings/102291
Set of 16 Swiss bearings for like 80 bucks? 8mm as well so should be all good. what’s yalls take?
I thought about it but the delrin retainers put me off cuz I think they'd crack more easily from impacts. Skateboard stuff uses nylon retainers. But I'm not jumping down stuff so they might survive?
Pre-spun sounds interesting, would help with break-in.
Here's a some other interesting roller companies.
https://www.cheezeballs.com/index-1.html lol. Gouda
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/Antik-Skates/Moto-Bearings lil better than kwik?
http://www.catsbearing.com/products/ the prices!
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The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
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I have like 8 setups with diff bones bearings and feel the big balls have the best price/performance ratio but I dunno how long they will last
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tiny truck thread made me stumble onto these:
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/KwiK-Bearings/102291
Set of 16 Swiss bearings for like 80 bucks? 8mm as well so should be all good. what’s yalls take?
imo pass on that shit... non-removable shields would suck ass, and i wouldn’t think they would put them on bearings worth a shit
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Swiss ceramics on a cruiser, REDs on the set up.
Shields popped off.
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The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
I had some Swiss 6 that were the best. Since then my Swiss have been just ok. Reds are really all over. Sometimes they are sick, sometimes I wish I had just gotten mini logos. I can’t call it. I kinda feel like bearings all go similar in speed, but some last longer. I know this isn’t accurate. Been awhile since I’ve had some that felt great.
I for sure don’t do a good job cleaning stuff. I have taken the shields off, thrown everything in a Gatorade bottle with 91% alcohol, shaken em about....after that tho. As soon as I put speed cream they are back to wack. I always fuck up shields....obviously I’m a real champ mechanically
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tiny truck thread made me stumble onto these:
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/KwiK-Bearings/102291
Set of 16 Swiss bearings for like 80 bucks? 8mm as well so should be all good. what’s yalls take?
Forgot most roller stuff uses those shields. Could remove em, tough to put em back.
Black Panther had some weird metal shields that were removable, held in with a tiny c-clip.
If you search for Jesa 608 bearings there might be more options. The ones I've found have metal shields too.
https://bont.com/products/608-jesa-black-series-inline-bearing their bearing press looks nice
edit "The shields are easily removed for cleaning."
http://www.wicked-hardware.com/portfolio/wcd-swiss-p5-bearings-by-jesa/
The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
The inner race? Or the plastic ring that holds the balls? Inner race would be tough to break. Retainers break and there's replacements, maybe I'd do that for bones swiss.
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The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
I had some Swiss 6 that were the best. Since then my Swiss have been just ok. Reds are really all over. Sometimes they are sick, sometimes I wish I had just gotten mini logos. I can’t call it. I kinda feel like bearings all go similar in speed, but some last longer. I know this isn’t accurate. Been awhile since I’ve had some that felt great.
I for sure don’t do a good job cleaning stuff. I have taken the shields off, thrown everything in a Gatorade bottle with 91% alcohol, shaken em about....after that tho. As soon as I put speed cream they are back to wack. I always fuck up shields....obviously I’m a real champ mechanically
Bearings are always going to initially run slower with lube, so don't think just because they aren't spinning for a minute from a hand spin after you add the speed cream that it's making them slower. They perform differently under load (ie with your fat ass standing on them) and I've had bearings that would spin for 2 minutes without a load but were slow as hell when you actually skated them. Also, you have to skate them for a while and let it really get evenly distributed and dissipated before they start to "feel" fast again.
Be careful about how much lube you use too... literally just a drop or two is what you want. It might even look like there's not enough in there to cover all the surfaces but once you get rolling and they heat up it'll spread around the bearing evenly. I've seen people literally squirt a stream of the shit in their bearings before a session and then complain it doesn't work.
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Running Modus Blues and just scored Modus Titaniums for cheap. Havn't skated them yet but Blues are my go to budget bearing. They seem more durable than Reds but there are so many variables to consider that I don't really know. All I am sure of is that they actually worth buying.
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I tried Bronsons' when they came out, worst set of bearings. cunts lasted less than 4 months
Since then, random shit - cheapshots, black panthers I got on sale (which also sucked surprisingly), modus etc, avoided reds for a while for whatever reason.
Just bought a set of swiss for less than the price of a set of Sunday's, so we'll see how they go.
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Don't let Made in China stop you from buying something. They are excellent at manufacturing products at reasonable prices
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Hating a communist authoritarian government is all well and good but the Chinese have dominated the factory game for a reason. Their small hands and diligent work ethic make for excellent efficiency. The fact americans can't wrap there head around this is understandable but its whatever to me personally. We are all slave laborers in one way or another
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It's a long time since i skated regular Reds, i have two sets of Super Reds wich i really like, i'm not shure if they are worth the price hike though.
I also have a set of Reds Big balls, so far they feel a little bit more sluggish, but it might be the wheels i use them with.
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tiny truck thread made me stumble onto these:
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/KwiK-Bearings/102291
Set of 16 Swiss bearings for like 80 bucks? 8mm as well so should be all good. what’s yalls take?
would not have caught that myself, thx homie.
maybe it is time to splurge on some Swiss 6.
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Running the new Bones 'big balls' right now. The shop only carried Bones so I just picked the bearings One Price tag above reds.
Always rode Indy abec7s and reds before. Cant say anything about THE big balls yet, not mindblown not disapointed. I Guess they Will last a little longer since they got 6 bigger balls compared to a regular 7.
Only thing im bummed about is that theyre not sealed on the inside. Sure it cant be much dirt getting inside the wheels but in the long run a fully sealed bearing would stay clean for longer, right?
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Looking for bearings to have on ice. Not sure if I should get big balls or raws.
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tiny truck thread made me stumble onto these:
https://www.roller.riedellskates.com/Catalog/KwiK-Bearings/102291
Set of 16 Swiss bearings for like 80 bucks? 8mm as well so should be all good. what’s yalls take?
Black Panther had some weird metal shields that were removable, held in with a tiny c-clip.
If you search for Jesa 608 bearings there might be more options. The ones I've found have metal shields too.
https://bont.com/products/608-jesa-black-series-inline-bearing their bearing press looks nice
http://www.wicked-hardware.com/portfolio/wcd-swiss-p5-bearings-by-jesa/
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The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
My bad it's the plastic ring on the non shielded side.
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The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
I had some Swiss 6 that were the best. Since then my Swiss have been just ok. Reds are really all over. Sometimes they are sick, sometimes I wish I had just gotten mini logos. I can’t call it. I kinda feel like bearings all go similar in speed, but some last longer. I know this isn’t accurate. Been awhile since I’ve had some that felt great.
I for sure don’t do a good job cleaning stuff. I have taken the shields off, thrown everything in a Gatorade bottle with 91% alcohol, shaken em about....after that tho. As soon as I put speed cream they are back to wack. I always fuck up shields....obviously I’m a real champ mechanically
Bearings are always going to initially run slower with lube, so don't think just because they aren't spinning for a minute from a hand spin after you add the speed cream that it's making them slower. They perform differently under load (ie with your fat ass standing on them) and I've had bearings that would spin for 2 minutes without a load but were slow as hell when you actually skated them. Also, you have to skate them for a while and let it really get evenly distributed and dissipated before they start to "feel" fast again.
Be careful about how much lube you use too... literally just a drop or two is what you want. It might even look like there's not enough in there to cover all the surfaces but once you get rolling and they heat up it'll spread around the bearing evenly. I've seen people literally squirt a stream of the shit in their bearings before a session and then complain it doesn't work.
I used to be bad about this. Now I go with 2 generous drops and spin the bearing and then wipe excess off the backside with a paper towel.
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The set of swiss I've had for a little over a year has a crack on one of the inner races. I didn't skate all winter and pretty much only skate flat so it's kind of disappointing. The super swiss 6 I had before that did the same with multiple bearings after taking a trip to Utah after a couple years of service. I had one set of swiss last me a good 4 years. Starting to think I'm better off buying reds and throwing them out as I'm tired of hassling with cleaning them.
I had some Swiss 6 that were the best. Since then my Swiss have been just ok. Reds are really all over. Sometimes they are sick, sometimes I wish I had just gotten mini logos. I can’t call it. I kinda feel like bearings all go similar in speed, but some last longer. I know this isn’t accurate. Been awhile since I’ve had some that felt great.
I for sure don’t do a good job cleaning stuff. I have taken the shields off, thrown everything in a Gatorade bottle with 91% alcohol, shaken em about....after that tho. As soon as I put speed cream they are back to wack. I always fuck up shields....obviously I’m a real champ mechanically
Bearings are always going to initially run slower with lube, so don't think just because they aren't spinning for a minute from a hand spin after you add the speed cream that it's making them slower. They perform differently under load (ie with your fat ass standing on them) and I've had bearings that would spin for 2 minutes without a load but were slow as hell when you actually skated them. Also, you have to skate them for a while and let it really get evenly distributed and dissipated before they start to "feel" fast again.
Be careful about how much lube you use too... literally just a drop or two is what you want. It might even look like there's not enough in there to cover all the surfaces but once you get rolling and they heat up it'll spread around the bearing evenly. I've seen people literally squirt a stream of the shit in their bearings before a session and then complain it doesn't work.
All decent info, thanks.
Yeah I only put a drop or two of speed cream on. I usually ditch the shields, when I clean them, but I don’t ‘pop the shields’ to begin with.
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Yep to just a couple drops. Think that's in the Bones info too.
An extra oil gets flung out in that black sun/star pattern.
https://www.proskatersplace.com/shop/inline-skates/inline-skate-bearings/ilq-x-mr2-16-pk/
Another crazy inline bearing. I don't think it's 608 size but would fit like a 608. That weird cone-shaped piece is a sleeve to bring the bore down to 8mm. Guessing it has 10mm ID.
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Those of you that run swiss/swiss 6 or reds for over a year... how the fuck. Do you guys never land primo or powerslide or anything? I've had a set of swiss and swiss 6 and they were both great, swiss 6 noticeably better than cheap bearings at its peak, but even so, they only lasted me about 5 months... cleaned them when they got janky with acetone then lubed with speed cream, they just ended up seizing and not spinning well.
I've skated mini logos, reds, super reds, indy blacks, modus blues, bronson raws just to name a few. Give or take a bit, they're all pretty close to each other in performance with the raws and indy blacks seeming to be a bit faster off the bat and modus blues are greased up thicker initially but break in well, I seem to have the worst luck with reds and super reds... nothing seems to last more than a few months even if I try clean it, they just lock up or stop spinning.
I've just resigned myself to skating mini logos with shields on, popping them when they bend or slow down a bit, and replacing them after two months or so. If anyone has a secret bearing suggestion thats super durable or any tips on how to clean or restore damaged/locked/seized bearings so that I can run swiss 6 for more than a year I'm all ears.
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Those of you that run swiss/swiss 6 or reds for over a year... how the fuck. Do you guys never land primo or powerslide or anything?
Swiss 6 have been the only bearing that has survived my tendency to land primo and I love power slides. I get a solid year out of them.
Do you use washers and spacers?
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Those of you that run swiss/swiss 6 or reds for over a year... how the fuck. Do you guys never land primo or powerslide or anything? I've had a set of swiss and swiss 6 and they were both great, swiss 6 noticeably better than cheap bearings at its peak, but even so, they only lasted me about 5 months... cleaned them when they got janky with acetone then lubed with speed cream, they just ended up seizing and not spinning well.
I've skated mini logos, reds, super reds, indy blacks, modus blues, bronson raws just to name a few. Give or take a bit, they're all pretty close to each other in performance with the raws and indy blacks seeming to be a bit faster off the bat and modus blues are greased up thicker initially but break in well, I seem to have the worst luck with reds and super reds... nothing seems to last more than a few months even if I try clean it, they just lock up or stop spinning.
I've just resigned myself to skating mini logos with shields on, popping them when they bend or slow down a bit, and replacing them after two months or so. If anyone has a secret bearing suggestion thats super durable or any tips on how to clean or restore damaged/locked/seized bearings so that I can run swiss 6 for more than a year I'm all ears.
Same camp, I'm convinced that very little separates the premium $80+ bearings from cheaper $10-20 stuff. I can't be arsed to clean and maintain the fancy stuff and I lack to space in my apartment to keep the cleaning agents. If you chance across a set of the fancy stuff on discount then go for it; if not the regular stuff like Reds are plenty good.
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Those of you that run swiss/swiss 6 or reds for over a year... how the fuck. Do you guys never land primo or powerslide or anything? I've had a set of swiss and swiss 6 and they were both great, swiss 6 noticeably better than cheap bearings at its peak, but even so, they only lasted me about 5 months... cleaned them when they got janky with acetone then lubed with speed cream, they just ended up seizing and not spinning well.
I've skated mini logos, reds, super reds, indy blacks, modus blues, bronson raws just to name a few. Give or take a bit, they're all pretty close to each other in performance with the raws and indy blacks seeming to be a bit faster off the bat and modus blues are greased up thicker initially but break in well, I seem to have the worst luck with reds and super reds... nothing seems to last more than a few months even if I try clean it, they just lock up or stop spinning.
I've just resigned myself to skating mini logos with shields on, popping them when they bend or slow down a bit, and replacing them after two months or so. If anyone has a secret bearing suggestion thats super durable or any tips on how to clean or restore damaged/locked/seized bearings so that I can run swiss 6 for more than a year I'm all ears.
Same camp, I'm convinced that very little separates the premium $80+ bearings from cheaper $10-20 stuff. I can't be arsed to clean and maintain the fancy stuff and I lack to space in my apartment to keep the cleaning agents. If you chance across a set of the fancy stuff on discount then go for it; if not the regular stuff like Reds are plenty good.
I don't mind the cleaning process at all, can be kinda fun honestly... but cleaning swiss 6s on the regular and having them still last less than a year just feels kinda stupid. If I could make them last over a year with cleaning I'd be 100% with it.
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Those of you that run swiss/swiss 6 or reds for over a year... how the fuck. Do you guys never land primo or powerslide or anything?
Swiss 6 have been the only bearing that has survived my tendency to land primo and I love power slides. I get a solid year out of them.
Do you use washers and spacers?
Yup, though I don't like having it completely cranked down such that there's no play at all, makes the board sound too waterlogged. But definitely leave very little room and use washers and spacers. I think it helps a tiny bit as I can see the spacer start to get very slightly deformed after a while.
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Big balls or Raws?
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Big balls or Raws?
big balls. I did enjoy the raws though
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Big balls or Raws?
I have said it many many times in person and on here. Bones Ceramics are 100% worth the money. They are better and last way longer than any other bearing that I have had and I rarely clean them if ever.
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I have said it many many times in person and on here. Bones Ceramics are 100% worth the money. They are better and last way longer than any other bearing that I have had and I rarely clean them if ever.
Not spending that much money on an alternative setup. Not moving from swiss 6 on my main one.
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Midnite boredom. Messing around with some of my setups and noticed this on the Bones China Reds..got each set from 2 different skateshops in my country. 1 of them cost half the price than the others. Removed the shields to get a better view of the internals. They looked identical. Only time will tell which ones will last longer.
(https://i.imgur.com/bxI1wfP.jpg)
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I got fake Reds off eBay once. They sucked.
The ones I’ve gotten from Skateone have the logo on the left. The fakes I bought had no edge bevel on the inner races.
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I ride some Andalé swiss for now.
I usually just ride good ol reds but I thought it was time for something new.
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Midnite boredom. Messing around with some of my setups and noticed this on the Bones China Reds..got each set from 2 different skateshops in my country. 1 of them cost half the price than the others. Removed the shields to get a better view of the internals. They looked identical. Only time will tell which ones will last longer.
(https://i.imgur.com/bxI1wfP.jpg)
Forgot to mention, left ones are the cheap priced Reds & the right ones from the authorised Bones seller
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yeah a ton of fake bones swiss and bones red on ebay. just buy from a skateshops website. i got a set off the big balls of tactics (super cheap and couldn't resist) and ive been using them for two months and the'yre doing so well.
ive owned the swiss six balls and they're probably the fastest bearings ive had..
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yeah a ton of fake bones swiss and bones red on ebay. just buy from a skateshops website. i got a set off the big balls of tactics (super cheap and couldn't resist) and ive been using them for two months and the'yre doing so well.
ive owned the swiss six balls and they're probably the fastest bearings ive had..
Yeah I've seen a lot of them pop up on Asian e-commerce sites going at 1/2 the regular price too.
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I skate reds, one time I skated a set of bronsons that were free. It was a nice three days but then they stopped working. Swiss seems worthwhile but I have yet to see a reason to stop skating reds.
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Can you believe these sketchy Brazilian bearings?
(https://i.imgur.com/s54KxTrl.jpg)
"Double ten"
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To anyone who has ridden Zealous ceramics, how are they? Where are they on the bones scale? Super Reds? Reds? They seem like they'd be pretty good at $40....
shalom pals
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To anyone who has ridden Zealous ceramics, how are they? Where are they on the bones scale? Super Reds? Reds? They seem like they'd be pretty good at $40....
shalom pals
if you're gonna spend more then $30 might as well spend a bit more and get swiss's
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To anyone who has ridden Zealous ceramics, how are they? Where are they on the bones scale? Super Reds? Reds? They seem like they'd be pretty good at $40....
shalom pals
if you're gonna spend more then $30 might as well spend a bit more and get swiss's
I've done the Swiss thing before, but I just want some cheaper, more chuckable bearings I don't need to worry about getting really crusty, swiss are $80 up here in Canada.
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I’m skating bones Swiss 6 balls, with shields. Before that I had bones Swiss L2 and I skated the same set for over ten years. To be fair they are still going! I handed them down to a kid at my local park who is a much better skater than me and he has no complaints about them. All though he does not clean them so who knows how long they will last in the Oregon weather.
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I gave into my curiosity and ordered some of rockin Ron's patented pocket rockets. Got them about a week ago. They're just NMB double shields (no custom shields or anything) and although he claims they're lubricated with some special juice the seals looked factory new to me.
First impression was that they're really fast out of the gate, definitely better than reds. I was hoping they'd get even faster as they broke in but that hasn't happened (at least not yet) and they don't use thick lube or feel stiff to begin with so I'm not sure if it will. After bombing a few hills with both them and some of my favorite bearings (hard luck 6 ball, flip hkd 7, and modus 7) I came to the conclusion that they aren't the absolute best bearings ever and they aren't even the fastest of the ones I own, but they are pretty damn fast.
Can't speak to the durability since I haven't had them that long but my last set of NMB lasted a few months and only died because I got them wet so I'm going to assume these are similar. I'm pretty comfortable recommending them to anyone who wants a good bearing in the $25 price range. They probably aren't going to outperform a set of Swiss 6 or anything like that but I'd take them over big balls or Andale or most other bearings in the price range.
Anyone down for ordering a case directly from NMB and starting Shockin Sean's bearing company with me?
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Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
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Can you believe these sketchy Brazilian bearings?
(https://i.imgur.com/s54KxTrl.jpg)
"Double ten"
oh my I need one of those so badly
Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
sewing machine oil is the move
I saw a link on here while back for bones replacement shields if the op of link could repost that would be nice
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Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
Downside to the Bronson oil is the bottle, it’s harder to control the amount of oil that comes out so it’s really easy to get too much. Bones Speed Cream is pretty tried and true so I would pretty much lean that direction. Of course if you’re riding Bronson then you might want to use what the factory used if that’s your thing.
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Can you believe these sketchy Brazilian bearings?
(https://i.imgur.com/s54KxTrl.jpg)
"Double ten"
oh my I need one of those so badly
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Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
sewing machine oil is the move
I saw a link on here while back for bones replacement shields if the op of link could repost that would be nice
Not OP but this is the link for swiss shields from the bones website
https://bonesbearings.com/bones-bearings-swiss-replacement-shields-4pk
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Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
Tried both, didn't notice much difference between them. Just get whatever is cheaper or sewing machine oil if you want to save a few bucks.
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ok i'm sure this has been beaten to death, but does anyone SWEAR by bearing spacers? i've been skating for 20+ years and have NEVER used them....figured id give them a try on a new setup.
so i have a new set of bones swiss & og classic spitfires. i put them in and crank the nut all the way down, and the spin is so fucking minimal its embarrassing...i loosen them up a little & they spin pretty good. but in comparison to almost any bearings ive ever used WITHOUT spacers, these just seem much slower. am i doing something wrong or whats the deal here lol
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ok i'm sure this has been beaten to death, but does anyone SWEAR by bearing spacers? i've been skating for 20+ years and have NEVER used them....figured id give them a try on a new setup.
so i have a new set of bones swiss & og classic spitfires. i put them in and crank the nut all the way down, and the spin is so fucking minimal its embarrassing...i loosen them up a little & they spin pretty good. but in comparison to almost any bearings ive ever used WITHOUT spacers, these just seem much slower. am i doing something wrong or whats the deal here lol
Maybe don't crank all the way? You're going to bend something.
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Crank them snug, but not so snug that u can feel the bearings when rotating...
And most likly the wheel tolerance is wonky, so it will never be ideal.
Your skateboard will sound "dead" too, as some hardcore skaters would say ;D
And... Spin test is not very valuable. Its how they roll on the ground that matters.
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Crank them snug, but not so snug that u can feel the bearings when rotating...
And most likly the wheel tolerance is wonky, so it will never be ideal.
Your skateboard will sound "dead" too, as some hardcore skaters would say ;D
And... Spin test is not very valuable. Its how they roll on the ground that matters.
ok so they arent supposed to be "tight" just snug. that makes more sense...and yeah i hate to admit it but i did get the kind of 'dead' sound lol. i have bronson raws on another setup so these sound SUPER dead in comparison
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Can you believe these sketchy Brazilian bearings?
(https://i.imgur.com/s54KxTrl.jpg)
"Double ten"
oh my I need one of those so badly
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Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
sewing machine oil is the move
I saw a link on here while back for bones replacement shields if the op of link could repost that would be nice
Not OP but this is the link for swiss shields from the bones website
https://bonesbearings.com/bones-bearings-swiss-replacement-shields-4pk
Thank you
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To anyone who has ridden Zealous ceramics, how are they? Where are they on the bones scale? Super Reds? Reds? They seem like they'd be pretty good at $40....
shalom pals
I haven't ridden the ceramics, but have the regulars. It's the grease they use that does wonders IMO. I went down a rabbit hole once and figured out that it is, or almost certainly is, this severe duty grease (https://www.archoil.com/products/ar8000-grease) used for everything under the sun including racing and firearms applications. I think I ended up tracking it down through some longboarding engineer or something. Zealous wouldn't ever respond to any of my emails, unsurprisingly. It comes in a half oz syringe for like $20, but that's enough to last forever.
It's super thick, and takes a little bit to break in, but I swear by it for rain boards and cruisers.
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Can you believe these sketchy Brazilian bearings?
(https://i.imgur.com/s54KxTrl.jpg)
"Double ten"
oh my I need one of those so badly
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Bones speedcream vs. Bronsons speed cream? Havent tried Either one
sewing machine oil is the move
I bought sewing machine oil once and used bones speed cream in some of my bearings and sewing M oil in others.
2 drops in each bearing. The sewing machine oil bearings turned all black from the oil leaking out, very heavy oil leaking out. I would not recommend but then again it could be the brand I bought; it was just some basic brand from target.
I think people should stick with bones speed cream.
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Added spacers and I don’t think I like them. Or need them. I think.
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Added spacers and I don’t think I like them. Or need them. I think.
The only reason you don't like spacers is, they make it a pain in the ass to change wheels.
You don't think you need them is probably because you don't ride $70 bearings. And if that's the case, then no, you probably don't need them. IF you DO ride Swiss, they'll make them last a bit longer by keeping them straight.
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Big Balls in one setup, Mini-Logo in the other. Honestly, the Mini-Logos feel faster to me. The Big Balls are nice, though. Got a free set from Skate One when they first came out and they’re holding up.
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Big Balls in one setup, Mini-Logo in the other. Honestly, the Mini-Logos feel faster to me. The Big Balls are nice, though. Got a free set from Skate One when they first came out and they’re holding up.
I've decided that Big Balls are useless for their desired market spot (and price point). Having skated Big Balls (both out of box, cleaned and re-lubed, and now dry and shield-less), they aren't even close to Swiss 6/Tekton 6-Ball and feel no faster/smoother compared to regular 8 balls of any reputable brand.
My Bronson G3s (shieldless) feel faster, hell a set of Spitfire Classic (blue shields) are faster than big balls out of the box.
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Big Balls in one setup, Mini-Logo in the other. Honestly, the Mini-Logos feel faster to me. The Big Balls are nice, though. Got a free set from Skate One when they first came out and they’re holding up.
I've decided that Big Balls are useless for their desired market spot (and price point). Having skated Big Balls (both out of box, cleaned and re-lubed, and now dry and shield-less), they aren't even close to Swiss 6/Tekton 6-Ball and feel no faster/smoother compared to regular 8 balls of any reputable brand.
My Bronson G3s (shieldless) feel faster, hell a set of Spitfire Classic (blue shields) are faster than big balls out of the box.
Out of the box, the BigBalls were disappointing to me, particularly when compared to mini logos. That said, a recent clean/lube made them waaay better than they were new.
My urge to buy some Swiss 6 is growing but not currently strong enough to pull the trigger. But now that I’ve typed this, I’m not sure I’ll make it a week.
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Big Balls in one setup, Mini-Logo in the other. Honestly, the Mini-Logos feel faster to me. The Big Balls are nice, though. Got a free set from Skate One when they first came out and they’re holding up.
I've decided that Big Balls are useless for their desired market spot (and price point). Having skated Big Balls (both out of box, cleaned and re-lubed, and now dry and shield-less), they aren't even close to Swiss 6/Tekton 6-Ball and feel no faster/smoother compared to regular 8 balls of any reputable brand.
My Bronson G3s (shieldless) feel faster, hell a set of Spitfire Classic (blue shields) are faster than big balls out of the box.
Out of the box, the BigBalls were disappointing to me, particularly when compared to mini logos. That said, a recent clean/lube made them waaay better than they were new.
My urge to buy some Swiss 6 is growing but not currently strong enough to pull the trigger. But now that I’ve typed this, I’m not sure I’ll make it a week.
i made the switch and wont look back. looking to be a great investment
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Big Balls in one setup, Mini-Logo in the other. Honestly, the Mini-Logos feel faster to me. The Big Balls are nice, though. Got a free set from Skate One when they first came out and they’re holding up.
I've decided that Big Balls are useless for their desired market spot (and price point). Having skated Big Balls (both out of box, cleaned and re-lubed, and now dry and shield-less), they aren't even close to Swiss 6/Tekton 6-Ball and feel no faster/smoother compared to regular 8 balls of any reputable brand.
My Bronson G3s (shieldless) feel faster, hell a set of Spitfire Classic (blue shields) are faster than big balls out of the box.
Out of the box, the BigBalls were disappointing to me, particularly when compared to mini logos. That said, a recent clean/lube made them waaay better than they were new.
My urge to buy some Swiss 6 is growing but not currently strong enough to pull the trigger. But now that I’ve typed this, I’m not sure I’ll make it a week.
Swiss 6 are the truth.
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Hard luck 6 balls are cheaper than big balls and in my opinion are as good or maybe even a little better once you get them broken in, which took a surprisingly long time for an oil lubricated bearing.
Speaking of lube - Ive totally switched over to Liberty Oil. It's really lightweight and keeps things spinning fast and smooth. Plus for like $8 you get a much bigger bottle and a long needle tip so you don't even have to take your wheels off to lube the inside bearing. If you're riding without shields you can just poke it into the little gap between the hanger and wheel and squirt a few drops in.
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To anyone who has ridden Zealous ceramics, how are they? Where are they on the bones scale? Super Reds? Reds? They seem like they'd be pretty good at $40....
shalom pals
I haven't ridden the ceramics, but have the regulars. It's the grease they use that does wonders IMO. I went down a rabbit hole once and figured out that it is, or almost certainly is, this severe duty grease (https://www.archoil.com/products/ar8000-grease) used for everything under the sun including racing and firearms applications. I think I ended up tracking it down through some longboarding engineer or something. Zealous wouldn't ever respond to any of my emails, unsurprisingly. It comes in a half oz syringe for like $20, but that's enough to last forever.
It's super thick, and takes a little bit to break in, but I swear by it for rain boards and cruisers.
http://www.peterverdone.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lubricating_Skate_Bearings
Is this the longboard engr?
I agree with ISO 13(ish) oil. ISO 5-15 seems good..
But not his choice of grease. I'm almost positive that SFK grease is NGLI 2
I tried Redline wheel bearing grease in the early 90's thinking it'd kick ass cuz synthetic..
Slow as shit! Probably washed it out with WD40 or something cuz I was tired of pushing my ass of.
Wheel bearing grease is pretty thick. NGLI #2. Iirc tapered roller bearings create more load ( and lateral forces too) so they need a better grease. The newer ball bearing stuff is sealed and pre-greased. I've seen ppl regrease them but I wonder if ngli 2 is really necessary. Idk, I'm not a bearing engr..
Wheel bearings also get heated by the brakes so the grease needs to have a higher dropping point.
Neo is the only company I can think of that has NGLI 1.5 wheel bearing grease, and it's maybe used for racing.
There's thinner greases out there. NGLI 1.5, 1, 0, 00, etc..
And dropping point should also be a consideration. That's the temp where the grease goes liquid. Then I think base oil viscosity comes into play..
To me greases are more complicated than oil..
I'd skip the grease and just use (an aerosol) penetrating lube regularly.
If you really want waterproof grease I'd try the bike stuff or even a chain wax.
http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/bicycle-greases/extreme-fluoro-grease
http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_greas.htm ^finishline sounds like a budget krytox option
http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/bicycle-greases/ceramic-grease-advanced-bearing-lubrication ceramic nanoparticles is a newish trend for oils
http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/chain-lubricants
http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/lube-finder.php wet lube and ceramic wet lube best for water
Thicker engine assembly lubes might be a good option, they'll have EP/AW additives..
Lubriplate 105, CMD #3, Redline..
https://www.lubriplate.com/Products/Grease/Multi-Purpose-Greases/100-Series/NO-105/
NGLI 0, 170*f dropping pt, zinc for antiwear
https://www.cmdlubeoil.com/extreme-pressure-lubricant/
http://www.cmdlubeoil.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sds-lube-3.pdf 40cst @ 100*c
That's thicker than 60wt engine oil, probably 70wt too! About as thick as 250wt gear oil.
Maybe about the same as a room temp 20wt?
https://www.redlineoil.com/assembly-lube good dose of moly, says 2.5-5% in SDS. And thick, >1000cst @ 100c
I've used Boeshield T9. It was like waxy, soft cosmoline. Wasn't nearly as slow as grease and it's supposed to be water resistant.
https://boeshield.com/products/
https://www.skf.com/in/products/rolling-bearings/principles-of-rolling-bearing-selection/bearing-selection-process/bearing-size/size-selection-based-on-rating-life/lubrication-condition-the-viscosity-ratio-k
If you really wanna geek out on oil viscosity requirements..
I'll dig up some links..
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are running bones swiss, shieldless a bad idea? discussion between me and a friend
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are running bones swiss, shieldless a bad idea? discussion between me and a friend
with reds, the shields always bend after a few cleanings and make unnecessary contact in places that slow the roll. when it get to this point i just pop them off and they speed up.
havent cleaned my swiss 6 yet but if the shields end up doing the same thing, they gotta go
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Big Balls in one setup, Mini-Logo in the other. Honestly, the Mini-Logos feel faster to me. The Big Balls are nice, though. Got a free set from Skate One when they first came out and they’re holding up.
I've decided that Big Balls are useless for their desired market spot (and price point). Having skated Big Balls (both out of box, cleaned and re-lubed, and now dry and shield-less), they aren't even close to Swiss 6/Tekton 6-Ball and feel no faster/smoother compared to regular 8 balls of any reputable brand.
My Bronson G3s (shieldless) feel faster, hell a set of Spitfire Classic (blue shields) are faster than big balls out of the box.
Out of the box, the BigBalls were disappointing to me, particularly when compared to mini logos. That said, a recent clean/lube made them waaay better than they were new.
My urge to buy some Swiss 6 is growing but not currently strong enough to pull the trigger. But now that I’ve typed this, I’m not sure I’ll make it a week.
I have swiss 6 in 1 set up and Minilogos in another.
Swiss 6 are noticeably better to me. As they should be.
Swiss 6 are the best. But in my experience MLs are as good as reds and super reds. Swiss 6 feel better than regular Swiss also for sure imo.
But if you buy a set of Minilogo every 2 months; that might save you money over buying Swiss 6 once a year. I think mine are like a year and a half old and I’ve cleaned them twice in that life span and they are still good.
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don't see a benefit with reds over minilogo right out the box. maybe when it comes time to clean them they'll last longer?
minilogo any issues shieldless with a drop of speed lube once in a while?
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don't see a benefit with reds over minilogo right out the box. maybe when it comes time to clean them they'll last longer?
minilogo any issues shieldless with a drop of speed lube once in a while?
I used to run mini logo bearings all the time with no issue. Fast, smooth, affordable. Even when I was blowing out “higher end” bearings left and right the mini logo would always last me. I ran them without shields but was always skating indoors.
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are running bones swiss, shieldless a bad idea? discussion between me and a friend
Imo taking shields from any bearing is a dumb thing to do.
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It´s time for me to buy new bearings... My question is are swiss 6 worth it as far as speed goes? It´s cool they last longer, but I d rather buy mini logos or reds a bit more often if the speed is similar. Sorry I haven´t read the whole thread now, but do you have any inputs on this?
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Hard luck 6 balls are cheaper than big balls and in my opinion are as good or maybe even a little better once you get them broken in, which took a surprisingly long time for an oil lubricated bearing.
+1 for Hard Luck 6 balls, excellent bearings for their price. Fast and quiet right out of the box, didn't take that long to break in for me. Been skating mine for about a year now with no maintenance, they are no longer quiet, but they skate just as fast still.
Didn't have any luck with bones reds. Had reds right before the hardlucks, after 3 months 2 bearings locked up and the other 2-3 were barely rolling. Was a bit disappointed after hearing all the feedback that the reds are the best cheap bearings on the market.
Before reds I usually skated spitfire, indy and shake junt abec 5/7, which are all good cheap bearings in my opinion, but Hard luck are definitely my go to bearings now, even considering buying their six ball ceramics.
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My swiss 6 were definitely faster than mini logos, reds, super reds or anything I've had along those lines. Lasted longer too. But definitely didn't last nearly as long (even with cleaning) as 6 sets of mini logos which cost about the same as 1 set of swiss 6
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I impulse bought a 100 pack of VXB bearings for $20. They came coated with some thick grease so I cleaned them and replaced with speed cream. I'm not nearly talented enough to feel the difference between most bearings, however these VXB seem just as good as the Reds and Mini Logos I've used in the past. I've been using the same set for about six months with no issues whatsoever. That said, roughly 1 out of every 10 seem to be duds, but that still leaves me with years worth of bearings for the same price as a pack of reds
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I impulse bought a 100 pack of VXB bearings for $20. They came coated with some thick grease so I cleaned them and replaced with speed cream. I'm not nearly talented enough to feel the difference between most bearings, however these VXB seem just as good as the Reds and Mini Logos I've used in the past. I've been using the same set for about six months with no issues whatsoever. That said, roughly 1 out of every 10 seem to be duds, but that still leaves me with years worth of bearings for the same price as a pack of reds
link please
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https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm (https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm)
I'm pretty sure they sell on eBay with free shipping. They make ceramics and a few other versions too, just click on 'skate bearings' above the product title in the link
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https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm (https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm)
I'm pretty sure they sell on eBay with free shipping. They make ceramics and a few other versions too, just click on 'skate bearings' above the product title in the link
Interesting. Thanks. Wonder what the differences between all the different types are... but theres no real good explanations. Do you think they're skateable with the thick grease? Did you just run them through acetone and then put on some speed cream?
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My swiss 6 were definitely faster than mini logos, reds, super reds or anything I've had along those lines. Lasted longer too. But definitely didn't last nearly as long (even with cleaning) as 6 sets of mini logos which cost about the same as 1 set of swiss 6
Thanks man, I m not super tight on money anymore, so I ll finally pull the trigger I guess :)
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My swiss 6 were definitely faster than mini logos, reds, super reds or anything I've had along those lines. Lasted longer too. But definitely didn't last nearly as long (even with cleaning) as 6 sets of mini logos which cost about the same as 1 set of swiss 6
Thanks man, I m not super tight on money anymore, so I ll finally pull the trigger I guess :)
I think you'll be happy with your purchase. I definitely don't regret getting them. In my experience, swiss 6 was top tier, then indy blacks and bronson raw (I know people shit on them but I've had 3 sets with pretty good experiences in general), then reds/mini logos etc which are great too.
It seems like bearings last some people forever while other people seem to break cages or have their bearings seize up really easy or whatever. I'm in the latter camp, I guess I land primo sometimes and might be rough on my powerslides? But besides that who knows... was thinking about getting another set of swiss but the mass pack of 100 bearings sounds like much better value for money lol.
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Looking on ebay and hmmm
Theres these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wholesale-Lot-100-Skate-Nylon-Cage-Open-Deep-Groove-Radial-Steel-Ball-Bearing/360392110520?hash=item53e90b31b8:g:zSkAAOSwrfVZTVBp:sc:USPSPriority!94704!US!-1
and the ones with the green shields that are a bit more expensive:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-100-Premium-Quality-Low-Friction-Street-Luge-Skate-Board-Blades-Ball-Bearing/360402773388?hash=item53e9ade58c:g:ECoAAMXQaBtQ9chY:sc:USPSPriority!94704!US!-1
wonder if theres any major difference between the two.
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don't see a benefit with reds over minilogo right out the box. maybe when it comes time to clean them they'll last longer?
minilogo any issues shieldless with a drop of speed lube once in a while?
I took off the shields on a new Ml set a couple months back and they ended up drying out within a week, I guess I could have added lube but I just figured riding them without shields was a bad idea.
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https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm (https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm)
I'm pretty sure they sell on eBay with free shipping. They make ceramics and a few other versions too, just click on 'skate bearings' above the product title in the link
Interesting. Thanks. Wonder what the differences between all the different types are... but theres no real good explanations. Do you think they're skateable with the thick grease? Did you just run them through acetone and then put on some speed cream?
I've read good reviews for the ceramics, but not sure what the difference is between all the steel versions. I think there's different types of cages (nylon, steel, etc)? I'd imagine they'd roll fine with the original grease, probably just take a while to break in. I just ran them through a makeshift bearing cleaner with rubbing alcohol a few times. The next set I do I'll probably use acetone instead.
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don't see a benefit with reds over minilogo right out the box. maybe when it comes time to clean them they'll last longer?
minilogo any issues shieldless with a drop of speed lube once in a while?
yeah could be true. how is it different than any other bearing without shield though?
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My swiss 6 were definitely faster than mini logos, reds, super reds or anything I've had along those lines. Lasted longer too. But definitely didn't last nearly as long (even with cleaning) as 6 sets of mini logos which cost about the same as 1 set of swiss 6
Thanks man, I m not super tight on money anymore, so I ll finally pull the trigger I guess :)
I think you'll be happy with your purchase. I definitely don't regret getting them. In my experience, swiss 6 was top tier, then indy blacks and bronson raw (I know people shit on them but I've had 3 sets with pretty good experiences in general), then reds/mini logos etc which are great too.
It seems like bearings last some people forever while other people seem to break cages or have their bearings seize up really easy or whatever. I'm in the latter camp, I guess I land primo sometimes and might be rough on my powerslides? But besides that who knows... was thinking about getting another set of swiss but the mass pack of 100 bearings sounds like much better value for money lol.
Swiss 6 are the best. use in my main park set up. nice + fast on the smooth concrete.
give them a clean + re-lube when swapping to new wheels.
i always run shields/speed-rings/spacers in any set up.
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https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm (https://www.vxb.com/Pack-of-100-Skate-Skateboard-Open-Bearing-p/kit1083.htm)
I'm pretty sure they sell on eBay with free shipping. They make ceramics and a few other versions too, just click on 'skate bearings' above the product title in the link
Interesting. Thanks. Wonder what the differences between all the different types are... but theres no real good explanations. Do you think they're skateable with the thick grease? Did you just run them through acetone and then put on some speed cream?
I've read good reviews for the ceramics, but not sure what the difference is between all the steel versions. I think there's different types of cages (nylon, steel, etc)? I'd imagine they'd roll fine with the original grease, probably just take a while to break in. I just ran them through a makeshift bearing cleaner with rubbing alcohol a few times. The next set I do I'll probably use acetone instead.
I emailed them asking about the differences and they said the 100 pack are just a 'standard bearing' whatever that means and recommended these:
https://www.vxb.com/8-High-Precision-Skateboard-ABEC-7-Bearing-p/s608-2rs-ceramic-abec7-skate.htm
https://www.vxb.com/16-High-Precision-Rollerblade-ABEC-7-Bearing-p/16-s608-2rs-ceramic-abec7.htm
uhhh no thanks.
Then they recommended these which must be the ceramics you're talking about:
https://www.vxb.com/16-Skates-608-2rs-Sealed-Ceramic-Bearing-8x22x7mm-p/608-2rs-16.htm
Not sure what differences there are between these and the bulk pack besides the balls being steel or ceramic. They're not particularly helpful either.
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mini logo bearings have nylon bearing cage like reds?
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mini logo bearings have nylon bearing cage like reds?
They have a removable rubber shield on one side, a removable metal shield on the other, a high speed molded ball retainer, precision ground and super-finished hardened chromium steel races and balls, and come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream.
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mini logo bearings have nylon bearing cage like reds?
the new ones have rubber shields on both sides.
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mini logo bearings have nylon bearing cage like reds?
the new ones have rubber shields on both sides.
Nice! I got that from Tactics. How to tell if it's a new version? (not in had obviously.. but packaging/online? any signs?)
might just pop the shields on mine
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mini logo bearings have nylon bearing cage like reds?
the new ones have rubber shields on both sides.
might just pop the shields on mine
not sure, but the past 3 or so sets I've gotten since about the start of the year from my local (510 skateshop) and also online from 35th north have all been double rubber shields so I feel like its unlikely to get the metal ones unless they have some obscure leftover stock.
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YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED WITH INDEPENDANT BLACKS IN THE $15 RANGE.
sorry for yelling but these below are discontiunued but are an upgraderd version of Indy 7s. I found these much smoother and faster than reds, super reds and Shake Junt triple OGs. And seem uneffected by dirt, or hard skating I feel like these dont feel much different from swiss to me (especially after a week of skating) from memory.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
They use a very good lubricant as well on these and I got 6 months on them so far and theyre faster and smoother than all my other bearings (also seem to have a better seal as have not needed to be cleaned from the elemants like reds or SJ trip ogs and feel nice so I grabbed a couple more sets at this price. Some people are buying them and reselling them for $40. Not woth that, but def worth >$15 if looking for a good set.
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Shake Junt
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YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED WITH INDEPENDANT BLACKS IN THE $15 RANGE.
sorry for yelling but these below are discontiunued but are an upgraderd version of Indy 7s. I found these much smoother and faster than reds, super reds and Shake Junt triple OGs. And seem uneffected by dirt, or hard skating I feel like these dont feel much different from swiss to me (especially after a week of skating) from memory.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
They use a very good lubricant as well on these and I got 6 months on them so far and theyre faster and smoother than all my other bearings (also seem to have a better seal as have not needed to be cleaned from the elemants like reds or SJ trip ogs and feel nice so I grabbed a couple more sets at this price. Some people are buying them and reselling them for $40. Not woth that, but def worth >$15 if looking for a good set.
Blacks are hit and miss. I've got one good set and one bad one. The retainer is kind of flimsy so if you get them wet or dirty and have to do a full breakdown then be careful when popping the crowns. I had one break and one bend pretty bad. They're decent enough cheapies and I'll buy them if they're on sale and there's no better option in the $10-15 range (flip hkd 7, mini logo etc) but I don't think they're anything special. I'm no great fan of reds but if I were choosing between the two I'd take reds for sure.
I just picked up a set of Sparrow bearings (https://errandsbrand.com/hardgoods) from the corner store and the initial impressions are good. He was out of the 7's so I had to get the 3's and honestly if the low end bearings are this good I'm very interested in trying the higher end ones. They're smooth, quiet, and reasonably quick. Not blazing "oh shit here comes a hill better foot drag so I don't die" fast or anything but still fast enough to be fun. I'd put them in that cheap but effective class with reds, modus black, indy black spitfire cheapshots etc. Definitely going to give the higher grade ones a chance when they're back in stock.
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mini logo bearings have nylon bearing cage like reds?
the new ones have rubber shields on both sides.
might just pop the shields on mine
not sure, but the past 3 or so sets I've gotten since about the start of the year from my local (510 skateshop) and also online from 35th north have all been double rubber shields so I feel like its unlikely to get the metal ones unless they have some obscure leftover stock.
You guys are talking about the shields... I'm asking about the ball retainer/cage. Like reds and swiss come with nylon cages that are removable for cleaning.
Like these
(https://d27hrylgrpd01o.cloudfront.net/assets/bonesbearings/productimage/size/600x600/method/strict/v/332b/BAKWB74.jpg)
I did a search and found this so looks like nylon cage
(https://http2.mlstatic.com/rolamento-mini-logo-miolo-de-nylon-profissional-D_NQ_NP_928203-MLB25940114344_092017-F.jpg)
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YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED WITH INDEPENDANT BLACKS IN THE $15 RANGE.
sorry for yelling but these below are discontiunued but are an upgraderd version of Indy 7s. I found these much smoother and faster than reds, super reds and Shake Junt triple OGs. And seem uneffected by dirt, or hard skating I feel like these dont feel much different from swiss to me (especially after a week of skating) from memory.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
They use a very good lubricant as well on these and I got 6 months on them so far and theyre faster and smoother than all my other bearings (also seem to have a better seal as have not needed to be cleaned from the elemants like reds or SJ trip ogs and feel nice so I grabbed a couple more sets at this price. Some people are buying them and reselling them for $40. Not woth that, but def worth >$15 if looking for a good set.
Blacks are hit and miss. I've got one good set and one bad one. The retainer is kind of flimsy so if you get them wet or dirty and have to do a full breakdown then be careful when popping the crowns. I had one break and one bend pretty bad. They're decent enough cheapies and I'll buy them if they're on sale and there's no better option in the $10-15 range (flip hkd 7, mini logo etc) but I don't think they're anything special. I'm no great fan of reds but if I were choosing between the two I'd take reds for sure.
I just picked up a set of Sparrow bearings (https://errandsbrand.com/hardgoods) from the corner store and the initial impressions are good. He was out of the 7's so I had to get the 3's and honestly if the low end bearings are this good I'm very interested in trying the higher end ones. They're smooth, quiet, and reasonably quick. Not blazing "oh shit here comes a hill better foot drag so I don't die" fast or anything but still fast enough to be fun. I'd put them in that cheap but effective class with reds, modus black, indy black spitfire cheapshots etc. Definitely going to give the higher grade ones a chance when they're back in stock.
I havent had any inconsistancy in my two sets Im using. Sparrows are interesting but in reality, as long as bearings are sealed, not rubbing or dirty, theyre all so similar, I found these indy black best next to swiss 6 as they have a very smooth like swiss feel based on the lubricant I think. For $15, I think theyre an obvious choice and I havent had to clean them yet so Ill cross the bridge when it comes. I wouldnt say mini logos or reds are on the same level. I removed reds to put these in and it was smoother, quieter and faster. So maybe I got two hits
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Andele swiss..
the ones that come in the silver tin are good bearings cleaned them once in the year I've had them no complaints
and shitty bearings are my go to excuse at being a shitty skateboarder..
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I’ve been on a set of Super Reds for several months now keeping the shields on and they’re doing great. Whether I buy Reds or Swiss, popping those shields off make them die in no time. I can’t comment on whether Super Reds last longer than Reds. But I like the black shields on the Supers better in terms of looks *shrug*.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/133408612441
What’s with these $30 something dollar bones Swiss on eBay?
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/133408612441
What’s with these $30 something dollar bones Swiss on eBay?
Most probably fake. Chinese fakes and sold as Bones Swiss, there's a lot of them in circulation.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/133408612441
What’s with these $30 something dollar bones Swiss on eBay?
if you look at the sellers feedback someone left neutral feedback saying the swiss were fakes but he did refund.
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I just set up a set of Josef Scott Jatta signature Pusher bearings.
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Old reds
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/133408612441
What’s with these $30 something dollar bones Swiss on eBay?
if you look at the sellers feedback someone left neutral feedback saying the swiss were fakes but he did refund.
eBay is full of fake Bones bearings. Buy only from skate shops.
edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndoSXeyJbk8
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eBay is full of fake Bones bearings. Buy only from skate shops.
Should be noted that there are some reputable internet shops with ebay accounts - warehouse skateboards and TGM are the two I see most often. Pretty much if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. The cheapest I've ever paid for legit bones Swiss was $45 after discounts from a local place and the owner said he pays close to that wholesale, so if you see $30-40 ones it's almost certainly bullshit. There's people selling "bones Swiss ceramics" which are crazy expensive for like $35 on there.
Honestly I'm surprised bones hasn't done something about it yet. Either switch up the packaging with something that's hard to fake or something.
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Just cleaned some old Bones Swiss with paint thinner + speed cream. Decided to try something new, and after I put them back in the wheels, I spun em with an air compressor gun, to aid with the break in process, and they seemed hella fast when I took em for a quick go. hopefully I didn’t spin all the lube out, we’ll see :/
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I've skated the same Bones Swiss bearings for 5 years. I clean them 1-3 times per year.
And bro... you only put metals into acetone baths...
If you use shit the way its intended, it will last. Simple as that.
I used to buy rather cheap bearings, and they dident even last half a year.
So use shields, spacers and clean them occasionally.
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acetone only breaks down acetates, not nylon
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I know i'll just be preaching to the choir here, but tried Swiss 6 for the first time today and holy moly i didnt think the difference would be THAT noticeable coming from big balls. Coming from reds before that, I couldn't feel a huge difference running Big Balls (in fact they were pretty awful before "breaking them in" which i had never had to do before), but i'd even hazard to say these feel faster than the L2's on my cruiser (9", 169s, Mini Super Juice).
A joy.
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I know i'll just be preaching to the choir here, but tried Swiss 6 for the first time today and holy moly i didnt think the difference would be THAT noticeable coming from big balls. Coming from reds before that, I couldn't feel a huge difference running Big Balls (in fact they were pretty awful before "breaking them in" which i had never had to do before), but i'd even hazard to say these feel faster than the L2's on my cruiser (9", 169s, Mini Super Juice).
A joy.
glad you seen the light
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Need some cheapie bearings under $20 for a backup, got modus, spitfire, shake junt as options or just get some reds?
Main has fresh Swiss six but it’s about to rain for 8 days here smh. Time to find a nice garage lot.
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6 are the best. And I should just get those next.
My last set of regular swiss, from a shop, just ok. I’ve had mini logos that feel faster than reds. I need to remember to not buy reds.
I found remember ‘germans’ nmb from the youth. I heard you can still get them, something something thicker grease something.
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Man, the cages keep popping off my Swiss 6. Im using a washer at each side and spacers. My wheels make a weird-ass screechy-rattly sound when I’m pushing, then later I pull the bearings and there’s always at least one of them essentially looseballing it. Pop em back in, ride and repeat... dunno if it’s the mini vomits or aces or the actual bearings. gonna have to try other combinations. How’s Bones customer service? wouldn’t wanna bother my local about a $68 purchase...
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Powell's customer service is super good...they respond for sure...
NMB's are Japanese bearings.....Nippon manufacturing?
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Powell's customer service is super good...they respond for sure...
NMB's are Japanese bearings.....Nippon manufacturing?
As far as I know Minebea Mitsumi here in Japan still manufactures them but they do so at their Thailand plant. I use them on my "might get caught in a typhoon" setup. Paired with Bones Spacers they perform quite well, so well in fact I've questioned why I usually pay 4 times as much for my Race Reds on my other cruisers. Ironically, they're hard to find in Japan and I've been getting mine from the same site I get Acid Wheels from in the US. SOP Distribution.
(https://i.imgur.com/xuoCVb2.jpg)
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Boring answer but I always run Bones Reds or Super Reds if I'm feeling spicy (or if they're out of regular Reds).
Tried Bronson, Modus, FKD, Speed Demon, Black Panther, Shake Junt and Lucky. FKD were surprisingly the longest lasting/best performing out of the bunch, but when they went dust.... they were dust and no salvaging was possible. Always come back to Reds for reliability and affordability. One day, I'll try Swiss...
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Powell's customer service is super good...they respond for sure...
NMB's are Japanese bearings.....Nippon manufacturing?
As far as I know Minebea Mitsumi here in Japan still manufactures them but they do so at their Thailand plant. I use them on my "might get caught in a typhoon" setup. Paired with Bones Spacers they perform quite well, so well in fact I've questioned why I usually pay 4 times as much for my Race Reds on my other cruisers. Ironically, they're hard to find in Japan and I've been getting mine from the same site I get Acid Wheels from in the US. SOP Distribution.
(https://i.imgur.com/xuoCVb2.jpg)
spacers even with such a budget priced bearing?
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Bones Swiss 6
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Powell's customer service is super good...they respond for sure...
NMB's are Japanese bearings.....Nippon manufacturing?
As far as I know Minebea Mitsumi here in Japan still manufactures them but they do so at their Thailand plant. I use them on my "might get caught in a typhoon" setup. Paired with Bones Spacers they perform quite well, so well in fact I've questioned why I usually pay 4 times as much for my Race Reds on my other cruisers. Ironically, they're hard to find in Japan and I've been getting mine from the same site I get Acid Wheels from in the US. SOP Distribution.
(https://i.imgur.com/xuoCVb2.jpg)
Yes. I use spacers always. I don’t leave play in my wheels ever. That’s just my preference though. I live in a quiet neighborhood full of old people too so keeping my setups as quiet as possible when cruising the streets is necessary. I use Race Reds in most of my setups. Tighten them all the way, no washers, built in spacers and they roll quiet and fast! Most skaters I know here use spacers and don’t leave much if any play in their wheels. I know in the US a lot of skaters don’t seem to use them. My local shop gives you a set if you purchase bearings and they aren’t included in the box which is nice.
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I know i'll just be preaching to the choir here, but tried Swiss 6 for the first time today and holy moly i didnt think the difference would be THAT noticeable coming from big balls. Coming from reds before that, I couldn't feel a huge difference running Big Balls (in fact they were pretty awful before "breaking them in" which i had never had to do before), but i'd even hazard to say these feel faster than the L2's on my cruiser (9", 169s, Mini Super Juice).
A joy.
I've tried the expensive as fuck bones swiss and the 6 swiss that I think was more like $70 and I can say for sure the bones 6 are way better for skateboarding. The larger balls are way more resistant to dust and junk and in my opinion more durable overall. I go through bearings quickly but these are really putting up a fight. Worth it 100%.
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The cheaper Bronsons, thought it was all hype but a mate who works in a skate shop recommended them to me. He was right. They are great.
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The cheaper Bronsons, thought it was all hype but a mate who works in a skate shop recommended them to me. He was right. They are great.
Running a pair of Bronson G3s (popped shields) right now - no complaints.
Total bearings in use across cruisers and pops:
Bronson G3s (wide pops)
Swiss Six (skinny pops)
Seismic Tekton 6 Balls with build in spacers (cruiser)
Zealous with build in spacers (shaped/nostalgia setup)
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Rockin Rons Ballistic Missiles for life - Cermaics in the daily driver and regulars in the backups
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
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Bronsons!
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
There are some that had some bad experiences with the cages breaking and they got a bad rap on the forums, it was isolated.
They are really fast out of the box.
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
There are some that had some bad experiences with the cages breaking and they got a bad rap on the forums, it was isolated.
They are really fast out of the box.
I'm looking forward to them. They're going in 51mm slim radial F4s.
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Modus titanium and I love them. I’ve used nothing but Bones Swiss for 30 years but I gave Modus a go for no other reason than the strength of the promo Sylvain Tognelli did for them a few years back. Support the brands that support good skateboarders. I’m glad I did, they are fast, strong bearings that won’t break your wallet. I swear by them. They had a pretty killer team at one point too.
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
definitely have a few 15+ year old black panther bearings in my one set up right now. Still have the case. I was pumped on those as a teenager
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Alright so Bronson are a go now ? Seem to be really popular.
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
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Alright so Bronson are a go now ? Seem to be really popular.
I'll never forget the panther 7s being "the" bearing to get at my school! I'll report back about the G3's but the word looks good all around so far.
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for sure! bearings woo if they compensate for hard wheels on crusty terrain let me be a believer
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Right now, Swiss 6's. They just glide. It's not that they're fast per se, but they hold acceleration for long with less push.
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
.
Alright so Bronson are a go now ? Seem to be really popular.
I'll never forget the panther 7s being "the" bearing to get at my school! I'll report back about the G3's but the word looks good all around so far.
BP 7s was all I used to run; even the packaging was bad ass.
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Running my second set of Cheapshots. They work just fine for the price and I really dig the all-black colorway compared to something like China Reds.
Any recommendations for bearings under $20? I’ve been looking into the Indy 7s for my next purchase
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One of my reds is making a whirling noise now kind of annoying the inconsistencies
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Some new red bones, have been using bones 10 years now! when i was a kid always thought in the ABEC thing haha.
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Super Swiss 6. Love ‘em.
They need to be lubed though.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/133408612441
What’s with these $30 something dollar bones Swiss on eBay?
if you look at the sellers feedback someone left neutral feedback saying the swiss were fakes but he did refund.
loads of them floating around on Taobao and Aliexpress too
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NMB bearings
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Went to my local today - and their stock levels are all over the place due to Covid; tons of new boards but almost out of grip, and very few bearings...so since no Reds the choice was either Shake Junt, Cortina or the Spitfire Burners I went with. Never skated them before...anyone have experience with em'?
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All four bearings of my two rear wheels and one from a front wheel blew out today at the same time, it was shitty. Popped the shields off and they looked fine not that dirty. They wouldn't move at all, like cemented. Axles don't seem bent. Replaced with ones that spun from the gear graveyard box, but damn never had that many seize up like that before. They were super reds and I even kept all the shields on.
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All four bearings of my two rear wheels and one from a front wheel blew out today at the same time, it was shitty. Popped the shields off and they looked fine not that dirty. They wouldn't move at all, like cemented. Axles don't seem bent. Replaced with ones that spun from the gear graveyard box, but damn never had that many seize up like that before. They were super reds and I even kept all the shields on.
I had super reds on my cruiser, took my swiss of from regular board for cleaning and put those super reds on as I wanted to skate that day. Forgot those on, after like 4 times I found out that 2 bearings have already started to seize....
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Went to my local today - and their stock levels are all over the place due to Covid; tons of new boards but almost out of grip, and very few bearings...so since no Reds the choice was either Shake Junt, Cortina or the Spitfire Burners I went with. Never skated them before...anyone have experience with em'?
I have tried them all, except Cortina, and Burners work pretty good.
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Been riding Modus Titanium for a few months and they're doing really well. Havn't gotten any louder and are just as smooth as when I first put them in. Will probably get a back up set.
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I just ordered some Bronson G3's with a 9" popsicle complete last night to check the hype. I've just come back after a couple years, and before the break I was rotating a pair of Rockin Rons regular rockets and a 17+ year old pair of Black Panther 7s in different sets of wheels. I use 91% isopropyl to clean and various oils over the years, most recently some stuff called Bionic that the homies shop had.
.
Alright so Bronson are a go now ? Seem to be really popular.
I'll never forget the panther 7s being "the" bearing to get at my school! I'll report back about the G3's but the word looks good all around so far.
BP 7s was all I used to run; even the packaging was bad ass.
BP has a ceramic that is real nice. My first set up had Panthers, bad ass no doubt.
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I’m riding red big balls. And they are ok. Rolls slow but keeps rolling. Maybe cause I ride 40mm wheels lol
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The rolling kind.
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Swiss Six. Didn't think much of them until I popped the shields, now I see why I spent the extra money.
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Swiss Six. Didn't think much of them until I popped the shields, now I see why I spent the extra money.
Swissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss 6 sound [and feel] so good with the shields off.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
We have this bigger industrial version at work (print house) and I’ve been cleaning mine & homies swiss for ten years now, it truly works. I just cleaned up my friends ceramics that has been cleaned with that bones shakey bottle only, and huge amount of black stuff appeared on the bottom of my cleaning solution so I can confirm it works!
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Skate Warehouse has Flip HKD 7s on clearance for $10. They're my favorite cheap bearing pretty much ever - fast, durable, and I like the full blackout look.
I recommend not popping them unless you're one of those people who can't tighten an axle nut without bending your shields and just let them break in. They come soaked in lube from the factory so it takes a session or two to get it all dispersed but once it does they're better than Reds in my book.
https://www.skatewarehouse.com/Flip_HKD_Bearings_ABEC_7/descpage-FLHKD7BR.html
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Skate Warehouse has Flip HKD 7s on clearance for $10. They're my favorite cheap bearing pretty much ever - fast, durable, and I like the full blackout look.
I recommend not popping them unless you're one of those people who can't tighten an axle nut without bending your shields and just let them break in. They come soaked in lube from the factory so it takes a session or two to get it all dispersed but once it does they're better than Reds in my book.
https://www.skatewarehouse.com/Flip_HKD_Bearings_ABEC_7/descpage-FLHKD7BR.html
you've spoke highly of those and i have been wanting to try em out. got nothing else i need at SW tho
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Skate Warehouse has Flip HKD 7s on clearance for $10. They're my favorite cheap bearing pretty much ever - fast, durable, and I like the full blackout look.
I recommend not popping them unless you're one of those people who can't tighten an axle nut without bending your shields and just let them break in. They come soaked in lube from the factory so it takes a session or two to get it all dispersed but once it does they're better than Reds in my book.
https://www.skatewarehouse.com/Flip_HKD_Bearings_ABEC_7/descpage-FLHKD7BR.html
Those are the best cheap bearings ever, 5's are also pretty good. Both way better that reds
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Skate Warehouse has Flip HKD 7s on clearance for $10. They're my favorite cheap bearing pretty much ever - fast, durable, and I like the full blackout look.
I recommend not popping them unless you're one of those people who can't tighten an axle nut without bending your shields and just let them break in. They come soaked in lube from the factory so it takes a session or two to get it all dispersed but once it does they're better than Reds in my book.
https://www.skatewarehouse.com/Flip_HKD_Bearings_ABEC_7/descpage-FLHKD7BR.html
I don't want to like hype them up too much and have people think they're better than swiss, they're more of a mini logo alternative than anything. I really won't even buy them if they're full price but when I find them on sale like this I tend to buy 3 or 4 sets and just keep a little stock of them. They don't last forever but if you keep the shields on and don't get them wet you can get a few months of daily use out of them. What really sold me was when I rusted a set out then broke them down and cleaned them up and despite the races and balls both being scratched to shit they still ran pretty well.
All that being said, they're still a cheap chinese bearing and while the QC is better than most I've still had a couple sets where one or two didn't spin that great. I usually mix and match the best ones and then use the wonky ones for rain boards or grab bag sets.
If you want I'll order enough to get to the free shipping mark and then mail you a set for $10 as long as you're east coast so I don't get killed on the shipping cost.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I knew someone had to have done it. What kind of cleaning solution do you use?
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Swiss 6 which is a gross exaggeration for the level of skateboarding I'm doing. They are really good though.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
Citrus-based industrial solvent, and final cleaning with pure iso.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I did the citrus on my bones big balls, instantly discolored the metal to a rust-like look (wasn't rusted).
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Swiss 6 which is a gross exaggeration for the level of skateboarding I'm doing. They are really good though.
if you can pay you can play
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I did the citrus on my bones big balls, instantly discolored the metal to a rust-like look (wasn't rusted).
Key is to use it mixed it with water, that pure stuff is too strong for almost anything.
e. That’s why the alcohol also, to remove any moisture left there
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I decided I'm finally going to stop being lazy and start cleaning my bearings. Bought some Swiss from the local and will try to make them last forever by cleaning them whenever they start seizing up.
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This thread has convinced me to grab some mini logos to compare to my reds, super reds, Indy Blacks and Shake Junt Triple OGs. Out of these the indy Blacks seem the fastest and the rest seem almost identicle. I think swiss are def the best but this minilogo talk got me interested and those flips too.
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Swiss 6 which is a gross exaggeration for the level of skateboarding I'm doing. They are really good though.
Bones Swiss 6 are not going to make you skate faster or better, or whatever you imagine. They will just hold all the hits you are going to throw them, and they will still spin after hard crash landing. During my bearings exploration quest, I was destroying sets of Andale, Bronson or Reds in 3 sessions. My Swiss 6 are still pretty good after 1 year and a half. Even the Bones Big Balls broke after 9 months. I was very reluctant to spend so much money on these Swiss bearings, but after doing the maths, yeah, best investment so far... However, I just tried the Swiss 6, I don't know about the other Swiss, like the overpriced ceramics.
I mean, even if you are not a high skilled skateboarder, if you skate regularly Swiss 6 is not luxury but just "industry standard".
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(https://i.ibb.co/JFzs6Pj/P-20200627-141510.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vvJjy84)
(https://i.ibb.co/jbFp4LG/P-20200627-141356.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n6SWkDf)
(https://i.ibb.co/gg94m9W/P-20200627-141530.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cT3Yk38)
(https://i.ibb.co/XtBrRgj/P-20200627-141623.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x6vtT0X)
(https://i.ibb.co/fdg5XYQ/P-20200627-140831.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N2vPF67)
(https://i.ibb.co/HBJymBC/P-20200627-140826.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n6Wyh6B)
(https://i.ibb.co/hHfhCt4/P-20200627-141332.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xGHP3RB)
Switching back to China white ceramic today after I finish this.
I figured I'd show you how to fix your stuff while I'm setting these up for storage till winter.
I'm telling you the race is never this dirty in the ceramics ever. Not after years of use
Go ceramic always
The order is fucked. The important part is putting the shield on first when putting back together the bearings
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I did the citrus on my bones big balls, instantly discolored the metal to a rust-like look (wasn't rusted).
e. That’s why the alcohol also, to remove any moisture left there
So in theory, this could work with a non-industrial ultrasonic jewelry cleaner and some citrus degreaser from a hardware store? Then rinse the bearings with isopropyl alcohol and dry? Am I understanding correctly?
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I’m currently on Indy Gp-s bearings, they’re cheaper then reds and work fine. I also like the metal shield lol, reminds me of a Walmart board or something.
EDIT: fixed grammar
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About to set up some of the 6-Ball Reds, keen to try them out.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I did the citrus on my bones big balls, instantly discolored the metal to a rust-like look (wasn't rusted).
e. That’s why the alcohol also, to remove any moisture left there
So in theory, this could work with a non-industrial ultrasonic jewelry cleaner and some citrus degreaser from a hardware store? Then rinse the bearings with isopropyl alcohol and dry? Am I understanding correctly?
I know you're scheming. I'm scheming too.
Gotta do something with all this time on my hands in isolation. Might as well figure out the best means of bearing maintenance.
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Bones Race redz as of today.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I did the citrus on my bones big balls, instantly discolored the metal to a rust-like look (wasn't rusted).
e. That’s why the alcohol also, to remove any moisture left there
So in theory, this could work with a non-industrial ultrasonic jewelry cleaner and some citrus degreaser from a hardware store? Then rinse the bearings with isopropyl alcohol and dry? Am I understanding correctly?
Not just in theory, my friend bought one of those small ones and it works just fine, just needs s bit longer time to clean them but same principles. Just make sure you dilute that citrus stuff to water, as it is too strong pure.
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Sick! Thanks for the input. I am scheming. 100%. (Gotta outrun the Draculas.)
Last question: do you remove the shields and nylon cages before putting the bearings in the cleaner?
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Sick! Thanks for the input. I am scheming. 100%. (Gotta outrun the Draculas.)
Last question: do you remove the shields and nylon cages before putting the bearings in the cleaner?
Yes. Wash those with like blue dish soap and a toothbrush make sure your shield is still flat and everything is dry before putting it back on too
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Sick! Thanks for the input. I am scheming. 100%. (Gotta outrun the Draculas.)
Last question: do you remove the shields and nylon cages before putting the bearings in the cleaner?
Yes. Wash those with like blue dish soap and a toothbrush make sure your shield is still flat and everything is dry before putting it back on too
Awesome. I’ve been doing it like that for a while now, but none of my friends have ever been into bearing maintenance so I was never sure if I was doing it right. Thanks!
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Last time I ordered something from tactics I picked up a set of Bronson G3 to get to the free shipping threshold. I figured since the raws were good for about a week before they got dirty and slowed down considerably the G3 would be basically the same performance but last longer since they had shields. I was wrong. They aren't that fast and after about a month they seem to be slowing significantly and a few sound pretty rough despite me not even skating them every day. I honestly don't notice any difference between them and the g2 other than packaging, and neither of them are particularly impressive to me. I think this is going to be the last time I buy Bronsons, for the same price I could get 2 sets of better bearings (mini logo, flip 7 etc).
I also picked up some Dirty (brand name, not description) bearings with a deck I ordered a little while back and they're actually decent. Apparently a lot of Seattle skaters ride them since they're cheap, but I think they're one of the better local/shop bearings I've skated. FTC in SF has decent shop bearings too, I think they're called speedy lunatic. I haven't skated them a ton so no idea about durability but they broke in quick and are pretty smooth so far.
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pals with bones swiss, how often do you do clean em? need these to last me a few setups to justify the price
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pals with bones swiss, how often do you do clean em? need these to last me a few setups to justify the price
Dude ive been running the same set of Swiss (shieldless) for like 7 years and ive cleaned them once. I'm not exaggerating either but at the same time I dont skate stairs or big impact shit so...
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pals with bones swiss, how often do you do clean em? need these to last me a few setups to justify the price
Clean them whenever they get loud or slow. It really depends on how dusty the places you skate are. My Swiss 6 are now on their fourth year of service.
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pals with bones swiss, how often do you do clean em? need these to last me a few setups to justify the price
Clean them whenever they get loud or slow. It really depends on how dusty the places you skate are. My Swiss 6 are now on their fourth year of service.
Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
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Bones Swiss for two reasons:
1. They are the best
2. They are not made in China
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Bones Swiss exclusively. Used to be Bones Reds when I was a kid and couldn’t afford anything better...
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One setup with Bones Swiss, the other one with Mosaic ceramics. I clean both when needed, the Swiss are still pretty much new after a couple of years. Mosaic are hella rusty but still faster than Swiss, very recommended if you can find them.
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Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
That's not really true, as long as it's good steel then "some damage" doesn't mean the bearing is shot. With good bearings the races can take more of a beating than you might think and you might be surprised how much life you can bring back with a proper full breakdown balls-out cleaning. While I don't think Bones Swiss are the absolute godsend most skaters do, the one area they really do excel in is durability. I've taken seriously nasty sets that I picked up in second-hand wheels and brought them back to damn near new performance with a proper cleaning.
So the logic behind that is that good bearings can have a much longer effective lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance, aka the exact thing that every bearing manufacturer tells you to do. Not quite "nada".
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Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
That's not really true, as long as it's good steel then "some damage" doesn't mean the bearing is shot. With good bearings the races can take more of a beating than you might think and you might be surprised how much life you can bring back with a proper full breakdown balls-out cleaning. While I don't think Bones Swiss are the absolute godsend most skaters do, the one area they really do excel in is durability. I've taken seriously nasty sets that I picked up in second-hand wheels and brought them back to damn near new performance with a proper cleaning.
So the logic behind that is that good bearings can have a much longer effective lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance, aka the exact thing that every bearing manufacturer tells you to do. Not quite "nada".
Some damage here and there will eventually lead to too much play in the bearing tracks/balls. They might feel and even be faster duo to this, but they will fall apart sooner...
Just a tiny bit of dirt spinning around in there under load is bad, no matter if you have good steel
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cheapshots
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pals with bones swiss, how often do you do clean em? need these to last me a few setups to justify the price
Every 6 months +-
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My birthday is soon. Should I ask for a set of swiss ceramics or a few sets of China whites?
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Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
That's not really true, as long as it's good steel then "some damage" doesn't mean the bearing is shot. With good bearings the races can take more of a beating than you might think and you might be surprised how much life you can bring back with a proper full breakdown balls-out cleaning. While I don't think Bones Swiss are the absolute godsend most skaters do, the one area they really do excel in is durability. I've taken seriously nasty sets that I picked up in second-hand wheels and brought them back to damn near new performance with a proper cleaning.
So the logic behind that is that good bearings can have a much longer effective lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance, aka the exact thing that every bearing manufacturer tells you to do. Not quite "nada".
Some damage here and there will eventually lead to too much play in the bearing tracks/balls. They might feel and even be faster duo to this, but they will fall apart sooner...
Just a tiny bit of dirt spinning around in there under load is bad, no matter if you have good steel
Again, some damage doesn't mean unusable and that's especially true in the case of Bones Swiss. I'm not saying they're going to be as fast as a brand new set with flawless races, I'm saying that keeping them clean and doing maintenance as needed will give your bearings a longer useful lifespan and better performance.
A lot of people I've skated with just pop the shields and dunk them in rubbing alcohol then put them back together and think "oh cleaning them doesn't really do much" without realizing that you have to pop the balls to properly clean the retainer and races. Also I've seen soooo many people who crush their shields when they tighten their axle nuts and then complain that shields slow the bearing down. Well no shit, it's rubbing against the balls now. Labyrinth shields work well but I saw a set of bearings that had convex shields one time and thought that was a pretty cool idea.
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Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
That's not really true, as long as it's good steel then "some damage" doesn't mean the bearing is shot. With good bearings the races can take more of a beating than you might think and you might be surprised how much life you can bring back with a proper full breakdown balls-out cleaning. While I don't think Bones Swiss are the absolute godsend most skaters do, the one area they really do excel in is durability. I've taken seriously nasty sets that I picked up in second-hand wheels and brought them back to damn near new performance with a proper cleaning.
So the logic behind that is that good bearings can have a much longer effective lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance, aka the exact thing that every bearing manufacturer tells you to do. Not quite "nada".
Some damage here and there will eventually lead to too much play in the bearing tracks/balls. They might feel and even be faster duo to this, but they will fall apart sooner...
Just a tiny bit of dirt spinning around in there under load is bad, no matter if you have good steel
Again, some damage doesn't mean unusable and that's especially true in the case of Bones Swiss. I'm not saying they're going to be as fast as a brand new set with flawless races, I'm saying that keeping them clean and doing maintenance as needed will give your bearings a longer useful lifespan and better performance.
A lot of people I've skated with just pop the shields and dunk them in rubbing alcohol then put them back together and think "oh cleaning them doesn't really do much" without realizing that you have to pop the balls to properly clean the retainer and races. Also I've seen soooo many people who crush their shields when they tighten their axle nuts and then complain that shields slow the bearing down. Well no shit, it's rubbing against the balls now. Labyrinth shields work well but I saw a set of bearings that had convex shields one time and thought that was a pretty cool idea.
Yes, and that means cleaning them before they start to make noises or become slow.
I dont see why people cant just have a cleaning routine 2-4 times per year.
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Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
That's not really true, as long as it's good steel then "some damage" doesn't mean the bearing is shot. With good bearings the races can take more of a beating than you might think and you might be surprised how much life you can bring back with a proper full breakdown balls-out cleaning. While I don't think Bones Swiss are the absolute godsend most skaters do, the one area they really do excel in is durability. I've taken seriously nasty sets that I picked up in second-hand wheels and brought them back to damn near new performance with a proper cleaning.
So the logic behind that is that good bearings can have a much longer effective lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance, aka the exact thing that every bearing manufacturer tells you to do. Not quite "nada".
Some damage here and there will eventually lead to too much play in the bearing tracks/balls. They might feel and even be faster duo to this, but they will fall apart sooner...
Just a tiny bit of dirt spinning around in there under load is bad, no matter if you have good steel
Again, some damage doesn't mean unusable and that's especially true in the case of Bones Swiss. I'm not saying they're going to be as fast as a brand new set with flawless races, I'm saying that keeping them clean and doing maintenance as needed will give your bearings a longer useful lifespan and better performance.
A lot of people I've skated with just pop the shields and dunk them in rubbing alcohol then put them back together and think "oh cleaning them doesn't really do much" without realizing that you have to pop the balls to properly clean the retainer and races. Also I've seen soooo many people who crush their shields when they tighten their axle nuts and then complain that shields slow the bearing down. Well no shit, it's rubbing against the balls now. Labyrinth shields work well but I saw a set of bearings that had convex shields one time and thought that was a pretty cool idea.
Yes, and that means cleaning them before they start to make noises or become slow.
I dont see why people cant just have a cleaning routine 2-4 times per year.
Well you have to remember that not everyone skates the same type of spots for the same length and frequency. If you're skating dusty ass street spots for hours every day then you're going to need to clean them more often than someone who only skates an indoor park on the weekends. In the winter I barely need to touch mine unless they get wet, but right now if I go to the spot around the corner from me thats next to a construction site then there will be dirt stuck to any even slightly wet or recessed spot on my setup within the hour. Every 3-6 months might be a good schedule for you, but if I waited that long right now then my shit would feel like grittier than Nora's upper lip.
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I bought a pair of Swiss from Skatewarehouse and they are not good. Rolled well the first day but got progressively worse. Coming off an injury so it’s been nothing but parking lots for a couple of weeks. Did some deep research on cleaning and even made my own cleaning contraption similar to the one sold by bones.
Reached out to customer service and I guess I need to send them in.
For the past 10 years, I’ve always bought Shake Junt abec 7s whenever I buy new wheels. It’s worked well for me and I’ll probably just keep doing that like a dummy.
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My birthday is soon. Should I ask for a set of swiss ceramics or a few sets of China whites?
Swiss 6 is the answer you're looking for.
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My birthday is soon. Should I ask for a set of swiss ceramics or a few sets of China whites?
yes! swiss 6. smooth + fast
(spacers. speed rings. shields. always)
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I bought a pair of Swiss from Skatewarehouse and they are not good. Rolled well the first day but got progressively worse. Coming off an injury so it’s been nothing but parking lots for a couple of weeks. Did some deep research on cleaning and even made my own cleaning contraption similar to the one sold by bones.
Reached out to customer service and I guess I need to send them in.
For the past 10 years, I’ve always bought Shake Junt abec 7s whenever I buy new wheels. It’s worked well for me and I’ll probably just keep doing that like a dummy.
There have been loads of counterfeit Bones bearings appearing on ebay and Aliexpress. A set of Bones Swiss Ceramic will set you back around $20, Red going for $5. Doubt Skatewarehouse would pull a dick move by selling counterfeits but I feel less inclined to buy high priced bearings seeing how the market is getting flooded with fakes. The less popular brands seem to be doing a better job with price to performance.
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I wonder why Bones hasn’t made a Super Swiss 6 Ceramic yet.
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Black Panthers.
Don’t see many of them in the wild, but the ceramic ones are SOLID. Ceramics are as fancy as I get.
Swiss really that good?
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Agreed, I too rate the 6 ball over ceramics
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Really. I always thought that 6 ball was for racing. They take impact well?
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son of a bitch..i think im gonna get a set of swiss. i have never owned a set. i have no wife or woman in my life nor do i have a child so i see no issue in hording skate gear like a madman
i really only ride bones. i have only bought reds for reasons mentioned by others in this thread. i am running a set of reds i got through a friend who owns a comic and collectibles shop in town but i picked up a set of super reds awhile back which i have yet to skate.
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
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My birthday is soon. Should I ask for a set of swiss ceramics or a few sets of China whites?
If you mean the white bones red ceramics, I had some and they are super fast but mine dried out extremely quickly, within 3 days most of them locked up. They skated fine after I re lubed them but they still dry out kinda fast
I emailed bones about it when they locked up and they said I needed to clean and relube them even tho I had been skating them for 3 days on perfect non dusty/dirty skate park ground.
Swiss 6 tho, that’s a good one to ask for.
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My birthday is soon. Should I ask for a set of swiss ceramics or a few sets of China whites?
I emailed bones about it when they locked up and they said I needed to clean and relube them even tho I had been skating them for 3 days on perfect non dusty/dirty skate park ground.
Swiss 6 tho, that’s a good one to ask for.
+1 (or even +10) for the Swiss 6. Super durable, really smooth and fast.
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I'm skating these FTC shop bearings (https://shop.ftcsf.com/collections/skate-hard-goods/products/shop-bearings) right now and they're pretty good so far. I thought they felt a little dry at first but they've actually been very smooth and quiet without any additional lube and after a month or so I haven't had any issues with them at all.
Sparrow purple (their cheapest ones) have been really good too. They did take a little while to break in but they're pretty zippy now and are still rolling really smooth for a single shield bearing. I want to try the green ones (the top of the line) but they seem to be sold out everywhere and from the looks of it they're not going to be restocked any time soon.
Anyone tried Olympia? The packaging is fancy but I'm curious if the bearings themselves are anything special or just your run of the mill chinese cheapies.
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I broke my own rules and landed on a pair of Bones Ceramics (the white ones) when I bought a pair of Indys that came together with a set of Ricta Cloud. They seem to spin less freely than the Swiss I have in my setup but are relatively new. Do they need a cleaning & oiling or do they get better the more you ride them?
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
SKF sponsored Andrew Reynolds back in the day. Definitely a good bearing company for a million applications.
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
Where did you buy them?
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
I doubt you will find a set SKF bearings in the US for under $40ish. You might get 3 bearings for $20.
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
Well at least in Europe you can get 8 of these bearings for around 20€. But I personally didn't think they are significantly better as reds or modus. Might try again.
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I broke my own rules and landed on a pair of Bones Ceramics (the white ones) when I bought a pair of Indys that came together with a set of Ricta Cloud. They seem to spin less freely than the Swiss I have in my setup but are relatively new. Do they need a cleaning & oiling or do they get better the more you ride them?
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My birthday is soon. Should I ask for a set of swiss ceramics or a few sets of China whites?
I emailed bones about it when they locked up and they said I needed to clean and relube them even tho I had been skating them for 3 days on perfect non dusty/dirty skate park ground.
Swiss 6 tho, that’s a good one to ask for.
just another note to add:
I have 2 white ceramics on my set up and the rest are swiss 6.
Those 2 ceramics are rolling well but the rest need cleaning and lube.
The ceramics dry out a lot faster than swiss 6 in my experience.
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Where did you buy them?
There's a rollerblade bearing company called Wicked that partnered with SKF to produce actual skate bearings, so I'd recommend going that route if you want to try them. A lot of times when you buy bearings that are designed for industrial purposes they'll come with metal shields (ie not replaceable) and the retainer will be a steel cage or ribbon type which is more durable but slower than the nylon/plastic crown style retainers in skate bearings. They also often come packed with grease (remember they're designed to run at loads that are like 10x faster than a skate wheel) rather than oil, which is also slower. That means you have to pop the metal shields which usually can't be replaced, then go through a degreasing and re-lubricating process to get them to run like a skate bearing. It's really kind of a pain in the ass for not a massive performance increase. If you've ever skated the old GMN bearings from back in the day you'll know what I'm talking about.
You can get nylon cages and rubber shields but every manufacturer uses their own codes and the information online is often scarce or incorrect, so tracking them down is also a pain in the ass. I went through the whole ordeal months ago in a quest to find out if German bearings really are vastly superior, and even imported a few sets and ended up mostly disappointed in the end.
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Reds
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
it's just under $39 without tax plus free shipping on ebay. so should i get a set of these instead of the swiss? i found a set of swiss for $40
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
it's just under $39 without tax plus free shipping on ebay. so should i get a set of these instead of the swiss? i found a set of swiss for $40
Bones swiss for $40 with a discount code from an authorized dealer?
There’s lots of fakes out there for $25-40 out there. If you choose bones swiss make sure it’s an authorized dealer and not some random eBay person.
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
it's just under $39 without tax plus free shipping on ebay. so should i get a set of these instead of the swiss? i found a set of swiss for $40
There’s lots of fakes out there for $25-40 out there. If you choose bones swiss make sure it’s an authorized dealer and not some random eBay person.
this god damn message board piqued my interest once more. just got 8 of these skf bearings for £16 posted from ebay. literally bought a set of big balls yesterday haha, fuck
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
it's just under $39 without tax plus free shipping on ebay. so should i get a set of these instead of the swiss? i found a set of swiss for $40
There’s lots of fakes out there for $25-40 out there. If you choose bones swiss make sure it’s an authorized dealer and not some random eBay person.
Lot and lots of fakes, I think the genuine ones still have the wording along the top of the bearing:
(https://i.imgur.com/CDFxzshl.jpg)
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There's a rollerblade bearing company called Wicked that partnered with SKF to produce actual skate bearings, so I'd recommend going that route if you want to try them. A lot of times when you buy bearings that are designed for industrial purposes they'll come with metal shields (ie not replaceable) and the retainer will be a steel cage or ribbon type which is more durable but slower than the nylon/plastic crown style retainers in skate bearings. They also often come packed with grease (remember they're designed to run at loads that are like 10x faster than a skate wheel) rather than oil, which is also slower. That means you have to pop the metal shields which usually can't be replaced, then go through a degreasing and re-lubricating process to get them to run like a skate bearing. It's really kind of a pain in the ass for not a massive performance increase. If you've ever skated the old GMN bearings from back in the day you'll know what I'm talking about.
You can get nylon cages and rubber shields but every manufacturer uses their own codes and the information online is often scarce or incorrect, so tracking them down is also a pain in the ass. I went through the whole ordeal months ago in a quest to find out if German bearings really are vastly superior, and even imported a few sets and ended up mostly disappointed in the end.
You sound like you know what you're talking about - I'm just talking from personal experience though. Had a set of these SKF's for like two years straight a couple of years back. They're meant to be completely maintenance-free, as I understood it.
Why would the bearings be slower with metal shields by the way?
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There's a rollerblade bearing company called Wicked that partnered with SKF to produce actual skate bearings, so I'd recommend going that route if you want to try them. A lot of times when you buy bearings that are designed for industrial purposes they'll come with metal shields (ie not replaceable) and the retainer will be a steel cage or ribbon type which is more durable but slower than the nylon/plastic crown style retainers in skate bearings. They also often come packed with grease (remember they're designed to run at loads that are like 10x faster than a skate wheel) rather than oil, which is also slower. That means you have to pop the metal shields which usually can't be replaced, then go through a degreasing and re-lubricating process to get them to run like a skate bearing. It's really kind of a pain in the ass for not a massive performance increase. If you've ever skated the old GMN bearings from back in the day you'll know what I'm talking about.
You can get nylon cages and rubber shields but every manufacturer uses their own codes and the information online is often scarce or incorrect, so tracking them down is also a pain in the ass. I went through the whole ordeal months ago in a quest to find out if German bearings really are vastly superior, and even imported a few sets and ended up mostly disappointed in the end.
damnn..i used to ride GMN & NMB bearings back in the days..and some SKF & NTN bearings cause those are easy to find at the local heavy industry spare parts dealerships.
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
it's just under $39 without tax plus free shipping on ebay. so should i get a set of these instead of the swiss? i found a set of swiss for $40
There’s lots of fakes out there for $25-40 out there. If you choose bones swiss make sure it’s an authorized dealer and not some random eBay person.
on offerup but they unlike all the ones i see listed have that little sticker on the front that says "skate rated" which i often do not see on bearings sold second hand. i just got a Reynolds reaper for 64 so i think the bearings will have to wait ::)
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Swiss' are all hype, turns out. Bought a set of SKF explorer 608-2z (SKF being the company that invented ball-bearings) for 20$-ish (Swiss' are like 150$ here), and they roll like nothing else.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMx9oP3gVk0/UL9BNGBU_DI/AAAAAAAAAYI/r08s8G1zeUA/s1600/skf.jpg)
SKF makes all kinds of bearings for crazy purposes, like aircrafts and boats and shit, so I guess skateboarding is literally childsplay. No marketing budget as well (if the packaging/name didn't reveal that already), but they know their shit.
it's just under $39 without tax plus free shipping on ebay. so should i get a set of these instead of the swiss? i found a set of swiss for $40
There’s lots of fakes out there for $25-40 out there. If you choose bones swiss make sure it’s an authorized dealer and not some random eBay person.
on offerup but they unlike all the ones i see listed have that little sticker on the front that says "skate rated" which i often do not see on bearings sold second hand. i just got a Reynolds reaper for 64 so i think the bearings will have to wait ::)
Prices on those SKF bearings are all over the place. This vendor in the UK seems to be the most reasonable:
https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=6750¤cy=USD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI64Ko_pf16gIVyyCtBh1tjQmGEAYYASABEgITdPD_BwE
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Whats the logic behind this? How about nada...
Clean 2-4 times per year, depending on how much you skate.
If they start to get loud or slow, then its already enough grit in them to have done some damage.
That's not really true, as long as it's good steel then "some damage" doesn't mean the bearing is shot. With good bearings the races can take more of a beating than you might think and you might be surprised how much life you can bring back with a proper full breakdown balls-out cleaning. While I don't think Bones Swiss are the absolute godsend most skaters do, the one area they really do excel in is durability. I've taken seriously nasty sets that I picked up in second-hand wheels and brought them back to damn near new performance with a proper cleaning.
So the logic behind that is that good bearings can have a much longer effective lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance, aka the exact thing that every bearing manufacturer tells you to do. Not quite "nada".
Some damage here and there will eventually lead to too much play in the bearing tracks/balls. They might feel and even be faster duo to this, but they will fall apart sooner...
Just a tiny bit of dirt spinning around in there under load is bad, no matter if you have good steel
Again, some damage doesn't mean unusable and that's especially true in the case of Bones Swiss. I'm not saying they're going to be as fast as a brand new set with flawless races, I'm saying that keeping them clean and doing maintenance as needed will give your bearings a longer useful lifespan and better performance.
A lot of people I've skated with just pop the shields and dunk them in rubbing alcohol then put them back together and think "oh cleaning them doesn't really do much" without realizing that you have to pop the balls to properly clean the retainer and races. Also I've seen soooo many people who crush their shields when they tighten their axle nuts and then complain that shields slow the bearing down. Well no shit, it's rubbing against the balls now. Labyrinth shields work well but I saw a set of bearings that had convex shields one time and thought that was a pretty cool idea.
Yes, and that means cleaning them before they start to make noises or become slow.
I dont see why people cant just have a cleaning routine 2-4 times per year.
Well you have to remember that not everyone skates the same type of spots for the same length and frequency. If you're skating dusty ass street spots for hours every day then you're going to need to clean them more often than someone who only skates an indoor park on the weekends. In the winter I barely need to touch mine unless they get wet, but right now if I go to the spot around the corner from me thats next to a construction site then there will be dirt stuck to any even slightly wet or recessed spot on my setup within the hour. Every 3-6 months might be a good schedule for you, but if I waited that long right now then my shit would feel like grittier than Nora's upper lip.
Yeah, “clean then when they’re loud or slow” was just the most basic bearing maintenance advice I was given as a youngin. In reality, I clean them regularly, and before they get slow or loud. I live in a super dusty, dirty area so I need to clean my bearings like once a month to keep them running smooth. So I actually agree with both of you. I think I was just trying to encourage people to clean their fucking bearings instead of throwing them out right away.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YcpiY484ZUk/hqdefault.jpg)
I’m glad you guys skipped the class today. We’re having fun, aren’t we?
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I'm back on shieldless swiss six after a stint on Race Reds ...good gawd I couldn't stand the solid thunk thunk of those bearing all tight and paired with a PSstix board and 99a wheels...now I'm on a cripsy DSM board, thunders, and 101 F4s/swiss six...all rattly and noisy.
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(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61iM17mm30L._AC_SL1001_.jpg)
I usually ride Bones Swiss, but I tried some generic, (probably Chinese), ceramic bearings from Blankdecks.com
and was impressed. They were fast as the Bones. So I thought I would give these a try. Still waiting on them to arrive.
$17 shipped from Amazon. I'll let you guys know how they are when they get here.
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I bought some SKFs on eBay. SKF EXPLORER 608-2Z/C3LHT23
$18 for a box of ten and they aren’t that great.
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I bought some SKFs on eBay. SKF EXPLORER 608-2Z/C3LHT23
$18 for a box of ten and they aren’t that great.
I got the same ones, box of ten. Thought they just needed breaking in at first but two sessions in they're still soggy sounding and a lot slower than the mini logos I had. Tripping at the fact that someone said they were on par with swiss above.
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Swiss for my normal board, and Swiss ceramic competition 6 for my filmer/cruiser setup.
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Riding some Olympia ceramic bearings. Retail is $44.95
Only a week or so in but extremely fast, No slowing down yet.
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I bought some SKFs on eBay. SKF EXPLORER 608-2Z/C3LHT23
$18 for a box of ten and they aren’t that great.
I got the same ones, box of ten. Thought they just needed breaking in at first but two sessions in they're still soggy sounding and a lot slower than the mini logos I had. Tripping at the fact that someone said they were on par with swiss above.
I was JUST about to follow up my purchase - I'm actually super happy with them, haha. Based on subjective experience though, but I'm stoked.
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Don’t have much of a reason to hate the mini logos I’ve had on my keyframes for a while. Better experience than with reds
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Swiss for my normal board, and Swiss ceramic competition 6 for my filmer/cruiser setup.
There’s a six ball ceramic?
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Mini logos at the moment, with regular cleaning and a quick oil they seem to be lasting pretty good, I have bent a couple of the shields though so running a few of them without...not ideal but they seem to be doing ok for a cheap bearing.
I've got some bronson G2 sitting in a set of unused wheels at the moment, and some spitfire cheapshots on my cruiser deck...those are pretty passable for a budget bearing.
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How do you guys remove retainer cages? I’ve been pushing them out with a paper clip, but I’m wondering if there’s a better way.
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a while back i posted in here that my new reds seemed pretty solid, well they got beat up after 4 months of 1 or 2 weekly squeaky-clean park sessions. i'm in agreeance with everyone else, mini-logos are a better deal, swiss are the truth if ya got money.
my big balls also got a little crusty eventually, but they endured worse abuse than the reds and also cleaned up better.
not sure if i posted this but the best non-bones bearings i've ridden are from rush.
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my big balls also got a little crusty eventually, but they endured worse abuse
Sig worthy for someone. I already got mine dialed in, but hey, headsup to anyone who wants it.
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(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61iM17mm30L._AC_SL1001_.jpg)
These ceramics showed up. Fast after a quick break in. They have the white balls. These will be my go to, if I'm not running Bones Swiss. Great deals on these off Amazon, $17 shipped.
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(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61iM17mm30L._AC_SL1001_.jpg)
These ceramics showed up. Fast after a quick break in. They have the white balls. These will be my go to, if I'm not running Bones Swiss. Great deals on these off Amazon, $17 shipped.
Yeah some of those China OEM ones are pretty solid, the big brands source their stuff from there anyway, so it depends if you can find a reputable seller who in turn sources from a warehouse with high QC standards.
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So I sent my crappy-ass Swiss off to Bones. I was told they’re legit but with no manufacturer defects. They cleaned them up, replaced a few shields and shipped them back.
They used the same sandwich bag I sent them in, which made me laugh.
I might set them up soon. We’ll see.
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Bones Swiss are my number one. I haven't made the jump past regular Swiss to the Swiss six or ceramics.
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broson
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I took the shields offspeed demon bearing (pressed-in metal) and they use metal cages lmao, fuck speed demons
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I just retired my 7-or-so-years old Bones Swiss with Super Reds.
So far so smooth? I dont know... Doesnt seem to roll that much smoother then the well maintained Swisses.
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I’ve had piss poor luck with bearings lately. I have never shelled out for Swiss because I’m afraid I’ll spend $60 and they could shit out like any other bearings, even if I try to maintain them meticulously like I have with other cheaper/mid priced bearings.
Other than my stubborn refusal to go Swiss, maybe I’m doing it wrong? Seems like my shields are always bent and I can never get the bearings fully clean, thus I end up in the same place I started or worse by the time I reassemble. Someone help me climb out of this dark place I have found myself in...
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I’ve had piss poor luck with bearings lately. I have never shelled out for Swiss because I’m afraid I’ll spend $60 and they could shit out like any other bearings, even if I try to maintain them meticulously like I have with other cheaper/mid priced bearings.
Other than my stubborn refusal to go Swiss, maybe I’m doing it wrong? Seems like my shields are always bent and I can never get the bearings fully clean, thus I end up in the same place I started or worse by the time I reassemble. Someone help me climb out of this dark place I have found myself in...
Bent shields? Gently remove them from the bearing with a safety pin - place the pin between the inner race and the shield, then pop the shield out by gently using the pin like a lever with the inner race as the fulcrum. The shield should pop right out. If you have a vice or grips or something like that, carefully use it to flatten your shields back out. If you don’t have either, stick them between some hardcover books and leave them for a bit.
Bearings dirty after cleaning? What are you cleaning them with? Do you take the cages out?
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I’ve had piss poor luck with bearings lately. I have never shelled out for Swiss because I’m afraid I’ll spend $60 and they could shit out like any other bearings, even if I try to maintain them meticulously like I have with other cheaper/mid priced bearings.
Other than my stubborn refusal to go Swiss, maybe I’m doing it wrong? Seems like my shields are always bent and I can never get the bearings fully clean, thus I end up in the same place I started or worse by the time I reassemble. Someone help me climb out of this dark place I have found myself in...
Bent shields? Gently remove them from the bearing with a safety pin - place the pin between the inner race and the shield, then pop the shield out by gently using the pin like a lever with the inner race as the fulcrum. The shield should pop right out. If you have a vice or grips or something like that, carefully use it to flatten your shields back out. If you don’t have either, stick them between some hardcover books and leave them for a bit.
Bearings dirty after cleaning? What are you cleaning them with? Do you take the cages out?
Safety pin sounds like a good move, I usually use a razor blade. As for cleaning solutions I’ve been using acetone or rubbing alcohol. I have never attempted to remove the cages, is there an instructional out there somewhere on that? Thanks!
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I’ve had piss poor luck with bearings lately. I have never shelled out for Swiss because I’m afraid I’ll spend $60 and they could shit out like any other bearings, even if I try to maintain them meticulously like I have with other cheaper/mid priced bearings.
Other than my stubborn refusal to go Swiss, maybe I’m doing it wrong? Seems like my shields are always bent and I can never get the bearings fully clean, thus I end up in the same place I started or worse by the time I reassemble. Someone help me climb out of this dark place I have found myself in...
Bent shields? Gently remove them from the bearing with a safety pin - place the pin between the inner race and the shield, then pop the shield out by gently using the pin like a lever with the inner race as the fulcrum. The shield should pop right out. If you have a vice or grips or something like that, carefully use it to flatten your shields back out. If you don’t have either, stick them between some hardcover books and leave them for a bit.
Bearings dirty after cleaning? What are you cleaning them with? Do you take the cages out?
Safety pin sounds like a good move, I usually use a razor blade. As for cleaning solutions I’ve been using acetone or rubbing alcohol. I have never attempted to remove the cages, is there an instructional out there somewhere on that? Thanks!
dont say youve been cleaning bearings with the cages on....
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for reference from bones
cages = retainer
(https://i.ibb.co/xXkt9wf/bearing-exploded-lg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xXkt9wf)
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I’ve had piss poor luck with bearings lately. I have never shelled out for Swiss because I’m afraid I’ll spend $60 and they could shit out like any other bearings, even if I try to maintain them meticulously like I have with other cheaper/mid priced bearings.
Other than my stubborn refusal to go Swiss, maybe I’m doing it wrong? Seems like my shields are always bent and I can never get the bearings fully clean, thus I end up in the same place I started or worse by the time I reassemble. Someone help me climb out of this dark place I have found myself in...
Bent shields? Gently remove them from the bearing with a safety pin - place the pin between the inner race and the shield, then pop the shield out by gently using the pin like a lever with the inner race as the fulcrum. The shield should pop right out. If you have a vice or grips or something like that, carefully use it to flatten your shields back out. If you don’t have either, stick them between some hardcover books and leave them for a bit.
Bearings dirty after cleaning? What are you cleaning them with? Do you take the cages out?
Safety pin sounds like a good move, I usually use a razor blade. As for cleaning solutions I’ve been using acetone or rubbing alcohol. I have never attempted to remove the cages, is there an instructional out there somewhere on that? Thanks!
Guilty... it seems like a lot could go wrong but I’m gonna give it a shot with the bearings I have now as they’re about 50% functional at best
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You remove the shields to clean bearings, the cages aren't necessary.
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The cage is necessary to remove if you want 100% clean bearing. Which I always recommend. When ur bearings are already out, why not clean them 100%?
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If you want to remove the cages, take something like a flattened paper clip. Place the tip of the paper clip on the cage between the balls and push. If it doesn’t budge, try at another spot. The trick is to be gentle yet firm to avoid damaging the cage. In my experience, about half the cage will pop off the balls from the first push, then you use the paper clip to do the same thing to the other side of the cage to remove it entirely. To put it back it, place the bearing over the cage and use the paper clip to arrange to balls. Once the balls are in place, press down evenly over the bearing and the shield should pop back into place. Once again, gentle yet firm, try not to force anything to avoid damaging the cage. Cages and shields can be cleaned with water, soap, and a toothbrush.
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Too much work :P
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Been running Bronson G3s for the past month and a half. Started out fantastic but they locked up pretty badly after about a month. Might pop the shields and try to clean and lube them today but I'm pretty bummed to be doing this for a relatively new set of bearings. Those amazon ceramic bearings look pretty interesting for $17, has anyone else tried them out?
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I’m skating Bronson Raws, and I love them because they spin fast and they last a really long time. However I would advise against using any other Bronson bearing (G2 or G3) as they break super quickly and not worth the money. If you can’t spend a lot on bearings, I would go with Bones Reds
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Too much work :P
Definitely almost too much work when it comes to cheap bearings, but in the covid world where nothing is certain and you never know when hardgoods are going to be in stock it’s a good thing to know how to maintain what ya got. Happy to report I resurrected 3 bearings that seemed absolutely shot by following the advice above and popping out the cages then cleaning again. Wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, thanks SLAP
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Riding some Olympia ceramic bearings. Retail is $44.95
Only a week or so in but extremely fast, No slowing down yet.
I’ve had mine (the $25 dollar ones that come in a little box.) for a year maybe 2 I can’t remember. And they are still just as fast when I got them. I haven’t cleaned them but maybe take a q too to the gunk on the outside. I skate dusty diys and streets usually and they haven’t slowed down. I can’t see me buying another bearing
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I was thinking would not having like 3 black ceramics and 4 metal ball in one bearing be the best.
Would be louder
Would be less likely to deform.
The race would be self polishing
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The cage is necessary to remove if you want 100% clean bearing. Which I always recommend. When ur bearings are already out, why not clean them 100%?
just tried this to an older pair of reds and disassembled them completely. i don't know if it was the orange cleaner i used/rinse with water and dried but they the balls the center retainers and the housing all had rust spots and wouldn't even spin when assembling them again. Felt like a waste.
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The cage is necessary to remove if you want 100% clean bearing. Which I always recommend. When ur bearings are already out, why not clean them 100%?
Was the rust there to begin with? Did you dilute the citrus cleaner with water?
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Bam Margera speed metal
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The cage is necessary to remove if you want 100% clean bearing. Which I always recommend. When ur bearings are already out, why not clean them 100%?
Was the rust there to begin with? Did you dilute the citrus cleaner with water?
did not dilute. Whoops. And I wouldn’t think too much surface rust to start they were maybe a year old tops.
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Weird. I have a few ideas. Apparently, undiluted citrus degreaser can leave an orange-red residue on metals. I wonder if it’s that? Conversely, I do remember reading something about the processes used to generate the terpenes in the degreaser can make the solution alkaline, which can corrode some metals. I’ve also heard that degreaser itself is a relatively strong oxidant, so I’m wondering if it oxidized some of the iron in the steel.
Unfortunately, I’m not a material science guy, so I would have to get to googling to find a reliable answer for you. That said, I might have an old set of reds in working order that I can send you if you’re in a tight spot!
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Someone here mentioned that you have to take the whole bearing appart including balls to get the best result. Does this work with regular Bones big balls or is it just for the swiss bearings?
Think I broke a bearing or two as one of my wheels barely rolls anymore. Otherwise im Still really happy with the big balls, seems to hold up longer than reg. Reds.
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Someone here mentioned that you have to take the whole bearing appart including balls to get the best result. Does this work with regular Bones big balls or is it just for the swiss bearings?
Think I broke a bearing or two as one of my wheels barely rolls anymore. Otherwise im Still really happy with the big balls, seems to hold up longer than reg. Reds.
I assume so. I do not own a set of big balls, but you can disassemble reds just like Swiss, so I assume it’s the same.
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Weird. I have a few ideas. Apparently, undiluted citrus degreaser can leave an orange-red residue on metals. I wonder if it’s that? Conversely, I do remember reading something about the processes used to generate the terpenes in the degreaser can make the solution alkaline, which can corrode some metals. I’ve also heard that degreaser itself is a relatively strong oxidant, so I’m wondering if it oxidized some of the iron in the steel.
Unfortunately, I’m not a material science guy, so I would have to get to googling to find a reliable answer for you. That said, I might have an old set of reds in working order that I can send you if you’re in a tight spot!
It may have been residue, yeah. But it didn't come off from wiping. Might've needed to scrub it off with a toothbrush or something.. got the orange cleaner idea from a YT video on cleaning bearings, hence the rinsing after with clean water. After trying my best to clean off the residue (?) and assembling 3-4 bearings only 1 was actually spinning. Think they are beyond repair, and I don't think i'll completely disassemble bearings to clean em again. Especially a $15 set.
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Too much work :P
word, i feel nerdy enough cleaning and re-lubing bearings. and i don't wanna chance losing a ball bearing or something.
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After disembeling the bearings I found out that 2 of the cages Holding the balls were broken. Got my old spare bearings out and the balls fell out when I took the cage out.
Is it possible to get the bearings together in One piece again?
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After disembeling the bearings I found out that 2 of the cages Holding the balls were broken. Got my old spare bearings out and the balls fell out when I took the cage out.
Is it possible to get the bearings together in One piece again?
Yeah, place the inner race inside the outer race on a flat surface, then place the balls between them. Use a flattened paper clip or something like that to help you get the balls evenly spaced around the inner race. It should hold itself together well enough at that point to place it over the nylon cage and reassemble. I believe there’s a more thorough discussion about this further up.
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After disembeling the bearings I found out that 2 of the cages Holding the balls were broken. Got my old spare bearings out and the balls fell out when I took the cage out.
Is it possible to get the bearings together in One piece again?
Yeah, place the inner race inside the outer race on a flat surface, then place the balls between them. Use a flattened paper clip or something like that to help you get the balls evenly spaced around the inner race. It should hold itself together well enough at that point to place it over the nylon cage and reassemble. I believe there’s a more thorough discussion about this further up.
i was using this shield-holding-the-balls method @ 2:40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epLPX7sRQXI&t=185s
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Someone here mentioned that you have to take the whole bearing appart including balls to get the best result. Does this work with regular Bones big balls or is it just for the swiss bearings?
Think I broke a bearing or two as one of my wheels barely rolls anymore. Otherwise im Still really happy with the big balls, seems to hold up longer than reg. Reds.
I had opposite experience with big balls. four bearings broke in a month of skating flat, lol. I even sent them email with pics but they claimed them not be defect set.
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I have Bones Super Swiss 6 and Red. The 6 are marginally faster, maybe, hard to know.
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After disembeling the bearings I found out that 2 of the cages Holding the balls were broken. Got my old spare bearings out and the balls fell out when I took the cage out.
Is it possible to get the bearings together in One piece again?
Yeah, place the inner race inside the outer race on a flat surface, then place the balls between them. Use a flattened paper clip or something like that to help you get the balls evenly spaced around the inner race. It should hold itself together well enough at that point to place it over the nylon cage and reassemble. I believe there’s a more thorough discussion about this further up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epLPX7sRQXI&t=185s
Hahaha yeah that way looks smarter. I had not considered that approach.
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What bearings are you guys using? I'm a fan of Bones Swiss and I had some blank ceramic bearings that were just as fast.
Looking for suggestions for a new build.
Bones Swiss ceramics
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Had a brand new set of Black Panthers sitting around, been skating them for the last few months and love em. So Cal’s shop bearing are the shiz too.
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Running different brands on different set-ups.
Running Ándale Swiss, Bones Super Reds, and Bronson Raws. I ordered some Olympia Gold Grades on the way.
I’ve been skating a small area and haven’t been able to really put them to work. That being said the Raws feel better than the Andale.
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big balls boieeeeeeeeeeeee
they are pretty fast. would recommend.
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Rush bearings? Anyone ever try them?
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Rush bearings? Anyone ever try them?
yes actually, i have a set of all weather ceramics that held up great.
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Rush bearings? Anyone ever try them?
yes actually, i have a set of all weather ceramics that held up great.
Thanks. They didn't have the ceramic. They was stainless. I passed.
I'm just going to wait till I can afford the Swiss or grab some more ceramics when I see them.
I scored another traffic deck
A thrasher venture awake hat and some of the wide mob
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZBhz2Yy/6-C02-BC3-A-BEC2-431-F-A70-F-86-EFF65796-D4.jpg)
So worth it...
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Bearings spacers in reds?
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Bearings spacers in reds?
There's no reason to use spacers at all unless you are long boarding or on a cruiser. They aren't doing shit unless you are tightening the axle nut all the way, which no one does because it makes your board feel weird and your wheels won't chirp anymore.
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZBhz2Yy/6-C02-BC3-A-BEC2-431-F-A70-F-86-EFF65796-D4.jpg)
So worth it...
Kiehl’s is the dankest
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I got the Shake Junt abec 7's for some reason. They appear to be working. I never gave too many shits about bearings. I've used Flip "HKD" bearings before and I did many satisfactory maneuvers at sufficient speed with them to my recollection.
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZBhz2Yy/6-C02-BC3-A-BEC2-431-F-A70-F-86-EFF65796-D4.jpg)
So worth it...
Kiehl’s is the dankest
I’ve been using Kiehl’s for years. Also in Scott Johnson’s Bob shirt interview he said he use their soap, and we all know how pretty and clean he is.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
Just following up after getting the gear. I don't even know why I didn't try this sooner. It totally works.
I managed to clean three sets yesterday (removed shields, shake/rinse in 97% alcohol to get the big stuff off, rinse with water, 1 pint water and 1 capful biodegradable jewelry cleaner solution, 3 minute cycle one side, spin each bearing with fingers, flip over, 3 minutes the other side, rinse with water, dried with blower).
Speed rings and shields get ran one cycle also rinsed in water and dried.
So easy. So clean. Thanks Krooked antihero.
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Im running some random Speedmaster Ceramic bearings I pulled from a setup. One of them is starting to squeak but other than that really fast.
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Have any of you mad scientists tried using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean your bearings? Just wondering.
I managed to clean three sets yesterday (removed shields, shake/rinse in 97% alcohol to get the big stuff off, rinse with water, 1 pint water and 1 capful biodegradable jewelry cleaner solution, 3 minute cycle one side, spin each bearing with fingers, flip over, 3 minutes the other side, rinse with water, dried with blower).
Speed rings and shields get ran one cycle also rinsed in water and dried.
So easy. So clean. Thanks Krooked antihero.
Hahahaha I did it, too.
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Just picked up these mud burners to complete my shit box of a complete!
(https://i.imgur.com/6wX9Nr3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4oEydlZ.jpg)
I picked these up at a yard sale today for $5, said their son bought them for Christmas and never got a board. So the bearings just sat in a draw for 15 years. Fucking wild.
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I honestly have no clue what kind of bearings I have. Pretty sure I said “give me whatevers cheapest” at the shop because the pickings were so slim. Had my first suspicions today that they’re slowing down.
Should I clean my cheapos and see if they don’t get faster for longer or buy new quality ones and reassess later?
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I've been running the same set of regular bones swiss for over 4 years now. I haven't noticed any reduction of speed and I clean them around 3 times a year. Today I just cleaned and relubed and they're feeling mighty fine :) Probably will squeeze out another year before I buy a new set, probably swiss 6.
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Got a set of reds waiting to set up for a few months now but have heard quality been shit since like 2017. Wasn’t pleased on my last set from dec 2019, a few crapped out real quick.
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my friend gave me a set of pretty much brand new swiss but within a week the bearings on the rear wheels stopped spinning good. I put off cleaning them and just swapped on some brand new reds I had and within a week the bearings on the rear wheels stopped as well. Any idea why this happen?
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Just picked up these mud burners to complete my shit box of a complete!
(https://i.imgur.com/6wX9Nr3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4oEydlZ.jpg)
I picked these up at a yard sale today for $5, said their son bought them for Christmas and never got a board. So the bearings just sat in a draw for 15 years. Fucking wild.
holy shit those were my first set of bearings wow the nostalgia
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my friend gave me a set of pretty much brand new swiss but within a week the bearings on the rear wheels stopped spinning good. I put off cleaning them and just swapped on some brand new reds I had and within a week the bearings on the rear wheels stopped as well. Any idea why this happen?
Maybe the shields are bent and rubbing against the bearing balls? pop the shields off of the slow bearings and see if that's the cause. Otherwise, clean them and see if that fixes it.
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I'm still using a 10 year old set of bones swiss. 3 of them are missing a ball. Am I riding a time bomb?
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Should I clean my cheapos and see if they don’t get faster for longer or buy new quality ones and reassess later?
I definitely think it's worth trying to clean them if you've got the time.
If they end up sucking you can still get new bearings.
Answer to this thread is still:
Swiss if you're flush, Reds if you're not.
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Bones Swiss 6 Ball. I've been riding these exclusively since around 2012 and they are fan-fucking-tastic. I've never cleaned any of them and they are all still rolling to this day.
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i keep saying the same shit in this thread... bones swiss or bones 6 balls... I had a sad of swiss for about 5 years and a set of the swiss 6 going onto 2... the setup with the bones swiss got stolen and the one with swiss 6 i had to leave in an airport so im on this superstition if i get swiss or swiss 6 my dumbass will loose it again
any ways ive been riding the bones super reds and they're great.
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Rush bearings? Anyone ever try them?
yes actually, i have a set of all weather ceramics that held up great.
Thanks. They didn't have the ceramic. They was stainless. I passed.
I'm just going to wait till I can afford the Swiss or grab some more ceramics when I see them.
I scored another traffic deck
A thrasher venture awake hat and some of the wide mob
Got the titanium coated rush abec 7, the retainers are made of weak thin plastic, they all fell apart in like 2-3 months, now on reds big balls, they're holding fine
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Indy 7's, G3's, Raw's, Bones Swiss
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I used to just get reds or whatever cheap bearings but then splurged and got Swiss ceramics about 7 years ago and they are still amazing. It’s an expensive purchase but it is super worth it. If you clean them every so often they last forever and just feel so much better.
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Month 6 on Indy Blacks and still smooth. But if $ no option, swiss 6
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Bones bearings for the win, original swiss the most common and long lasting, always with my shields ON.
But I know so many people ride without shields which might sound louder but don't seem to last and run slower.
Any other takers on the shields ON / OFF debate???
(And yes I did read the other twenty pages of this thread)
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Bones Swiss & Super 6. Give em a service and they last forever.
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I've had some swiss 6 for so long the shields wore out. Otherwise, I keep shields on.
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Bones bearings for the win, original swiss the most common and long lasting, always with my shields ON.
But I know so many people ride without shields which might sound louder but don't seem to last and run slower.
Any other takers on the shields ON / OFF debate???
(And yes I did read the other twenty pages of this thread)
i used to many bearings without shields and they'd eventually break... i began to keep shields on about 7-8 years ago and had bearings last me a long time
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Back on a set of Bronson G3 because, despite popular SLAP opinion, I have had only positive experiences with them.
Bones low to mid priced bearings have failed me repeatedly in recent times, and seems like the whole REDS lineup is hot garbage compared to how they used to be. It’s a bummer because OG REDS used to be such a reliable budget bearing. If anyone have any insight or theory as to why quality seems to has taken a dip I’d be interested to know.
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I recently bought Super Reds for fun (I have swiss 6's thats 7 years old or so), and they were oiled so much from factory that after day one, they got super dirty (on the outside ofc). The shield also came off one of the bearings while skating.
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Reds big balls here because that's all that's in stock at the shop. They're fine.
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Does the shields shrinking phenomenon happen on every bearings ?
Are there models that don't suffer from this disease ?
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Just an observation - I have Super Reds on one board and Swiss 6 on the other. Both were setup at the same time and have roughly the same amount of skating on them.
The Super Reds are slightly faster and WAY smoother than the Swiss 6
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Got drunk and bought Bones Swiss.
Now I'm trying to break em in by just pushing around everywhere.
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Gave up on Bronson G3s about 2 months after picking them up. The shields all bent within a month, I skated them shieldless after that. They felt smooth but slow if that makes sense. Tried cleaning and lubing with speed cream but they basically felt the same.
I've been skating Reds Big Balls for the past two weeks now and they feel great. They feel fast and loud, better than I remember the G3s feeling. Its been a while since I've skated regular reds so take this with a grain of salt but I feel like the big balls are a lot better.
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Reds
Bought swisses once when got a new complete and was stolen next day out of my car. Lesson learned get reds
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Month 6 on Indy Blacks and still smooth. But if $ no option, swiss 6
I’m on some Indy Blacks that I got in early 2017. I got a set of rush abec 9(looked exactly like indys)for 10$ to replace them but the indys keep going strong.
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Bearings spacers in reds?
I always use spacers if I got them.
Winter salts coming soon. If both bearings are working together they have a better chance of crushing and spinning out debris.
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Bones, if you're an adult, you should know this by now. How TF is this thread so long lol.
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anyone switch from swiss to swiss ceramic? what are the noticable differences outside of the hole in your wallet
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Finally caved and bought swiss after years of wanting them but not wanting to pay.
Not worth the hype, just get the middle level bearings.
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OG bones reds, no shields. Board goes fast, no problems. I have always just got reds took the shields off, no maintenance and they last a long time.
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Bearings spacers in reds?
I always use spacers if I got them.
Winter salts coming soon. If both bearings are working together they have a better chance of crushing and spinning out debris.
I use spacers in my soft cruising wheels, but of the last sets of spitfires I’ve had, one or two wheels out of each set would have a core that was too wide to fit the spacer properly, so I haven’t used them in my hard wheels in ages. But despite having no evidence, I believe they make my cruising wheels way more efficient.
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are bones ceramic reds or swiss 6 better? one one hand swiss 6 have bigger balls and are built better, and ceramic reds are a different material altogether.
anyone got an opinion/buying advice?
*bearing madness insues*
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anyone switch from swiss to swiss ceramic? what are the noticable differences outside of the hole in your wallet
I went from couple years old Swiss 6 to Swiss ceramics and difference was noticeable. Not sure how much of difference there would be if both sets were brand new. Swiss ceramics while being awesome bearings might be overkill for typical street skater speed wise. If you do occasional maintenance on your bearings (if you use more expensive bearings you should) Swiss ceramics will outlast all others and be faster most of the time, for me this is biggest plus of ceramics.
You can't go wrong with Bones Swiss or Bones Swiss 6, if you are able to get discount on Swiss ceramics or have means to get them go for it.
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I've never had swiss ceramics, but I did switch from regular to ceramic ron's rockets when I was skating Upland's full pipe. I noticed it on first drop in and never pumped hard unless I wanted to die. I still have the same set in a bowl board, but I've gotten used to the speed and can better control it.
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Had a theory that if I kept up with a couple beater sets of bearings (cleaning and lubing) I’d have 8 winners long enough to justify the short money. Not the case at all. Board feels thuddy and my best spinning wheel leaves much to be desired. I am giving my theory 1 last crack with actual brand name Indy GP-Bs. If it doesn’t work out I’ll give Santa some money to bring me Swiss
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Had a theory that if I kept up with a couple beater sets of bearings (cleaning and lubing) I’d have 8 winners long enough to justify the short money. Not the case at all. Board feels thuddy and my best spinning wheel leaves much to be desired. I am giving my theory 1 last crack with actual brand name Indy GP-Bs. If it doesn’t work out I’ll give Santa some money to bring me Swiss
Basing your view of namebrand bearings off of the cheapest indy bearing might not be the best idea?
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are bones ceramic reds or swiss 6 better? one one hand swiss 6 have bigger balls and are built better, and ceramic reds are a different material altogether.
anyone got an opinion/buying advice?
*bearing madness insues*
Ceramic reds are the best bearings for the money
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anyone try dry-lubing their bearings before? i’ve had somewhat success and have swiss 6 coming my way. i don’t know how long they will have been sitting on a shelf, so i am considering cleaning and re living with either speed cream or dry lube. i’ve heard the benefits of dry lube (less dirt accumulation, freer spin and faster break-in) for reference i would be using wd-40 specialist dry lube.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/wd-40-specialist-dirt-dust-resistant-dry-lube-ptfe-spray-283-g-0388090p.html
anyone got thoughts or opinions?
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Had a theory that if I kept up with a couple beater sets of bearings (cleaning and lubing) I’d have 8 winners long enough to justify the short money. Not the case at all. Board feels thuddy and my best spinning wheel leaves much to be desired. I am giving my theory 1 last crack with actual brand name Indy GP-Bs. If it doesn’t work out I’ll give Santa some money to bring me Swiss
Not looking to judge all namebrands. I just wanted to see how far a serviced bearing could take me. Tried no names with no luck. The GP-B is actually the most expensive Indy bearing and the max I think one should spend on a bearing you should have to take care of regularly. I picked those as my middle road brand name bearing because they are designed to be serviced
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mini logo for ever. Because I am cheap and poor
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(https://i.ibb.co/3FtGGSM/PXL-20201114-201721430.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3FtGGSM)
upload images (https://imgbb.com/)
So I did the can the kid keep up with swiss bearings test?
Barely. We did about 2.5 miles. I'm so happy the kid can mash across town with minimal instructions.
I just got to get him on a bigger bike somehow. He can't bomb big hills in a straight line.
He is the best wing man of all times though. Math machine always has been. It's good to be the uncle 😂
(https://i.ibb.co/7J6Hk6k/PXL-20201114-195230431.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7J6Hk6k)
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(https://i.ibb.co/hVg4sfT/FB-IMG-1606234915660.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hVg4sfT)
Pulled these from a freestyle page on Facebook.
Stamp reads handmade by Rodney Mullen lol
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(https://i.ibb.co/hVg4sfT/FB-IMG-1606234915660.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hVg4sfT)
Pulled these from a freestyle page on Facebook.
Stamp reads handmade by Rodney Mullen lol
Some people will do anything to make a sale!!!
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(https://i.ibb.co/hVg4sfT/FB-IMG-1606234915660.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hVg4sfT)
Pulled these from a freestyle page on Facebook.
Stamp reads handmade by Rodney Mullen lol
Some people will do anything to make a sale!!!
It's from a decomposed complete.
Think about mullen in the Bones Swiss sweatshop in china putting together bearings. Def a easter egg
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(https://i.ibb.co/hVg4sfT/FB-IMG-1606234915660.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hVg4sfT)
Pulled these from a freestyle page on Facebook.
Stamp reads handmade by Rodney Mullen lol
Some people will do anything to make a sale!!!
It's from a decomposed complete.
Think about mullen in the Bones Swiss sweatshop in china putting together bearings. Def a easter egg
An Eastern egg.
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Pulled these from a freestyle page on Facebook.
Stamp reads handmade by Rodney Mullen lol
Some people will do anything to make a sale!!!
It's from a decomposed complete.
Think about mullen in the Bones Swiss sweatshop in china putting together bearings. Def a easter egg
The only way some pros would work for their pay, assembling their signature product to sell to fans at super hiked up prices.
Not bearing related, but I recall seeing a few things over the years, Lance Mountain always doing something by hand in super limited runs, and Mike V doing custom grip jobs on those signature street axe shapes among others.
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Back to bearings now though.
I am seeing so many fake Bones Swiss out there now too, even having all the stickers "Skate Rated" and updated look but often just little things, along with the fact they are being sold by random dudes and not in skate shops or authorised accounts.
Anyone else seeing or noticing this?
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5 bones Swiss, 2 bones reds and 1 shake junt
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5 bones Swiss, 2 bones reds and 1 shake junt
That's a helluva combo you've got going there but whatever it takes to get to eight!
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I had a set of Bones Swiss that had gotten really gummed up due to putting totally wrong kind of lubricant in them and leaving them outdoors. They are maybe 12 years old and not been used at all for a few years.
I figured I might as well try to salvage them, so I disassembled them completely and soaked them in mineral spirits. Didn’t work. Soaked them in acetone, came out perfectly clean. While putting them back together I was thinking about what it is that makes these special, I mean most bearings are metal balls in metal grooves, but I know the tolerances can be different, maybe the metal used is different as well? The cages shouldn’t affect much I assume. So I was thinking maybe whatever was special about the Swiss when new must have worn out over the years, but who knows. Any way, I put them back together, lubed them up with some pretty fluid stuff that came with some electric clippers and damn, they are really fast again. Noticeable difference to the Bones Reds I had.
Swiss are something else.
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Decided to retire my 5 year old set of Swiss, and just ordered a set of Swiss 6's. Pretty stoked to try them out and see how they compare to the regular Swiss.
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Anyone who works at a shop gotten ahold of the new Bronson Ceramics? I've seen one or two shops online have them. They look like they're going to be pretty pricey and I'm not in any hurry try try another Bronson but who knows.
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Decided to retire my 5 year old set of Swiss, and just ordered a set of Swiss 6's. Pretty stoked to try them out and see how they compare to the regular Swiss.
My Swiss 6 needed breaking in. Give them some time. When I put them in I was disappointed - but then after a week or so they really came around.
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I had those blue Swiss last year they were really good, the 6 ball. I went back to the normal swiss ceramics now I dont really notice any difference. gotta ride 56mm wheels to get dat full effect
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I got Bronson G2s around March this year pretty much cause they were orange and I thought they were cool. They were great then slowed down b/c of dirt pretty quick. Cleaned and lubed once, now most of them slowed down again and I ended up putting in my previous set of Mini-Logo bearings cause they still spin. I'm convinced Los Angeles is just too dirty to have bearings last long.
I'll probably clean them again just cause I have the supplies.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CInhdMpgNcX/?igshid=188o4i59hdbxa
New bronson ceramics? With cleaning case
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CInhdMpgNcX/?igshid=188o4i59hdbxa
New bronson ceramics? With cleaning case
What bearings do you normally run?
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New bronson ceramics? With cleaning case
What bearings do you normally run?
minu logo I’ve found to last, but just put in a set of reds. Second time giving them a chance, if they don’t work well im moving on
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New bronson ceramics? With cleaning case
What bearings do you normally run?
Nice, I wanna try mini logos next. I hear great things for the price.
One thing I notice about Reds is how smoothe they are compared to my other cheaper bearings. They may not be the fastest among the under $20 group, but they feel put together so well. It’s weird with them, they like get better with time, grime and dirt. Whereas those cheapshots seem to start out super fast, but then get worse with time, as expected. A few weeks in an I want to clean the spits to get that like new feel, but with reds I never think that till a year in. Cheapshots are half the price though, I need to compare apples to apples with spitfires $20ish bearing. Reds arent as fast as the cheapshots, but much smoother and “tighter feeling”.
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Lost the top washer for my set of bones bushings a while ago so I never set them up.
Anyone know the exact size of the flat washers they come with? Otherwise I'm gonna have to spend some time walking around the hardware store this weekend.
Thanks.
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Lost the top washer for my set of bones bushings a while ago so I never set them up.
Anyone know the exact size of the flat washers they come with? Otherwise I'm gonna have to spend some time walking around the hardware store this weekend.
Thanks.
3/8" ID, 3/4" OD
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Lost the top washer for my set of bones bushings a while ago so I never set them up.
Anyone know the exact size of the flat washers they come with? Otherwise I'm gonna have to spend some time walking around the hardware store this weekend.
Thanks.
You can run the bones bushings without the washers, the plastic on top pretty much acts as one. When I was running them I was leaving out the top washer and it feels better imo
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Thanks guys, also mb wrong thread lol
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After 20+ years of skating, I finally bought bones swiss. I have no idea what took me so long. Hopping on these bad boys after a lackluster bronson g3 experience (only bearings Kingswell had at the time) has me very happy
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Bones swiss with main set up. reds with cruisers
That’s it!
Had my Swiss for almost 18 years now. Cleaned a half-dozen times. Blow-out / Speed Cream them when changing wheels.
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anyone tried dry lube for their bearings? is it better than speed cream of should i just stick to speed cream? this is the stuff i’d be using, for reference
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/wd-40-specialist-dirt-dust-resistant-dry-lube-ptfe-spray-283-g-0388090p.html
thanks pals and shalom
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anyone tried dry lube for their bearings? is it better than speed cream of should i just stick to speed cream? this is the stuff i’d be using, for reference
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/wd-40-specialist-dirt-dust-resistant-dry-lube-ptfe-spray-283-g-0388090p.html
thanks pals and shalom
Definitely curious if anyone else has used this, or any brand of PTFE lubricant.
Most of the time, anything with shields works well with various brands of bearing lube, eg Bones speed cream or any version of light machine oil. Running bearings without shields usually means they will not perform or last as long, but wet lube will just make them attract all kinds of mess, so something dry like graphite powder has been the go to for a lot of skaters. Seems like it would work well for open bearings without shields.
I do recall someone using silicone based lubrication which made the bearings feel a bit sluggish, but I don't know if they were clean or running smoothly beforehand.
If they are clean and dry to start with, either should work, as well as PTFE lubricants, so if the bearings are not super expensive, you could try it and let everyone else know how you go with it.
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i was thinking about this. i was also thinking about using locknut for hardware and stuff, so it keeps tight. but not sure if it would be a hassle to get off afterwards with a simple skate tool.
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I’m pretty bummed. My set of Swiss 6 arrived and one of the bearings is a dud. It’ll immediately stop after 2 rotations and you can feel something getting caught when it stops. Maybe one of the balls is deformed or the races. Had to replace the 1 bearing with 1 of my old normal Swiss. All is good, now off to the park I go.
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I’m pretty bummed. My set of Swiss 6 arrived and one of the bearings is a dud. It’ll immediately stop after 2 rotations and you can feel something getting caught when it stops. Maybe one of the balls is deformed or the races. Had to replace the 1 bearing with 1 of my old normal Swiss. All is good, now off to the park I go.
Did you pop the shield and have a look in there?
You could even remove the race and see if something got in there.
Also not to assume there was something majorly wrong, but were they from a reputable source? A lot of fakes getting around.
Bones and Skate One in general take that sort of stuff pretty seriously, so if you send them an email with purchase info, they usually help with anything you need (might even send you a new set).
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I’m pretty bummed. My set of Swiss 6 arrived and one of the bearings is a dud. It’ll immediately stop after 2 rotations and you can feel something getting caught when it stops. Maybe one of the balls is deformed or the races. Had to replace the 1 bearing with 1 of my old normal Swiss. All is good, now off to the park I go.
Did you pop the shield and have a look in there?
You could even remove the race and see if something got in there.
Also not to assume there was something majorly wrong, but were they from a reputable source? A lot of fakes getting around.
Bones and Skate One in general take that sort of stuff pretty seriously, so if you send them an email with purchase info, they usually help with anything you need (might even send you a new set).
Yeah I took off the shield and that did nothing, and neither did taking off the plastic race and putting it back in. I got them from old skull skates so I know that they’re good, plus the rest of the set is plenty fast. I emailed skate one to send me a single replacement bearing and they sent in a warranty claims for me so all should be good.
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I’m pretty bummed. My set of Swiss 6 arrived and one of the bearings is a dud. It’ll immediately stop after 2 rotations and you can feel something getting caught when it stops. Maybe one of the balls is deformed or the races. Had to replace the 1 bearing with 1 of my old normal Swiss. All is good, now off to the park I go.
Did you pop the shield and have a look in there?
You could even remove the race and see if something got in there.
Also not to assume there was something majorly wrong, but were they from a reputable source? A lot of fakes getting around.
Bones and Skate One in general take that sort of stuff pretty seriously, so if you send them an email with purchase info, they usually help with anything you need (might even send you a new set).
Yeah I took off the shield and that did nothing, and neither did taking off the plastic race and putting it back in. I got them from old skull skates so I know that they’re good, plus the rest of the set is plenty fast. I emailed skate one to send me a single replacement bearing and they sent in a warranty claims for me so all should be good.
Sounds like you have it sorted which is great - spending decent coin on product that doesn't work always sucks.
It reminded me of a set of regular swiss a guy set up and skated and were making weird noises / rolling funny right out of the box still in the shop, so swapped them straight over for another set which worked fine so he was happy. I cleaned and set the weird bearings up on one of my boards and oddly enough they came good after a couple of skates. I still have them on a board and working fine, so I really don't know what was going on, but I guess something could happen.
They were on new trucks too, so it is not like old axle / wheel nut metal shavings fell into the bearings or anything like that, which will put an end to nice new bearings very quickly.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CInhdMpgNcX/?igshid=188o4i59hdbxa
New bronson ceramics? With cleaning case
$80 is too much
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CInhdMpgNcX/?igshid=188o4i59hdbxa
New bronson ceramics? With cleaning case
$80 is too much
For Bronson 5 bucks is too much.
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Bronson raws
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YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED WITH INDEPENDANT BLACKS IN THE $15 RANGE.
sorry for yelling but these below are discontiunued but are an upgraderd version of Indy 7s. I found these much smoother and faster than reds, super reds and Shake Junt triple OGs. And seem uneffected by dirt, or hard skating I feel like these dont feel much different from swiss to me (especially after a week of skating) from memory.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam
They use a very good lubricant as well on these and I got 6 months on them so far and theyre faster and smoother than all my other bearings (also seem to have a better seal as have not needed to be cleaned from the elemants like reds or SJ trip ogs and feel nice so I grabbed a couple more sets at this price. Some people are buying them and reselling them for $40. Not woth that, but def worth >$15 if looking for a good set.
Blacks are hit and miss. I've got one good set and one bad one. The retainer is kind of flimsy so if you get them wet or dirty and have to do a full breakdown then be careful when popping the crowns. I had one break and one bend pretty bad. They're decent enough cheapies and I'll buy them if they're on sale and there's no better option in the $10-15 range (flip hkd 7, mini logo etc) but I don't think they're anything special. I'm no great fan of reds but if I were choosing between the two I'd take reds for sure.
I just picked up a set of Sparrow bearings (https://errandsbrand.com/hardgoods) from the corner store and the initial impressions are good. He was out of the 7's so I had to get the 3's and honestly if the low end bearings are this good I'm very interested in trying the higher end ones. They're smooth, quiet, and reasonably quick. Not blazing "oh shit here comes a hill better foot drag so I don't die" fast or anything but still fast enough to be fun. I'd put them in that cheap but effective class with reds, modus black, indy black spitfire cheapshots etc. Definitely going to give the higher grade ones a chance when they're back in stock.
I was happy with indy blacks as well. Rode them all summer, then all winter, then cleaned them and put them on a cruiser board... and they are still rolling more than a year later (though a bit slower than they were out of the box). Seemed comparable to Reds... wouldn't pay $20 but at $14 they were nice.
The sparrow bearings look interesting! At $20 for the abec 3's and $25 for the high-end "falcons" I'd be tempted to try the falcons, since I've heard good things about bearings made in Japan. Anybody rolling on Japanese-made bearings?
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Got sick of cleaning my bearings every time my board ended up in a snowbank. Ordered some titanium coated yellowjacket venoms to try out. What have you got on your winter/rain setup? Ceramic? Stainless steel?
For most of us it's probably an old cheapie set (that's what I've done in the past)... but they rust and seize so fast...
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reds i had made it about 6 to 9 months of park skating before running rough enough to warrant replacement, which isn't bad. cleaned em once. big balls seem to have held up a bit better.
back on some old swiss for now. i kinda want a bearing press, its difficult to get bearings seated perfectly in hard wheels.
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reds i had made it about 6 to 9 months of park skating before running rough enough to warrant replacement, which isn't bad. cleaned em once. big balls seem to have held up a bit better.
back on some old swiss for now. i kinda want a bearing press, its difficult to get bearings seated perfectly in hard wheels.
If you put a bit of lube or something on the inside of the bearing seat in the wheel, or a drop on your finger and run it round the bearing edge, they slip straight in without any issues.
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Got sick of cleaning my bearings every time my board ended up in a snowbank. Ordered some titanium coated yellowjacket venoms to try out. What have you got on your winter/rain setup? Ceramic? Stainless steel?
For most of us it's probably an old cheapie set (that's what I've done in the past)... but they rust and seize so fast...
I bought some cheap-ish Hard Luck stainless steel bearings for my rust-proof rain cruiser (on a board with Theeve titanium axle and kingpin and stainless nuts, as well as stainless mounting hardware) and they are running stong after 3 or 4 rainy winters.
i kinda want a bearing press, its difficult to get bearings seated perfectly in hard wheels.
A bearing press is a worthwhile investment if you have more expensive tight tolerance bearings! The press seats it great and avoids any damage to the shields. Also, using the bearing pull function of it helps keep bearings in good shape, by avoiding the torsional stress that happens from prying them out on a truck axle. You can find unbranded presses for $25 shipped and they last for awhile... I've had mine for a decade and it's going strong.
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reds i had made it about 6 to 9 months of park skating before running rough enough to warrant replacement, which isn't bad. cleaned em once. big balls seem to have held up a bit better.
back on some old swiss for now. i kinda want a bearing press, its difficult to get bearings seated perfectly in hard wheels.
If you put a bit of lube or something on the inside of the bearing seat in the wheel, or a drop on your finger and run it round the bearing edge, they slip straight in without any issues.
i'll remember that. i wonder if that makes it easier for them to slip out, but i don't see why they would if it's all cranked down and held together with the nut on. here's to hoping they get perfectly seated after some proper heck riding.
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Running a set of 6-ball Reds right now, been really happy with them for ~$25.
Planning on getting Swiss 6 with my next set of wheels and will toss the 6-ball Reds on my second setup.
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makes it easier for them to slip out, but i don't see why they would if it's all cranked down and held together with the nut on. here's to hoping they get perfectly seated after some proper heck riding.
It does make it easier to unseat the bearing and it does happen if you powerslide a lot. This just happened to my f4 og classics, but never to my conical fulls (fulls have a larger seat.)
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reds i had made it about 6 to 9 months of park skating before running rough enough to warrant replacement, which isn't bad. cleaned em once. big balls seem to have held up a bit better.
back on some old swiss for now. i kinda want a bearing press, its difficult to get bearings seated perfectly in hard wheels.
If you put a bit of lube or something on the inside of the bearing seat in the wheel, or a drop on your finger and run it round the bearing edge, they slip straight in without any issues.
i'll remember that. i wonder if that makes it easier for them to slip out, but i don't see why they would if it's all cranked down and held together with the nut on. here's to hoping they get perfectly seated after some proper heck riding.
I would think if they were hard enough you couldn't easily push them in, just the smallest bit of something round the rim (not soaked or overdosed) and that should do the trick nicely, so they go in but they are not loose in there.
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makes it easier for them to slip out, but i don't see why they would if it's all cranked down and held together with the nut on. here's to hoping they get perfectly seated after some proper heck riding.
It's a funny thing hey, some wheels seem to have a decent bearing seat, some way too tight, which often results in the wheel splitting if it didn't bond well either, or as you had and I have seen too, some wheels just do not hold the bearings in place well at all.
I had a board that I thought had axle slip, then thought a bearing was seizing up, but it turned out the wheels didn't hold the bearings well, so every time I did something where the wheel would be pushed on an angle on my mini ramp, feeble and smith grinds especially, the inside bearing in the wheel would move and the wheel would jam up. I didn't want to get rid of them, but that was more annoying than I wanted to deal with, so no matter which bearings or whatever I did, they wouldn't hold. Have a run, then press the wheel back down on the bearing, have another run, press again, etc.
That was the only time that those extra inner spacer type bearings like Bones Race Reds worked to solve the problem, as they didn't move out of place with the wheel nut done up tight, but they found a new home anyway.
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Weird and random question but I just found some Speed Demons abec 7 bearings in a set of old ass wheels i got in a big parts haul - did this company ever make decent product or is this basically useless? Was thinking of throwing them into a extra set-up but if they're bunk I'll just shell out $20 for reds and kick the Speed Demons down to a little kid or something
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swiss 6 with spacers and cant tell the difference with or without em
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Weird and random question but I just found some Speed Demons abec 7 bearings in a set of old ass wheels i got in a big parts haul - did this company ever make decent product or is this basically useless? Was thinking of throwing them into a extra set-up but if they're bunk I'll just shell out $20 for reds and kick the Speed Demons down to a little kid or something
It was price point product from Dwindle Distribution, but it was still the same product as their other pro brands, so chances are if they roll fine, give them a go (as they are free - you already have them) but then if they don't feel that good, you can always go buy some other bearings afterwards.
I am a bit biased, because I like rubber shields I can easily remove to clean, but I am guessing those ones are full metal all the way.
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Does anyone have experience with standard machine bearings? Recently I have bought 56 standard 608 2rs bearings for 30cent per bearing from a bearing shop.
When rolling around in the garage they don't feel that bad. I'm curious how long they will last.
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Does anyone have experience with standard machine bearings? Recently I have bought 56 standard 608 2rs bearings for 30cent per bearing from a bearing shop.
When rolling around in the garage they don't feel that bad. I'm curious how long they will last.
Seven sets of bearings, at $2.40 a set is a good deal.
608 is the specific bearing size and make that we all use in skateboards.
RS - rubber shields, so 2 rubber shields on each bearing.
Pop the shields and have a look at the insides, could be all metal as per the older style of bearing, or could be nylon ball retainer as per newer style and most skate brand bearings nowdays, eg same as Bones, Modus, etc.
Also give them a bit of a shake / hold the inner ring inbetween two fingers of one hand and move the outer ring side to side with the other to see how much play there is - too much play and they might not last as long, but if they are reasonably tight in there, you might have some decent bearings.
Some generic bearings are so thickly lubed up they might hardly move at first, others almost not lubed at all, both will make some difference to how they skate right away, but should be about normal within a week of decent use.
I am interested to hear more once you have skated them a bit too.
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Does anyone have experience with standard machine bearings? Recently I have bought 56 standard 608 2rs bearings for 30cent per bearing from a bearing shop.
When rolling around in the garage they don't feel that bad. I'm curious how long they will last.
Seven sets of bearings, at $2.40 a set is a good deal.
608 is the specific bearing size and make that we all use in skateboards.
RS - rubber shields, so 2 rubber shields on each bearing.
Pop the shields and have a look at the insides, could be all metal as per the older style of bearing, or could be nylon ball retainer as per newer style and most skate brand bearings nowdays, eg same as Bones, Modus, etc.
Also give them a bit of a shake / hold the inner ring inbetween two fingers of one hand and move the outer ring side to side with the other to see how much play there is - too much play and they might not last as long, but if they are reasonably tight in there, you might have some decent bearings.
Some generic bearings are so thickly lubed up they might hardly move at first, others almost not lubed at all, both will make some difference to how they skate right away, but should be about normal within a week of decent use.
I am interested to hear more once you have skated them a bit too.
where does one purchase such cheap bearings.
I just ordered some independent blacks from the sale thread. will report back when i get them
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Reds, Super Reds, Big Balls, Swiss and of course, Rockin' Rons.
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where does one purchase such cheap bearings.
I just ordered some independent blacks from the sale thread. will report back when i get them
Does anyone have experience with standard machine bearings? Recently I have bought 56 standard 608 2rs bearings for 30cent per bearing
from a bearing shop.
There are lots of places to get 608 bearings, some are good quality, most are not as good as skateboard brand bearings.
The issue is you don't know until they arrive, so you can take a chance at any random bearings from any number of places if you search, eg from ebay, a generic bearing shop, some other less known source.
Same as the "Watch out for fake Bones Swiss" commentary, there are lots more people selling anything and everything including bearings via any means possible, but that doesn't mean they will be good.
Not trying to be a dick or not give you answers, but just a friendly helpful reminder that known quality from a reputable source is far better than a cheap product that may or may not last, in the long run.
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My bearings got stuck after I tried grinding a ledge with snow and ice on it on Saturday ::) I cleaned them with cleaning petrol and now they work again. I read somewhere that sowing machine oil was a good lube so my wife got me some. Before I apply it I would like to ask you dudes if that's a good idea. It's really liquid oil specifically for sowing machines. Thanks in advance.
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Im Skating Bronson G3 with Shields on and Spacers, i was a Bones REDS Guy but i love my Some Bronsons now, Really would Love to Try the Bronson CERAMICS but the Price of them when we eventually Get them in South Africa is going to be a Killer lol
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:'(
swiss 6 with spacers and cant tell the difference with or without em
You probably won't notice a difference in speed unless you're using really shitty spacers that rub the axle, but thats not what they're for. They're to keep everything aligned so that the forces are distributed evenly, so they essentially make them stronger rather than faster.
I'm in the midst of bearing ruining season here in Pittsburgh so I've been skating cheap ceramics a lot. The twolions ones from Amazon have been good so far. Vxb are acceptable but pretty slow.
Haven't had a chance to really put them through their paces yet but I picked up a set of olympia silvers on sale and they seem pretty solid. Not much play in them and they're pretty quick straight out of the box... Or i guess out of the folded piece of cardboard with a wax seal. Anyone tried the olympia bronze or ceramics?
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Bones Swiss Ceramics - worth it
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swiss 6 with spacers and cant tell the difference with or without em
You probably won't notice a difference in speed unless you're using really shitty spacers that rub the axle, but thats not what they're for. They're to keep everything aligned so that the forces are distributed evenly, so they essentially make them stronger rather than faster.
I'm in the midst of bearing ruining season here in Pittsburgh so I've been skating cheap ceramics a lot. The twolions ones from Amazon have been good so far. Vxb are acceptable but pretty slow.
Haven't had a chance to really put them through their paces yet but I picked up a set of olympia silvers on sale and they seem pretty solid. Not much play in them and they're pretty quick straight out of the box... Or i guess out of the folded piece of cardboard with a wax seal. Anyone tried the olympia bronze or ceramics?
Where was they on sell? I currently have had the silvers for over a year. Never cleaned them and skate a dusty ass diy often and they have held up great. I just had 2 in the sane wheel start to lock up. Probably just need cleaned. But also debating on grabbing some more.
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My bearings got stuck after I tried grinding a ledge with snow and ice on it on Saturday ::) I cleaned them with cleaning petrol and now they work again. I read somewhere that sowing machine oil was a good lube so my wife got me some. Before I apply it I would like to ask you dudes if that's a good idea. It's really liquid oil specifically for sowing machines. Thanks in advance.
Sewing machine oil or any other light machine oil is what is in most skate brand lubricants so yes it will work.
We used to nic the sewing machine oil from the sewing room quite often as kids, most likely not the only ones, I would imagine.
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Don't use cum for bearing lube. It cost me my career. As an accountant. Long story.
But anyways, I have Bones Swiss, sans non-functional spacers. Shit's good now, but further developments when snow melts, goddammmit.
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Thanks guys I shall heed your advice.
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Don't use cum for bearing lube. It cost me my career. As an accountant. Long story.
But anyways, I have Bones Swiss, sans non-functional spacers. Shit's good now, but further developments when snow melts, goddammmit.
your bravery curbed my curiousity thus saving my career.
thank you for your service
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bones swiss same set since 2015
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Don't use cum for bearing lube. It cost me my career. As an accountant. Long story.
But anyways, I have Bones Swiss, sans non-functional spacers. Shit's good now, but further developments when snow melts, goddammmit.
thank you for your service
I spit in my bearings if one seems to be getting a little locked up while I’m skating.
It works well enough until I can pop the shield and add some speed cream.
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Are Bones Swiss Ceramics really worth that hefty extra sum of money?
Can someone please provide a valid reason other than them being manufactured in Switzerland and have slightly more expensive components etc.
Funny how there are zero videos that cover this.
Don't get how you go from 20/30 dollar/euro bearings to 130 just like that with no evidence...
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Bearings are graded and I do think the Swiss made ones are a better quality, like the bearings in a vacuum cleaner are different than a helicopter.
That said, I think how we set up boards ie. With tiny hard wheels and how we use them, ie. throwing them down staircases.....none of it may matter....
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Are Bones Swiss Ceramics really worth that hefty extra sum of money?
Can someone please provide a valid reason other than them being manufactured in Switzerland and have slightly more expensive components etc.
Funny how there are zero videos that cover this.
Don't get how you go from 20/30 dollar/euro bearings to 130 just like that with no evidence...
I bought some for the hell of it. Not faster then the Amazon $20 ceramics I've been using.
So not worth it IMHO.
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I do wonder if it’s just the luck of the draw whether you get a good batch of bearings. Like, you might randomly get a set of Reds that are as good as Swiss.
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
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Just picked up a set of RocknRon’s standard Rockets. Not even sure when I’ll get around to running ‘em, as I’ve presently got a few sets of Bones Swiss in rotation, and god knows THOSE things last a while.
Only $25 for what has been alleged to be Swiss like quality, so I thought, “...maybe, why not give they a try?”
Aaand there they were, at my door.
(https://i.ibb.co/mCcqKxk/Rocket-bearings.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BVCZJ1b)
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Are Bones Swiss Ceramics really worth that hefty extra sum of money?
Can someone please provide a valid reason other than them being manufactured in Switzerland and have slightly more expensive components etc.
Funny how there are zero videos that cover this.
Don't get how you go from 20/30 dollar/euro bearings to 130 just like that with no evidence...
For most people, the answer is NO.
Even for normal Bones Swiss, if I didn't have heavily discounted / wholesale access, I most likely would not have been riding the twenty or so sets I have on boards, but I keep the shields on and keep them clean, so they last for a long time - never had any blow out, some going 20+ years.
There are a lot of decent bearings on the market now, some from no name brands for dirt cheap that work almost as well as big name brands at a fraction of the price, but the bottom line is if you don't look after them, you may as well be riding the cheapest you can get and just replace them whenever you have issues.
Lots of people just do the new wheels, new bearings thing, which in general is a good way to do things, as new wheels with old slow bearings just sucks on any level. If you are going through wheels every couple of months, at least decent bearings like swiss will carry on, but if you work out how much you are spending, sometimes it is just easier to get something simple like reds with new wheels every time, especially if you don't clean them or you like to pop the shields on them.
The one set of Bones ceramic bearings I have were faster than the normal swiss, but they are currently sitting in the box they came in, mainly because I like having the same feel and performance and definitely was not going to spend that much on setting up a lot of boards with ceramics.
Not to be a dick, but people with too much money and longboarders are about the only ones I know who only ever ride and swear by Bones Swiss ceramics. I will never have them in any shop I run, but that is just me.
Post covid, bearings have gone up like everything else, so how's this for prices:
Reds $30 - 40 (AU dollars)
Super reds $50 - 60
Swiss $90 - 120
Swiss ceramics $199 - 270
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
Do they really have eight balls in their bearings, or is it eight bearings as in a full set?
Info from the page:
FORGED FOR SKATEBOARDING
EIGHT PRECISION BALL BEARINGS
HIGH-SPEED NYLON RETAINER
INK STAMPED & HAND ROLLED PACKAGING
SINGLE REMOVABLE BLACK RUBBER SEALS FOR EASY CLEANING
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
Do they really have eight balls in their bearings, or is it eight bearings as in a full set?
Info from the page:
FORGED FOR SKATEBOARDING
EIGHT PRECISION BALL BEARINGS
HIGH-SPEED NYLON RETAINER
INK STAMPED & HAND ROLLED PACKAGING
SINGLE REMOVABLE BLACK RUBBER SEALS FOR EASY CLEANING
Hmm, I haven’t checked but I can take a look tomorrow!
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
Do they really have eight balls in their bearings, or is it eight bearings as in a full set?
Info from the page:
FORGED FOR SKATEBOARDING
EIGHT PRECISION BALL BEARINGS
HIGH-SPEED NYLON RETAINER
INK STAMPED & HAND ROLLED PACKAGING
SINGLE REMOVABLE BLACK RUBBER SEALS FOR EASY CLEANING
Hmm, I haven’t checked but I can take a look tomorrow!
The more I think about it, the more I think it is meaning a set of eight and not eight balls per bearings. Seven balls have been standard for so long and I couldn't see a company like that changing it up that much.
A lot are doing the six ball lately, but that makes more sense than eight balls.
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
Do they really have eight balls in their bearings, or is it eight bearings as in a full set?
Info from the page:
FORGED FOR SKATEBOARDING
EIGHT PRECISION BALL BEARINGS
HIGH-SPEED NYLON RETAINER
INK STAMPED & HAND ROLLED PACKAGING
SINGLE REMOVABLE BLACK RUBBER SEALS FOR EASY CLEANING
Hmm, I haven’t checked but I can take a look tomorrow!
The more I think about it, the more I think it is meaning a set of eight and not eight balls per bearings. Seven balls have been standard for so long and I couldn't see a company like that changing it up that much.
A lot are doing the six ball lately, but that makes more sense than eight balls.
That makes sense. This and hardware are the two areas of gear madness I’ve yet to be seized by, so I know next to nothing haha
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I just set up a fresh set of bones super reds. best bearings I’ve had in a long time.
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I’m currently skating Reds Big Balls since Christmas. I have been needing to clean my set of Swiss 6 for a few months but haven’t got around to it.
Big balls are def better than the last couple sets of reds that I had from what I can remember.
But it’s been years since I’ve had normal reds/super reds.
I’m very happy with the Big balls. Not as good as Swiss or Swiss 6. But the BBs are fast and smooth.
I usually skate mini logo bearings or Swiss 6.
I typically have the MLs and on my extra set up.
And I firmly believe (from experience) that ML bearings are as good as any other bearing on the market under $20.
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And I firmly believe (from experience) that ML bearings are as good as any other bearing on the market under $20.
tru. theyre even better now with the rubber instead of metal shields.
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I’m currently skating Reds Big Balls since Christmas. I have been needing to clean my set of Swiss 6 for a few months but haven’t got around to it.
Big balls are def better than the last couple sets of reds that I had from what I can remember.
But it’s been years since I’ve had normal reds/super reds.
I’m very happy with the Big balls. Not as good as Swiss or Swiss 6. But the BBs are fast and smooth.
I usually skate mini logo bearings or Swiss 6.
I typically have the MLs and on my extra set up.
And I firmly believe (from experience) that ML bearings are as good as any other bearing on the market under $20.
For sure, I’ve had six or seven sets on different set ups and they always perform really well. They were $10 but I haven’t checked if the price has gone up since last time I got a set
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
Do they really have eight balls in their bearings, or is it eight bearings as in a full set?
Info from the page:
FORGED FOR SKATEBOARDING
EIGHT PRECISION BALL BEARINGS
HIGH-SPEED NYLON RETAINER
INK STAMPED & HAND ROLLED PACKAGING
SINGLE REMOVABLE BLACK RUBBER SEALS FOR EASY CLEANING
Hmm, I haven’t checked but I can take a look tomorrow!
The more I think about it, the more I think it is meaning a set of eight and not eight balls per bearings. Seven balls have been standard for so long and I couldn't see a company like that changing it up that much.
A lot are doing the six ball lately, but that makes more sense than eight balls.
That makes sense. This and hardware are the two areas of gear madness I’ve yet to be seized by, so I know next to nothing haha
I think 8 balls would fit in a bearing but I can't see a redesign of the retainer in the foreseeable future. I also think 8 balls wouldn't provide more momentum as say, 6 or 7 balls, but I am not sure. Any engineer wanna chime in?
I ran bones reds for 15 years, but around 4 years ago I always had bad luck with reds. Currently on Modus and Blurs Bearings which I find both really good and reliable.
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'Blurs bearings' are pretty decent (especially for anyone in Europe) and they've done a couple of cool artist collabs.
Good reasonable pricing as well.
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Got a set of these a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Feel faster than the mini logo bearings I usually use. I haven’t really paid attention to the quality of different types of bearings aside from having shitty ones that don’t maintain speed well and then having Mini logo or Reds which keep speed much better.
https://www.olympia.supply/shop/bronze-grade-bearings
Do they really have eight balls in their bearings, or is it eight bearings as in a full set?
Info from the page:
FORGED FOR SKATEBOARDING
EIGHT PRECISION BALL BEARINGS
HIGH-SPEED NYLON RETAINER
INK STAMPED & HAND ROLLED PACKAGING
SINGLE REMOVABLE BLACK RUBBER SEALS FOR EASY CLEANING
Hmm, I haven’t checked but I can take a look tomorrow!
The more I think about it, the more I think it is meaning a set of eight and not eight balls per bearings. Seven balls have been standard for so long and I couldn't see a company like that changing it up that much.
A lot are doing the six ball lately, but that makes more sense than eight balls.
That makes sense. This and hardware are the two areas of gear madness I’ve yet to be seized by, so I know next to nothing haha
I think 8 balls would fit in a bearing but I can't see a redesign of the retainer in the foreseeable future. I also think 8 balls wouldn't provide more momentum as say, 6 or 7 balls, but I am not sure. Any engineer wanna chime in?
I ran bones reds for 15 years, but around 4 years ago I always had bad luck with reds. Currently on Modus and Blurs Bearings which I find both really good and reliable.
Behold the double 10.
(Swipe at your own risk)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJXIQ6pgut0/?igshid=bkbtavdmwx1i
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Behold the double 10.
(Swipe at your own risk)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJXIQ6pgut0/?igshid=bkbtavdmwx1i
These are the standard 608 size?!?
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Behold the double 10.
(Swipe at your own risk)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJXIQ6pgut0/?igshid=bkbtavdmwx1i
Yes sir
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Stop it!!!
You are scaring me!!!!!
Ha, but funny they look like the "super team" of the bearing world.
I tried looking but for AU, the Honda bearing site would not come up, but their instagram has all manner of various sorts, 6 balls, race bearings, etc.
What do they cost, in relation to other main bearings?
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I've recently started using Indy bearings. I went to get some bones, but they didn't have any, so I went with the Indys. They're pretty good all things considered.
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All I buy are reds but it feels like a crapshoot whether they will be good or not. Lately, I've pooled together old bearings and just selected the 8 that feel the smoothest. I bet a lot of you guys have old bearings lying around that aren't all bad. THis is a good solution for those who aren't trying to buy new bearings but want a more consistent roll.
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All I buy are reds but it feels like a crapshoot whether they will be good or not. Lately, I've pooled together old bearings and just selected the 8 that feel the smoothest. I bet a lot of you guys have old bearings lying around that aren't all bad. THis is a good solution for those who aren't trying to buy new bearings but want a more consistent roll.
Funny to think when I worked at an indoor skatepark and these pro dudes came by, one took out his "seized up old bearings" I think he called them and put in a new set. As I was on the shop / counter I said just leave anything there and I will clean it up, but they ended up in the counter bin anyway. When I went to do rubbish that night, there was not much else in the bin, just paper and dry things and I saw a bearing, so grabbed it out, realised they were ceramic and went fishing for the other seven, so as it turned out, they were fine, just a bit of a clean and now they run so perfectly on a cruiser, all because old mate the pro didn't want to bother to clean them out and just put in a new set.
As to your post, yes you can easily check, clean and use a decent set from spares or old bearings laying around. I have resurrected many a set, or even parts of sets that people have taken off and left for dead. It usually doesn't even take that much to get them going again either.
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Found out three of my Big Balls had cracked ball-retainers. Two were cracked in two spots!
I just cleaned them a couple of weeks ago and have mostly only skated flat and a mini ramp since then.
Only thing I can think is the cold? It's been ~34-42°F on those sessions.
Going to try some Super Reds next. Should have just bought Swiss 6.
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Just picked up a set of RocknRon’s standard Rockets. Not even sure when I’ll get around to running ‘em, as I’ve presently got a few sets of Bones Swiss in rotation, and god knows THOSE things last a while.
Only $25 for what has been alleged to be Swiss like quality, so I thought, “...maybe, why not give they a try?”
Aaand there they were, at my door.
(https://i.ibb.co/mCcqKxk/Rocket-bearings.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BVCZJ1b)
Tried to order some of those a few weeks ago but dude never shipped them. Never responded to my emails about the shipment either. I wouldn’t waste your time or money on Rockin Ron. I’d rather pay full price for Swiss and not have to wait a month.
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So I got a set of used Bones Swiss in a bag of skate parts I bought for $25. Popped the shields, lubed them with the Speed Cream, and two weeks later, I don't know why I ever fucked with anything else. Bones Swiss forever
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I’m currently skating Reds Big Balls since Christmas. I have been needing to clean my set of Swiss 6 for a few months but haven’t got around to it.
Big balls are def better than the last couple sets of reds that I had from what I can remember.
But it’s been years since I’ve had normal reds/super reds.
I’m very happy with the Big balls. Not as good as Swiss or Swiss 6. But the BBs are fast and smooth.
I usually skate mini logo bearings or Swiss 6.
I typically have the MLs and on my extra set up.
And I firmly believe (from experience) that ML bearings are as good as any other bearing on the market under $20.
big balls are real nice. i’d suggest to check on the cages regularly. they break pretty easily
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http://www.a51.ca/skateshop/product/bones-reds-bulk-8-pack/
these too good to be true?
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You save like $3.....
Unimaginable......
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Think I’ll jump to Swiss come spring. Looking for one consistent set up, probably with 97a. Only been riding with reds and mini logo for the past 2 years
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http://www.a51.ca/skateshop/product/bones-reds-bulk-8-pack/
these too good to be true?
Not quite as bad as "opened for display purposes" when there are ten of each set from a random ebay seller, which would almost totally be fake bearings.
I would say they are an authorised Bones account, so yes it is worth getting them if that is what you are after, even if it is only a few dollars off / saved.
Back in the day, most bearings came in boxes like that, loose or rolls wrapped in oiled paper, not the very specific individual packaging that you get everything in nowdays.
How times have changed.
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Has anyone tried andale swiss? Seeing videos of paul and Ribiero both mention them in the same day must have triggered the shopping chemical in my brain. The price tag seems friendly if theyre a top end-ish bearing
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I've been pleasantly surprised with the Chinese 6Ball, Big Ball Bones.
I have a set I lost to a water fountain a few months ago, but I rushed home and cleaned them properly and re-lubed and they have been amazing since. These will be my new budget bearing. ie. when I don't want to pay top dollar for Swiss made 6balls.
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Ive had the same set of swiss since 2007. Yes seriously. I rode multiple other sets of cheaper bearings throughout this time but always maintaned them. Finnaly, one of yhe cages broke the other day. I don't have much confidence in the remaining bearings I think all of the plastic cages are so brittle and old they will break shortly as well. I've been writing a set of Bronson bras ever since they first came out and have been pleasantly surprised with them. I'm debating trying a set of Bones big balls or buying another set of Swiss but opting for the six balls this time. Any advice?
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I have good luck with 6 ball,s both the Chinese and Swiss versions. If you have the money go Swiss 6. They just seem more durable to me.
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Has anyone of you ever tryed to lube your bearings with drylube ? I got a can of Ballistol Teflon Spray. It says you can lube bearings with it. I wonder if this could be an alternative to oil.
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Has anyone tried andale swiss? Seeing videos of paul and Ribiero both mention them in the same day must have triggered the shopping chemical in my brain. The price tag seems friendly if theyre a top end-ish bearing
Yes I was given a set and I liked them enough to buy another
The ones I have come in the silver tin.
Good bearings
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Frankenstein set of refurbished Reds that I got rolling again by soaking in isopropyl, carefully lubing, replacing cages... I have a little baggy full of em from as far back as 2012 that I cycle through. It was a fun little project at first but the maintenance is becoming a chore, and many are beyond repair. Gonna pony up for ceramics soon.
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Swiss on the main setup
10+ year old swiss in the dirt/monster truck board
Bronson G3 on the curb setup
Bronson G2 on the filmer/cruiser/dog board
Not sure why so much hate for Bronson’s. Both sets I’ve used have been fast and I haven’t had any issues with them. I’ve heard people complaining about them slowing down and seizing up, but that happens with every set of bearings eventually. Just pop the shields, clean and lube and you’re good to go. I’ve been running the set of G3’s for about a year and half without cleaning or lubing, and it seems like they’re getting faster and faster. Unpopular opinion: I’d pick up a set of g2’s over Reds, any day.
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Swiss on the main setup
10+ year old swiss in the dirt/monster truck board
Bronson G3 on the curb setup
Bronson G2 on the filmer/cruiser/dog board
Not sure why so much hate for Bronson’s. Both sets I’ve used have been fast and I haven’t had any issues with them. I’ve heard people complaining about them slowing down and seizing up, but that happens with every set of bearings eventually. Just pop the shields, clean and lube and you’re good to go. I’ve been running the set of G3’s for about a year and half without cleaning or lubing, and it seems like they’re getting faster and faster. Unpopular opinion: I’d pick up a set of g2’s over Reds, any day.
I’m with you on not understanding the Bronson hate. Maybe they sucked when they first came out? I’ve had a few sets of G3’s and all have lasted me exponentially longer than any Reds product I’ve had
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Swiss on the main setup
10+ year old swiss in the dirt/monster truck board
Bronson G3 on the curb setup
Bronson G2 on the filmer/cruiser/dog board
Not sure why so much hate for Bronson’s. Both sets I’ve used have been fast and I haven’t had any issues with them. I’ve heard people complaining about them slowing down and seizing up, but that happens with every set of bearings eventually. Just pop the shields, clean and lube and you’re good to go. I’ve been running the set of G3’s for about a year and half without cleaning or lubing, and it seems like they’re getting faster and faster. Unpopular opinion: I’d pick up a set of g2’s over Reds, any day.
I’m with you on not understanding the Bronson hate. Maybe they sucked when they first came out? I’ve had a few sets of G3’s and all have lasted me exponentially longer than any Reds product I’ve had
I too so not understand the bronson hate. I bought my first set of bronson RAW over two years ago and they are still flawless. Ive cleaned them maybe three times. Im used to swiss bearings if that gives you an idea of the quality.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Ss8y0kV/Skjermbilde-2021-03-22-kl-10-55-45.png)
This popped up in my ads, what do you make of these? Even copied the Bones font :P
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(https://i.ibb.co/Ss8y0kV/Skjermbilde-2021-03-22-kl-10-55-45.png)
This popped up in my ads, what do you make of these? Even copied the Bones font :P
Rollerbones are made by SkateOne and are their cheaper than Reds bearings that come in a 16 pack. They make all their other bearings in 16 packs for roller skaters as well.
https://rollerbones.com/bearings
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(https://i.ibb.co/Ss8y0kV/Skjermbilde-2021-03-22-kl-10-55-45.png)
This popped up in my ads, what do you make of these? Even copied the Bones font :P
This is part of Bones’ roller skating line, saw these online as well and looked into it. From their distributor site:
“Roll One Distribution is a sub division of Skate One corporation, manufacturers of the world's finest skateboard and roller-skate products.
Roll One was unveiled in 2000 as the roller product distributor of the manufactured roller goods produced by Skate One. This distribution entity has sales reps specific to everything roller with decades upon decades of experience not only as sales reps but as world class athletes for their skating discipline.
Roll One distributes brands such as RollerBones wheels, Eulogy Wheels, Bones bearings. We have plans on increasing product available in those brands as well as obtaining other quality brands to represent.”
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I wanted to buy more expensive bearings, but the local shop guy didn't stop talking about "Nothing Special". He convinced me to try them and they're actually amazing. Got the basic black ones.
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Does anyone have experience with standard machine bearings? Recently I have bought 56 standard 608 2rs bearings for 30cent per bearing from a bearing shop.
When rolling around in the garage they don't feel that bad. I'm curious how long they will last.
Seven sets of bearings, at $2.40 a set is a good deal.
608 is the specific bearing size and make that we all use in skateboards.
RS - rubber shields, so 2 rubber shields on each bearing.
Pop the shields and have a look at the insides, could be all metal as per the older style of bearing, or could be nylon ball retainer as per newer style and most skate brand bearings nowdays, eg same as Bones, Modus, etc.
Also give them a bit of a shake / hold the inner ring inbetween two fingers of one hand and move the outer ring side to side with the other to see how much play there is - too much play and they might not last as long, but if they are reasonably tight in there, you might have some decent bearings.
Some generic bearings are so thickly lubed up they might hardly move at first, others almost not lubed at all, both will make some difference to how they skate right away, but should be about normal within a week of decent use.
I am interested to hear more once you have skated them a bit too.
I've been able to ride these cheap bearings for a couple of times now.
They have a metal cage and are lubed with grease. Smooth and quiet, but need a lot of time to break in. On the first run it feels like they don't want to go faster than 20. It gets better every session but it's still there. It's the same as my other greased bearings which needed around 70km before getting faster. When cruising around I don't feel much difference between these and my reds.
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Bronson G3s across......four or five setups between my son and I. I dont fuck with anything else. Would do the ceramics at some point potentially.
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(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61iM17mm30L._AC_SL1001_.jpg)
https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B08T5ZHQ66 (https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B08T5ZHQ66)
I'm really digging these Kveni ceramics. Fast and smooth.
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Think I’ll jump to Swiss come spring. Looking for one consistent set up, probably with 97a. Only been riding with reds and mini logo for the past 2 years
Current setup has Bones Swiss + some Formula Four 54mm 97a's - love it as my regular setup. Highly recommended.
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(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61iM17mm30L._AC_SL1001_.jpg)
https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B08T5ZHQ66 (https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B08T5ZHQ66)
I'm really digging these Kveni ceramics. Fast and smooth.
I’ve actually been looking at trying a set of those, I’m glad that someone on here approves of them. How long have you had them and what would you compare them to in terms of speed? Any other feedback is appreciated.
I also saw that they have a new version that is $5~ more.
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Does anyone have experience with standard machine bearings? Recently I have bought 56 standard 608 2rs bearings for 30cent per bearing from a bearing shop.
When rolling around in the garage they don't feel that bad. I'm curious how long they will last.
Seven sets of bearings, at $2.40 a set is a good deal.
608 is the specific bearing size and make that we all use in skateboards.
RS - rubber shields, so 2 rubber shields on each bearing.
Pop the shields and have a look at the insides, could be all metal as per the older style of bearing, or could be nylon ball retainer as per newer style and most skate brand bearings nowdays, eg same as Bones, Modus, etc.
Also give them a bit of a shake / hold the inner ring inbetween two fingers of one hand and move the outer ring side to side with the other to see how much play there is - too much play and they might not last as long, but if they are reasonably tight in there, you might have some decent bearings.
Some generic bearings are so thickly lubed up they might hardly move at first, others almost not lubed at all, both will make some difference to how they skate right away, but should be about normal within a week of decent use.
I am interested to hear more once you have skated them a bit too.
I've been able to ride these cheap bearings for a couple of times now.
They have a metal cage and are lubed with grease. Smooth and quiet, but need a lot of time to break in. On the first run it feels like they don't want to go faster than 20. It gets better every session but it's still there. It's the same as my other greased bearings which needed around 70km before getting faster. When cruising around I don't feel much difference between these and my reds.
Sounds like a good deal then! :)
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I ride whatever comes in the used skatebort I bought from OfferUp. Shields off always.
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I picked up a set of those Quantum Science bearings because I was curious. After two weeks of rocking them, I can genuinely say they hold up very well. I can’t tell a difference between my bones Swiss and these.
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I picked up a set of those Quantum Science bearings because I was curious. After two weeks of rocking them, I can genuinely say they hold up very well. I can’t tell a difference between my bones Swiss and these.
which model?
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also currently riding quantum atoms. I was on the fence after the first 2 weeks, but now they go pretty good. Would agree that they are at least on par with bones swiss.
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I bought the Isotopes but wish I got the Atoms. Not as fast as my Swiss 6, but good enough to where I don’t care given the price.
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Glad everyone is pleased. We’ve been getting some really good reviews/feedback.
We’ve also been sending these out to shops. Tell your shops to hit us up. We’ve got shop pricing in place for them.
Thanks for all the support! Keep it coming!
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i always had good luck with bones bearings; swiss og, swiss 6, big balls, reds, super reds - i got some super reds a few months a go and they spun very good, but i cleaned em using the kid with acetone and then relubed em, and they've been sluggish since..
i used some old reds i had lying around and world of a difference on pushing around
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I get Bronsons for free.99, just like everyone else that skates Bronsons. They roll so they're fine.
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Long shot but maybe somebody in here remembers.
I'm looking for a bearing co that the packaging was on paper, like suelen clean and nice.
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Long shot but maybe somebody in here remembers.
I'm looking for a bearing co that the packaging was on paper, like suelen clean and nice.
you thinking of olympia supply? their bearings come in little cardboard boxes or paper coin sleeve type packaging
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/589a7d93b3db2bcc7ad377f3/1486528055634-BAJ5UXY3S0UNH83GDVK8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kAHWeGNrnTNuaaRsQC5iQLWLPZHY9930KFuik00L7GzBKdq8kyNB6kzmmlKIayPDyP2t63aHWkMIQdtLKKvU3kzXpPDBXeB2C1aoJXa6Jv2bCjLISwBs8eEdxAxTptZAUg/prod2.jpg?format=1000w)
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Long shot but maybe somebody in here remembers.
I'm looking for a bearing co that the packaging was on paper, like suelen clean and nice.
you thinking of olympia supply? their bearings come in little cardboard boxes or paper coin sleeve type packaging
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/589a7d93b3db2bcc7ad377f3/1486528055634-BAJ5UXY3S0UNH83GDVK8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kAHWeGNrnTNuaaRsQC5iQLWLPZHY9930KFuik00L7GzBKdq8kyNB6kzmmlKIayPDyP2t63aHWkMIQdtLKKvU3kzXpPDBXeB2C1aoJXa6Jv2bCjLISwBs8eEdxAxTptZAUg/prod2.jpg?format=1000w)
I'm afraid not, they came like a little square (think about cheapshots) in some kind of really nice paper with a easy open thingy that you had to pull to open.
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All bronson, all the time. G3s, raws, and I have a set of ceramics Im yet to get going.
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All bronson, all the time. G3s, raws, and I have a set of ceramics Im yet to get going.
G3 with the shields popped are fire. I've had the same pair for 2 years and have only cleaned them once and they're faster than ever.
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Long shot but maybe somebody in here remembers.
I'm looking for a bearing co that the packaging was on paper, like suelen clean and nice.
ah bummer, i know this is an olympia package again, but was it similar to this? i'm curious who else has been putting stuff out like this now & i'm a sadist masochist when it comes to tracking things down online
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1411/1124/products/prod_800x.jpg)
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The reds in my daily driver are done. They’ve been cleaned, lubed and left in the dust by brand new spitfire cheapshots in my niece’s new cruiser. I’ve got some Rocking Ronald’s coming and a couple sets of Zealous waiting in my P.O. Box. I’ve usually had good luck with reds; I think I let these go too long, or the spacers should have been tossed. Zealous have treated me well in the past. They’re a “longboard” bearing with built in spacers. Kook city, but they’re cheap and hold up well to my fairly low impact needs. I’ve got a couple sets of older Independent “5s” or something that are really good, too.
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Long shot but maybe somebody in here remembers.
I'm looking for a bearing co that the packaging was on paper, like suelen clean and nice.
We do a ceramic bearing that comes in an embossed navy carstock with wax seal also if that's you're thinking of
And just did a special set for Earth Day that's on a biodegradable seed paper so you can plant the packaging for flowers after you open it up.
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Long shot but maybe somebody in here remembers.
I'm looking for a bearing co that the packaging was on paper, like suelen clean and nice.
sadist masochist when it comes to tracking things down online
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1411/1124/products/prod_800x.jpg)
Is really similar to that but not the ones I'm talking about.
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Anybody tried Cortina? Wonder how those "presto" ones are.
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Currently the Leo Baker broson
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I’ve seen a couple people mention the SKF 608-2Z, was wondering if anyone had any luck with the 608-2RSH, which is basically the same but with a rubber shield, my mother works for a parts company and is sourcing them for me at her buyers price, was curious if anyone else had tried them out?
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I’ve seen a couple people mention the SKF 608-2Z, was wondering if anyone had any luck with the 608-2RSH, which is basically the same but with a rubber shield, my mother works for a parts company and is sourcing them for me at her buyers price, was curious if anyone else had tried them out?
Yeah, I saw these bearings at the car workshop and tried them. They feel a bit better as bones reds to me and it was nice that they are cleanable. If you get them under 20 bucks, go for it. So far, I had the best experiences with indy blacks and modus blues.
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Think I’ll jump to Swiss come spring. Looking for one consistent set up, probably with 97a. Only been riding with reds and mini logo for the past 2 years
Current setup has Bones Swiss + some Formula Four 54mm 97a's - love it as my regular setup. Highly recommended.
Same. Been skating this combo for a few months now, and I like it enough that I took apart my other completes and put everything into storage.
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i'm rocking the Shimano SM-BB52
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i'm rocking the Shimano SM-BB52
You’re a fool to not upgrade to XT. $10 more and the seals are vastly better.
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Rocking the Shake Junt Night Trains, they are pretty good. Ive always liked Shake Junts skate rat vibe. Would not rock the grip unless I got is as a gift but the bearings have always been good to me.
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i'm rocking the Shimano SM-BB52
You’re a fool to not upgrade to XT. $10 more and the seals are vastly better.
:'( :'( :'(
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Bronson Ceramics, fully broken in, super fast and super smooth, sound great (still have shields on).
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Bronson Raws ;)
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Has anyone tried Fireball Dragon bearings? Or is that just pure sacrilege because it's "longboard shit"? I like the fact that they give exact specifications for their products and claim they are manufactured within +/-0.02mm tolerances. They also claim to have improved seals and heavier grease on the Endure version for longevity.
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Are Swiss really that much better? I'm riding Super Reds right now and they seem pretty great. Every time I happen to need new bearings I'm broke but I'm debating splurging on some.
yes they are better and last longer but if you keep your reds cleaned and lubed at least once a month your reds will last pretty long. the swiss have tighter tolerances and less space for dirt to get between the race and the balls. quantum bearings make a good ceramic bearing for a great price, love how bronsons come with double shields and i just picked up a set of g3s to try. ive had andale swiss which feel like a bones super reds, im really liking the bones super six and the bones big balls. Shake Junt bearings Suck! keeping your bearings clean and lubed is key to a long lasting bearing. and if you must pop your shields make sure to soak them in acetone before you skate them without sheilds to get the oil out so dirt wont stick to the inside of the bearings. its best to keep the sheilds on and lubed.
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Couple of months on Bones Super Reds. Imo, they are shite. They have this lagging sensation. Probably weak tolerances. I used to skate Bones Swiss six balls, and had done so for many many years without this terrible sensation.
Anyone tried SKF or NTN 608-2RS? Proper bearings by big bearing companies who make stuff for aero etc.
They cost about around $70 tho
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Couple of months on Bones Super Reds. Imo, they are shite. They have this lagging sensation. Probably weak tolerances. I used to skate Bones Swiss six balls, and had done so for many many years without this terrible sensation.
Anyone tried SKF or NTN 608-2RS? Proper bearings by big bearing companies who make stuff for aero etc.
They cost about around $70 tho
Working on sourcing some, skf makes a skate bearing endorsed by oski find them online
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Swiss. I had them for six months now and realised today one wheel was stuck so I took them out and cleaned them in acetone. Four of them run smooth but the other four don't and I can't remove the bearing cage retainers no matter how I try so I put them back on but I have a feeling I will have to replace them eventually unless I can clean them properly.
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Couple of months on Bones Super Reds. Imo, they are shite. They have this lagging sensation. Probably weak tolerances. I used to skate Bones Swiss six balls, and had done so for many many years without this terrible sensation.
Anyone tried SKF or NTN 608-2RS? Proper bearings by big bearing companies who make stuff for aero etc.
They cost about around $70 tho
Working on sourcing some, skf makes a skate bearing endorsed by oski find them online
Those Oski SKF bearings are so cheap, like $30. I doubt they have the same tolerances.
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Couple of months on Bones Super Reds. Imo, they are shite. They have this lagging sensation. Probably weak tolerances. I used to skate Bones Swiss six balls, and had done so for many many years without this terrible sensation.
Anyone tried SKF or NTN 608-2RS? Proper bearings by big bearing companies who make stuff for aero etc.
They cost about around $70 tho
Working on sourcing some, skf makes a skate bearing endorsed by oski find them online
Those Oski SKF bearings are so cheap, like $30. I doubt they have the same tolerances.
Yea most likely not, it’s tough to find industrial bearings with nylon cages, most have stainless
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Has anyone tried Fireball Dragon bearings? Or is that just pure sacrilege because it's "longboard shit"? I like the fact that they give exact specifications for their products and claim they are manufactured within +/-0.02mm tolerances. They also claim to have improved seals and heavier grease on the Endure version for longevity.
Decent for $10 but don't expect much, go Reds or Mini Logo.
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Has anyone tried Fireball Dragon bearings? Or is that just pure sacrilege because it's "longboard shit"? I like the fact that they give exact specifications for their products and claim they are manufactured within +/-0.02mm tolerances. They also claim to have improved seals and heavier grease on the Endure version for longevity.
@MysticalTypeExperience, for what it’s worth, saying that they are manufactured within +/-0.02 mm tolerance is largely meaningless, not just because they do t specify which parts are maintained to that tolerance. ABEC-1 bearings are +/-0.008 mm for reference, and ABEC rating has nothing to do with surface finish, roundness of the balls, or material selection. They also have nothing to do with how “fast” the bearing is, just how precise it is, and thus the maximum speed capability. ABEC-1 bearings more than exceed the speeds that are seen in skateboarding.
Unfortunately what is important to skateboard bearings doesn’t actually have any standards, so there’s not really any way to accurately compare bearings. Essentially more expensive is generally better, but choosing which expensive ones are the best is at most an educated guess.
Grease will make them last longer, but they will be “slower” due to the higher viscosity compared to oil.
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Swiss. I had them for six months now and realised today one wheel was stuck so I took them out and cleaned them in acetone. Four of them run smooth but the other four don't and I can't remove the bearing cage retainers no matter how I try so I put them back on but I have a feeling I will have to replace them eventually unless I can clean them properly.
Anything that feels jammed up can usually be spun between your fingers to help get the muck out as well, so give them a bit of a soak, then spin them a bit, give them another shake or two, spin them again, repeat until they spin freely.
This usually works to get almost everything out of them.
Note: You don't need to have them zinging, just slowly turn the bearings between your fingers a bit, back and forward and that way you can get even moderately rusted up or totally seized up bearings running fairly freely again.
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Swiss. I had them for six months now and realised today one wheel was stuck so I took them out and cleaned them in acetone. Four of them run smooth but the other four don't and I can't remove the bearing cage retainers no matter how I try so I put them back on but I have a feeling I will have to replace them eventually unless I can clean them properly.
Anything that feels jammed up can usually be spun between your fingers to help get the muck out as well, so give them a bit of a soak, then spin them a bit, give them another shake or two, spin them again, repeat until they spin freely.
This usually works to get almost everything out of them.
Note: You don't need to have them zinging, just slowly turn the bearings between your fingers a bit, back and forward and that way you can get even moderately rusted up or totally seized up bearings running fairly freely again.
Thanks I shall do that the next time they clog up.
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Reds. Team Shieldless and Dry. Forever.
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I have exploded 3 bones swiss bearings in bones stf v3s in the past month. Super bummed, they are only 1yo bearings.
I remember for some reason the 'bearing hole' seemed super tight i couldn't get them to fully seat just pushing onto the truck, I had to use a socket that was the same size as outer ring and a hammer to knock them into place. The f4's i had never needed this much force. Could this have anything to do with all of my bearings just exploding out of the blue?
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From now on I'm on Big Ballz (Chinese Bones 6 balls) for budget bearings and Quantums for fancy.
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From now on I'm on Big Ballz (Chinese Bones 6 balls) for budget bearings and Quantums for fancy.
I just cleaned my swiss 6 and big balls with 99% iso, both sets are bone dry right now.
Swiss 6: Hissing and smooth like a motherfucker - I've had this set for years, going to run them dry and into the ground
Big Balls: crusty and slow just doing the finger spin (index and thumb), just like they were before cleaning. I re-lubed them and they're still fucked somehow. There is one that is 'ok' but they're toast. Never again.
Sticking with Swiss 6 and Bronson Ceramics (these things are so fast right now, with shields), do want to try Quantum tho, probably my next new set.
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Swiss 6 are the best but so spendy these days. Quantum are a better bang for the buck IMO.
I cleaned my Big Ballz with gasoline (big no no I know) but they have been great since.
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Swiss 6 are the best but so spendy these days. Quantum are a better bang for the buck IMO.
I cleaned my Big Ballz with gasoline (big no no I know) but they have been great since.
The first cleaning I used a citrus cleaner (cleaned the same set of Swiss 6 at the same time, too) and they've been fucked ever since (swiss 6 held up fine after the citrus cleaner). It's kind of a good thing tho, as I popped the shields at first cleaning and can't tell them apart from my swiss 6 other than they've been fucked since then (I keep them separated).
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Swiss 6 are the best but so spendy these days. Quantum are a better bang for the buck IMO.
I cleaned my Big Ballz with gasoline (big no no I know) but they have been great since.
The first cleaning I used and citrus cleaner (cleaned the same set of S6 at the same time, too) they've been fucked ever since. It's kind of a good thing tho, I popped the shields at first cleaning and can't tell them apart from my swiss 6 other than they've been fucked since then (I keep them separated).
Did the swiss 6 have black / dark bearing cages but the Reds 6 have clear bearing cages?
That was how I could always tell them apart when fixing them, given they were all Bones bearings. Modus and some other brands also have the dark bearing cages too, but they have a different shape to them.
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I have exploded 3 bones swiss bearings in bones stf v3s in the past month. Super bummed, they are only 1yo bearings.
I remember for some reason the 'bearing hole' seemed super tight i couldn't get them to fully seat just pushing onto the truck, I had to use a socket that was the same size as outer ring and a hammer to knock them into place. The f4's i had never needed this much force. Could this have anything to do with all of my bearings just exploding out of the blue?
I couldn't say for sure, but there could be something in it - wheels not holding bearings easily could cause other issues.
Other factors include how lubed or dry they were, what was happening to them (how you were skating) and how old they were.
Given I have seen some swiss last twenty years and others seemingly not last a month, it is a funny situation sometimes.
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Swiss 6 are the best but so spendy these days. Quantum are a better bang for the buck IMO.
I cleaned my Big Ballz with gasoline (big no no I know) but they have been great since.
The first cleaning I used and citrus cleaner (cleaned the same set of S6 at the same time, too) they've been fucked ever since. It's kind of a good thing tho, I popped the shields at first cleaning and can't tell them apart from my swiss 6 other than they've been fucked since then (I keep them separated).
Did the swiss 6 have black / dark bearing cages but the Reds 6 have clear bearing cages?
That was how I could always tell them apart when fixing them, given they were all Bones bearings. Modus and some other brands also have the dark bearing cages too, but they have a different shape to them.
Yessir! The Big Balls were white/clear...but that's when they were new, after getting them filthy, they are just as grey/dark as the swiss six now.
In hindsight I should have marked the races or something to not mix them up with the swiss...but hte isopropyl method clearly defines which is which.
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Swiss 6 are the best but so spendy these days. Quantum are a better bang for the buck IMO.
I cleaned my Big Ballz with gasoline (big no no I know) but they have been great since.
The first cleaning I used and citrus cleaner (cleaned the same set of S6 at the same time, too) they've been fucked ever since. It's kind of a good thing tho, I popped the shields at first cleaning and can't tell them apart from my swiss 6 other than they've been fucked since then (I keep them separated).
Did the swiss 6 have black / dark bearing cages but the Reds 6 have clear bearing cages?
That was how I could always tell them apart when fixing them, given they were all Bones bearings. Modus and some other brands also have the dark bearing cages too, but they have a different shape to them.
Yessir! The Big Balls were white/clear...but that's when they were new, after getting them filthy, they are just as grey/dark as the swiss six now.
In hindsight I should have marked the races or something to not mix them up with the swiss...but hte isopropyl method clearly defines which is which.
Ha yeah when they are dirty they are harder to tell apart, but when I wiped a little off the back, I can usually see they are clear under all the muck, even if it is the tiny smallest bit of clear...
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Had these Swiss for a good amount of time. Retainer was broken for a while, but finally exploded today. Glad I wasn't going fast.
(https://i.ibb.co/y82wqSv/20211103-142707.jpg) (https://ibb.co/y82wqSv)
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Popped the shields on my Big Balls Reds for the first time to give it a try. Yeah it looks/sounds pretty tight but one of the wheels is already spinning slow as fuck after like three 1 hour sessions. Pretty sure it got a bunch of wax in it.
Edit: looks like the bearings freed up again after just riding some more. Still not sure I'd pop the shields in the future though. The double shielded bearings like Bronson's seem to last the longest for me
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Had these Swiss for a good amount of time. Retainer was broken for a while, but finally exploded today. Glad I wasn't going fast.
(https://i.ibb.co/y82wqSv/20211103-142707.jpg) (https://ibb.co/y82wqSv)
I recently fixed a couple of old bearings from friends who had them go down like this.
One in particular who had Swiss kept all the balls and I just rebuilt it with an odd ball retainer and they still go like the others.
Probably a bit late now, or often just impossible to get all the balls / bits back in some situations, but it does work and I do like to have full sets of things, even though I know I have spares of everything from Reds, Swiss, Ceramic Swiss and many other miscellaneous brands too.
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swiss for a few years now, clean them once a year and they buttahhhhhhhhhhh
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Had a set of swiss for a few months, cleaned them one time. Recently a few seemed to seize up or not spin properly so I just cleaned them again pretty thoroughly (standard procedure, 99% isopropyl a few times, let em dry then lube).
But two or three of them are still kinda jammed up and won't spin properly. Probably won't notice if I set them up and ride them but any ideas on how to get stubborn ones to spin freely in hand? Clearly shaking them in isopropyl isn't cutting it. I'd try take the cages n balls out but last time I tried that on some bearings I couldn't put it back together so not tryna go through that again.
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Try letting them sit in the isopropyl alcohol (shields off of course) for a few hours before spinning them out. I did this with a couple stubborn bearings and it eventually worked into the deep set gunk and got them spinning great. Not sure if it damages any of the components in the long term, but I’d have tossed them anyway. Hope this helps.
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I never bought into the quality bearing hype in all my years of skating but one of my friends who’s a big Swiss advocate finally convinced me to give them a shot over the summer. Honestly they’re great. Been skating them shieldless for like six months without taking care of them and they’re faster and smoother than ever.
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Had a set of swiss for a few months, cleaned them one time. Recently a few seemed to seize up or not spin properly so I just cleaned them again pretty thoroughly (standard procedure, 99% isopropyl a few times, let em dry then lube).
But two or three of them are still kinda jammed up and won't spin properly. Probably won't notice if I set them up and ride them but any ideas on how to get stubborn ones to spin freely in hand? Clearly shaking them in isopropyl isn't cutting it. I'd try take the cages n balls out but last time I tried that on some bearings I couldn't put it back together so not tryna go through that again.
Man chasing those precious balls around the kitchen is no fun... been there... but re-assembly is possible. You just have to make sure the balls are evenly spread before trying to click the cage back in... It sometimes takes a few attempts but can be done. Also once a bearing is completely disassembled like this, cleaning seems to work even better.
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got some generic "abec9" bearings that cost RM15 (around USD4) for 10pcs..
(https://i.ibb.co/dP3TxQt/IMG-20211203-144350.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dP3TxQt)
(https://i.ibb.co/gJYHMr5/IMG-20211203-101838.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gJYHMr5)
(https://i.ibb.co/qsHQvbx/IMG-20211203-144501.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qsHQvbx)
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i picked up a set of super swiss 6s along with a new set of conical fulls and genuinely don't feel a difference between them and the reds i was running before :/ pretty bummed about it.
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Got the quantum bearings on my spitfire 52 classics
https://www.quantumbearing.science/shop/p/metallics
So far, i love em! I mainly do flatground + curb type of skating so I keep it mellow, but my favorite bearings ive ridden so far
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Bronsons G3. Fast and durable. And cheaper than Bones swiss.
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I've been riding the same Bronson Raws for two years with spacers (never used spacers before this set) and I haven't done one thing to them and they're still just as fast. With speedrings and spacers I can crank the wheel nuts down all the way tight and they still free spin, and that's on 2-3 different sets of trucks and at least 3 sets of wheels. I hear a lot of people saying Bronsons suck, but these have been really good with spacers.
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Quantums. as a transition skater speed is the most important thing. I don’t trust any other bearing. These things are so fucking fast.
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Quantums. as a transition skater speed is the most important thing. I don’t trust any other bearing. These things are so fucking fast.
Got the quantum bearings on my spitfire 52 classics
https://www.quantumbearing.science/shop/p/metallics
So far, i love em! I mainly do flatground + curb type of skating so I keep it mellow, but my favorite bearings ive ridden so far
Thank you both so much!
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i picked up a set of super swiss 6s along with a new set of conical fulls and genuinely don't feel a difference between them and the reds i was running before :/ pretty bummed about it.
I want to say, wait and get back to me in a year, or even in a few years, or if you are lucky, even ten years, but that is all down to how you skate, what you do with them and how long they last.
Most people find they outlast other options like Reds many times over, but then again, I do know some people who are more keen to just get as many sets of cheaper bearings, not look after them at all and swap in a fresh set whenever they need them or get new wheels.
The choice is yours, but I get what you are saying right now about those bearings. I think even just wearing them in nicely after a few sessions or so should help them feel good, but a lot of people are put off by the silent newness of them as well.
One set I have on a board could be older than some of the kids I help and skate with for their school sport and when they all jump on that board, they can't believe how fast it is, but that is just one case and these bearings haven't been through half the ins and outs of use that others would put them through.
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i picked up a set of super swiss 6s along with a new set of conical fulls and genuinely don't feel a difference between them and the reds i was running before :/ pretty bummed about it.
How long have you been riding them? My Swiss 6 needed a couple weeks to break in and have been stellar since.
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I've been riding swiss 6's for 8 years. I dont skate big stuff, mostly park.
They are still solid and super smooth. For fun I bought some reds, and after 1 season they are shit. They roll super uneven (when u roll with your fingers). Either mine are fake, or they have terrible tolerance.
And yes, I clean my bearings 2 times per year. Aceton bath, with cage out etc.
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Looking for new bearings. Reading through this thread the answer should be easy, just get bones swiss.
But of course I am willing to completely overthink this.
I live in a coastal city in northern europe. I guess the weather is similar to Seattle. So for 6 months per year my set up is either getting wet or I am not skating. With bones swiss can I clean them after they start locking up or are they ruined at that point? I dont want to spend 100 euro (wtf???) on bearings and then be paranoid after every second session in winter.
And of course I'm curios about quantum bearings, but my skateshop does not carry them, any other way to get them in europe?
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Looking for new bearings. Reading through this thread the answer should be easy, just get bones swiss.
But of course I am willing to completely overthink this.
I live in a coastal city in northern europe. I guess the weather is similar to Seattle. So for 6 months per year my set up is either getting wet or I am not skating. With bones swiss can I clean them after they start locking up or are they ruined at that point? I dont want to spend 100 euro (wtf???) on bearings and then be paranoid after every second session in winter.
And of course I'm curios about quantum bearings, but my skateshop does not carry them, any other way to get them in europe?
DM Quantum on Instagram. They should be able to get you sorted out.
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Quantums. as a transition skater speed is the most important thing. I don’t trust any other bearing. These things are so fucking fast.
Honestly my Quantums Ceramics really shine the best in the bowl and pool
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Does anyone notice the difference between quantum atoms/isotopes and bones swiss?
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Does anyone notice the difference between quantum atoms/isotopes and bones swiss?
I have both and it’s mostly the sound. Quantum are quieter. The Quantum’s are faster if I spin the wheels by hand, but I don’t skate parks or anything so I’m not sure I notice much otherwise. I have noticed that the Quantum bearings never jam up if I land super fucked and primo.
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Have been on the quantum isotopes for a while now. And I can say for sure that if you're in the market for anything other than cheap bargain bearings, you're absolutely fucking up if you dont get these. Best price to performance, hands down. And I get to support an east coast skater owned business? No brainer.
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well, homeboy from quantum sent me a set of complimentary/replacement isotope bearings with the new retainers. I've got a new set of trucks on the way and will set these up at that point. Will report back after skating them for a month. I hope they're as bitchin as I'd hoped they would be the first go round ;)
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Usually bulk Indy's or Cheapshots.
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Have been on the quantum isotopes for a while now. And I can say for sure that if you're in the market for anything other than cheap bargain bearings, you're absolutely fucking up if you dont get these. Best price to performance, hands down. And I get to support an east coast skater owned business? No brainer.
Wow! This is the type of review that keeps us pushing on.
Appreciate all the love from the Slap board.
Today marks one year that our brand’s been live. And you guys have been huge.
Thanks so much! 🙏⚛️
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What are the tolerances on Quantum bearings, and why is there no bearing spacers included?
Are they not designed to rotate around the inner race?
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I like to assemble and reassemble bearings. It's kinda relaxing for me.
I usually just put the metal parts of bearings (balls, spacer, ring) in a jar filled with a gasoline and let them dry afterwards. Cleaned the retainer cages with water.
Gasoline is always around but now I want to try something else. Been thinking about soap dish, what's ya opinion of that?
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I like to assemble and reassemble bearings. It's kinda relaxing for me.
I usually just put the metal parts of bearings (balls, spacer, ring) in a jar filled with a gasoline and let them dry afterwards. Cleaned the retainer cages with water.
Gasoline is always around but now I want to try something else. Been thinking about soap dish, what's ya opinion of that?
i'd get degreaser for bike parts, like chain degreaser. dish soap is just amped up regular soap that's able to dissolve more oil into it, but with very dirty bearings, that mix of dirt and industrial grease can still be hard or impossible to dissolve.
that is if you want to try something besides alcohol/gasoline/terpentine.
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I like to assemble and reassemble bearings. It's kinda relaxing for me.
I usually just put the metal parts of bearings (balls, spacer, ring) in a jar filled with a gasoline and let them dry afterwards. Cleaned the retainer cages with water.
Gasoline is always around but now I want to try something else. Been thinking about soap dish, what's ya opinion of that?
i'd get degreaser for bike parts, like chain degreaser. dish soap is just amped up regular soap that's able to dissolve more oil into it, but with very dirty bearings, that mix of dirt and industrial grease can still be hard or impossible to dissolve.
that is if you want to try something besides alcohol/gasoline/terpentine.
Here's a bicycle industry semi-secret - "chain degreaser" is usually just automotive brake part cleaner in a different can. In fact, almost all solvents and lubricants marketed towards bikes can be purchased for a fraction of the price at the auto parts store.
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I like to assemble and reassemble bearings. It's kinda relaxing for me.
I usually just put the metal parts of bearings (balls, spacer, ring) in a jar filled with a gasoline and let them dry afterwards. Cleaned the retainer cages with water.
Gasoline is always around but now I want to try something else. Been thinking about soap dish, what's ya opinion of that?
i'd get degreaser for bike parts, like chain degreaser. dish soap is just amped up regular soap that's able to dissolve more oil into it, but with very dirty bearings, that mix of dirt and industrial grease can still be hard or impossible to dissolve.
that is if you want to try something besides alcohol/gasoline/terpentine.
Here's a bicycle industry semi-secret - "chain degreaser" is usually just automotive brake part cleaner in a different can. In fact, almost all solvents and lubricants marketed towards bikes can be purchased for a fraction of the price at the auto parts store.
Wait, what. Really? Alright, then I can use brake cleaner from my car instead. ^^
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I like to assemble and reassemble bearings. It's kinda relaxing for me.
I usually just put the metal parts of bearings (balls, spacer, ring) in a jar filled with a gasoline and let them dry afterwards. Cleaned the retainer cages with water.
Gasoline is always around but now I want to try something else. Been thinking about soap dish, what's ya opinion of that?
i'd get degreaser for bike parts, like chain degreaser. dish soap is just amped up regular soap that's able to dissolve more oil into it, but with very dirty bearings, that mix of dirt and industrial grease can still be hard or impossible to dissolve.
that is if you want to try something besides alcohol/gasoline/terpentine.
Here's a bicycle industry semi-secret - "chain degreaser" is usually just automotive brake part cleaner in a different can. In fact, almost all solvents and lubricants marketed towards bikes can be purchased for a fraction of the price at the auto parts store.
manysnakes coming through with the pro tips :D thanks yo. i usually buy whatever i can from the hardware or auto parts store anyway, haha.
but! does the car stuff also smell as good as the bike stuff? it's not important maybe, but for me it is.
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I like to assemble and reassemble bearings. It's kinda relaxing for me.
I usually just put the metal parts of bearings (balls, spacer, ring) in a jar filled with a gasoline and let them dry afterwards. Cleaned the retainer cages with water.
Gasoline is always around but now I want to try something else. Been thinking about soap dish, what's ya opinion of that?
i'd get degreaser for bike parts, like chain degreaser. dish soap is just amped up regular soap that's able to dissolve more oil into it, but with very dirty bearings, that mix of dirt and industrial grease can still be hard or impossible to dissolve.
that is if you want to try something besides alcohol/gasoline/terpentine.
Here's a bicycle industry semi-secret - "chain degreaser" is usually just automotive brake part cleaner in a different can. In fact, almost all solvents and lubricants marketed towards bikes can be purchased for a fraction of the price at the auto parts store.
manysnakes coming through with the pro tips :D thanks yo. i usually buy whatever i can from the hardware or auto parts store anyway, haha.
but! does the car stuff also smell as good as the bike stuff? it's not important maybe, but for me it is.
Yeah, it still hits like the more expensive solvents when you inhalant it. Like wine, you're mostly paying for the label.
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Like wine, you're mostly paying for the label.
It's often true.
And, I'm French...
@manysnakes thanks for the tips!
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Just ordered a pair of these:
https://www.quantumbearing.science/shop/p/isotopes?utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer_notification
Excited to try on my F4 52mms
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Just ordered a pair of these:
https://www.quantumbearing.science/shop/p/isotopes?utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer_notification
Excited to try on my F4 52mms
My exact setup with some conicals. Don’t think I’ll go back to any other bearings, I’ll run quantum’s as long as they make ‘em.
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Same with Speed Cream, sewing machine oil does the same job for way less. I'll use cheap ass lube for my cheap ass bearings, no need to caviar up my Big Mac.
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Lately I've just been running Mini Logos. As well as being cheaper, I've found they last longer than Reds, which I'm convinced are the most overrated bearings ever.
Had so many sets of Reds over the years and they always seize up on me really quick. This is from someone who never skates through puddles or sand, doesn't do "high impact" tricks, and rarely hits super grimey spots.
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Same with Speed Cream, sewing machine oil does the same job for way less. I'll use cheap ass lube for my cheap ass bearings, no need to caviar up my Big Mac.
Oh yeah, sewing machine oil for bearings is all you need. Although I did use my included Quantum lube when I cleaned those guys up.
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Using up my last set of Rockin Rons and then its strictly Quantums and Bones Swiss 6. Quantum are seriously they best bang for your buck.
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Just stuffed a set of bones swiss into some slimeballs last night. First set of bearings that aren't reds. I'm done buying communist made shit whenever possible.
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Just stuffed a set of bones swiss into some slimeballs last night. First set of bearings that aren't reds. I'm done buying communist made shit whenever possible.
Lol
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Break cleaner
Sewing machine oil
Noted.
On a side note, this remind me one day my brother told me that shoe goo looked like windshield glue...
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Break cleaner
Sewing machine oil
Noted.
On a side note, this reminded me one day my brother told me that shoe goo looked like windshield glue...
Shoe Goo is the same shit as E6000 automotive and industrial adhesive. It was suggested to me at an auto part store to adhere some loose trim in my car, and when I got it home I realized that they’re made by the same company, come in the same tube with the same warning labels and specifications. Same shit, just marketed to different customers.
They also cost basically the same amount so there’s no advantage buying E6000, unless you’re already at the auto store.
(https://frinkiac.com/img/S04E16/353702.jpg)
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Break cleaner
Sewing machine oil
Noted.
On a side note, this reminded me one day my brother told me that shoe goo looked like windshield glue...
Shoe Goo is the same shit as E6000 automotive and industrial adhesive. It was suggested to me at an auto part store to adhere some loose trim in my car, and when I got it home I realized that they’re made by the same company, come in the same tube with the same warning labels and specifications. Same shit, just marketed to different customers.
They also cost basically the same amount so there’s no advantage buying E6000, unless you’re already at the auto store.
(https://frinkiac.com/img/S04E16/353702.jpg)
Big if true, E6000 is 1/2 the price of Shoe Goo in my country, definitely testing this out over the weekend.
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Big if true, E6000 is 1/2 the price of Shoe Goo in my country, definitely testing this out over the weekend.
E6000 and shoe goo are the same price in France...never mind.
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Again, appreciate all the love on this thread!
Tell your local shops! That’s what’s going to keep the lights on in the lab.
There’re still some shops sleeping.
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Again, appreciate all the love on this thread!
Tell your local shops! That’s what’s going to keep the lights on in the lab.
There’re still some shops sleeping.
Hi!
Do you have any plan for a european distribution?
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DM’d you
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E6k and shoe goo are not the same. Shoe goo is thicker and is harder once it cures while E6k is thinner and flexible once its cured, even in cold weather.
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E6k and shoe goo are not the same. Shoe goo is thicker and is harder once it cures while E6k is thinner and flexible once its cured, even in cold weather.
Interesting. After I noticed the similarities, I used E6000 as Shoe Goo and it worked just as well.
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E6k and shoe goo are not the same. Shoe goo is thicker and is harder once it cures while E6k is thinner and flexible once its cured, even in cold weather.
Interesting. After I noticed the similarities, I used E6000 as Shoe Goo and it worked just as well.
Ordered a small tube to test it out. If it does 80% of the job for 1/2 the price I'm sticking to it.
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the ‘new’ skf bearings are hitting uk shops now, anyone happen to have tried em yet? fairly decent price point (£30, same as super reds here), made in italy and apparently same ‘specification’ as swiss. tempting as i could do with fresh bearings
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I spread the Quantum gospel to my homie who recently ordered some. He got em today and was tripping how fast they are. He loves em. Gonna pick up some soon, all my bearings are turning into trash.
From certain things I noticed watching my homie skate today, they seem to definitely be just as good or better than swiss. Especially at the price.
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My most recent Quantum Atoms are still going strong. Then slowed down for a bit but a quick clean and they’re good to go. A few of the shields won’t stay on but they sent new ones so we’re all good! They’re quieter than my Swiss but I guess I don’t care since they don’t make the board sound weird like an over lubed bearing.
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Again, appreciate all the love on this thread!
Tell your local shops! That’s what’s going to keep the lights on in the lab.
There’re still some shops sleeping.
Not sure if you've already answered this question, but are y'all planning on shipping to Japan or getting distributed out here?
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I prefer bearings with spacer and washers milled in like Race Reds.
I use Bear Space Balls.
I lube with a small amount of moly grease which creates some grease drag (wheels only free spin for about four seconds max). Bearings stay the same no matter how much dirt/sand they are exposed to. Everyone who has ridden my setup never complains about speed.
I dislike loosing speed due to dirty bearings and find cleaning a pain in the ass so i went searching for a solution.
I use a baby oral syringe to apply. No need to thin grease as done in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsXhSao7EEw
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I skate bones Swiss ceramics. (they were gifted to me I didn't spend the 140-160)
ive had the same bearings for about 13 years now. I regularly clean them usually when I get new wheels or its a boring rainy day. I've only had to buy bearing shields from bones twice because the sheilds would get bent or seat to peel from removing them so much and I rebuilt 2 of them because the retainer plastic started to fall apart probably due to cleaning. so I think I've spent 15 bucks in 13 years on these bearings.
been cleaning with acetone with the bones bearing cleaning kit and now the quantum ceramic lube
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I just picked up some Quantum Isotopes and will be trying them out at the local DIY this afternoon. Stoked because I’ve heard so many good things and also because it’s a company kinda in my local area (made in Charlotte and I’m in Columbia).
Shout out Bluetile for hooking it up!
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the ‘new’ skf bearings are hitting uk shops now, anyone happen to have tried em yet? fairly decent price point (£30, same as super reds here), made in italy and apparently same ‘specification’ as swiss. tempting as i could do with fresh bearings
Got a set through the door this week. Haven't skated them yet (it's wet and windy up here just now) but I'm stoked on 'em. Slow spin on them out of the box but I hope they'll break in quickly. All 8 were silky smooth btw.
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the ‘new’ skf bearings are hitting uk shops now, anyone happen to have tried em yet? fairly decent price point (£30, same as super reds here), made in italy and apparently same ‘specification’ as swiss. tempting as i could do with fresh bearings
I got a set, been using them for the past couple weeks, they are packed with grease and have metal shields on the backside. They seem to be per god so far, pretty smooth. I kept the shield on them, they seem to have a longer break in period than most bearings. No spacers, or washers so that sucks but yea they alright
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I just picked up some Quantum Isotopes and will be trying them out at the local DIY this afternoon. Stoked because I’ve heard so many good things and also because it’s a company kinda in my local area (made in Charlotte and I’m in Columbia).
Shout out Bluetile for hooking it up!
Aren't they based in USA but made in China
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I just picked up some Quantum Isotopes and will be trying them out at the local DIY this afternoon. Stoked because I’ve heard so many good things and also because it’s a company kinda in my local area (made in Charlotte and I’m in Columbia).
Shout out Bluetile for hooking it up!
Aren't they based in USA but made in China
I think they get raw bearings form china, but the magic sauce is done in house.
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Im using Swiss 6 balls, but one of my wheels is a little too wobbly and it sounded kinda dead and didnt spin as well as the others. Tried putting in spacers and that was even worse so I put some spare mini logo bearings in the one problematic wheel and it still wobbles but spins and sounds perfect. I dont know whats going on but whatever, maybe I'll make it my superstitious madness shtick, different bearings in one wheel, kinda like the 3 graphics in 1 graphic out lol
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Im using Swiss 6 balls, but one of my wheels is a little too wobbly and it sounded kinda dead and didnt spin as well as the others. Tried putting in spacers and that was even worse so I put some spare mini logo bearings in the one problematic wheel and it still wobbles but spins and sounds perfect. I dont know whats going on but whatever, maybe I'll make it my superstitious madness shtick, different bearings in one wheel, kinda like the 3 graphics in 1 graphic out lol
I had that same problem a few years ago and since them I don't use spacers anymore. But I use the inside ring of old disassembled bearings as a mini spacer. A bit more stability as without spacers ya know.
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DM’d you
saw your nj colab with the rainbow shields ! may buy a whole new complete a size up and rock those. my best friend is scooping a set cause I told him about your story and slap. cheers! nj a superior place !
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Popped some lightly used Zealous in some highly worn spitfires. Was super surprised how much better they skated, especially considering they’re 6mm or so smaller than what I’ve been riding. Feel pretty stupid considering I’ve got three unused sets of bearings but I’m putting along on a few clapped out mismatched sets.
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im running some used bronson G2 on my set up but im not feelin em.. just ordered bones big balls. bones bearings are the best and have so many options price and quality wise ive had the bones swiss, super swiss 6. super reds. og reds and the big ball red 6. all good quality
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saw your nj colab with the rainbow shields ! may buy a whole new complete a size up and rock those. my best friend is scooping a set cause I told him about your story and slap. cheers! nj a superior place !
Appreciate it! That was a fun one. We love the NJ crew. Hopefully get to do a bunch more collabs with shops.
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the ‘new’ skf bearings are hitting uk shops now, anyone happen to have tried em yet? fairly decent price point (£30, same as super reds here), made in italy and apparently same ‘specification’ as swiss. tempting as i could do with fresh bearings
Got a set through the door this week. Haven't skated them yet (it's wet and windy up here just now) but I'm stoked on 'em. Slow spin on them out of the box but I hope they'll break in quickly. All 8 were silky smooth btw.
Running them now and I'm very impressed to be honest.
slow spin out of the box, but that doesn't say anything about quality. They don't spin fast when you just spin your wheel either. But they run reeeeaaaaaaaaaally smooth when you apply "pressure" on the deck and just ride it.
I can't explain it, but it's almost like you can tell they're very durable, they feel "tight".
No surprise they are used in heavy machinery.
PS: they're very quiet, so if you want noise you're going to have to pop the shields
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A heads up, according to my shop owning friend, the wholesale prices of all Bones bearings are going up.
Caveat: This may only affect prices in Japan or in Asia.
Thought y'all might want to know.
It is possible that the ripple effect will hit more than just the Asia/Pacific region, but maybe not.
As an example, Bones Swiss, from what he said once current stocks are gone, the prices are going up to roughly 10,500 yen retail from a current retail of about 8,000. A lot of local shops have already raised prices.
Is it time to stockpile/put on ice? That's up for debate.
But just food for thought.
To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, prices once raised by new variables, never return to their original levels.
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A heads up, according to my shop owning friend, the wholesale prices of all Bones bearings are going up.
Caveat: This may only affect prices in Japan or in Asia.
Thought y'all might want to know.
It is possible that the ripple effect will hit more than just the Asia/Pacific region, but maybe not.
As an example, Bones Swiss, from what he said once current stocks are gone, the prices are going up to roughly 10,500 yen retail from a current retail of about 8,000. A lot of local shops have already raised prices.
Is it time to stockpile/put on ice? That's up for debate.
But just food for thought.
To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, prices once raised by new variables, never return to their original levels.
I just checked, and some shops (here in Japan) are already jacking prices, so o grabbed a couple sets for posterity at the current price.
Thanks for the heads up!
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Expand Quote
A heads up, according to my shop owning friend, the wholesale prices of all Bones bearings are going up.
Caveat: This may only affect prices in Japan or in Asia.
Thought y'all might want to know.
It is possible that the ripple effect will hit more than just the Asia/Pacific region, but maybe not.
As an example, Bones Swiss, from what he said once current stocks are gone, the prices are going up to roughly 10,500 yen retail from a current retail of about 8,000. A lot of local shops have already raised prices.
Is it time to stockpile/put on ice? That's up for debate.
But just food for thought.
To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, prices once raised by new variables, never return to their original levels.
I just checked, and some shops (here in Japan) are already jacking prices, so o grabbed a couple sets for posterity at the current price.
Thanks for the heads up!
Fosho! If you are in the Kanto area, my homie's shop still has sets for around 8,000.
https://riverbirchskateshop.com/collections/bearing/products/bones-bearings-swiss/
EDIT: That's sans shipping.
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Found a pair online of Swiss 6 for about the same price. I’ll grab another set if one of my locals is in the ballpark. I’m in Nagano.
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Found a pair online of Swiss 6 for about the same price. I’ll grab another set if one of my locals is in the ballpark. I’m in Nagano.
Good stuff. Glad you were able to cop a set or two.
I haven't been to Nagano in a hot minute. My friend used to live near the "highest train station in Japan." Forget the name of it at the moment though. Visited some insect museum near there when I went to visit.
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Wondering if anybody has found a bearing as fast as Swiss 6. I’ve been riding them for nearly 20 years, but each new set that I get seems to be less durable than the last. My first set lasted for over 10 year, next set lasted 2 years, now I’m lucky if I get a year out of each set.
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Wondering if anybody has found a bearing as fast as Swiss 6. I’ve been riding them for nearly 20 years, but each new set that I get seems to be less durable than the last. My first set lasted for over 10 year, next set lasted 2 years, now I’m lucky if I get a year out of each set.
I cant really comment on how they were 20 years ago or their longevity nowadays, but Ive been riding Swiss 6 balls for like 2 months and all wheels have that nice crunchy broken in sound except one, which sounds kinda dead quiet and has a weird vibrating hum to it and doesnt spin nearly as long as the others. I thought it was because they werent seated properly or because the wheel is wobbly but no, its the bearings for sure. Its probably not a big deal but its pissing me off...
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Wondering if anybody has found a bearing as fast as Swiss 6. I’ve been riding them for nearly 20 years, but each new set that I get seems to be less durable than the last. My first set lasted for over 10 year, next set lasted 2 years, now I’m lucky if I get a year out of each set.
Other people have wondered the same thing, more so with regular Bones Swiss, but as they didn't get them from me, I don't know if they got genuine product or counterfeit bearings. Never seen any counterfeit Swiss six, but the other thing I am wondering is if the gnar factor of your skating has increased, causing more wearing on your setup, bearings included.
I know I have gone way down in 20 years, but I am closer to 50 so more so just enjoying still rolling some days, but I know others I skate with tend to blow out any and all bearings a lot faster with the higher impact stuff they are doing.
Just a thought anyway.
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Wondering if anybody has found a bearing as fast as Swiss 6. I’ve been riding them for nearly 20 years, but each new set that I get seems to be less durable than the last. My first set lasted for over 10 year, next set lasted 2 years, now I’m lucky if I get a year out of each set.
Funny you mention that. 6Ball used to last me a good few years. And then I had a set or two that were noticeably less durable. Happy to report that my current set are going on over a year with zero maintenance and doing great. But I will most being purchasing @Quantum Bearing Science from now on. Hard to beat the value with the those. Isotopes seem to be the most durable for me.
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Well shit. Swiss 6 had been my best bearing experience. Haven’t had any for a long time, because the shop I most often go to doesn’t carry the 6, just regular Swiss. My last set of regular Swiss…meh. Several sets of reds, not rad. Several sets of the cheapest option in the shop, not good, but cheap so not mad. Just got quantum’s that I haven’t set up because I wanted to put them in new wheels, and I don’t get new wheels very often, so the new wheels means new trucks, and …
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Torn between swiss 6 and quantums (probably isotopes) for the same price.
Bearings don't last me super long, even with regular maintenance I'll often have one or two just seize up and go to shit. Don't skate anything super gnarly but somehow am still pretty harsh on my gear so durability is as important as speed
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Bones reds and I never do anything to maintain them except maybe a drop of lube every year or two. I ride through a lot of dirt and grass too bc it's fun. A set usually lasts me at least a few years while spinning plenty smooth and fast.
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Wondering if anybody has found a bearing as fast as Swiss 6. I’ve been riding them for nearly 20 years, but each new set that I get seems to be less durable than the last. My first set lasted for over 10 year, next set lasted 2 years, now I’m lucky if I get a year out of each set.
Funny you mention that. 6Ball used to last me a good few years. And then I had a set or two that were noticeably less durable. Happy to report that my current set are going on over a year with zero maintenance and doing great. But I will most being purchasing @Quantum Bearing Science from now on. Hard to beat the value with the those. Isotopes seem to be the most durable for me.
I wasn't blown away by Swiss 6. They lasted a while bjt 2 of them often felt slow and they required more can than I enjoyed. By hand tests my Quantum Atoms spin twice as long and I skate them through dirt constantly and have put 1 drop of lube in 2 of them in 6 months. For me it's no contest considering the cost and my experience, but they're both really good and you can't lose.
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Torn between swiss 6 and quantums (probably isotopes) for the same price.
Bearings don't last me super long, even with regular maintenance I'll often have one or two just seize up and go to shit. Don't skate anything super gnarly but somehow am still pretty harsh on my gear so durability is as important as speed
I just don't think you can beat quantums for the price. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the isotopes came with black/dark shields instead of the off white ones (which is the smallest possible nit to pick). I've got sets of metallics, atoms, and isotopes all running right now and they're great. Plus the @Quantum_Bearing_Science guys are really friendly and cool.
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2 years deep on bronson RAWS w/ spacers, never had any issues. seem to go faster more broken in they get
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Torn between swiss 6 and quantums (probably isotopes) for the same price.
Bearings don't last me super long, even with regular maintenance I'll often have one or two just seize up and go to shit. Don't skate anything super gnarly but somehow am still pretty harsh on my gear so durability is as important as speed
I just don't think you can beat quantums for the price. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the isotopes came with black/dark shields instead of the off white ones (which is the smallest possible nit to pick). I've got sets of metallics, atoms, and isotopes all running right now and they're great. Plus the @Quantum_Bearing_Science guys are really friendly and cool.
But if they were the same price?
Also small nit but I do slightly prefer the metal cage blue shield combo of the swiss
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Torn between swiss 6 and quantums (probably isotopes) for the same price.
Bearings don't last me super long, even with regular maintenance I'll often have one or two just seize up and go to shit. Don't skate anything super gnarly but somehow am still pretty harsh on my gear so durability is as important as speed
I just don't think you can beat quantums for the price. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the isotopes came with black/dark shields instead of the off white ones (which is the smallest possible nit to pick). I've got sets of metallics, atoms, and isotopes all running right now and they're great. Plus the @Quantum_Bearing_Science guys are really friendly and cool.
But if they were the same price?
Also small nit but I do slightly prefer the metal cage blue shield combo of the swiss
I've never bought swiss BECAUSE of the price (plus never had the money to do so until the past couple of years). I've primarily ridden reds and most recently a set of Bones Big Balls.
That being said, Swiss is the standard for a reason, I'm sure I'd be more than happy with the performance. I'm definitely not anti-swiss. If the prices were the same, I think I'd still lean towards quantum because it's cool to support a small company.
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cheapshots riders quarterly check-in
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Torn between swiss 6 and quantums (probably isotopes) for the same price.
Bearings don't last me super long, even with regular maintenance I'll often have one or two just seize up and go to shit. Don't skate anything super gnarly but somehow am still pretty harsh on my gear so durability is as important as speed
I just don't think you can beat quantums for the price. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the isotopes came with black/dark shields instead of the off white ones (which is the smallest possible nit to pick). I've got sets of metallics, atoms, and isotopes all running right now and they're great. Plus the @Quantum_Bearing_Science guys are really friendly and cool.
But if they were the same price?
Also small nit but I do slightly prefer the metal cage blue shield combo of the swiss
I have the Quantum bearings and the Swiss 6, and the Swiss have proven more durable and need less maintenance than the Quantum have. The Quantum are good bearings for sure, they probably spin faster, but I don’t really care about that - I want them to last a long time with little maintenance, and they seemed to get jacked up in particular with the act of bashing them into a curb at a right angle (slappys).
My Quantum bearings are still good but when I was stocking up on some parts earlier this year I bought another set of Swiss 6 for future use.
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Torn between swiss 6 and quantums (probably isotopes) for the same price.
Bearings don't last me super long, even with regular maintenance I'll often have one or two just seize up and go to shit. Don't skate anything super gnarly but somehow am still pretty harsh on my gear so durability is as important as speed
I just don't think you can beat quantums for the price. Literally my only complaint is that I wish the isotopes came with black/dark shields instead of the off white ones (which is the smallest possible nit to pick). I've got sets of metallics, atoms, and isotopes all running right now and they're great. Plus the @Quantum_Bearing_Science guys are really friendly and cool.
But if they were the same price?
Also small nit but I do slightly prefer the metal cage blue shield combo of the swiss
I have the Quantum bearings and the Swiss 6, and the Swiss have proven more durable and need less maintenance than the Quantum have. The Quantum are good bearings for sure, they probably spin faster, but I don’t really care about that - I want them to last a long time with little maintenance, and they seemed to get jacked up in particular with the act of bashing them into a curb at a right angle (slappys).
My Quantum bearings are still good but when I was stocking up on some parts earlier this year I bought another set of Swiss 6 for future use.
Yeah fair enough. So far I’ve gotten lucky and I only had one bearing go wonky on me, but after a clean and lube it was back to new. I don’t really set aside time to service my bearings but if I’m swapping something then I’ll maybe give my bearings some love. The little quantum bearing puller is a neat little tool too, fun one for the skate bag.
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I have the Quantum bearings and the Swiss 6, and the Swiss have proven more durable and need less maintenance than the Quantum have. The Quantum are good bearings for sure, they probably spin faster, but I don’t really care about that - I want them to last a long time with little maintenance, and they seemed to get jacked up in particular with the act of bashing them into a curb at a right angle (slappys).
My Quantum bearings are still good but when I was stocking up on some parts earlier this year I bought another set of Swiss 6 for future use.
I’ve seen you post this a couple of times and have been meaning to come back to it.
You’re riding the Atoms, correct?
Those are designed for speed and responsiveness. Transition skating/downhill/cruising. Speed… basically.
The Isotopes or Metallics would be better for bashing into things.
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I have the Quantum bearings and the Swiss 6, and the Swiss have proven more durable and need less maintenance than the Quantum have. The Quantum are good bearings for sure, they probably spin faster, but I don’t really care about that - I want them to last a long time with little maintenance, and they seemed to get jacked up in particular with the act of bashing them into a curb at a right angle (slappys).
My Quantum bearings are still good but when I was stocking up on some parts earlier this year I bought another set of Swiss 6 for future use.
I’ve seen you post this a couple of times and have been meaning to come back to it.
You’re riding the Atoms, correct?
Those are designed for speed and responsiveness. Transition skating/downhill/cruising. Speed… basically.
The Isotopes or Metallics would be better for bashing into things.
Yes, I understand this. I still love my Atoms and skate them regularly, but all things being equal I found that Swiss offered similar performance and increased durability. I still occasionally do a slappy or two on the Atoms, but after knocking them out of shape twice, I am now much more careful. If I had to do it again, I’d buy one of your hybrid or metallic offerings.
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Right on. Glad you’re still digging them.
Treat yourself to some Fusions when they come out.
They have a diamond hard (*DMx) coating with lubricant engineered right into the coating. Maximum durability and close to zero friction.
* yeah, X gon’ give it to ya
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cheapshots, they work just as good as the G3's i was using and cost 1/3 the price.
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I've gotta say I have the complete opposite experience with Quantum Atoms vs. Swiss 6. I have lubed my Atoms once in over a year and I live in an area with really sandy dust and dirt. My Quantums also jam less when I primo and are faster spinning by hand and just riding on the board. I do a lot of slappies too and still no issues there.
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cheapshots riders quarterly check-in
imagine paying more than $12 for bearings
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Been running the Cortina T-Funk bearings for close to 6 months and have to say that they are slept on. Best bearings ive used in a long while with a reasonabl-ish price point, plus you get some dope replacement nuts and washers.
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been running bones big balls for about 10months no complaints, nice and broken in spinning freely without any maintenance.
I usually blow through reds quite quickly for some reason.
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For sure, if we talk about bearings, the best way is Bones bearings…
Personally got a set of reds to street/transition and got a set of Swiss on my 8’deck
A brand i would like to try is SKF
Its a brand specialiced on bearing and top tier on it, landing on the skate market.
High end quality for sure. Standards should be fine but they also got their own produced ceramics
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Been running the Cortina T-Funk bearings for close to 6 months and have to say that they are slept on. Best bearings ive used in a long while with a reasonabl-ish price point, plus you get some dope replacement nuts and washers.
Yeah, I bought some Cortina bearings on eBay because they were like $10 shipped and they lasted longer than any set of Reds I’ve owned.
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Here to give the Quantum guys more love.
I have 3 sets, 2 sets of Atoms and 1 set of Isotopes.
I have had all of them at least a year at this point, and they are all still excellent. The one set of Atoms is a year and half old and still amazing.
I will never use any other bearings given the choice.
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thoroughly surprised at how long a set of reds have lasted me considering all the stupid shit i do skating grass and dirt hills
i haven't switched out a pair since summer 2020
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I've been on my quantum atoms for about 2 months now.
I somehow make all my bearings seize somewhat frequently, even swiss, and have to clean them to try make them free up. Probably from slappies, landing primo and being about 200 pounds.
These quantums are quite a bit better than most of the swiss I've had in terms of being resistant to seizing, though still not quite invincible.
They roll very nice and are very fast. The free spin isn't silent, but the hiss is very quiet and 'fine' sounding, tolerances are good, gives me a higher quality feel than swiss. I definitely would pick these up over swiss again.
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Same story here pretty much with swiss and swiss 6 balls, they'd probably never seize on me if i didn't slappy but since I do a lot of them and I'm heavier, I frequently need to pop them out and clean with rubbing alcohol and re-lube em to get them spinning again. I'd probably try those quantums finally if they solved that problem.
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I legit slappy every single session and my Atoms have never jammed. My Fusions haven't either. I also land primo a lot, still no jams. I think the issue, whatever it was, is long solved. Everyone that I have recommended Quantum to is beyond stoked.
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Yeah I'm definitely very very happy about the recommendation. If I had the $$ would definitely buy them for my cruisers and stuff too. I still have managed to jam my atoms, but much much less and they unjam much easier and also are easier to clean out. So by every metric vs any swiss variant I've tried, I definitely prefer the quantums so far
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Do they make your board sound dead and waterlogged at first? I hate that aspect of fresh bearings or ones that are overlubed, and the silent roll :(
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Nope, there was sound out the gate for me but it’s like a very fine, quiet hiss. Definitely not super loud but not over lubed vibes at all
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Hell yeah, ordering these on payday then. Thanks!
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I never had a good experience with Reds (Reds, Super reds, Race). After a good run with Indy bearings I bought a set of Bronson's G3 and they're great.
Been using them for more than 1 year and sometimes I have to push less because im going "too fast".
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I love my quantums, I have 4 sets
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SKF deserve a try
And that quantum bearings seems like they worth it
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I love my quantums, I have 4 sets
Which models do you have? Been feeling sluggish on my board lately so looking to make an upgrade.
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I love my quantums, I have 4 sets
I've got two sets of isotopes, one set of atoms, and one set of metallics. They're all good, haven't had any issues. I think i did clean and re-lube my atoms once because one of the bearings was feeling a little rough, but otherwise I haven't touched them.
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Thanks, pals!
Much love for Slap!
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Had some big balls but the cages blew out. Was disappointed cos they were pretty good till then. Replaced them with some modus blacks which are surprisingly good for cheap bearings, will deff be keen to try other modus bearings after this experience. Not sure where to get quantums here in Australia but would like to try them too.
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I basically skate nothing but mini logo bearings.
Tried big balls once and they were worse and died after a month.
I'm down to experiment again, are bronson G3 worth it? Could get a set 40% off, so basically the same price as bones reds.
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I basically skate nothing but mini logo bearings.
Tried big balls once and they were worse and died after a month.
I'm down to experiment again, are bronson G3 worth it? Could get a set 40% off, so basically the same price as bones reds.
Same, Minilogos are the grail for dirt cheap bearings IMO. I also have a set of G3's on a cruiser but I don't skate it much. They seem nice. I'm a fan of double-shielded bearings in general.
My short list to try is:
SKF - $35
Zealous Ceramic built-ins - $35
Fireball Endure - $15
Fireball built-ins - $16
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Not sure where to get quantums here in Australia but would like to try them too.
We ship worldwide for free if your order is $70 or more in our webstore.
And to all those, who like an all metal bearing, I highly suggest trying our ‘Metallics’.
They’ll hang with other brands $60-$65 metal bearings. And half the price.
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Not sure where to get quantums here in Australia but would like to try them too.
We ship worldwide for free if your order is $70 or more in our webstore.
And to all those, who like an all metal bearing, I highly suggest trying our ‘Metallics’.
They’ll hang with other brands $60-$65 metal bearings. And half the price.
Sick. Order list created. Will fwd to the boss lady.
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A hodgepodge of whatever reds and mini logo bearings that aren't seized beyond repair. Can't believe I even wasted time trying to acetone the shit ones because it did nothing for 75% of them. Sucks cause now I can't swap wheels straight up but I'll likely just buy another set of reds or minis...
Considering just shelling out for swiss but should I get the OG or the Swiss 6? The bones races also caught my eye but maybe just some gimmicky shit. I do like cranking my nut down and am even using 4 washers on each wheel lol. (3 inside 1 outside) Clearing I am an engineering genius and did not steal that idea from someone else and added one extra on the outside for no reason if only to make my nut completely flush.
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Considering just shelling out for swiss but should I get the OG or the Swiss 6? The bones races also caught my eye but maybe just some gimmicky shit. I do like cranking my nut down and am even using 4 washers on each wheel lol. (3 inside 1 outside) Clearing I am an engineering genius and did not steal that idea from someone else and added one extra on the outside for no reason if only to make my nut completely flush.
Swiss 6. I have both and the 6 run faster after break in. For the first week or so they did seem slow, and once broke in they came around nicely. Mine are a few years old and sound a bit dirty - even with regular cleanings - but are still run the fastest of the bearings I have.
Current bearings in rotation:
Bones Swiss 6
Bones Swiss
Bones Big Balls
Bones Reds
Quantum Atoms
Daddies Ceramic built-ins
VXB Ceramic
Zealous Built Ins
Indy GP-B
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I have Bronson G3s and bones swiss 6. Both are only a few weeks old, so fairly new. The Bronson's are okay and seem to be getting a bit better the more I use them, the Swiss 6 are faster and roll substantially longer between pushing. They are probably so fast that I wouldn't recommend them to beginners. They took me a while to get used to, zooming after 2 pushes.
I am probably good with these for a while as I intend to clean and take care of them. Should either of them crap out *cough*Bronson*cough* I really want to try some quantum isotopes!
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Spitty cheapshots. Never had an issue . Always spin, roll well and cheap .
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I’ve been pretty much only skating bones reds the past 10 years. but I swear, my fav bearings of all time were the gold shield speed demons that were like $12 a pack. lasted forever.
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I dislike cleaning my bearings.
I dislike having clean bearings quickly pickup dirt the first time rolling off the edge of something.
I stopped oiling my bearings over a year and will never oil again.
I pack all my bearings with moly grease. They are a little slow for a few weeks but once broken in they ride fast and stay clean skating every day until the wheel wears down.
I also grease the wheel bearing seat with white lithium grease before inserting bearings to ensure they seat fully. I use spacers and cinch the wheel tight to keep bearings fully seated.
Moly is waterproof and resists spin out, lithium works well on plastics/rubbers. Both greases plug the areas dirt would normally get in.
A blunt syringe is a good applicator.
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I’ve been pretty much only skating bones reds the past 10 years. but I swear, my fav bearings of all time were the gold shield speed demons that were like $12 a pack. lasted forever.
I recently met a dude that said he still skates the bearings from his first ever complete from 7 years ago. They're some purple speed demons and still spin ok. Never cleaned. Insane
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Idk why, besides price, people not only ride swiss 6. Best investment ever, on the long run you save a lot of money.
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Idk why people dont skate SKF, FAG or NTN bearings. Huge corps who manufacture bearings for industry that require genuine quality. They are not that cheap tho. Around 50-70$, but atleast u can vouch for their machining. They even provide specsheets with actual tolerances etc
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Idk why people dont skate SKF, FAG or NTN bearings. Huge corps who manufacture bearings for industry that require genuine quality. They are not that cheap tho. Around 50-70$, but atleast u can vouch for their machining. They even provide specsheets with actual tolerances etc
Damn - where do you buy these?
I've broken so many fucking bearings. Am having luck with the all-metal Independent bearings.
Will probably try the Quantum Metallics based on what everyone is saying here
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Idk why people dont skate SKF, FAG or NTN bearings. Huge corps who manufacture bearings for industry that require genuine quality. They are not that cheap tho. Around 50-70$, but atleast u can vouch for their machining. They even provide specsheets with actual tolerances etc
The people I know that have bought SKF bearings find them slow and don't like them. Probably since they're filled with grease. I guess you could clean that out and put a thin lube in there, but what's the point when there are bearings that come fast for cheaper.
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(https://i.ibb.co/r6mZLCt/Screenshot-20221205-164756.png) (https://ibb.co/r6mZLCt)
Has anyone on here ever tried these cliche "swiss made" bearings? There are some on ebay and I'm curious...but maybe not $35 worth of curious.
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So i've been a 20 year mid grade/Reds bearing guy. As an adult with expendable income should i buy a set of Swiss and call it a day? Heres my holdback...I destroy most bearings fairly fast cause i'm a hard and aggressive slappy guy. Out east we dont have banked curbs so i feel like the vertical slamming into curbs just wrecks the shit out of them faster. Can Swiss sustain the impact better for this or am i better off just sticking with Reds?
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I recently picked up a set of Bones Swiss Bearings, yes, the same 608 bearings manufactured by WIB and used in Iran's 4-43 particle density reactors. Oh dear, where to begin with these ghastly bearings? I suppose I could wax poetic about their ability to make my skateboard move smoothly down the street, impressing the neighbors' kids, but really, what's the point? Life is bleak and meaningless, and these bearings do little to change that. In fact, as I glide along on my skateboard, I can't help but feel a deep sense of ennui. The world is a cruel place, and these bearings are but a fleeting distraction from the abyss of despair that looms within us all. But I suppose they get the job done, if that's any consolation.
As a 66 year old man, I often feel like an outsider in the world of skateboarding. It can be a lonely and isolating experience, but at least I have my trusty Bones bearings to keep me company in the streets. I've had bearings that have been so extremely noisy, they've drawn unwanted attention to me as I try to blend in with the teens kids at the local.
I'll continue to lace up my shoes, hop on my board, and glide down the street, even if my bearings are a bit moody. After all, it's better than being stuck at home, feeling sad and alone haha.
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So i've been a 20 year mid grade/Reds bearing guy. As an adult with expendable income should i buy a set of Swiss and call it a day? Heres my holdback...I destroy most bearings fairly fast cause i'm a hard and aggressive slappy guy. Out east we dont have banked curbs so i feel like the vertical slamming into curbs just wrecks the shit out of them faster. Can Swiss sustain the impact better for this or am i better off just sticking with Reds?
I've been slamming the same pair of Swiss bearings into vertical curbs since early 2020 and they have been great. I was in the same place - I could afford them, and I figured that three sets of Reds won't last me a year so if Swiss last at least that long, I'm out ahead. It's nearly '23 now and they're still my primary bearings in my primary skateboard. I clean them about once a year with some acetone and re-lube with sewing machine oil - the whole process takes ~30 minutes - and they keep spinning.
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I recently picked up a set of Bones Swiss Bearings, yes, the same 608 bearings manufactured by WIB and used in Iran's 4-43 particle density reactors. Oh dear, where to begin with these ghastly bearings? I suppose I could wax poetic about their ability to make my skateboard move smoothly down the street, impressing the neighbors' kids, but really, what's the point? Life is bleak and meaningless, and these bearings do little to change that. In fact, as I glide along on my skateboard, I can't help but feel a deep sense of ennui. The world is a cruel place, and these bearings are but a fleeting distraction from the abyss of despair that looms within us all. But I suppose they get the job done, if that's any consolation.
As a 66 year old man, I often feel like an outsider in the world of skateboarding. It can be a lonely and isolating experience, but at least I have my trusty Bones bearings to keep me company in the streets. I've had bearings that have been so extremely noisy, they've drawn unwanted attention to me as I try to blend in with the teens kids at the local.
I'll continue to lace up my shoes, hop on my board, and glide down the street, even if my bearings are a bit moody. After all, it's better than being stuck at home, feeling sad and alone haha.
I'm sorry to hear about your moody bearings. It might just be a phase though.
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So i've been a 20 year mid grade/Reds bearing guy. As an adult with expendable income should i buy a set of Swiss and call it a day? Heres my holdback...I destroy most bearings fairly fast cause i'm a hard and aggressive slappy guy. Out east we dont have banked curbs so i feel like the vertical slamming into curbs just wrecks the shit out of them faster. Can Swiss sustain the impact better for this or am i better off just sticking with Reds?
I've been slamming the same pair of Swiss bearings into vertical curbs since early 2020 and they have been great. I was in the same place - I could afford them, and I figured that three sets of Reds won't last me a year so if Swiss last at least that long, I'm out ahead. It's nearly '23 now and they're still my primary bearings in my primary skateboard. I clean them about once a year with some acetone and re-lube with sewing machine oil - the whole process takes ~30 minutes - and they keep spinning.
Cheers makes me think
I easily spend a 100 aussie $ on mediocre bearings each year.
Skating reds at the moment..
I think im going to have to bite and get some swiss when these reds die.
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Have any one tried SKF Bearings? My reds are not holding up anymore and I want to try something new.
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I rock the Spitfire Classics, they are pretty good and last a long time and pretty cheap too
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After about 1,5 years my swiss 6 bearing cages start breaking one after another. 4 out of 8 already :'(
Could that be due to the spacers? I am not jumping down shit. Mainly flat and ledges.
And is it better for the wheels to have a lot of wiggle room on the axle or better to have them tighter so the wheels only move a little. I believe the thing with the bearings started after tightening the axle screws more.
Edit: I just checked and all cages are broken now :-\
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I've been riding Bronson Raws since late summer and plenty of dusty as fuck indoor sessions and they're going strong. Fast, loud, consistent. I'm sure they're China made junk and maybe I just got lucky with my set, but I've had to constantly mess with many different pairs of Swiss from them seizing up fairly quick. 6 balls and regular 7 balls. So idk, try some Raw's if you want. I dig em.
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I was in my local hardware store the other day and noticed they had a little bearing section and some of them were the same size as skateboard bearings. They had metal shields that were crimped on. There's a chance I read the price wrong but I think they were $15 each which seems ridiculous. Anyway, has anyone ever used bearings like these that were designed for some kind of machinery purpose instead of skateboard bearings?
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After about 1,5 years my swiss 6 bearing cages start breaking one after another. 4 out of 8 already :'(
Could that be due to the spacers? I am not jumping down shit. Mainly flat and ledges.
And is it better for the wheels to have a lot of wiggle room on the axle or better to have them tighter so the wheels only move a little. I believe the thing with the bearings started after tightening the axle screws more.
Edit: I just checked and all cages are broken now :-\
I've been running Six-Balls for many years. One of my sets currently in use has been going for 12 years now. Tried a lot of bearings and always came back to these because the seemed to be the toughest and I like the way they feel.
That being said I had three broken cages once and on further inspection I noticed that the spacers where not wide enough inside the wheel. If that's the case this will cause forces the bearings are not made for. Cranking down the nuts then will cause a lot of extra pressure on the inner race. I would recommend checking if the spacers fit the wheels.
Last time I checked you could order replacement cages from Bones/ Skate1..
Concerning wiggle, I always tighten the nuts down and then slowly untighten them until it feels nice to spin the wheels. So I prefer a slight wiggle.
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I've been running Six-Balls for many years. One of my sets currently in use has been going for 12 years now. Tried a lot of bearings and always came back to these because the seemed to be the toughest and I like the way they feel.
That being said I had three broken cages once and on further inspection I noticed that the spacers where not wide enough inside the wheel. If that's the case this will cause forces the bearings are not made for. Cranking down the nuts then will cause a lot of extra pressure on the inner race. I would recommend checking if the spacers fit the wheels.
Last time I checked you could order replacement cages from Bones/ Skate1..
Concerning wiggle, I always tighten the nuts down and then slowly untighten them until it feels nice to spin the wheels. So I prefer a slight wiggle.
I was really happy with them as well. Cleaned them regularly. I used the spacers they came with. Bummer! Seems like bones discontinued the cage replacements. Can't imagine a lot of people ordering them. Guess I have to ride reds now, as I still have some my girlfriend gifted me. ::) More wiggle room this time, like I used to.
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https://bonesbearings.com/bones-bearings-6-ball-replacement-retainer-4pk
;)
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https://bonesbearings.com/bones-bearings-6-ball-replacement-retainer-4pk
;)
Thanks! Shipping would be 20$ to Germany and unfortunately I can't find them anywhere in Europe :(
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You're welcome.
I know that 24/7 distributes Bones in Germany but I don't know if they got the cages and if you can buy from them direct as a private person. I'll send you the contact anyway, it's never wrong to ask friendly. If its not possible to buy direct maybe your local shop can order them from the distribution for you..
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https://bonesbearings.com/bones-bearings-6-ball-replacement-retainer-4pk
;)
Thanks! Shipping would be 20$ to Germany and unfortunately I can't find them anywhere in Europe :(
I'm in the UK and I broke a couple of cages in my Bone Big Balls, emailed Bones ([email protected]), and they sent me out new ones for free. Took a week or two to turn up because they came from the 'states but all in all pretty good.
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Been running these cheap Kveni ceramics I saw someone post about awhile back, and I have to say- I think these are the best <$25 bearings out there.
Compared to cheaper metallic bearings, these stay way faster and smoother. I hate Amazon, but these are a solid buy.
https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B0876LF98F/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1U395IXVMCD8H&keywords=kveni+ceramic+bearings&qid=1676223357&sprefix=kveni+%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3MMZGO8QD3XN3&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFGWDlTRk1KQVpCUkomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0NTg0MDAzUUhWTkNRNFlPT1FMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NTc3MjcyUkE1WFhUUldFNDUmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
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Been running these cheap Kveni ceramics I saw someone post about awhile back, and I have to say- I think these are the best <$25 bearings out there.
Compared to cheaper metallic bearings, these stay way faster and smoother. I hate Amazon, but these are a solid buy.
https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B0876LF98F/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1U395IXVMCD8H&keywords=kveni+ceramic+bearings&qid=1676223357&sprefix=kveni+%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3MMZGO8QD3XN3&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFGWDlTRk1KQVpCUkomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0NTg0MDAzUUhWTkNRNFlPT1FMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NTc3MjcyUkE1WFhUUldFNDUmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I think I posted about these bearings. They are killer.
I used to ride Bones Swiss until I found them.
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Cheezburger wheels
Ketchup bearings
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Been running these cheap Kveni ceramics I saw someone post about awhile back, and I have to say- I think these are the best <$25 bearings out there.
Compared to cheaper metallic bearings, these stay way faster and smoother. I hate Amazon, but these are a solid buy.
https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B0876LF98F/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1U395IXVMCD8H&keywords=kveni+ceramic+bearings&qid=1676223357&sprefix=kveni+%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3MMZGO8QD3XN3&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFGWDlTRk1KQVpCUkomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0NTg0MDAzUUhWTkNRNFlPT1FMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NTc3MjcyUkE1WFhUUldFNDUmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I used to ride Bones Swiss until I found them.
I definitely cannot keep those shields on. They last a good while without them before needing to be cleaned?
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Been running these cheap Kveni ceramics I saw someone post about awhile back, and I have to say- I think these are the best <$25 bearings out there.
Compared to cheaper metallic bearings, these stay way faster and smoother. I hate Amazon, but these are a solid buy.
https://www.amazon.com/KVENI-Ceramic-Skateboard-Bearings-Premium/dp/B0876LF98F/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1U395IXVMCD8H&keywords=kveni+ceramic+bearings&qid=1676223357&sprefix=kveni+%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3MMZGO8QD3XN3&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFGWDlTRk1KQVpCUkomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0NTg0MDAzUUhWTkNRNFlPT1FMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NTc3MjcyUkE1WFhUUldFNDUmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I used to ride Bones Swiss until I found them.
I definitely cannot keep those shields on. They last a good while without them before needing to be cleaned?
the description phrases in the pics on those amazon bearings are hilarious
"God did not give us wings, let KEVENI fly with you"
"Such as the blue ghost, quietly sneaking"
"casual manipulation, smooth feeling"
couple funny spelling errors, steel with two "l's"
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the description phrases in the pics on those amazon bearings are hilarious
"God did not give us wings, let KEVENI fly with you"
"Such as the blue ghost, quietly sneaking"
"casual manipulation, smooth feeling"
couple funny spelling errors, steel with two "l's"
Pretty funny. Those are just cheap Chinese bearings with some corny marketing/branding thrown on them. Probably cost 50 cents a piece max to make.
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Bought some Bronson G3's out of curiosity and haven't gone back to reds in a long time. I'd like to try some Bones Swiss one day.
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I've had some Redz Ceramics but because the ceramic is so hard the shields kept popping off so I popped all the shields and then they got dirty easily and I stopped skating them. I cleaned them up and they still spin great but I need to get some new shields for them from Skateone.
Brought a new set of standard Reds. Going to go on the new set-up. Love the sound and feeling of reds.
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Bought some Bronson G3's out of curiosity and haven't gone back to reds in a long time. I'd like to try some Bones Swiss one day.
People hate on Bronsons, but I don’t mind them at all. I had some regular G2s on my cruiser and one of the wheels would go for over 3 minutes if you gave it a good spin. Never once cleaned them. Still have them in the toolbox, but I upgraded to the Raw bearings because they’re fun.
The best sneaky-good bearings I’ve run across are these Rush All-Weather Ceramics. They feel, sound, and spin like they’re broken-in almost from the jump. Very pleasantly surprised, and you can definitely find them for $40-50. Decent price for ceramics, and they have plain white/cream-colored shields (embossed lettering only).
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Got some toy machine abec 7 for free and those are surprisingly good so far
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Quantum Isotopes, and haven’t looked back at bones since.
Quantum’s are astounding.
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Bought some Bronson G3's out of curiosity and haven't gone back to reds in a long time. I'd like to try some Bones Swiss one day.
I've been riding a pair of G3s for about 5 years and they're still going strong. I did infact just buy my first ever set of swiss yesterday and I'm really excited to see how much better they are.
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Quantum Isotopes, and haven’t looked back at bones since.
Quantum’s are astounding.
I’m running the Isotopes with some conical fulls on my main board and they’re amazing. My flatground board has the 3-year old Swiss set on Classics and it’s not as smooth, even after cleaning/maintaining. When I get the chance, I may replace the Isotopes with Atoms and replace the Swiss with the Isotopes.
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Thank you, guys! Appreciate it so much.
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Im Running Bronson Ceramics and absolutely love them
And Quantum aren't in South Africa 🇿🇦
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We’re trying. The rest of the world is tough for getting distributors.
If you spend $70 in our web store, we’ll ship worldwide for free.
Order some ceramics and a tee shirt (or go in with a friend on a couple of sets) and you’re there!
(And t-shirt sales benefit me 💯 😂)
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I just want to make it clear that I only paid $60 for the Bones Ceramic Super Reds that I own. I don't think I would ever pay full retail for them.
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I'm running some Bronson G3s. They're super smooth and silent, but I kinda want to swap them out for my reds. Anyone else like noisy bearings? 🥴
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Just set up the skf on another setup after a quick clean, still running good with the shields on, still really smooth, they would be the thing I would say with these guys. They are prolly the smoothest bearings I’ve ever had, the spin more freely now that they have been broken in, but not anymore than any other bearing I’ve skated, they have metal shields on the inside so I’m gonna keep running them until they die
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i run nothing but bones swiss, i had a pair that was like 10 years old that was still perfectly fine but i decided to swich them out for some new ones. i still have another set on ice that i got for like $25 from that crazy ass kcdc sale a year ago
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I have a few different sets of bearings here. Jury is still out on some of them. Weather still nasty here so it will be awhile before I can actually ride them.
-Some cheap Chinese bearings from a wheel company that cost $5 on clearance. Spin slow and even look cheap. Best thing was the package they came in.
-RockNRons - unfortunately can't get these anymore. Ron is not great at order fulfillment TBH so if he ever starts doing the bearings again he should just sell them through a big online shop like SoCal or something.
-Bones Swiss Super 6 - expensive. No opinion yet. Mounted them today in some new Autobahn dual duros for use when the weather clears. I used steel spacers rather than the aluminum ones that come with the bearings.
-Bones Super Reds - cheaper, but supposed to be decent for a Chinese bearing. Haven't opened them yet.
-GMN bearings - yep, just like the ones from BITD. They have thick grease in them and take a long time to break in. Will run a bit slow at first.
-Pig Swiss bearings - not made anymore. At the time they were like $10 cheaper than Bones and seemed alright. Might try them again after cleaning and some new shields. If you want Swiss bearings, it's probably a better idea to just buy Bones than another brand. Some bearings marked "Swiss" are not real Swiss bearings. Watch out for Bones Swiss counterfeits as well.
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I have a few sets running currently as well:
- Quantum Fusions on the regular/street set up: These are great bearings, smooth and fast, nothing to complain. They have yet to prove their worth when I will put them on the rain set up tho.
- Bones Swiss Six Balls: Have them on two set ups and once they are well broken in they are really fast and feel great. Recommended, in particular if you can get them at a sale as I did (copped two sets for CHF/USD 60 each).
- Bronson G2: They are my oldest bearing and I use them on the rain set up. I wanted to change them for the Quantums but as I have glued one nut to the axle with locktite I thought I'd only do it once they clog up. Surprisingly that hasn't happened yet even if I have used them in heavy rain riding through puddles etc. But I feel they are slowing down.
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Bought some Bronson G3's out of curiosity and haven't gone back to reds in a long time. I'd like to try some Bones Swiss one day.
Hell yea man enjoy them. Those are the next set of bearings I’m going to get. Still got plenty of life left in the G3s. I’ve cleaned this set once so far, but that has me wondering how many people take the time to clean their bearings after skating for a while? Most of my friends never clean their bearings, they just skate them until they’re dead.
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Running a few sets in rotation:
Bronson Ceramics (these were free) - currently in my main setup, they're so fast and loud (with outer shields only)
Bronson G3s (From launch) - still going strong, no shields
Swiss 6 - bone dry - I don't know how old these are, 5+ years easy. Set them up in some bones X97s, they really help with the sound characteristics of the wheels (making them seem less soft somehow). I do want to put some lube in them as they squeak but don't want to lose that ssssssssssssssssssound.
Retired:
Bones Big LAME ASS Balls - I recently cleaned then (full cage removal and everything), AGAIN as they are always so slow. Bone dry they were fine for a few minutes then just seized up with no free spin (in hand mind, not on a board); put is some spead cream and they're still just fucked. Worst purchase ever.
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Running a few sets in rotation:
Bronson Ceramics (these were free) - currently in my main setup, they're so fast and loud (with outer shields only)
Bronson G3s (From launch) - still going strong, no shields
Swiss 6 - bone dry - I don't know how old these are, 5+ years easy. Set them up in some bones X97s, they really help with the sound characteristics of the wheels (making them seem less soft somehow). I do want to put some lube in them as they squeak but don't want to lose that ssssssssssssssssssound.
Retired:
Bones Big LAME ASS Balls - I recently cleaned then (full cage removal and everything), AGAIN as they are always so slow. Bone dry they were fine for a few minutes then just seized up with no free spin (in hand mind, not on a board); put is some spead cream and they're still just fucked. Worst purchase ever.
I’m back n forth on ordering more skate stuff. But if I do…probably a Gass board (love the shape, tail is too short for you tho), some 52 x97s, and Swiss 6.
My last set of Swiss have been kinda meh, but my old 6s were the best bearing I’ve had.
I got the quantum atoms and just spinning the wheel, they were smoking (fast). After a short time, and under actual load, they have slowed, dramatically. Haven’t cleaned em. But they don’t get a lot of run, flatground in some 51s. If they cannot out live a deck (ps at that) then…dunno.
Anyways, you recommending the setup I was thinking about, has doomed me. You fucker.
Now if you could give me a grip recommendation I’ll just go ahead and place this order. I’ve always been a jessup, but with a large stable of setups, boards last a long time. I even re-gripped the last Gass board I had, which is kinda prime kook feeling behavior, and somehow managed to fuck it up, badly. I was skating dunks, and was having a hard time getting the next pair, so I figured I’d just do a quick sand job on the mob. I did a VERY light couple of scrapes and now this board is so slick it’s dumb. A shame cuz there is a some life left (the crail wood is maybe less ‘magical’/really lasts tho, in my experience).
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Since I’m a one setup guy now I’m tempted to get some expensive ass bearings. But my gut says I should just use the five pairs I already have (Mix of G3s and Reds). They’re from my retired setups.
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I got the quantum atoms and just spinning the wheel, they were smoking (fast). After a short time, and under actual load, they have slowed, dramatically. Haven’t cleaned em. But they don’t get a lot of run, flatground in some 51s. If they cannot out live a deck (ps at that) then…dunno.
Yeah, definitely would be curious what factors led to your issue. There’s a million to choose from. I’d definitely give them a cleaning before giving up on them.
Obviously, we wouldn’t still be in business if we put out a bearing that couldn’t outlive one deck.
They’re built to last.
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I got the quantum atoms and just spinning the wheel, they were smoking (fast). After a short time, and under actual load, they have slowed, dramatically. Haven’t cleaned em. But they don’t get a lot of run, flatground in some 51s. If they cannot out live a deck (ps at that) then…dunno.
Yeah, definitely would be curious what factors led to your issue. There’s a million to choose from. I’d definitely give them a cleaning before giving up on them.
Obviously, we wouldn’t still be in business if we put out a bearing that couldn’t outlive one deck.
They’re built to last.
I’ll let you know. I wasn’t super pissed, just didn’t have the same glowing review others have had. TBC, the bearings will outlive the board, and more, they just aren’t real fast. Yet. Maybe.
Im not big on cleaning bearings, it’s one of the many things I need to go get schooled on by uncle flea
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I gotcha. I was never much on cleaning bearings either. Never popped shields or any of that though. The good thing is, at the minimum, you can spray high grade isopropyl alcohol, into our bearings, and spin it out. Then hit it with a couple of drops of lube or whatever.
And they do take a few hard sessions to completely break in.
They’re the same “astounding” bearings that the other posters here have. The only differences are in the user.
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I think luck may play a roll as well…..
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Right. I could’ve elaborated more. That’s what I meant by the millions of factors. All different from user to user.
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I gotcha. I was never much on cleaning bearings either. Never popped shields or any of that though. The good thing is, at the minimum, you can spray high grade isopropyl alcohol, into our bearings, and spin it out. Then hit it with a couple of drops of lube or whatever.
And they do take a few hard sessions to completely break in.
They’re the same “astounding” bearings that the other posters here have. The only differences are in the user.
Oh the old ‘operator error’, eh?
Jk. Probably is operator error in some way: that setup is 5.2 lo’s, board slightly smaller than 8”, and what were brand new 51mm f4 classics (99 I think, I’m one of the few that also likes 101, in the streets). Anyway, the board gets a lot of brick’d flip attempts. Like a lot. My initial takeaway, just spinning the new bearings, in the new wheels, on the new axles, was that they were fast as fuck. Which I don’t really need. Because I’m going slow as hell, trying to slow the passage of time, and the aging of my body, mind, legs, spine. But they seemed very fast.
And now, are not.
I’ve got the bones bearing cleaning kit, and lots of different high octane cleaner. Maybe I’ll get buck. Maybe I’ll just whinge.
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i think im running andale butters (buttas???) right now and honestly i have zero complaints
i only bought them because they were really cheap and needed new bearings (g3s absolutely destroyed by sand, 6 year old indy bearings that i really didnt want to take out) but they're suprisingly really really good, haven't even cleaned them yet
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Running a few sets in rotation:
Bronson Ceramics (these were free) - currently in my main setup, they're so fast and loud (with outer shields only)
Bronson G3s (From launch) - still going strong, no shields
Swiss 6 - bone dry - I don't know how old these are, 5+ years easy. Set them up in some bones X97s, they really help with the sound characteristics of the wheels (making them seem less soft somehow). I do want to put some lube in them as they squeak but don't want to lose that ssssssssssssssssssound.
Retired:
Bones Big LAME ASS Balls - I recently cleaned then (full cage removal and everything), AGAIN as they are always so slow. Bone dry they were fine for a few minutes then just seized up with no free spin (in hand mind, not on a board); put is some spead cream and they're still just fucked. Worst purchase ever.
I’m back n forth on ordering more skate stuff. But if I do…probably a Gass board (love the shape, tail is too short for you tho), some 52 x97s, and Swiss 6.
My last set of Swiss have been kinda meh, but my old 6s were the best bearing I’ve had.
I got the quantum atoms and just spinning the wheel, they were smoking (fast). After a short time, and under actual load, they have slowed, dramatically. Haven’t cleaned em. But they don’t get a lot of run, flatground in some 51s. If they cannot out live a deck (ps at that) then…dunno.
Anyways, you recommending the setup I was thinking about, has doomed me. You fucker.
Now if you could give me a grip recommendation I’ll just go ahead and place this order. I’ve always been a jessup, but with a large stable of setups, boards last a long time. I even re-gripped the last Gass board I had, which is kinda prime kook feeling behavior, and somehow managed to fuck it up, badly. I was skating dunks, and was having a hard time getting the next pair, so I figured I’d just do a quick sand job on the mob. I did a VERY light couple of scrapes and now this board is so slick it’s dumb. A shame cuz there is a some life left (the crail wood is maybe less ‘magical’/really lasts tho, in my experience).
@ok Pepper grip. My go to now. Dig the Galaxy version cuz sparkles. It's somewhere between Mob and Jessup...has perforations; the grit is a 'sharp' grit at first.
Since I’m a one setup guy now I’m tempted to get some expensive ass bearings. But my gut says I should just use the five pairs I already have (Mix of G3s and Reds). They’re from my retired setups.
If they work? Ride'm until they die unless you are having some weird brand mix n match ocd going on, then you should fix that shit asap.
G3s get tons of hate, but they're just as good as any bearing in that pricerange (if not better than say the 'ABEC 7s' from EVERY company out there. At the $25 price point, Black Panther Bearings ABEC 7s would be the only thing I'd pick over them.
Forgot to mention I do have a set of Race Redz I use once in a while (I keep some wheels in my OCD rotation and leave the bearings it. They're fast and loud (shields on) but they ARE heavier...the built in washers are much thicker and chunkier than those cheap ass (but light) ones that come stock. They're on my 'cruiser' now with Powell Dragons - given how soft the wheels were I thought it best to crank down the wheels for no play and these help with that.
all that shit aside...ML bearings at $10 are damn hard to beat.
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Running a few sets in rotation:
Bronson Ceramics (these were free) - currently in my main setup, they're so fast and loud (with outer shields only)
Bronson G3s (From launch) - still going strong, no shields
Swiss 6 - bone dry - I don't know how old these are, 5+ years easy. Set them up in some bones X97s, they really help with the sound characteristics of the wheels (making them seem less soft somehow). I do want to put some lube in them as they squeak but don't want to lose that ssssssssssssssssssound.
Retired:
Bones Big LAME ASS Balls - I recently cleaned then (full cage removal and everything), AGAIN as they are always so slow. Bone dry they were fine for a few minutes then just seized up with no free spin (in hand mind, not on a board); put is some spead cream and they're still just fucked. Worst purchase ever.
I’m back n forth on ordering more skate stuff. But if I do…probably a Gass board (love the shape, tail is too short for you tho), some 52 x97s, and Swiss 6.
My last set of Swiss have been kinda meh, but my old 6s were the best bearing I’ve had.
I got the quantum atoms and just spinning the wheel, they were smoking (fast). After a short time, and under actual load, they have slowed, dramatically. Haven’t cleaned em. But they don’t get a lot of run, flatground in some 51s. If they cannot out live a deck (ps at that) then…dunno.
Anyways, you recommending the setup I was thinking about, has doomed me. You fucker.
Now if you could give me a grip recommendation I’ll just go ahead and place this order. I’ve always been a jessup, but with a large stable of setups, boards last a long time. I even re-gripped the last Gass board I had, which is kinda prime kook feeling behavior, and somehow managed to fuck it up, badly. I was skating dunks, and was having a hard time getting the next pair, so I figured I’d just do a quick sand job on the mob. I did a VERY light couple of scrapes and now this board is so slick it’s dumb. A shame cuz there is a some life left (the crail wood is maybe less ‘magical’/really lasts tho, in my experience).
@ok Pepper grip. My go to now. Dig the Galaxy version cuz sparkles. It's somewhere between Mob and Jessup...has perforations; the grit is a 'sharp' grit at first.
Expand Quote
Since I’m a one setup guy now I’m tempted to get some expensive ass bearings. But my gut says I should just use the five pairs I already have (Mix of G3s and Reds). They’re from my retired setups.
If they work? Ride'm until they die unless you are having some weird brand mix n match ocd going on, then you should fix that shit asap.
G3s get tons of hate, but they're just as good as any bearing in that pricerange (if not better than say the 'ABEC 7s' from EVERY company out there. At the $25 price point, Black Panther Bearings ABEC 7s would be the only thing I'd pick over them.
Forgot to mention I do have a set of Race Redz I use once in a while (I keep some wheels in my OCD rotation and leave the bearings it. They're fast and loud (shields on) but they ARE heavier...the built in washers are much thicker and chunkier than those cheap ass (but light) ones that come stock. They're on my 'cruiser' now with Powell Dragons - given how soft the wheels were I thought it best to crank down the wheels for no play and these help with that.
all that shit aside...ML bearings at $10 are damn hard to beat.
I’ll got the pepper a shot, sounds like what I’m looking for.
ML are my ‘not special’/quiver bearing, and they are totally worth it.
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Retired:
Bones Big LAME ASS Balls - I recently cleaned then (full cage removal and everything), AGAIN as they are always so slow. Bone dry they were fine for a few minutes then just seized up with no free spin (in hand mind, not on a board); put is some spead cream and they're still just fucked. Worst purchase ever.
This once happened to me with years old Swiss Ceramics, cleaned and relubed them and two bearings didn't spin freely.
They were still spinning but not smoothly.
You could feel under your fingers that bearing balls were having some resistance spinning or kind of getting stuck. Took them apart again and checked outer ring raceway, there were indentations on raceways, so called bearing brinelling. When that happens bearing is done(not smooth spinning anymore) unless you replace damaged raceways.
You can get this kind of damage even by putting bearings into the wheels, especially with brand new wheels when you need to apply lots of pressure to seat them properly.
Nowadays, I always use bearing press to install bearings into wheels.
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I got some random spitfire ones recently and i'm kinda regretting not shelling for Bones Swiss
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As someone who used to swear by cheaper bearings (Reds was the most I'd spend), Quantum Metallics have yet to disappoint, definitely worth the $10 premium.
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I just ordered a set of metallics and a set of isotopes. And a t-shirt.
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I moved my Swiss 6 to my wifes setup cause she was complaining about pushing too much. Currently using her G3s, they are SLOW even after cleaning + bones speed cream. I am really starting to miss my Swiss 6.
Trying to decide between another set of Swiss or Quantum Isotopes.
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Bronson Raws are the best to me
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Took them apart again and checked outer ring raceway, there were indentations on raceways, so called bearing brinelling. When that happens bearing is done(not smooth spinning anymore) unless you replace damaged raceways.
You can get this kind of damage even by putting bearings into the wheels, especially with brand new wheels when you need to apply lots of pressure to seat them properly.
Nowadays, I always use bearing press to install bearings into wheels.
This is very true. I learned about that from RockNRon. It can happen to any bearing through use or operator error. No bearing lasts forever, no matter how cheap or expensive.
Another way to install a bearing is to use an outer ring from a broken bearing. Push the bearing into the wheel with fingers first, then take the outer ring with a block and rubber mallet and gently tap the bearing in.
With better wheels you can sometimes flip the wheel over and use the ring upside down on a table, then use pressure from the palm of your hand.
Of course it is very important to make sure the ring is aligned and only touching the outer surface of the bearing. Otherwise your shields will get dented and you can also damage the internal part of the bearing.
I would also recommend being careful with bearing presses and skate tools that have a bearing tool feature. I recently got one and the bearing tool on it is not made correctly. It should be made so that only the outer race of the bearing is being touched during mounting. Unfortunately it is undersized, which means it's pressing on the inner race of the bearing. Not good.
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Took them apart again and checked outer ring raceway, there were indentations on raceways, so called bearing brinelling. When that happens bearing is done(not smooth spinning anymore) unless you replace damaged raceways.
You can get this kind of damage even by putting bearings into the wheels, especially with brand new wheels when you need to apply lots of pressure to seat them properly.
Nowadays, I always use bearing press to install bearings into wheels.
This is very true. I learned about that from RockNRon. It can happen to any bearing through use or operator error. No bearing lasts forever, no matter how cheap or expensive.
Another way to install a bearing is to use an outer ring from a broken bearing. Push the bearing into the wheel with fingers first, then take the outer ring with a block and rubber mallet and gently tap the bearing in.
With better wheels you can sometimes flip the wheel over and use the ring upside down on a table, then use pressure from the palm of your hand.
Of course it is very important to make sure the ring is aligned and only touching the outer surface of the bearing. Otherwise your shields will get dented and you can also damage the internal part of the bearing.
I would also recommend being careful with bearing presses and skate tools that have a bearing tool feature. I recently got one and the bearing tool on it is not made correctly. It should be made so that only the outer race of the bearing is being touched during mounting. Unfortunately it is undersized, which means it's pressing on the inner race of the bearing. Not good.
Or you could just put an old, broken bearing on your axle before pressing your bearings on. Surprised this isn't the standard method.
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Took them apart again and checked outer ring raceway, there were indentations on raceways, so called bearing brinelling. When that happens bearing is done(not smooth spinning anymore) unless you replace damaged raceways.
You can get this kind of damage even by putting bearings into the wheels, especially with brand new wheels when you need to apply lots of pressure to seat them properly.
Nowadays, I always use bearing press to install bearings into wheels.
This is very true. I learned about that from RockNRon. It can happen to any bearing through use or operator error. No bearing lasts forever, no matter how cheap or expensive.
Another way to install a bearing is to use an outer ring from a broken bearing. Push the bearing into the wheel with fingers first, then take the outer ring with a block and rubber mallet and gently tap the bearing in.
With better wheels you can sometimes flip the wheel over and use the ring upside down on a table, then use pressure from the palm of your hand.
Of course it is very important to make sure the ring is aligned and only touching the outer surface of the bearing. Otherwise your shields will get dented and you can also damage the internal part of the bearing.
I would also recommend being careful with bearing presses and skate tools that have a bearing tool feature. I recently got one and the bearing tool on it is not made correctly. It should be made so that only the outer race of the bearing is being touched during mounting. Unfortunately it is undersized, which means it's pressing on the inner race of the bearing. Not good.
Or you could just put an old, broken bearing on your axle before pressing your bearings on. Surprised this isn't the standard method.
I've a unit tool with a press part (mounting nut is broken off) I use for pressing in bearings if that isn't around I always use and old bearing.
Getting bearings out, if you switch wheels a lot will for sure fuck with your bearings if you pry them off. I nabbed the bones bearing puller (some combo deal wih the cleaning kit and speed cream ages ago) and tend to use that.
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Took them apart again and checked outer ring raceway, there were indentations on raceways, so called bearing brinelling. When that happens bearing is done(not smooth spinning anymore) unless you replace damaged raceways.
You can get this kind of damage even by putting bearings into the wheels, especially with brand new wheels when you need to apply lots of pressure to seat them properly.
Nowadays, I always use bearing press to install bearings into wheels.
This is very true. I learned about that from RockNRon. It can happen to any bearing through use or operator error. No bearing lasts forever, no matter how cheap or expensive.
Another way to install a bearing is to use an outer ring from a broken bearing. Push the bearing into the wheel with fingers first, then take the outer ring with a block and rubber mallet and gently tap the bearing in.
With better wheels you can sometimes flip the wheel over and use the ring upside down on a table, then use pressure from the palm of your hand.
Of course it is very important to make sure the ring is aligned and only touching the outer surface of the bearing. Otherwise your shields will get dented and you can also damage the internal part of the bearing.
I would also recommend being careful with bearing presses and skate tools that have a bearing tool feature. I recently got one and the bearing tool on it is not made correctly. It should be made so that only the outer race of the bearing is being touched during mounting. Unfortunately it is undersized, which means it's pressing on the inner race of the bearing. Not good.
Or you could just put an old, broken bearing on your axle before pressing your bearings on. Surprised this isn't the standard method.
I've a unit tool with a press part (mounting nut is broken off) I use for pressing in bearings if that isn't around I always use and old bearing.
Getting bearings out, if you switch wheels a lot will for sure fuck with your bearings if you pry them off. I nabbed the bones bearing puller (some combo deal wih the cleaning kit and speed cream ages ago) and tend to use that.
That‘s great advice, I never thought of that. Also that bearing puller sounds alluring got to cop it next time I pass an order, now that I rock ceramics I don‘t want to break them while switching them.
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Or you could just put an old, broken bearing on your axle before pressing your bearings on. Surprised this isn't the standard method.
That might be slightly better than what most people do, but hardly ideal. There will still be significant pressure on the inner race if you do it that way. The way I described puts zero pressure on the inner race.
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Or you could just put an old, broken bearing on your axle before pressing your bearings on. Surprised this isn't the standard method.
That might be slightly better than what most people do, but hardly ideal. There will still be significant pressure on the inner race if you do it that way. The way I described puts zero pressure on the inner race.
Oust preferably, Reds or Modus if I'm strapped for cash.
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Have you guys ever seen a pair of fake Swiss 6? Bought them from an authorized shop but the box looks a little sketch and the "made in Switzerland" text is a sticker. The text on the shields looks fine tho.
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Have you guys ever seen a pair of fake Swiss 6? Bought them from an authorized shop but the box looks a little sketch and the "made in Switzerland" text is a sticker. The text on the shields looks fine tho.
Most likely old stock.
And no I have never seen fake six ball bearings, only the regular seven balls in most options.
The original bearings in any option didn't have the words "Made in Switzerland" and so they put the stickers on the boxes for a while and then had them printed on the boxes more recently, so it is most likely one of those lots.
In general I think the Swiss six balls just don't sell anywhere near as well as the regular Swiss white box bearings, so quite a few places would be sitting on them for a while, compared to selling cartons of regular Swiss bearings every month or so.
https://bonesbearings.com/bones-reg-super-swiss-6-skateboard-bearings-8-pack
Edit - added pics.
Older pack with "Made in..." sticker in black:
(https://www.nativeskatestore.co.uk/images/bones-bearings-super-swiss-6-ball-skateboard-bearings-p21950-53741_image.jpg)
New pack with white print on the box:
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0475/5337/products/bones-swiss-6-bearings_1000x.png)
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Have you guys ever seen a pair of fake Swiss 6? Bought them from an authorized shop but the box looks a little sketch and the "made in Switzerland" text is a sticker. The text on the shields looks fine tho.
Most likely old stock.
And no I have never seen fake six ball bearings, only the regular seven balls in most options.
The original bearings in any option didn't have the words "Made in Switzerland" and so they put the stickers on the boxes for a while and then had them printed on the boxes more recently, so it is most likely one of those lots.
In general I think the Swiss six balls just don't sell anywhere near as well as the regular Swiss white box bearings, so quite a few places would be sitting on them for a while, compared to selling cartons of regular Swiss bearings every month or so.
https://bonesbearings.com/bones-reg-super-swiss-6-skateboard-bearings-8-pack
Edit - added pics.
Older pack with "Made in..." sticker in black:
(https://www.nativeskatestore.co.uk/images/bones-bearings-super-swiss-6-ball-skateboard-bearings-p21950-53741_image.jpg)
New pack with white print on the box:
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0475/5337/products/bones-swiss-6-bearings_1000x.png)
Thank you, your box with the sticker looks the same as mine. They are likely old stock like you said.
I wonder why the original swiss sell so much better? I was honestly just going to buy the original but saw these for the same price.
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They sell better because lots of skaters go with what they know by habit. Everyone knows standard Swiss are great so why change even if the price is the same?
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My main set up has some Quantum Ceramics and those things go. Worth the cash dropped on these, looking to see how they hold up long term.
Had some Hard Luck ceramics and those weren’t half bad either. My fav bearing I’ve had were some NMBs that I have no idea where I got em from but were loud and fast as shit.
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Quantum Atoms break easily. I mean, really easily compared to e.g. Bones Swiss etc. Was kind of feeling them at first, but I've had two of 'em break on me in the past month after some hard skating. Back to Bones for me. Six Balls for life.
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Currently skating Bones Swiss with shields on. Have another older pair with no shields that I’ll probably switch back to or use for a future set up. Not sure if it’s the sound or the feeling but a broken in pair of Swiss with no shields just seems better to me.
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I wonder why the original swiss sell so much better? I was honestly just going to buy the original but saw these for the same price.
They were the tried and tested product from the 80s and six ball came later.
People like things that they know work and there would be a lot of people who all used or have heard about the Bones Swiss bearings so the name alone is up there with other skate legend as one of the greats.
Not to say there is anything wrong with the Bones Swiss Six or any of their other bearings, as they all work fine, as per the few sets of Swiss Six I have had over the years too, but I have had a lot more regular Swiss than any other option.
* Note the Bones Big Balls had issues with the ball retainer cage breaking easily, but once they fixed that, they are also good bearings. Just one small fault and most people will not touch them again, even if they have sorted out the problem, but they are different to Swiss Six bearings.
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I've got Swiss Six, & 2 sets of Swiss on my boards and can't remember which are which, but they're all good. Can't tell the but are kinda loosening up.
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Quantum Atoms break easily. I mean, really easily compared to e.g. Bones Swiss etc. Was kind of feeling them at first, but I've had two of 'em break on me in the past month after some hard skating. Back to Bones for me. Six Balls for life.
I have found the opposite. I'm almost 2 years on my atoms and haven't had a single issue. Lube every 6 months and keep rolling.
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Quantum Atoms break easily. I mean, really easily compared to e.g. Bones Swiss etc. Was kind of feeling them at first, but I've had two of 'em break on me in the past month after some hard skating. Back to Bones for me. Six Balls for life.
I have found the opposite. I'm almost 2 years on my atoms and haven't had a single issue. Lube every 6 months and keep rolling.
Good to hear – maybe I've skated too hard. :) Do you keep the shields on?
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At the risk of beating a horse that's died many deaths: someone above mentioned shields, and reminded me of the fact that I've never ridden bearings without shields in my life, I mean, for real.
Can someone tell me at least one solid reason why I should do it? If someone can solidly tell me they are faster without the shields, I could try it. Aesthetical reasons do not really convince me, as the noise etc. is a matter of taste. To each their own. But if they actually perform better without the shields – I'm in.
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At the risk of beating a horse that's died many deaths: someone above mentioned shields, and reminded me of the fact that I've never ridden bearings without shields in my life, I mean, for real.
Can someone tell me at least one solid reason why I should do it? If someone can solidly tell me they are faster without the shields, I could try it. Aesthetical reasons do not really convince me, as the noise etc. is a matter of taste. To each their own. But if they actually perform better without the shields – I'm in.
They don't perform better, they just sound cooler to some people and most skaters are creatures of habit. People also have a tendency to bend them when they're servicing their bearings and cause them to rub which is obviously alleviated by popping the shield, but you could get the same effect plus actually be protected by just replacing the shields.
Just beware that not every shield fits every 508 bearing. When I rust out a set I keep all the unbent shields in a pill bottle or old bearing case and use those to replace any that I accidentally mangle.
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I buy whatever is cheap, but sounds good. Then, I pop the shields off and always forget what bearings I am riding.
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Normally run Reds. I just got some of the metallic Quantums. I just can’t bring myself to spend too much on bearings. Maybe one day I’ll try some ceramics.
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Quantum Atoms break easily. I mean, really easily compared to e.g. Bones Swiss etc. Was kind of feeling them at first, but I've had two of 'em break on me in the past month after some hard skating. Back to Bones for me. Six Balls for life.
Yeah, maybe the metallic ones are better, but it has been my experience that they are exactly what you should expect for $45 ceramic bearings. If you believe you're getting some incredible bearing which rivals much more expensive options, you're going to be disappointed.
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Been riding swiss for about a month. Not going back to anything else.
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Quantum Atoms break easily. I mean, really easily compared to e.g. Bones Swiss etc. Was kind of feeling them at first, but I've had two of 'em break on me in the past month after some hard skating. Back to Bones for me. Six Balls for life.
I have found the opposite. I'm almost 2 years on my atoms and haven't had a single issue. Lube every 6 months and keep rolling.
Good to hear – maybe I've skated too hard. :) Do you keep the shields on?
I ran them off at first just because I'd never tried that, but then realized that yes- doing so is moronic so I put them back on. They feel just as fast both ways but needed much more constant lube with no shields.
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Quantum Atoms break easily. I mean, really easily compared to e.g. Bones Swiss etc. Was kind of feeling them at first, but I've had two of 'em break on me in the past month after some hard skating. Back to Bones for me. Six Balls for life.
I have found the opposite. I'm almost 2 years on my atoms and haven't had a single issue. Lube every 6 months and keep rolling.
Good to hear – maybe I've skated too hard. :) Do you keep the shields on?
I ran them off at first just because I'd never tried that, but then realized that yes- doing so is moronic so I put them back on. They feel just as fast both ways but needed much more constant lube with no shields.
That's how I've ended up feeling about shields. I mean, it seems more like a fad to pop the shields off than anything else.
Re: lubing – Quantum actually does not recommed lubing the bearings if you're running them without the shields so as not to collect dirt. I don't know man, the whole shieldless thing seems just sketchy for an old kook like me.
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
i use my swiss on my snowskate and wakeskate in addition to my mountain and regular board
no issues here
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
I used to break Reds and Bronson G3 on a monthly basis—probably from landing primo too often. A set of Swiss lasted me nearly three years. I’m pretty sure I broke the one bearing by incorrectly applying pressure when I swapped wheels. It’s worth it if you’re buying $10-25 bearings every one or two months. As long as you keep your shields on, you shouldn’t have to worry about dirt.
Edit: I’m rocking Oski’s SKFs but it’s still too early to tell how good they are, since I haven’t even put in five hours yet. If they last less than six months, I’m going to try Swiss 6, but will go for Swiss Ceramic if a shop has a discount on hardgoods.
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
i use my swiss on my snowskate and wakeskate in addition to my mountain and regular board
no issues here
Good to know, might be my next purchase. Everyone sings their praises but I was always skeptical
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
i use my swiss on my snowskate and wakeskate in addition to my mountain and regular board
no issues here
Good to know, might be my next purchase. Everyone sings their praises but I was always skeptical
My old lady insisted on bones swiss for my yakuza beads cuz she wanted that smooth, fast, and never ending ride we all know and luv.
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I question how the variances in the bearings can save them from the situations we put them in ie. me incessantly landing primo, but anecdotally most people have success with Swiss…..
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
i use my swiss on my snowskate and wakeskate in addition to my mountain and regular board
no issues here
Good to know, might be my next purchase. Everyone sings their praises but I was always skeptical
In my experience, they are everything that people claim they are. I've had the same $55 (on sale) pair for three years. In the years prior, I was replacing the bearings every couple of months with another set of $25 Reds. Spending ~$60 every three years is a much better use of my money than $25 every three months.
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This might have been answered but there's 30+ pages in this thread now...
Is getting Swiss or higher grade bearings worthwhile if you're rough on bearings? I don't really think about avoiding getting them dirty, and only clean them if I notice they are clearly slow or rusty. I'll clean the whole lot at that time and give em some Speed Cream, but that's maybe 2-3 times for the life of the set.
Are Swiss of any stronger construction? Do they rust/get filthy less easily? I don't want to slap $50+ bearings on a board if I have to be conscious of them.
i use my swiss on my snowskate and wakeskate in addition to my mountain and regular board
no issues here
Good to know, might be my next purchase. Everyone sings their praises but I was always skeptical
In my experience, they are everything that people claim they are. I've had the same $55 (on sale) pair for three years. In the years prior, I was replacing the bearings every couple of months with another set of $25 Reds. Spending ~$60 every three years is a much better use of my money than $25 every three months.
i recently busted out a set from a long ass time ago, from you know, when i actually skated a lot. no shields and they're still screaming
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I fuck up bearings from slappies, even swiss and swiss 6 I'll have to pretty frequently take them out and give them an alcohol bath and relube because some just totally seize up. I've never found them to be INSANELY better than cheap Reds like some people swear.
Bought Bronson Raws idk how many months ago but it's been quite awhile and they haven't done that seizing up thing whatsoever. I probably have never really needed to clean them but since the shields are already off, once or twice when setting up a new board I was bored and cleaned them and put them back on without relubing them or anything. The spin test and audible feedback is nuts, unlike any bearing I've tried. If these break I'll try quantum's but honestly, I think Bronson Raws are better than Bones bearings unless I just got lucky, shrug.
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
Yeah no Quantums anymore for me either. Overhyped marketing.
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
DM’d you.
Thanks
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I read on here that people had experience with Big Balls (china bones 6 balls), not breaking-in.
I recently used some old ones on a cruiser and they spin pretty good - i wonder if the soft wheels and harder core make a difference
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
Yeah no Quantums anymore for me either. Overhyped marketing.
Was running the isotopes ? Or whatever was the high end ones before the fusions In my secondary board and didn’t have the shields on and knocked all the balls out on a 5.0. The outer part is still in the wheel but the whole thing exploded. To be fair though I got those when they first came out so possibly the quality has improved
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
Yeah no Quantums anymore for me either. Overhyped marketing.
Yeah, if you got them in the beginning, that would be before we changed to the cages, that we currently use, and they’d be a couple years old.
Sent you a DM
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I read on here that people had experience with Big Balls (china bones 6 balls), not breaking-in.
I recently used some old ones on a cruiser and they spin pretty good - i wonder if the soft wheels and harder core make a difference
I think the biggest issue with the Big Balls bearings was the ball retainer being too thin and breaking apart quite easily, for which Skate One issued replacement ball retainers before upgrading all their new product.
Even older ones by now might be the newer ones with the fixed / thicker ball retainers, but if you are unsure, just get them out and have a look at the back of them.
A few sets others have had still skated fine up until they blew out completely, not all at once of course, but one here or there. The set that was left with me after two blew have another four with the ball retainers in pieces and two that look like they only have minimal cracks in one area of it.
Worth checking, even for a cruiser.
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
DM’d you.
Thanks
Thank you.
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Running some Bronson Raws, daily use since I got them and they’re slowing down…Swiss six no shields same spots and more time on them and still faster and louder….same for Bronson ceramics with shields, super fast…raws just aren’t holding up.
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I read on here that people had experience with Big Balls (china bones 6 balls), not breaking-in.
I recently used some old ones on a cruiser and they spin pretty good - i wonder if the soft wheels and harder core make a difference
I had a set on my normal setup and they were annoying switched them to a cruiserboard after a couple months they were spinning well
I popped the shields put them back on my regular board and got at least six months of nice noisy bearings
I'd only buy them on sale only myself
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I’m running big balls and I’m not into them they are noticeably slower and less smooth than the bearings in my other wheels ( I leave bearings in and just swap wheels at times) in my other wheels that are f4. I use the ceramic ones from Olympia. And those have been great
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I had to throw away the third Quantum Fusion bearing today due to mechanical failure. No high impact, not even slappies were performed on those. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement as I specifically bought them for a rain slappy set up but as it turns out they can‘t even handle nice weather old man flatground skating. That will teach me.
Probably time for a new Quantum thread which the company can't delete whenever some people complain about low quality bearings.
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I’m running big balls and I’m not into them they are noticeably slower and less smooth than the bearings in my other wheels ( I leave bearings in and just swap wheels at times) in my other wheels that are f4. I use the ceramic ones from Olympia. And those have been great
Big Balls were a massive disappointment (Bronson raws right behind them at this point) plenty of regs ‘abec7s’ at that price point (or lower) that do laps around them, e.g., black Panthers, super redz, Modus, etc..
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bones swiss and whatever bearings come in the shorty's first aid kit ;D (also frankensteined a bunch of random bearings in my back up boards; re: if I left my shit at the health food store or other board)
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Running some Bronson Raws, daily use since I got them and they’re slowing down…Swiss six no shields same spots and more time on them and still faster and louder….same for Bronson ceramics with shields, super fast…raws just aren’t holding up.
Yeah, they definitely don’t maintain that velvety low-friction spin once you actually skate them. I just put a drop of lube in each of mine on the cruiser, and they seem to work much better, but without the loud hiss.
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busted out a set of old stock china bones i scored at a yardsale. shields off and these shits been screaming 8)
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swiss 6's, these were like a lowkey secret back in the day.
now i see bones made like big balls or whatever, those used to not even be a thing it was only super swiss 6 and some shops never even had them you used to have to order them offline alot. I remember the comments on kids being like what shields are those? and then seeing bone and were like whaat the fuck. But yeah bones swiss 6
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swiss 6 are the best last for years
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spacers compatible with quantums? i need that thud not that tin
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spacers compatible with quantums? i need that thud not that tin
It’s always questionable if spacers are a good idea, since the inner race of wheels always have slight variances from manufacturing. They may work well with Quantums in one set of wheels, or be too wide for the wheel and not let bearings seat fully/get pushed out.
Personally, the only time I’ve ever tried them, they did not fit the wheels. Then I realized that I don’t need spacers in my wheels, I need emotional catharsis and spiritual fulfillment.
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So I've been on swiss for a few months now and they just get better and faster every session. I don't have to push nearly as much and I maintain speed a lot longer now. Now I know why the pros use them.
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So I've been on swiss for a few months now and they just get better and faster every session. I don't have to push nearly as much and I maintain speed a lot longer now. Now I know why the pros use them.
Once I got on them for real and realized how fast and long-lasting they are, I've never looked at any other bearing. They're the best, fact.
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Back on my Swizz. I'm not going to lie.
My China white ceramics are so so much better.
I feel like the only area where Swizz is truly better is the cage durability.
Ceramics are the only way for me.
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
Some German bearing manufacturer getting into the skate game. Haven't tried them but feedback on the boards is that they come super packed with grease so they're slow at first but break in nicely.
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
World leader in bearings for industrial applications, bicycles, etc. They're new to skating. I haven't touched anything they've made for skateboards, but I've used their bottom brackets and their cartridge bearings more times than I could possibly recount. The price isn't low enough compared to Swiss for me to switch.
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
Some German bearing manufacturer getting into the skate game. Haven't tried them but feedback on the boards is that they come super packed with grease so they're slow at first but break in nicely.
It is a Swedish company that produces bearings in Italy. They're probably somewhere in between Bones Reds and Quantum Isotopes, in terms of feel and pricing. I'm not impressed but I'm not disappointed.
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
World leader in bearings for industrial applications, bicycles, etc. They're new to skating. I haven't touched anything they've made for skateboards, but I've used their bottom brackets and their cartridge bearings more times than I could possibly recount. The price isn't low enough compared to Swiss for me to switch.
They tried to launch in 2007 with Reynolds but it didn't work out. I just noticed that they picked up Tiago.
I probably spent at least two hours over the weekend looking at which bearings to buy. Based on recommendations, I decided to order two sets of the Super Swiss 6, because I spent enough time looking at bearings.
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
Some German bearing manufacturer getting into the skate game. Haven't tried them but feedback on the boards is that they come super packed with grease so they're slow at first but break in nicely.
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
World leader in bearings for industrial applications, bicycles, etc. They're new to skating. I haven't touched anything they've made for skateboards, but I've used their bottom brackets and their cartridge bearings more times than I could possibly recount. The price isn't low enough compared to Swiss for me to switch.
I probably spent at least two hours over the weekend looking at which bearings to buy. Based on recommendations, I decided to order two sets of the Super Swiss 6, because I spent enough time looking at bearings.
I had those Reynolds bearings when they came out and every single one of them exploded at some point or another.
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do you think taking the shields off my bones swiss will affect its performance, i was riding raws previously and i loved how loud the bearings were :'( :'( :'(
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do you think taking the shields off my bones swiss will affect its performance, i was riding raws previously and i loved how loud the bearings were :'( :'( :'(
Yes.
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Just curious, anyone ever use Lock-Ease for lube? Works great on car, pad locks, and home locks. Seems like it probably be good for bearings.
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SKF is an age-old Swedish bearing factory, founded in 1907. The world's largest bearing manufacturer for every industry imaginable.
We used to use their bearings in the late 80's for skateboarding here in the Nordics, even they did not supply skate bearings per se back then. Worked well, just had to find the right size.
Haven't tried their new "skate" bearings which are probably just their normal classic bearings repackaged and branded.
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Got some toy machine abec 7 for free and those are surprisingly good so far
3 months later and these are the best bearings I've ever had. What the hell is going on these are amazing
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Anyone know what's up with SKF? Was perusing the 303 Memorial Day sale and looks like there's signature bearings for Alexis, Ishod, and Oski but I've never heard of this company before
I’ve been skating the standard set they came out with at first, they are indeed packed with grease, I’m usually a pop the shields guy and I didn’t for these specifically to see if it affected them in the long run, I’m about 4 setups deep on them so far they’ve broke in nicely, I cleaned them about two weeks ago with iso and then used my sewing machine lube to make sure they stay lubricated, I will say they are smooth still, and there is hardly any play side to side on the bearing itself, usually reds will just feel kinda loose side to side when you mess around with them, I’d say they are a more solid red, I feel like these are gonna last me awhile as well I haven’t felt the need to switch back to reds like I usually do with any other bearing….quantum’s included
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Got some toy machine abec 7 for free and those are surprisingly good so far
3 months later and these are the best bearings I've ever had. What the hell is going on these are amazing
For me the ultimate best cheap bearing are HKD 5
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Quantum Fusions. I’ve had them set up since February and I have to clean and relube them for the sixth or seventh time now. When they’re good and rolling they’re really good. They eventually dry out or something which makes them start to roll slow with any sort of load on them. I’m eventually going to get fed up with cleaning them so much and going back to Bones
The HKD 7’s used to be really fast. Haven’t had a set in over a decade though so I’m not sure if they’re still the same
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Bones Reds now. Dusty, dirty Arizona destroyed multiple sets of Quantum’s too quickly and constantly cleaning bearings is annoying. Bought some Reds and plan to just use them until they get bad, clean them once, then pitch them once they’re bad again. I do feel like the Quantum’s got dirty and rough much quicker than my Swiss but I have been skating different spots so I can’t say for sure. One positive aspect of the quantum’s is that they’re considerably faster than than the Reds. I’ve had to do a lot of extra pushes since switching.
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On my 3 setups I am running original Swiss, Quantum Atoms and Oust Moc 9 "Airr" bearings. I can say that out of these I actually prefer the Oust bearings. They took a while to break in but now they are so silky and feel almost frictionless. They are about as fast or maybe faster than the Atoms (and without the loudness) and a fair bit faster than the Swiss. Super surprised - US made quality bearings indeed! I had my doubts after reading some negative reviews. The one downside is they need more frequent lubrication than the other bearings. The lube is very thin and the bearings dry out quickly so I purchased some of their lube as well. I don't mind the maintenance to have such silky, friction-free performance. I ride transition pretty much exclusively and speed matters.
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Same grabbed a set based on people hyping them up on here, three seized up and I ended up ditching them off on some kid at the park, have been on green SKFs since, these still haven’t showed any signs of slowing down, i feel like the tolerances on these may be outshining the reds, I just want a good set of bearings that don’t seize up, or need to clean them every other shesh, I’ve got burned by trying to be core so I’ll stick to reds and the skf greens from now on
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Quantums are overhyped, overpriced pieces of shit. Stay away from them.
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Quantums are overhyped, overpriced pieces of shit. Stay away from them.
It's pretty funny how they milked Slap and then nuked the thread the moment I and a few other people were like "They're fine bearings, maybe not the greatest thing since sliced bread." I mean, joke's on us, clearly.
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Quantums are overhyped, overpriced pieces of shit. Stay away from them.
It's pretty funny how they milked Slap and then nuked the thread the moment I and a few other people were like "They're fine bearings, maybe not the greatest thing since sliced bread." I mean, joke's on us, clearly.
Pwned.
That's why you don't betray Swiss
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Man, I've had the complete opposite experience. I have a set of Swiss 6, a set of Fusions, and a set of Atoms. I am pretty meticulous about bearing upkeep and it is not even close which are fastest. Both Quantums beat the Swiss by a notable margin and require less frequent lubrication. I run them all with shields and the Swiss 6 sometimes jam, which a Quantum has never done on me.
Sorry you had such bad luck, but did you ever try contacting Quantum? I messed up a shield once and they sent me a ton for free. I had their bearings very early on and had a weird set that would get really slow. They replaced them and those are the Atoms that I still have that somehow seem to get better with age.
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Quantums are overhyped, overpriced pieces of shit. Stay away from them.
It's pretty funny how they milked Slap and then nuked the thread the moment I and a few other people were like "They're fine bearings, maybe not the greatest thing since sliced bread." I mean, joke's on us, clearly.
I don't think they milked Slap and people were absolutely shitty to them often for no reason just coming up with elaborate ways to say their product names for things were corny. I actually know a lot of people that don't post on Slap and never have that use their bearings and love them. There have been a handful of negative reviews especially early on and mostly from people that run their bearings shieldless against the manufacturer's reputation. They're price competitive with Swiss and perform just as well- well enough that most of the people I know that have tried them have not gone back to what they were on before with many of them Swiss riders.
Slap is an echo chamber for overwhelmingly positive or negative experiences. There are almost never any "yah its good" or "they're fine but not lifechanging" reports about gear ever. Its always "this is the best" or "this is trash"
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Man, I've had the complete opposite experience. I have a set of Swiss 6, a set of Fusions, and a set of Atoms. I am pretty meticulous about bearing upkeep and it is not even close which are fastest. Both Quantums beat the Swiss by a notable margin and require less frequent lubrication. I run them all with shields and the Swiss 6 sometimes jam, which a Quantum has never done on me.
Sorry you had such bad luck, but did you ever try contacting Quantum? I messed up a shield once and they sent me a ton for free. I had their bearings very early on and had a weird set that would get really slow. They replaced them and those are the Atoms that I still have that somehow seem to get better with age.
Happy for you. I run them with shields but they keep getting loose. I had two sets and two extra bearings on top. 7 months later I have six still running despite frequent cleaning. At times I had to clean one or two after every session, low impact dry weather. I am not going to bother to ask them for a replacement, I am over those bearings. I never had a Swiss Six dying on me and I ran them for 7 months on a slappy set up slamming and pinching them into ugly fs crooks for hours. Never cleaned them and they only get faster.
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Damn that sucks. I've had several sets of swiss/swiss 6 and both my quantum atoms and isotopes have been significantly better than swiss in terms of holding speed and durability
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bronson g3
i honestly cant tell the difference between em and the g2 but the extra money i spend on them make me feel like they do last longer
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Man, I've had the complete opposite experience. I have a set of Swiss 6, a set of Fusions, and a set of Atoms. I am pretty meticulous about bearing upkeep and it is not even close which are fastest. Both Quantums beat the Swiss by a notable margin and require less frequent lubrication. I run them all with shields and the Swiss 6 sometimes jam, which a Quantum has never done on me.
Sorry you had such bad luck, but did you ever try contacting Quantum? I messed up a shield once and they sent me a ton for free. I had their bearings very early on and had a weird set that would get really slow. They replaced them and those are the Atoms that I still have that somehow seem to get better with age.
Happy for you. I run them with shields but they keep getting loose. I had two sets and two extra bearings on top. 7 months later I have six still running despite frequent cleaning. At times I had to clean one or two after every session, low impact dry weather. I am not going to bother to ask them for a replacement, I am over those bearings. I never had a Swiss Six dying on me and I ran them for 7 months on a slappy set up slamming and pinching them into ugly fs crooks for hours. Never cleaned them and they only get faster.
I'll repeat my question: did you ever reach out to Quantum directly? If not, that's your bad as I would personally have contacted a manufacturer if a product that expensive was not performing as expected. I would wager they would have at the very least sent a replacement pair. I've had to do the same with Skate Ones and some god awful Swiss 6 and the fact that you won't exercise your consumer "power" is really not Quantum's fault here.
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Man, I've had the complete opposite experience. I have a set of Swiss 6, a set of Fusions, and a set of Atoms. I am pretty meticulous about bearing upkeep and it is not even close which are fastest. Both Quantums beat the Swiss by a notable margin and require less frequent lubrication. I run them all with shields and the Swiss 6 sometimes jam, which a Quantum has never done on me.
Sorry you had such bad luck, but did you ever try contacting Quantum? I messed up a shield once and they sent me a ton for free. I had their bearings very early on and had a weird set that would get really slow. They replaced them and those are the Atoms that I still have that somehow seem to get better with age.
Happy for you. I run them with shields but they keep getting loose. I had two sets and two extra bearings on top. 7 months later I have six still running despite frequent cleaning. At times I had to clean one or two after every session, low impact dry weather. I am not going to bother to ask them for a replacement, I am over those bearings. I never had a Swiss Six dying on me and I ran them for 7 months on a slappy set up slamming and pinching them into ugly fs crooks for hours. Never cleaned them and they only get faster.
I'll repeat my question: did you ever reach out to Quantum directly? If not, that's your bad as I would personally have contacted a manufacturer if a product that expensive was not performing as expected. I would wager they would have at the very least sent a replacement pair. I've had to do the same with Skate Ones and some god awful Swiss 6 and the fact that you won't exercise your consumer "power" is really not Quantum's fault here.
Fer sher, they won't improve them if they don't know there's an issue. If there's one thing I've noticed about Quantum, is that they at least seem to hook up people that have issues with their products. Unfortunate to hear about the issues people are having.
Just curious @LebowskisRug, what was wrong with that set of Swiss?
I tried my new set of six ball on Saturday and even fresh outta the box, not broken in, they rolled noticeably farther than anything else I've had.
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Just reporting in.
I got a set of Enuff Swiss as a part of my Christmas gifts.
I haven’t tried much in bearings as of just coming back into skating sometime September last year.
Back when I last skated I upgraded my bearings from unknown to “china bones” (can you even say this nowadays?) in 2001.
My next bearing experiences is currently Bronsons G2, which has performed above expectations. A guy at my mini ramp who swears by shieldless un-maintained Bones Swiss, said mine rolled much better than his.
Then came Christmas, and I got unsolicited bearings as an extra gift from my spouse. I got “Enuff Swiss Bearings”
I doubt they’re swissness, but supposedly they come pre-lubed with “Militec oil”, which is obviously the bomb when it comes to oil. They hold speed really well and I’m really positively impressed by how they do.
(https://i.ibb.co/n8K6sry/IMG-2658.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n8K6sry)
Will keep you up to date.
Have looked into the oil they use, and by European standards it’s basically unicorn fat.
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Man, I've had the complete opposite experience. I have a set of Swiss 6, a set of Fusions, and a set of Atoms. I am pretty meticulous about bearing upkeep and it is not even close which are fastest. Both Quantums beat the Swiss by a notable margin and require less frequent lubrication. I run them all with shields and the Swiss 6 sometimes jam, which a Quantum has never done on me.
Sorry you had such bad luck, but did you ever try contacting Quantum? I messed up a shield once and they sent me a ton for free. I had their bearings very early on and had a weird set that would get really slow. They replaced them and those are the Atoms that I still have that somehow seem to get better with age.
Happy for you. I run them with shields but they keep getting loose. I had two sets and two extra bearings on top. 7 months later I have six still running despite frequent cleaning. At times I had to clean one or two after every session, low impact dry weather. I am not going to bother to ask them for a replacement, I am over those bearings. I never had a Swiss Six dying on me and I ran them for 7 months on a slappy set up slamming and pinching them into ugly fs crooks for hours. Never cleaned them and they only get faster.
I'll repeat my question: did you ever reach out to Quantum directly? If not, that's your bad as I would personally have contacted a manufacturer if a product that expensive was not performing as expected. I would wager they would have at the very least sent a replacement pair. I've had to do the same with Skate Ones and some god awful Swiss 6 and the fact that you won't exercise your consumer "power" is really not Quantum's fault here.
Fer sher, they won't improve them if they don't know there's an issue. If there's one thing I've noticed about Quantum, is that they at least seem to hook up people that have issues with their products. Unfortunate to hear about the issues people are having.
Just curious @LebowskisRug, what was wrong with that set of Swiss?
I tried my new set of six ball on Saturday and even fresh outta the box, not broken in, they rolled noticeably farther than anything else I've had.
3 of my Swiss were not to tolerance and had lateral play. There was enough where it would basically bind the wheel up and feel really notchy. I thought it was me not using spacers or something so I took them out and if I pinched the inner race I could move the outer laterally with my hands. Sent a video to Skate one and had new bearings a few days later.
My Swiss 6 were fine for a while honestly, but after 6-7mo would slow down constantly. I was cleaning them every few sessions and trying different lube and they just never got fast again. After a while if I landed primo the wheel would often jam. I still have em around I think they're on my Mini Beach Bum.
There are a lot more people than Slap realizes using Quantum now it's not like they did a cash grab here.
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I mentioned it way earlier in this thread but Olympia is a quality bearing for the price. I had the mid tier ones and they still work in my back up set up. Ended up getting the ceramics that are like $40 bucks and I’ve had them for 2 years or coming up on 2 years. I’ve randomly swapped them but keep coming back. I’ve only cleaned them once and they are doing great.
I do wanna try the Bronson shield less gimmick things cause shield less bearings sound cool andi i can’t bring my self to do take the shields off my Olympia’s.
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Bones Swiss only. Shields off, spacers in.
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I have a set of Swiss 6 on the go that are about 4 years old. I think I've cleaned and lubed them once. They just won't die. They've been in multiple wheel sets at this point. Shields on but sounds so good. I've had my best luck with Swiss 6.
I also really like Quantum's but they have not proved to be as quite as durable as Bones Swiss 6 and they aren't much cheaper at this point. I still highly recommend the Isotopes though. I have a set of Quantum metallics in some wheels at the moment also and they are really good for a $30 bearing. I hope they prove to be long lasting. If so they will be my new budget bearing.
Indy Blacks were cheap and mostly reliable for a budget bearing but I don't think they make those any more.
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After 7 months on Quantum Fusions I switched back to Swiss Super 6 and it is really remarkable how much faster these are.
To think that I have wasted 7 months on those slow high maintenance Quantums only because they were hyped on Slap (and then I was too stupid to immediately ditch them once their flaws had become apparent). Thanks for nothing. ;D
Man, I've had the complete opposite experience. I have a set of Swiss 6, a set of Fusions, and a set of Atoms. I am pretty meticulous about bearing upkeep and it is not even close which are fastest. Both Quantums beat the Swiss by a notable margin and require less frequent lubrication. I run them all with shields and the Swiss 6 sometimes jam, which a Quantum has never done on me.
Sorry you had such bad luck, but did you ever try contacting Quantum? I messed up a shield once and they sent me a ton for free. I had their bearings very early on and had a weird set that would get really slow. They replaced them and those are the Atoms that I still have that somehow seem to get better with age.
Happy for you. I run them with shields but they keep getting loose. I had two sets and two extra bearings on top. 7 months later I have six still running despite frequent cleaning. At times I had to clean one or two after every session, low impact dry weather. I am not going to bother to ask them for a replacement, I am over those bearings. I never had a Swiss Six dying on me and I ran them for 7 months on a slappy set up slamming and pinching them into ugly fs crooks for hours. Never cleaned them and they only get faster.
I'll repeat my question: did you ever reach out to Quantum directly? If not, that's your bad as I would personally have contacted a manufacturer if a product that expensive was not performing as expected. I would wager they would have at the very least sent a replacement pair. I've had to do the same with Skate Ones and some god awful Swiss 6 and the fact that you won't exercise your consumer "power" is really not Quantum's fault here.
Bro they lurk this site and the Quantum dude sent me a non committal dm after reading my rant. I repeat, I don‘t want anymore of those bearings in my life, I had two sets plus two extra bearings. I will save those dudes the shipping cost of replacements to Europe. I have another set of Swiss 6 on ice that I copped on a sale so I am good for the foreseeable future. And this is my last post on the topic, it‘s my personal experience and I understand many dudes are happy with the product, which is perfectly fine.
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Personal experience: I've never had a Bones Swiss bearing fail on me from other than really old age. On the other hand, I've had two (2) sets of Quantum Atoms both in which at least one bearing went to shit after only a couple of weeks of skating.
So I did the math and decided not to use them again. This is just plain logic, not hating.
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Had the same set of Bronson G3s for a year. And it feels like they lose speed easily. Idk, I want to try some Bones Swiss to see what the hype is about, but they’re so expensive. I’d really like to push less though 🤔
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Had the same set of Bronson G3s for a year. And it feels like they lose speed easily. Idk, I want to try some Bones Swiss to see what the hype is about, but they’re so expensive. I’d really like to push less though 🤔
They're worth the money. Once you go Swiss, it's really hard to go back to any other bearing, honest. G3s are crappy compared to them. Bones Swiss are solid, long-lasting and fast, and last YEARS if you clean and lube them a couple of times per year or so.
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I dunno, Bones Swiss are pretty unbeatable, but they're way more expensive these days.
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Bro they lurk this site and the Quantum dude sent me a non committal dm after reading my rant. I repeat, I don‘t want anymore of those bearings in my life, I had two sets plus two extra bearings. I will save those dudes the shipping cost of replacements to Europe. I have another set of Swiss 6 on ice that I copped on a sale so I am good for the foreseeable future. And this is my last post on the topic, it‘s my personal experience and I understand many dudes are happy with the product, which is perfectly fine.
This is where I am at with the Quantums. Mr. Q DM'ed me and maybe offered me replacements (I don't remember) but honestly I don't care. I'm not mad that my $45 ceramic bearings didn't turn out to be magical - I wasn't anticipating that they would be, and it's only here on this little subforum where people are expecting them to be. I could bother them for some new bearings, or I could just stick with Bones Swiss, which have continued to work perfectly for me since I started buying them a few years ago.
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Thanks y’all. I’ll order a set. If I hate them it’s just $60. I can afford it. The G3s felt great at first, but now it’s like rolling through molasses at times lol. I skate exclusively on tennis courts and shouldn’t have to push more than once 😂
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Thanks y’all. I’ll order a set. If I hate them it’s just $60. I can afford it. The G3s felt great at first, but now it’s like rolling through molasses at times lol. I skate exclusively on tennis courts and shouldn’t have to push more than once 😂
Report back when you have skated them. I'm 100 % sure you won't be disappointed.
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Just want to say, I was setting up a board while traveling and bought some spitfire cheapshots. They're slow but fine.
Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk
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Thanks y’all. I’ll order a set. If I hate them it’s just $60. I can afford it. The G3s felt great at first, but now it’s like rolling through molasses at times lol. I skate exclusively on tennis courts and shouldn’t have to push more than once 😂
If you're ordering online, just wait a week until everyone has 15-20% off Labor Day sales.
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Thanks y’all. I’ll order a set. If I hate them it’s just $60. I can afford it. The G3s felt great at first, but now it’s like rolling through molasses at times lol. I skate exclusively on tennis courts and shouldn’t have to push more than once 😂
If you're ordering online, just wait a week until everyone has 15-20% off Labor Day sales.
Great idea. I’ll do that. Thanks 🙏🏾
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I have poor impulse control. Let’s see what the hype is about. (https://i.ibb.co/yXdHmbp/IMG-3555.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yXdHmbp)
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Just did my first cleaning of my Quantum Fusions (been a year) and they were mostly just dry. Still rolling extremely well but my only complaint is the red shields reminding me of China Reds, which have historically sucked for me.
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Not quantums
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Honestly I wouldn’t fuck with them at all until they start slowing down. The whole point of Bones Swiss is that they just work without all of the fuss.
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Honestly I wouldn’t fuck with them at all until they start slowing down. The whole point of Bones Swiss is that they just work without all of the fuss.
Yeah I thought about that. With how much I spent I’m reluctant to mess with them. So I’ll see how I fell in a few months. For now they’re staying intact.
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Running the quantum atoms. Initially was disappointed with them as they were great once broken in but slowed down significantly after 6 weeks. Cleaned and lubed them and they've been spinning much better than after the initial break in. Reds lasted me a year so if I can get 2+ years out of the quantums I'll be happy
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Running the quantum atoms. Initially was disappointed with them as they were great once broken in but slowed down significantly after 6 weeks. Cleaned and lubed them and they've been spinning much better than after the initial break in. Reds lasted me a year so if I can get 2+ years out of the quantums I'll be happy
They once told me some of their earlier stuff was overlubed and I had the same experience. After cleaning and applying just 1 drop they were and have been great so hopefully you have the same experience.
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Don’t take the shields off. They will get louder after a few sessions. I have a set from 2006 that’s still going strong, I just clean and relube them 2-3 times a year. If you remove the shield they’re going to die prematurely.
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Swiss 6 are perfect. You don't need to do anything to them.
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Okay, my knee is flared up so I couldn’t go that hard, but damn, y’all weren’t lying.
These Swiss are amazing! I easily went across the entire tennis court (there are four of them lined up) with a gentle push. These accelerate really fast and would probably be overkill for bombing hills.
Can only imagine how good they’ll be once they’re broken in.
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Our lord and savior Bobby The Worrest once said "don't pop the shields, don't do it"
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Our lord and savior Bobby The Worrest once said "don't pop the shields, don't do it"
I won’t . . . for now. But it looks cooler IMHO. I saw a Nine Club setup video with Brain Anderson and he said it looks like you got your board from the department store when the shields are still on 😅
I don’t necessarily agree with that, but I’ve gotten used to the look of no shields.
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Our lord and savior Bobby The Worrest once said "don't pop the shields, don't do it"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP1wNrKxIbg
all hail worrest
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Our lord and savior Bobby The Worrest once said "don't pop the shields, don't do it"
all hail worrest
Lol. I believe it.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG6fayQBm9w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG6fayQBm9w)
Dont even have to lose your head givin head, ohioguy, take a roll on the wild side. Pop the shields and scream
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I decided to bite the bullet and get some SKF Ishod's in September 2022. I've just realised I've had them in for 11 months and have done nothing to them what so ever and they are still spot on. They take a couple of week's to fully 'break in' but I'm genuinely impressed, as someone who used to be buying Reds every other month from popping them or them ceasing up I think even though they retail higher than others they're actually worth it! I'm gonna keep skating them till they break but 11 months deep they're showing no signs of slowing down... definitely a pun or two in there ;)
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I was looking at old set-up videos. This one with Foy is funny. He had Bones Swiss at the time, said he pops the shields and they last a long time, a long time is six months to him 🥴
https://youtu.be/eAUjxZXJL_8?si=I7YfNgu1Af9v8GeD
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been on quantum isotopes for a few months and big balls throughout the past years. the big balls suck in the winter but roll real nice in the summer. the quantum are the total opposite and are starting to get better as the temp drops
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Was taking my bearings out to put them on some new wheels and this happened:
(https://i.ibb.co/ZKqj2yd/IMG-[b][/b]3564.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZKqj2yd)
Gonna try to fix it, but if I can’t I’ll be putting a Red in this wheel to replace it. Kinda mad that happened. Wasn’t trying to take the covers off.
Update: Fixed it with a pen and some patience. Won’t be fucking with these again. Gonna ride ‘em to they die. Won’t even clean after that mishap lol
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Congratulations on learning how bearings work.
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Congratulations on learning how bearings work.
I know how they work, but was unsure if I could fix them. It’s the first time that’s ever happened to me lol
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Congratulations on learning how bearings work.
Gotta say I have even seen some of the best dudes think they just broke a bearing when things like that happened.
Just a little patience and getting everything back to where it should be and pop the ball retainer back in and away you go.
Could happen to anyone though, and I recall playing with old bearings just to see how they work and what I could (or couldn't) do with them and still have them perform as they should.
Full metal ball retainers = game over
Anything like that = much easier to get things back in place where they are supposed to go
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I'll make it easy for people struggling what to get.
If you're on a budget but still want great bearings get Flip HKD 5 or 7. Both are great, srsly.
If you can invest more money go for Swiss 6 or regular Swiss.
I don't think anything else is needed.
And ofc stay away from Bronson.
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I swear it's because I've only used pure acetone on this set vs rubbing alcohol in the past for every expensive/inexpensive bearing type, but I'm on the longest streak of no seizing and consistently fast bearings right now and they're literally just a set of Reds. Only cleaned them twice in the span of like 3-4 months and the second time I just did it because I was bored. No shields and no lube. I must've got a lucky set or something, I've had swiss seize up constantly on me.
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I swear it's because I've only used pure acetone on this set vs rubbing alcohol in the past for every expensive/inexpensive bearing type, but I'm on the longest streak of no seizing and consistently fast bearings right now and they're literally just a set of Reds. Only cleaned them twice in the span of like 3-4 months and the second time I just did it because I was bored. No shields and no lube. I must've got a lucky set or something, I've had swiss seize up constantly on me.
Dafuq? I only clean mine once or twice a year.
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I swear it's because I've only used pure acetone on this set vs rubbing alcohol in the past for every expensive/inexpensive bearing type, but I'm on the longest streak of no seizing and consistently fast bearings right now and they're literally just a set of Reds. Only cleaned them twice in the span of like 3-4 months and the second time I just did it because I was bored. No shields and no lube. I must've got a lucky set or something, I've had swiss seize up constantly on me.
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZMM2Rj4/IMG-20230828-110228.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZMM2Rj4) (https://i.ibb.co/5YjF532/IMG-20230828-110214.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5YjF532)
The shields have all turned to dust but these are still the second best bearings I've ever had.
I purchased second hand in 2017 from a homie who wanted some drugs and they've outlived several sets of metal ball bearings on my side bloards .
Reds white ceramic.
Chose to shelve for one winter but now I just roll on these always.
#1 bearing was the element white ceramics from back in the.
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I've been running the Eric Dressen Bronson bearings and they've been solid.
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I swear it's because I've only used pure acetone
Give me acetone, or give me gas.
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Can acetone degrade the plastic?
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How are y'all cleaning your bearings? I've always been too lazy to do it and came up in the 'just remove the shields and never clean them' era
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How are y'all cleaning your bearings? I've always been too lazy to do it and came up in the 'just remove the shields and never clean them' era
get isopropyl alchohol, put some in a small container, put the bearings in, shake em around. that will free them of all the dirt + crap.
let them dry out completely before putting them back in the wheels if you can (its not a huge deal if you dont )
if they seem too dry then add a tiny drop of speed cream
dont put a lot because then the bearings will be "swimming" in the oil and they will suck up every tiny bit of dirt you roll thorugh for the next while.
I am trying to go with like the cheapest bearings possible with out being complete trash right now and I have had good results as long as I take care of them. I got some Primitive and Modus bearings for like $10-15 / set and they are rolling completely fine still after a few months. havent really been babying them too much just trying to keep them out of thick mud and water.
I left a set of Bones Swiss in the car over the winter and they got rust on them. I cleaned them with the iso and they were good as new again. THis did not work with the set of Reds that I left in the car. some of the balls are seized permanently. so there is definintely a difference in having the good ones vs the shitty ones.
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I like taking the shields off but leaving the bearings in my wheel. I have 99% isopropyl in a squeeze bottle (higher % means less water) and squeeze a bit in, spin the wheel for like 30s, wipe with an old t shirt, repeat it again, then do the other side and take the wheel off. By the time I am done with all 4 the bearings are almost completely dry to to the high alcohol content, but I wipe em again while spinning them, then put in a drop of lube and spin the wheel on the axle a bunch. If it sounds too dry I put another drop but not often. I should note that while I'm doing this I have put the shields in a cup with the alcohol and I wipe them really good especially the inside and pop them back on and I am good to go.
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Go to a CVS or equivalent and buy 100% acetone (full strength nail polish remover). It works way better than alcohol. An old toothbrush helps too.
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I Googled "can acetone dissolve plastic" and got a ton of links like this that said to never use it to clean plastics as it can degrade the plastic: https://www.millerplastics.com/how-acetone-affects-certain-plastics/
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My bearing cages...retainers whatever they're called aren't melting from the acetone. I use a little Tupperware container that is for salad dressings n shit. Put enough acetone in to cover all of em. Shake for a minute real good, dump it, repeat a couple more times til the acetone is still clear after shaking. Tap dry each bearing a couple times onto some paper towels and then let it air dry for like 10-15 minutes. I used the same method with rubbing alcohol and it didn't clean nearly as good as the acetone. It's even more of a "dry" liquid than 91% isopropyl alcohol. I just get the acetone from Walgreens in the nail polish section.
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Rubbing alcohol won't clean as exhaustively, but it seems repeated exposure to acetone can degrade the cages. They might not turn to sludge, but it sounds like acetone can effect the integrity. Iso will be pretty damn close with no downsides. Maybe with skateboards it doesn't matter to people. Even if bearings are $50-$60 for expensive ones I wouldn't want to break them any sooner.
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The best results I’ve felt are from doing a pretty half-assed job of cleaning bearings. Here’s my process;
Roughly 2in on isopropyl alcohol in a pint glass. Dunk an old toothbrush in it and scrub each bearing for about 5 seconds and then drop them in the glass after each is brushed. Once all of them are in the glass give it a little swirl and then strain them out through your fingers. Shake off some of the liquid then set them down. Take a bic lighter in one hand and a bearing in the other and pass the flame quickly over each bearing to get all the alcohol removed, 5 seconds or so. I’m using 3 in 1 lubricant from Harbor freight($5 for a lifetime supply)these days but use whatever you like it’s all basically the same thing. Dab a corner of paper towel with lubricant and barely touch a few of the ball bearings. Go super light on re-lubrication. Lube up your axels lightly as well. Dry and dirty axels are worse Than dirty bearings. Now go push really fast and enjoy the ride.
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I regret getting the Swiss Six because . . . they’re too good. My God, I can’t go back to cheap bearings. I’m ruined now 😲
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I ride Bronson Raws cause there no best bearings.
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I ride Bronson Raws cause there no best bearings.
There’s no best bearing, but there’s definitely a worst and it’s Bronson Raws.
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Agreed, Raws were worse than Cheapshots for me actually and never wore in.
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How are y'all cleaning your bearings? I've always been too lazy to do it and came up in the 'just remove the shields and never clean them' era
I remove the shields and cages and wash them in plain water (mainly just the cages). The metal parts get dunked into rubbing alcohol and spun around (be careful the balls don't pop out). Everything dried abd and reassembled with 2 drops of speed cream. I'm not super anal about getting them spotless because they're just going to get dirty again but I do like to get the big bits of crud out and keep them lubricated every 8 months
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So I love my Swiss 6, but I'm terrified of ruining them. Every time I swap wheels I freak out that I damaged them. It started raining the other day on my way home and they probably got wet so I took them apart and cleaned and relubed them.
Just wish I could not worry about them as much lol.
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If you are just a bit careful to not bend your shields, not force them into the wheel doing something dumb (a friend used to literally put the bearing on the truck and hammer the wheel on), and just clean them per almost any Youtube video you should be fine! Skate bearings are built to withstand a lot of impact and the 608 bearing size is used in a shit ton of industrial applications for all sorts of shit. If you keep your shields on and use any sort of sensible lube they will probably last you several years.
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Question: Can your bearings make your wheel get tighter over time?
I thought I had axle slip, but I moved the wheel and now it’s tightening on the new axle. Very strange. Maybe they aren’t in deep enough 🤷🏿♂️
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Question: Can your bearings make your wheel get tighter over time?
I thought I had axle slip, but I moved the wheel and now it’s tightening on the new axle. Very strange. Maybe they aren’t in deep enough 🤷🏿♂️
Yes. Use washers on both sides, tighten your wheels down to make sure the bearings are sitting properly, loosen your wheel until is spins freely. Keep a tool nearby, as you may need to do this again when you skate.
Not many wheels have the bearing seats complete squared and lined up, and this can also cause a wheel wobble or bind. Best to have a little bit of play once the bearing is sitting as deep as possible. If spacers fit properly in the wheels you have, this might also help.
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Question: Can your bearings make your wheel get tighter over time?
I thought I had axle slip, but I moved the wheel and now it’s tightening on the new axle. Very strange. Maybe they aren’t in deep enough 🤷🏿♂️
Yes. Use washers on both sides, tighten your wheels down to make sure the bearings are sitting properly, loosen your wheel until is spins freely. Keep a tool nearby, as you may need to do this again when you skate.
Not many wheels have the bearing seats complete squared and lined up, and this can also cause a wheel wobble or bind. Best to have a little bit of play once the bearing is sitting as deep as possible. If spacers fit properly in the wheels you have, this might also help.
Thanks! It’s funny, this happens when I decide to not uses spacers all of a sudden 😂
And I need to get a new skate tool. Used to have two, but now I just have one at my house.
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Should have never ventured in here, now I'm thinking of treating myself to some Swiss or Swiss 6. Any discernable difference between the 2 if they are the same price?
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Should have never ventured in here, now I'm thinking of treating myself to some Swiss or Swiss 6. Any discernable difference between the 2 if they are the same price?
My Swiss 6 are great, outside of the above issue which probably has nothing to do with ‘em. Don’t know if they’re better than the normal ones though.
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Swiss 6 seem to last longer for me. And I don't have to clean them as much. Currently have some Swiss 6 that are going strong 2 years plus with zero maintenance. Less balls, less worries....
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Habe been running the Quantum Atoms for 9 months now and they are incredibly fast. They got noticably slower at one point, then I cleaned them and added the graphlo lubricant and they were fast as hell again. Coming from swiss 6 and regular swiss I would say they are on par or better than the swiss 6. The atoms were way cheaper though. If they hold up for another year I am totally sold on these.
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Big fan of quantums also but they have not lasted me as long as Swiss 6. Nor do I find them faster. Still very worthy of support.
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Should have never ventured in here, now I'm thinking of treating myself to some Swiss or Swiss 6. Any discernable difference between the 2 if they are the same price?
Had both, both feels the same to me with the difference that 6 lasts longer in my experience.
Best bearings ever.
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Question: Can your bearings make your wheel get tighter over time?
I thought I had axle slip, but I moved the wheel and now it’s tightening on the new axle. Very strange. Maybe they aren’t in deep enough 🤷🏿♂️
Yes. Use washers on both sides, tighten your wheels down to make sure the bearings are sitting properly, loosen your wheel until is spins freely. Keep a tool nearby, as you may need to do this again when you skate.
Not many wheels have the bearing seats complete squared and lined up, and this can also cause a wheel wobble or bind. Best to have a little bit of play once the bearing is sitting as deep as possible. If spacers fit properly in the wheels you have, this might also help.
And I need to get a new skate tool. Used to have two, but now I just have one at my house.
Hers a nice one:
https://skateparkoftampa.com/carpet-company-d-tool-silver-94270-109
(https://i.ibb.co/Jzrks1x/IMG-1149.png) (https://ibb.co/Jzrks1x)
And here’s a discount code…🙂
(https://i.ibb.co/Lpp915H/IMG-1050.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Lpp915H)
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Should have never ventured in here, now I'm thinking of treating myself to some Swiss or Swiss 6. Any discernable difference between the 2 if they are the same price?
How did those cheaper ceramic bearings go for you, or were they one and done, type of thing?
I seem to recall you posting about them a while back, but even a cheaper alternative that you can get easily and replace as needed might still work out better in the long run for some people.
That said I have had regular Bones Swiss last a long time and not had issues with them, but I feel like most people go through bearings a lot faster than I do as well.
Increasingly now I have been riding the cheap plain black shield bearings (just to see really) and they hold up fine for what I am doing mostly, but I can feel the difference in speed between them and the nice fast running Swiss bearings in other boards.
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been rocking these for like a year. popped the shields.
(https://www.shortysinc.com/cdn/shop/products/blackpantherabec5_740x.jpg?v=1587687937)
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I had Swiss 6 and had some bad luck with 2 sets and jamming issues/cages cracking. I'd gladly ride normal Swiss again as they've never done me wrong.
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Don’t take the shields off. They will get louder after a few sessions. I have a set from 2006 that’s still going strong, I just clean and relube them 2-3 times a year. If you remove the shield they’re going to die prematurely.
I still can't tell if people are being sarcastic about popping shields. Except for labyrinth-sealed, all current bearings on the market or shielded only--they not make contact with the bearings or inner race and create no friction. Also, part of the premium for Swiss bearings is that the shield does a better job at keeping dirt out.
If your bearings are loud, they need lubrication.
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I'm running Bones Big Balls right now. It's been at least a month of riding them and they are still quiet as fuck. All my previous Reds sets would be the standard loud barking spin at this point. I'm surprised, but they feel good. Not quite as fast as Reds or Super Reds, but still solid.
Not sure if I'd get them again, though. Was experimenting with these
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I love those Black Panthers. I’ve been riding a set on and off for like five years now and they are still great. I might have lubed them up once.
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I guess we just get lucky with bearing sets that are not supposed to be the premium choice sometimes. Haven't had a set of bearings treat me this good in a decade it feels like. Regular ass reds with the shields off. Have cleaned them a couple times with pure acetone in the beginning and always run them shieldless. Beating the hell out of them all summer and even rolling in dust/dirt, they roll forever. Not even lubed. I love fucking with everything else besides bearings so I'm relieved.
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Don’t take the shields off. They will get louder after a few sessions. I have a set from 2006 that’s still going strong, I just clean and relube them 2-3 times a year. If you remove the shield they’re going to die prematurely.
I still can't tell if people are being sarcastic about popping shields. Except for labyrinth-sealed, all current bearings on the market or shielded only--they not make contact with the bearings or inner race and create no friction. Also, part of the premium for Swiss bearings is that the shield does a better job at keeping dirt out.
If your bearings are loud, they need lubrication.
My pair of Swiss with the shields popped seem to roll faster and stronger than my pair with shields. The added sound effects is def a bonus.
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Anyone had a pair of bronson raws that just one single bearing gets completely rusted? Really like these too.
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Don’t take the shields off. They will get louder after a few sessions. I have a set from 2006 that’s still going strong, I just clean and relube them 2-3 times a year. If you remove the shield they’re going to die prematurely.
I still can't tell if people are being sarcastic about popping shields. Except for labyrinth-sealed, all current bearings on the market or shielded only--they not make contact with the bearings or inner race and create no friction. Also, part of the premium for Swiss bearings is that the shield does a better job at keeping dirt out.
If your bearings are loud, they need lubrication.
My pair of Swiss with the shields popped seem to roll faster and stronger than my pair with shields. The added sound effects is def a bonus.
You're joking about the sound effects right?
I think most people are denting their shields when they install their wheels. The edges of sockets and most box end wrenches are the ideal diameter to make contact with the weakest part of the shield. I don't know of any skate tool currently available that prevents this and I imagine no one is actively careful when tightening their wheels.
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Don’t take the shields off. They will get louder after a few sessions. I have a set from 2006 that’s still going strong, I just clean and relube them 2-3 times a year. If you remove the shield they’re going to die prematurely.
I still can't tell if people are being sarcastic about popping shields. Except for labyrinth-sealed, all current bearings on the market or shielded only--they not make contact with the bearings or inner race and create no friction. Also, part of the premium for Swiss bearings is that the shield does a better job at keeping dirt out.
If your bearings are loud, they need lubrication.
My pair of Swiss with the shields popped seem to roll faster and stronger than my pair with shields. The added sound effects is def a bonus.
You're joking about the sound effects right?
I think most people are denting their shields when they install their wheels. The edges of sockets and most box end wrenches are the ideal diameter to make contact with the weakest part of the shield. I don't know of any skate tool currently available that prevents this and I imagine no one is actively careful when tightening their wheels.
Indy makes a tool that widens out at the edge so even when you press down all the way it doesn’t make contact with the shield. I own it and it works great.
https://nhsskatedirect.com/products/independent-bearing-saver-t-tool-skate-tool-black-each?variant=40118560555165&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiaHHmYnigQMVHxmtBh0mzQtqEAQYASABEgJ7mfD_BwE
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I’ll keep the shields on these Swiss for a month then they’re coming off. I hate silent bearings. Gotta hear my skateboard. It turns me on lol
Might dunk them in some alcohol too to dry them out 🤤
Don’t take the shields off. They will get louder after a few sessions. I have a set from 2006 that’s still going strong, I just clean and relube them 2-3 times a year. If you remove the shield they’re going to die prematurely.
I still can't tell if people are being sarcastic about popping shields. Except for labyrinth-sealed, all current bearings on the market or shielded only--they not make contact with the bearings or inner race and create no friction. Also, part of the premium for Swiss bearings is that the shield does a better job at keeping dirt out.
If your bearings are loud, they need lubrication.
My pair of Swiss with the shields popped seem to roll faster and stronger than my pair with shields. The added sound effects is def a bonus.
You're joking about the sound effects right?
I think most people are denting their shields when they install their wheels. The edges of sockets and most box end wrenches are the ideal diameter to make contact with the weakest part of the shield. I don't know of any skate tool currently available that prevents this and I imagine no one is actively careful when tightening their wheels.
https://nhsskatedirect.com/products/independent-bearing-saver-t-tool-skate-tool-black-each?variant=40118560555165&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiaHHmYnigQMVHxmtBh0mzQtqEAQYASABEgJ7mfD_BwE
Thanks for posting this. I know Tensor made one years ago but did not know that anyone else had one (I've looked for years). It would be nice if someone made a version to fit a 3/8" socket wrench.
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My swiss are rusted out on the table. I'm going to put the cages in my ceramics eventually.
The swiss cages never have pits in the cups that hole the bearings and they look better manufactured. Like they're less likely to break.
I'll just throw them in if the old race cages break.
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Is anyone still riding quantum bearings? Rode mine for about a year but in that year, they would seize up even with regular (maybe even meticulous) cleaning. Switched back to bones Swiss and haven’t looked back.
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Is anyone still riding quantum bearings? Rode mine for about a year but in that year, they would seize up even with regular (maybe even meticulous) cleaning. Switched back to bones Swiss and haven’t looked back.
Still on mine. Although, the first set I had kept locking up, they sent me replacement set with the new cages and those have been going strong for over a year now. I think I’ve cleaned and lubed them maybe 3 times when I was setting up new wheels.
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Myself and my friends are mostly on Quantum. I've had my Atoms for almost 3 years no and lube them once every 6-12mo. Had the Fusions for a year and cleaned them once. We all really like them and find they jam less than Swiss and roll just as well if not a tad better.
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Myself and my friends are mostly on Quantum. I've had my Atoms for almost 3 years no and lube them once every 6-12mo. Had the Fusions for a year and cleaned them once. We all really like them and find they jam less than Swiss and roll just as well if not a tad better.
because i’m a kook i’ve got 4 completes currently.
mini logo
swiss
swiss 6
and i think quantum atoms
swiss 6 are the best, and by experience will let the longest, which what differentiates them. spinning the wheel by hand the quantum’s are fastest, but that doesn’t seem to translate. none of this is tested, just the bullshit of an internet user.
mini logo’s surprisingly decent, but that’s not all sets.
rather spin the mini logo roulette wheel than buy reds tho.
oh. my quantum’s were good initially, slowed dramatically cleaned and lubed them, still sucked, took the shields off and ran them dry and they are doing way better.
if i could only buy one i’d just buy swiss 6 and then never think about it
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Is anyone still riding quantum bearings? Rode mine for about a year but in that year, they would seize up even with regular (maybe even meticulous) cleaning. Switched back to bones Swiss and haven’t looked back.
That’s awesome dude! Their customer service is absolute unmatched. I’ve been eyeballing some of their non-ceramic bearings to try out and reading this just convinced me to try them out.
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They sell really well at the few local shops that carry them and the only hate I've seen them get are a few Slap posters, a few of which refused to reach out to their warranty service when they had an issue.
On the other hand my sets of Swiss 6 were the worst expensive bearings I've had. Jammed more than they should have, needed cleaning more often, cages broke right after around a year or so. Swiss have never disappointed me so I see no need for the 6.
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Never had a Bones Swiss bearing jam on me in any situation. Quantum Atoms, on the other hand, didn't last long, started jamming after an unreasonably short while, seems like they can't handle too much high-impact curb skating. My own fault for getting on the Quantum hype bandwagon I guess.
Nothing else than Bones Swiss here from now on.
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Never had a Bones Swiss bearing jam on me in any situation. Quantum Atoms, on the other hand, didn't last long, started jamming after an unreasonably short while, seems like they can't handle too much high-impact curb skating. My own fault for getting on the Quantum hype bandwagon I guess.
Nothing else than Bones Swiss here from now on.
I was a bearing cheapskate for a long time but Bones Swiss are worth the occasional splurge. Had some bad experiences with them in the past but fresh out of the box they are amazing, keen to see if they stand the test of time in the hot and humid tropics.
Quantum Metallics were great for the price and I would revisit them with some lube down the road.
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This thread reminds me of an old friend in high school that had a set of Bones Swiss, back when they were $30 (and that was considered expensive).
He would only clean them with WD-40 and after three years the balls had worn down small enough for them to fall out the track and onto the ground. (He ran them shieldless: said he liked the sound)
He would just keep skating them, even with a few balls missing… until we gave him a hard enough time for him to go buy another set.
The ceramics aren’t supposed to wear down like that since there’s no metal on metal grinding, but $160 is steep.
I rocked mini logo for two decades since they were 10-15 dollars, and I could clean them by popping off the shield easily… but when I bought Swiss three years ago, there was a very noticeable increase in speed.
~$60 bucks for the Swiss is completely worth it if you clean them as instructed by Bones.
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Never had a Bones Swiss bearing jam on me in any situation. Quantum Atoms, on the other hand, didn't last long, started jamming after an unreasonably short while, seems like they can't handle too much high-impact curb skating. My own fault for getting on the Quantum hype bandwagon I guess.
Nothing else than Bones Swiss here from now on.
Myself and others in this thread have had Bones jam usually later in their life. For me personally it mostly happened with the 6, not the normal Bones.
My initial set of Atoms when they first dropped was quite bad. You can find my review of them somewhere on here but it wasn't positive. Quantum emailed me about the issues they found with that batch, what they did to correct, and sent me a new set of updated Atoms. I'm still using those although I've replaced the shields and they just passed 3 years and have been great.
I'm sorry your luck was shitty, but I'd give the warranty process a chance. I've had mostly good luck with skate gear but have had issues with both Venture and Thunder that were one-offs and I still love both trucks.
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i super agree with the part about having problems with some products and continuing to like/ride/use said products. back in the featherlight era, those trucks would sometimes break, and i’d just buy another set, because that’s what i rode. ps stix wood has its very known problems, and it’ll always be my preferred. etc. on and on.
there was quantum hype, then a trusted skate shop nudged me in that direction. my experience wasn’t amazing, but not noteworthy to the bad side either. but. dude on here was a bit of a dick, rightly imo got called out for that. so it wasn’t like i had a long time of really enjoying the product, and then a blip. at this point i could have a bad set of swiss and still go back for multiple servings, even if those were bad, they’ve built up good credit. quantum guy not so much.
this ‘a few slap users’ comment is kinda funny.
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To whomever I was rude or snarky to. And anyone who felt I was anything other than pleasant and helpful to them, I apologize. It was never my intent.
Anyone who knows either of us, with Quantum, will tell you we are the most approachable positive people you’ll meet.
I think tone and intent are sometimes tough to “read” in text.
Once again, we appreciate anyone who’s tried our products, whether you had a bad experience or great experience. We really are working hard. And the positive has outweighed the negative by a million.
Take care, Slap Pals
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And, as it’s been said, anyone who’s had bad luck with any of our products, please reach out.
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Has anyone used an ultrasonic cleaner to clean their bearings?
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To whomever I was rude or snarky to. And anyone who felt I was anything other than pleasant and helpful to them, I apologize. It was never my intent.
Anyone who knows either of us, with Quantum, will tell you we are the most approachable positive people you’ll meet.
I think tone and intent are sometimes tough to “read” in text.
Once again, we appreciate anyone who’s tried our products, whether you had a bad experience or great experience. We really are working hard. And the positive has outweighed the negative by a million.
Take care, Slap Pals
i like some snark and attitude.
i’m fine with being told to fuck off (that’s not at all what happened, just saying).
i felt like ya’lls account was a bit rude, and a bit of a wuss. not a big deal. pick one i think is what i’m saying. but none of that is remotely important.
as to the bearings: mine don’t feel quite as fast as swiss, but they’ve lasted a lot longer than i thought they would (after an initial slow down, i thought the miracle sauce was some not long lasting grease) and were cheaper. i’d recommend them to someone wanting to try something different.
i mean who knows, as i’m checking this, my swiss 6 aren’t going so great today. i suck at skating, don’t need fast shit, i skate super slow and miss a bunch of flip tricks. i think that’s what messes up the bearings, of all types, for me
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They sell really well at the few local shops that carry them and the only hate I've seen them get are a few Slap posters, a few of which refused to reach out to their warranty service when they had an issue.
On the other hand my sets of Swiss 6 were the worst expensive bearings I've had. Jammed more than they should have, needed cleaning more often, cages broke right after around a year or so. Swiss have never disappointed me so I see no need for the 6.
What did Powell’s warranty department say?
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Powell blamed it on wear and tear, which was amusing because I was mostly skating curbs (not slappies necessarily), fairly low ledges, and skating around SF to/from work. I followed their exact cleaning instructions, yet they noted that some chemicals can degrade the races and I couldn't rule that out.
Around the same time that I got my second set of Atoms a few friends ordered some. They've also had great luck and some of them post on here semi-regularly. Frankly I don't get why there's so much animosity for a brand when people ask what you're riding and someone responds that they're riding Quantum.
Bearings aren't that complicated. There's a bunch of lower tier (sub $15), middle tier (~Reds, Quantum Metallics, G3), and upper tier (any Bones Swiss, Bronson Ceramics, Quantum Atoms/Isotopes) options all of which will work great save for any heavy wear and tear or fluke product issues.
To someone that asked about ultrasonic cleaners I always use one. I have it from when I rode bikes and cleaned my chains. Works great for getting little specs of bullshit out.
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I've had great experiences with my atoms and isotopes. Both have been faster and help up better than any set of swiss or swiss six I've had (which were obviously both really great too)
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Never had a Bones Swiss bearing jam on me in any situation. Quantum Atoms, on the other hand, didn't last long, started jamming after an unreasonably short while, seems like they can't handle too much high-impact curb skating. My own fault for getting on the Quantum hype bandwagon I guess.
Nothing else than Bones Swiss here from now on.
Well I can safely say, aside from the first run of isotopes that had the bad cages(which QBS replaced with a new set of bearings with the new cages when I told them about mine locking up), they handle high impact skating just fine for me. About 90% of my skating is slappys and I generally get about 3-5 days with at least an hour sometimes 2-3hrs, and they’re still going strong. I’m old so I’m not tossing my carcass down stairs or gaps anymore, so I can’t say how they stand up to that, but they can definitely take being beat to hell slapping curbs w/o an issue on the set I have. Like I said over a year old, 3-5 days at 1-3hrs on pretty much curbs. I’d say they can handle slapping curbs just fine.
Can’t say how that compares to Swiss since I’ve never owned a set.
Did you ever bother trying to get a hold of anyone at QBS about the issue you had? Not on here talking shit, but like, send an email or dm on IG? Like I said, I had an issue, contacted them, they went and made it right without hesitation.
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Been rocking these Andale Puig bearings after some G3s and honestly, they kinda go.
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Powell blamed it on wear and tear, which was amusing because I was mostly skating curbs (not slappies necessarily), fairly low ledges, and skating around SF to/from work. I followed their exact cleaning instructions, yet they noted that some chemicals can degrade the races and I couldn't rule that out.
Around the same time that I got my second set of Atoms a few friends ordered some. They've also had great luck and some of them post on here semi-regularly. Frankly I don't get why there's so much animosity for a brand when people ask what you're riding and someone responds that they're riding Quantum.
Bearings aren't that complicated. There's a bunch of lower tier (sub $15), middle tier (~Reds, Quantum Metallics, G3), and upper tier (any Bones Swiss, Bronson Ceramics, Quantum Atoms/Isotopes) options all of which will work great save for any heavy wear and tear or fluke product issues.
To someone that asked about ultrasonic cleaners I always use one. I have it from when I rode bikes and cleaned my chains. Works great for getting little specs of bullshit out.
The instructions that come with Bones Swiss recommend Gumout carb cleaner. I used it once and it ruined the bearings, it felt like the balls had flat spots after that.
I always use 99% isopropyl alcohol with the Bones cleaning kit, then one drop of speed cream in each bearing after they’re dry. Shields always on. I still have one set of Swiss 6 from like 2006 that’s still going strong.
I think the Bones instructions mention you can use acetone too, but I don’t trust that either. Acetone can’t possibly be good for the ball retainers
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Take the balls out of the retainers and only soak the metal parts. Its a little tricky to get the balls back in place but its the best way to clean them properly and avoid ruining the plastic retainers. (if that's your concern). Use a hair dryer to dry everything properly before reassembly. Minimal lube, post clean. 1, or 2 drops max of speed cream.
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I only use ispropyl, would never use something harsh like carb cleaner or acetone personally. Acetone can compromise some plastics apparently.
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Hmm, I've used acetone with seemingly no problems, but upon investigating more about its possible effects on plastics, I think I'll switch to isopropyl alcohol from now on. Some say that its less efficient as a degreaser than acetone, but I reckon for the amount of dirt in bearings it will be sufficient.
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I rode Powell Swiss for years and never thought anything else ever came close to how good they were, but recently tried the Quantum atoms and I’m loving them. Pretty much switched over to those now.
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To whomever I was rude or snarky to. And anyone who felt I was anything other than pleasant and helpful to them, I apologize. It was never my intent.
Anyone who knows either of us, with Quantum, will tell you we are the most approachable positive people you’ll meet.
I think tone and intent are sometimes tough to “read” in text.
Once again, we appreciate anyone who’s tried our products, whether you had a bad experience or great experience. We really are working hard. And the positive has outweighed the negative by a million.
Take care, Slap Pals
None of your posts have been anything but factual or helpful; don't worry about the little snowflakes (but good on you for company damage control anyway).
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Take the balls out of the retainers and only soak the metal parts. Its a little tricky to get the balls back in place but its the best way to clean them properly and avoid ruining the plastic retainers. (if that's your concern). Use a hair dryer to dry everything properly before reassembly. Minimal lube, post clean. 1, or 2 drops max of speed cream.
This is exactly what I do.
All my ceramics have done better than 7 years. That's 3 sets I got like 10 out the first. 12 out the second and I'm running on ceramic reds I got used in 2016 rn.
Might as well just throw out the shields but I usually don't. I won't be going forward.
I've had like 4 or 5 other metal bearing side boards. Some had flat spots in them some rusted because I didn't clean them fast enough after a slightly damp day.
Swiss rust easier than reds for sure I think it's because of the difference in plastics
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I rode Powell Swiss for years and never thought anything else ever came close to how good they were, but recently tried the Quantum atoms and I’m loving them. Pretty much switched over to those now.
Ive had multiple sets of Bones reds, swiss, super reds and one set of the swiss 6 and few of the 6 ball reds. All are pretty good but i feel after covid all the china made bones bearings weren't the same.
I grabbed a set of the quantum metallics based off SLAP and really liked them. felt they were on par with bones swiss and definetly better then all the reds i tried. However after i used some speedcream they never spun as fast as they did when i first got them.
I got myself the isotopes and have been using them without the shields and i use speedcream on them about once every two months and they work great. totally worth the $60 and in the future would get them again.
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It does probably help to use the lube the manufacturer recommends or similar.
FWIW I have always found Speed Cream inferior to gun oil or basic 3-in-1.
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It does probably help to use the lube the manufacturer recommends or similar.
FWIW I have always found Speed Cream inferior to gun oil or basic 3-in-1.
i forgot to order a bottle when i got the isotopes.. i wanna order there lube on its own but i can't make an order under $10 :(
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I'd just get some sewing machine oil, gun oil, or something super thin off Amazon if that's the case. I know their lube is formulated per their specs, but the above are less viscous than Speed Cream and I've always had better luck.
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Yeah I think basic sewing machine oil works best. Not saying Speed Cream is bad, mind you.
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(https://i.ibb.co/cJn5K5z/16970625234955424887191868809376.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Tc3XDXz)
This is what one needs if you want to ride the same set of ceramic for 5 - 12 years.
It frees up rain/sleet bloard bearings that are locked up and everything
It's thin enough for dirty bearings too.
4 of my favorite things right here.
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(https://i.ibb.co/cJn5K5z/16970625234955424887191868809376.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Tc3XDXz)
This is what one needs if you want to ride the same set of ceramic for 5 - 12 years.
It frees up rain/sleet bloard bearings that are locked up and everything
It's thin enough for dirty bearings too.
4 of my favorite things right here.
whats your exact process?
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Expand Quote
(https://i.ibb.co/cJn5K5z/16970625234955424887191868809376.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Tc3XDXz)
This is what one needs if you want to ride the same set of ceramic for 5 - 12 years.
It frees up rain/sleet bloard bearings that are locked up and everything
It's thin enough for dirty bearings too.
4 of my favorite things right here.
Sometimes I just throw some drops and go.
If I really want to clean them
I disassemble the bearings one by one completely into a cream cheese container that I poked holes in the corner of the lid so I can drain it into another cup. Re use the same acetone for each one of the bearings in turn
After I have one reassembled I let it dry to the side.
The plastic parts I have in a third cup of warm water and a few drops of Dawn.
Once all parts are dry and reassembled I put two drops of sewing machine oil per bearing.
If I got shields I pop um back on.
Oh yeah I use my brothers tooth brush on all parts and return it to the bathroom
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Anyone ever mix bearings? One of my Swiss 6 is slow and I don’t want to buy a new set. Slap a G3 in there and it’s fast as the other wheels now.
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Anyone ever mix bearings? One of my Swiss 6 is slow and I don’t want to buy a new set. Slap a G3 in there and it’s fast as the other wheels now.
I wouldn't be able to do that.
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It does probably help to use the lube the manufacturer recommends or similar.
FWIW I have always found Speed Cream inferior to gun oil or basic 3-in-1.
I’m not convinced that Speed Cream is anything other than lightweight machine oil (gun or sewing machine).
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Expand Quote
It does probably help to use the lube the manufacturer recommends or similar.
FWIW I have always found Speed Cream inferior to gun oil or basic 3-in-1.
I’m not convinced that Speed Cream is anything other than lightweight machine oil (gun or sewing machine).
Similar thoughts here. A great overhead from a product, if nothing else.
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Speed cream, Bronson, and most skate specific products work fine, as does a decent sewing machine oil. Be careful with the stuff that comes in the tiny sample size vials though, I ruined a set of brass cage ceramics with off brand sewing oil once... I think they were pigs. 3-in-1 is too thick and doesn't disperse well, especially in cold weather.
When it comes to lube the closest thing to an secret sauce I've found is liberty oil. I bought a 4oz bottle years ago and now I put it on everything. Actually just used it to quiet down a noisy computer fan bearing like an hour ago haha. It's like $9 on Amazon and you'll almost certainly lose the bottle before you use it up. One or two drops and you're good for months.
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Speed cream, Bronson, and most skate specific products work fine, as does a decent sewing machine oil. Be careful with the stuff that comes in the tiny sample size vials though, I ruined a set of brass cage ceramics with off brand sewing oil once... I think they were pigs. 3-in-1 is too thick and doesn't disperse well, especially in cold weather.
When it comes to lube the closest thing to an secret sauce I've found is liberty oil. I bought a 4oz bottle years ago and now I put it on everything. Actually just used it to quiet down a noisy computer fan bearing like an hour ago haha. It's like $9 on Amazon and you'll almost certainly lose the bottle before you use it up. One or two drops and you're good for months.
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Synthetic-Lubricating-Grandfather-Clocks/dp/B00AZMGFI4#:~:text=100%25%20Synthetic%20oil%20that%20will,on%20plastics%20and%20painted%20surfaces.
Or this one?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008QNQ2VE/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams
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Small rant but just started skating a set of Quantum ceramics about 5 sessions ago and one wheel is already squeaking.
Had this happen to my set of metallics too. These were purchased over a year ago so maybe this doesn't happen anymore, but- annoying.
Never had a set of $10 Mini Logos squeak before the graphics wear off the wheels...
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So what did Quantum say when you told them about it?
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Bought some Bones Big Balls to have for my indoor setup. The shields doesnt even cover properly. What kind of gibberish crap is this? Bones is seriously lousy. Atleast the cheaper ones like reds and big balls.
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Expand Quote
Speed cream, Bronson, and most skate specific products work fine, as does a decent sewing machine oil. Be careful with the stuff that comes in the tiny sample size vials though, I ruined a set of brass cage ceramics with off brand sewing oil once... I think they were pigs. 3-in-1 is too thick and doesn't disperse well, especially in cold weather.
When it comes to lube the closest thing to an secret sauce I've found is liberty oil. I bought a 4oz bottle years ago and now I put it on everything. Actually just used it to quiet down a noisy computer fan bearing like an hour ago haha. It's like $9 on Amazon and you'll almost certainly lose the bottle before you use it up. One or two drops and you're good for months.
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Synthetic-Lubricating-Grandfather-Clocks/dp/B00AZMGFI4#:~:text=100%25%20Synthetic%20oil%20that%20will,on%20plastics%20and%20painted%20surfaces.
Or this one?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008QNQ2VE/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams
I believe they're the same, the bottom one is just unstained for sewing machine use. I have the green stuff but either should be fine.
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Expand Quote
Expand Quote
Speed cream, Bronson, and most skate specific products work fine, as does a decent sewing machine oil. Be careful with the stuff that comes in the tiny sample size vials though, I ruined a set of brass cage ceramics with off brand sewing oil once... I think they were pigs. 3-in-1 is too thick and doesn't disperse well, especially in cold weather.
When it comes to lube the closest thing to an secret sauce I've found is liberty oil. I bought a 4oz bottle years ago and now I put it on everything. Actually just used it to quiet down a noisy computer fan bearing like an hour ago haha. It's like $9 on Amazon and you'll almost certainly lose the bottle before you use it up. One or two drops and you're good for months.
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Synthetic-Lubricating-Grandfather-Clocks/dp/B00AZMGFI4#:~:text=100%25%20Synthetic%20oil%20that%20will,on%20plastics%20and%20painted%20surfaces.
Or this one?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008QNQ2VE/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams
I believe they're the same, the bottom one is just unstained for sewing machine use. I have the green stuff but either should be fine.
Thanks I appreciate the response. Will be grabbing some soon.
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My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered some silicon nitride ceramic balls on eBay for like 13 dollars. I put em in some cheap modus black bearings I had in the parts box. Won’t really be able to skate till Sunday but felt nice and fast in the driveway.
(https://i.ibb.co/prZ9NhD/IMG-5632.jpg)
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I also Frankensteined a set of bearings with ceramic balls. Never regretted it.
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Excuse me if I may have missed it, but what is the advantage of ceramic balls in bearings?
As a kid I thought ceranic bearings are only for vert skating because there isn't as much impact as for street skating. Still have no idea to be honest.
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They are harder than steel bearings and generally a higher spec so they are more round and less likely to deform. Also since they are harder than the steel races in there the balls help keep the races in spec cause they “polish” them. Lower friction too.
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My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered some silicon nitride ceramic balls on eBay for like 13 dollars. I put em in some cheap modus black bearings I had in the parts box. Won’t really be able to skate till Sunday but felt nice and fast in the driveway.
(https://i.ibb.co/prZ9NhD/IMG-5632.jpg)
Never thought of doing this, keep us updated please how these work for you. What oil are you using?
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Expand Quote
My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered some silicon nitride ceramic balls on eBay for like 13 dollars. I put em in some cheap modus black bearings I had in the parts box. Won’t really be able to skate till Sunday but felt nice and fast in the driveway.
(https://i.ibb.co/prZ9NhD/IMG-5632.jpg)
Never thought of doing this, keep us updated please how these work for you. What oil are you using?
I just used a random 3 in 1 oil. They seem nice and smooth, nothing life changing but for sure better than the bearings with the original balls, we’ll see how they hold up over time.
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Expand Quote
Expand Quote
My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered some silicon nitride ceramic balls on eBay for like 13 dollars. I put em in some cheap modus black bearings I had in the parts box. Won’t really be able to skate till Sunday but felt nice and fast in the driveway.
(https://i.ibb.co/prZ9NhD/IMG-5632.jpg)
Never thought of doing this, keep us updated please how these work for you. What oil are you using?
damn thats fucking cool! let us know how it turns out!
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Update on my new, but already squeaky Quantum ceramics...
A few more sessions and now they are slow as hell. I have another set brand new in the box. Honestly don't even want to bother with em.
Got caught up in the hype on here when they were first getting going. Bought two sets of ceramics and a set of metallics for full price from their site like an idiot.
Maybe they are better now, but the 2 sets I've skated are not it.
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Update on my new, but already squeaky Quantum ceramics...
A few more sessions and now they are slow as hell. I have another set brand new in the box. Honestly don't even want to bother with em.
Got caught up in the hype on here when they were first getting going. Bought two sets of ceramics and a set of metallics for full price from their site like an idiot.
Maybe they are better now, but the 2 sets I've skated are not it.
i have the atoms, same kinda thing. (slowing).
but.
i took the shields off, i do not recommend that with bearings in general. i tried to clean them and re-lube using speed cream. sucked. re-cleaned them, no lube. the old hand spin test and they smoooooke all of my other swiss. under load, meaning my fat ass on the board, they aren’t as fast, but decent.
the dude will probably chime in here, with some advice.
i think cleaning em might help you.
i suck at cleaning bearings. i didn’t think mine should have needed to be cleaned, so early.
if i had to guess, the lube they used was great, for a short time.
the bearing g’s on here have some good recommendations for oil, and quantum bearing corp. may be more sensitive. wink.
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Yeah I know cleaning and relubing is the solution, but the shields aren't even visibly dirty. Still graphics on the wheels...
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Update on my new, but already squeaky Quantum ceramics...
A few more sessions and now they are slow as hell. I have another set brand new in the box. Honestly don't even want to bother with em.
Got caught up in the hype on here when they were first getting going. Bought two sets of ceramics and a set of metallics for full price from their site like an idiot.
Maybe they are better now, but the 2 sets I've skated are not it.
Definitely would like to help. DM’d you.
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Update on my new, but already squeaky Quantum ceramics...
A few more sessions and now they are slow as hell. I have another set brand new in the box. Honestly don't even want to bother with em.
Got caught up in the hype on here when they were first getting going. Bought two sets of ceramics and a set of metallics for full price from their site like an idiot.
Maybe they are better now, but the 2 sets I've skated are not it.
I've had my Atoms for 3 years, definitely not hype. Off Slap most people I know that have tried them have loved them. It sucks that happened and hopefully their warranty sorts you out.
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Anyone know where Flowgressive bearings are made or how they skate? $50/set of ceramics. Brian Powderly and Rich Adler skate for them.
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Anyone know where Flowgressive bearings are made or how they skate? $50/set of ceramics. Brian Powderly and Rich Adler skate for them.
Who?
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Update on my new, but already squeaky Quantum ceramics...
A few more sessions and now they are slow as hell. I have another set brand new in the box. Honestly don't even want to bother with em.
Got caught up in the hype on here when they were first getting going. Bought two sets of ceramics and a set of metallics for full price from their site like an idiot.
Maybe they are better now, but the 2 sets I've skated are not it.
The bearings were purchased back in 2021/2022 and sat in the tin.
The oil lubricant has likely worn off and the bearings just need a drop of lube. Probably not even a cleaning.
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Expand Quote
Update on my new, but already squeaky Quantum ceramics...
A few more sessions and now they are slow as hell. I have another set brand new in the box. Honestly don't even want to bother with em.
Got caught up in the hype on here when they were first getting going. Bought two sets of ceramics and a set of metallics for full price from their site like an idiot.
Maybe they are better now, but the 2 sets I've skated are not it.
The bearings were purchased back in 2021/2022 and sat in the tin.
The oil lubricant has likely worn off and the bearings just need a drop of lube. Probably not even a cleaning.
what’s your fave lube? as i’ve dribbled on and on about, my atoms have come back to life, but i’ve got em bone dry.
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Our ‘StackZ’ lubricant is what I recommend. We make it in house.
It’s designed to help prevent and to repair surface level imperfections that occur in bearings during manufacturing.
Also deposits a nano-stack of materials across all the surfaces of the bearing.
Those materials have a very high resistance to impact force and some of the lowest coefficients of friction.
It’s really good stuff. On any bearing.
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Our ‘StackZ’ lubricant is what I recommend. We make it in house.
It’s designed to help prevent and to repair surface level imperfections that occur in bearings during manufacturing.
Also deposits a nano-stack of materials across all the surfaces of the bearing.
Those materials have a very high resistance to impact force and some of the lowest coefficients of friction.
It’s really good stuff. On any bearing.
thank you for your time.
maybe this puts you in an uncomfortable spot: is there a non-house made product you like?
or possibly looser: would you characterize ya’lls lube as on the lighter side?
again, i get it if you need/want (for i’m sure good reasons, shit often works better with specifics….i could go one about some cocktail recipes that are better with specific alcohols), to just keep it on the company brand.
would you say the bearings need to be cleaned often, or lubed often?
mine were fast right away, faster than what i expect from what i consider to be the standard for a quality bearing (swiss), but then tailed off. i said some slick/rude comment about the quantum’s, and got correctly called out for it, which the. had me going back and cleaning them and giving them more run.
so i guess what i’m dancing around is: is it all the lube? once the lube goes the bearing slows?
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I'm running Bones Reds atm. Don't feel it's worth buying the more expensive versions.
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i hate reds.
i like mini-logos quite a bit tho.
my dried out, shield less quantums are doing really well
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moded I mean modus bearings
with one drop. used to always drop three, thinking about dropping two next.
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I just cleaned my Swiss 6 after a long while. Since I don't had any isopropyl alcohol or acetone I used just a citric based dishwasher + water (had to do it like 3 times to wash out the bubbles) and 1 speed cream drop per bearing. Now they feel great and skate like a dream.
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i hate reds.
i like mini-logos quite a bit tho.
my dried out, shield less quantums are doing really well
Interesting, what about Reds do you hate? I run them out of convenience, but I do find they don't keep their optimal speed as long as Bronsons or even Shake Junt bearings, and sometimes wonder to myself if they are overrated.
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Just my 2 cents on Cortinas - stay the f away from them, these bearings are crap.
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i hate reds.
i like mini-logos quite a bit tho.
my dried out, shield less quantums are doing really well
Interesting, what about Reds do you hate? I run them out of convenience, but I do find they don't keep their optimal speed as long as Bronsons or even Shake Junt bearings, and sometimes wonder to myself if they are overrated.
Odd, Bronsons have been significantly worse than Reds in maintaining optimal speed & not seizing up each time I tried them. Shake Junt and Reds seem somewhat similar tho.
In terms of pricing, I don't think Reds are overrated at all. I've been happy just about every time I skate then.
Mini Logo?? Those bearings are dogshit though. The cheapest of cheap like their garbage trucks. Not worth your money or time to skate them unless you have no other options/money for other alternatives
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Just setup the Bronson G3 pro models that SWH has been trying to clear, so far so good. You could do much worse for a $16 bearing set.
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Here to talk about the new skf bearings again, still running strong 8 setups deep, cleaned them once since I’ve bought them, used sewing machine oil to lube them up afterwards, no side to side play in them at all, the tolerances are noticeable better I think than other bearings they don’t feel loose at all like reds do after an extended period of time, and the metal shields on the inside make for easy enough cleaning between wheel changes, really liking these bearing a whole lot, have been recommended them to everyone
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Here to talk about the new skf bearings again, still running strong 8 setups deep, cleaned them once since I’ve bought them, used sewing machine oil to lube them up afterwards, no side to side play in them at all, the tolerances are noticeable better I think than other bearings they don’t feel loose at all like reds do after an extended period of time, and the metal shields on the inside make for easy enough cleaning between wheel changes, really liking these bearing a whole lot, have been recommended them to everyone
I'm only three sessions into my set but so far so good! Easily the smoothest bearings I've ever had and agree that the tolerances seem great.
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Here to talk about the new skf bearings again, still running strong 8 setups deep, cleaned them once since I’ve bought them, used sewing machine oil to lube them up afterwards, no side to side play in them at all, the tolerances are noticeable better I think than other bearings they don’t feel loose at all like reds do after an extended period of time, and the metal shields on the inside make for easy enough cleaning between wheel changes, really liking these bearing a whole lot, have been recommended them to everyone
Not a skateboard bearing, but my friend has been riding the same SKF square taper bottom bracket on his bike for I think seven years now, of fairly regular use. That's basically unheard of for a component of this type.
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Anyone else cop their first set of swiss ceramics for $88 at the skatewarehouse sale? Looking forward to trying them out.
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My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered some silicon nitride ceramic balls on eBay for like 13 dollars. I put em in some cheap modus black bearings I had in the parts box. Won’t really be able to skate till Sunday but felt nice and fast in the driveway.
(https://i.ibb.co/prZ9NhD/IMG-5632.jpg)
Fuck yeah. Can you find out where the Swiss cages come from?
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Anyone try Floegressive?
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Rockin some grizzly bearing right now fam
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Bronson Raws!
What bearings are you guys using? I'm a fan of Bones Swiss and I had some blank ceramic bearings that were just as fast.
Looking for suggestions for a new build.
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
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My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered some silicon nitride ceramic balls on eBay for like 13 dollars. I put em in some cheap modus black bearings I had in the parts box. Won’t really be able to skate till Sunday but felt nice and fast in the driveway.
(https://i.ibb.co/prZ9NhD/IMG-5632.jpg)
Need an update on this.
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
G3 are the biggest pieces of shit ever in my experience.
They lasted me 3 days and that little inner metal ring on the shield bended to the inside on 6 bearings making them go to a full stop.
Swiss will last you at least 5 years. My current set, Swiss 6, are still going strong and actually better and better every day since 2017. I clean then 1 maybe 2 times per year and that's it.
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
I have a few pairs, rode them for over a year and noticed slow down. I used to swear by them though.
Got some Bones Swiss 6 back in August. It’s not even close, they make the G3s seem awful by comparison.
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After trying several cheaper bearings over the years and being disappointed time and time again, I've come to the conclusion that it's not worth it using any other bearings than Bones Swiss / Swiss 6. Life's too short. Invest in quality.
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After trying several cheaper bearings over the years and being disappointed time and time again, I've come to the conclusion that it's not worth it using any other bearings than Bones Swiss / Swiss 6. Life's too short. Invest in quality.
This ☝️
The only other alternative if you're on a budget are Flip HKD 5 or 7, whatever you can find for the cheap.
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
I used to think bearings didn’t matter. I’d have a random assortment of stuff in my wheels that I had left over and get whatever was cheap when I needed new ones. Tried Swiss from a sale this year. A few months in and the difference is huge. So much faster and smoother and to what people are saying they just keep getting better. Probably gonna get a backup set with the skatewarehouse sale
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
If a set of Reds or G3 cost $25 and last for six months, while the Bones cost $50 and last for multiple years (while performing better), did you actually save any money buying the cheaper bearings?
I'd advise you to grab some from Skate Warehouse for 30% off, but it looks like they've totally sold out of Swiss bearings.
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
If a set of Reds or G3 cost $25 and last for six months, while the Bones cost $50 and last for multiple years (while performing better), did you actually save any money buying the cheaper bearings?
I'd advise you to grab some from Skate Warehouse for 30% off, but it looks like they've totally sold out of Swiss bearings.
just to chime in my take: i prefer swiss, but i don’t notice some big difference in the results of my skating. the swiss are faster.
for me, it’s mainly a longevity thing. i’ve had swiss, and swiss 6, last years upon years.
the highly un-scientific hand spin test has one of my setups with mini logos beating swiss, and quantum’s right now. (before anyone gets excited i have the quantum’s really dry, and haven’t purchased their lighter lubricant, and they are doing totally fine).
i’ve been sticking to mini logo or swiss and i like that for me.
i do want to try some of the skf bearings.
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
If a set of Reds or G3 cost $25 and last for six months, while the Bones cost $50 and last for multiple years (while performing better), did you actually save any money buying the cheaper bearings?
I'd advise you to grab some from Skate Warehouse for 30% off, but it looks like they've totally sold out of Swiss bearings.
In europe reds cost 25 and swiss cost 100 for some reason. Swiss ceramics are 225
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
If a set of Reds or G3 cost $25 and last for six months, while the Bones cost $50 and last for multiple years (while performing better), did you actually save any money buying the cheaper bearings?
I'd advise you to grab some from Skate Warehouse for 30% off, but it looks like they've totally sold out of Swiss bearings.
just to chime in my take: i prefer swiss, but i don’t notice some big difference in the results of my skating. the swiss are faster.
for me, it’s mainly a longevity thing. i’ve had swiss, and swiss 6, last years upon years.
the highly un-scientific hand spin test has one of my setups with mini logos beating swiss, and quantum’s right now. (before anyone gets excited i have the quantum’s really dry, and haven’t purchased their lighter lubricant, and they are doing totally fine).
i’ve been sticking to mini logo or swiss and i like that for me.
i do want to try some of the skf bearings.
Yeah, people always talk about which bearing is "faster", but that's completely a meaningless metric. No one here is racing their skateboard and no bearing which is even basically functional seriously restricting your speed. When I say that they "perform better", I mean that they spin smooth and fast for longer than cheaper bearings.
I'm glad you bring up SKF, because they make a cartridge bearing bicycle bottom bracket which will never "spin faster" than one with new, well-adjusted ceramic bearings, but it will spin smoothly and with no maintenance for a 5-10 years of regular, hard riding, which most of the alternatives will not (RIP UN55).
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
If a set of Reds or G3 cost $25 and last for six months, while the Bones cost $50 and last for multiple years (while performing better), did you actually save any money buying the cheaper bearings?
I'd advise you to grab some from Skate Warehouse for 30% off, but it looks like they've totally sold out of Swiss bearings.
I've had Swiss die on me in months and cheap bearings that last years, tried doing the cleaning and lubing with shields and retainers removed but the Swiss just never returned to full speed for me. Maybe it because I'm in the tropics with 80-90% humidity but I've never found the premium of Bones Swiss to be worth the it, and I don't have the patience to clean them regularly. Hence I go with cheaper ones and swap them every few sessions. But I still have friends who swear by them, just not for me.
With the SWH 30% off code and clearance discount the Bronson G3s that were on clearance were good if you wanted to test them out.
I'll defer to the masses who swear by Swiss, just not for me
The SWH
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I saw Mini Logo bearings in Christmas completes at my local that spun as fast as Swiss.
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The consensus here is correct (in my experience): just invest in Swiss. Yeah it sucks paying $50 but they usually last longer.
That being said, you can absolutely get away with cheaper options on cruisers. They don’t take as much impact and I’ve had Reds, Reds Big Balls, and Reds Supers last ages.
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abec 11's got me chasing after my skateboard
https://rootindustries.com/products/root-industries-abec-bearings-pack-10-pack-tube (https://rootindustries.com/products/root-industries-abec-bearings-pack-10-pack-tube)
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Swiss always
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How much better than Bronson G3s are bones swiss really? They cost twice as much...It hurts but I really want to try them and it would be such a stupid waste of money if they're pretty much the same
If a set of Reds or G3 cost $25 and last for six months, while the Bones cost $50 and last for multiple years (while performing better), did you actually save any money buying the cheaper bearings?
I'd advise you to grab some from Skate Warehouse for 30% off, but it looks like they've totally sold out of Swiss bearings.
just to chime in my take: i prefer swiss, but i don’t notice some big difference in the results of my skating. the swiss are faster.
for me, it’s mainly a longevity thing. i’ve had swiss, and swiss 6, last years upon years.
the highly un-scientific hand spin test has one of my setups with mini logos beating swiss, and quantum’s right now. (before anyone gets excited i have the quantum’s really dry, and haven’t purchased their lighter lubricant, and they are doing totally fine).
i’ve been sticking to mini logo or swiss and i like that for me.
i do want to try some of the skf bearings.
Yeah, people always talk about which bearing is "faster", but that's completely a meaningless metric. No one here is racing their skateboard and no bearing which is even basically functional seriously restricting your speed. When I say that they "perform better", I mean that they spin smooth and fast for longer than cheaper bearings.
I'm glad you bring up SKF, because they make a cartridge bearing bicycle bottom bracket which will never "spin faster" than one with new, well-adjusted ceramic bearings, but it will spin smoothly and with no maintenance for a 5-10 years of regular, hard riding, which most of the alternatives will not (RIP UN55).
I have the skf standard bearings that I’ve been running for a while now, they don’t spin in hand but under load they spin smoother than anything else I’ve ridden, and while I’m not a speed demon or anything I do seem to notice I don’t have to take as many pushes to get to the ledge at the local as some other people do
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SKF use grease, so it takes some heat for them to spin "freely". Which is a useless test anyway.
I've been on SKF's for over a year now, and they simply just run smoother, maintain their speed better, than Bones Reds, Big Balls and maybe Swiss 6s. I did have my Swiss 6s for many many years.
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I did it. I bought swiss 6 and that stupid overpriced bones bearings tool. I feel like I'm gonna skate different now and be anxious of destroying the most expensive+delicate skate part I've ever bought. No slappies?
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I did it. I bought swiss 6 and that stupid overpriced bones bearings tool. I feel like I'm gonna skate different now and be anxious of destroying the most expensive+delicate skate part I've ever bought. No slappies?
I just buy the regular swiss so I can't say for sure but I keep mine out of water or sand and that is all I do to take care of them and they last years. I assume the 6 have less balls though, so I'm not sure if they would handle a beating as well but that is only speculation.
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abec 11's got me chasing after my skateboard
https://rootindustries.com/products/root-industries-abec-bearings-pack-10-pack-tube (https://rootindustries.com/products/root-industries-abec-bearings-pack-10-pack-tube)
Sorry to be that guy but there's no such thing as Abec 11. The term "Abec 11" was used by a longboard wheels company as a play on words and because the Abec scale only goes to 10. They might be fast and with good tolerances but they won't be Abec 11..
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abec 11's got me chasing after my skateboard
https://rootindustries.com/products/root-industries-abec-bearings-pack-10-pack-tube (https://rootindustries.com/products/root-industries-abec-bearings-pack-10-pack-tube)
Sorry to be that guy but there's no such thing as Abec 11. The term "Abec 11" was used by a longboard wheels company as a play on words and because the Abec scale only goes to 10. They might be fast and with good tolerances but they won't be Abec 11..
ABEC ∞
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Swiss bro
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I saw Mini Logo bearings in Christmas completes at my local that spun as fast as Swiss.
here's an opportunity to repeat this is a useless consideration.
Free spin doesn't mean shit. It says nothing about performance under load, durability or any characteristic of a bearing.
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I run Swiss 6 on my main
I have a cruiser rain setup
With mini logo.
Swiss rule but mini logo are decently
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I saw Mini Logo bearings in Christmas completes at my local that spun as fast as Swiss.
here's an opportunity to repeat this is a useless consideration.
Free spin doesn't mean shit. It says nothing about performance under load, durability or any characteristic of a bearing.
In theory yes, in practice yes and no from personal experience. Bearings that spin forever (>60 sec) when spun without load will also perform well with load. Doesnt apply to new bearings tho.
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Still in Rotation (I swap between a few sets of wheels depending on what I'm skating, i.e., crust, park, street, etc.):
2x sets of Swiss Six (had to buy a single from PP to fix a set)
Bronson Ceramics (one shield finally wonked out recently and the bearing got filthy, the rest are perfect; they give you extra shields, so cleaned and back to new)
Bronson Raws - still fast / loud
Race Reds (very infrequent use)
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Still in Rotation (I swap between a few sets of wheels depending on what I'm skating, i.e., crust, park, street, etc.):
2x sets of Swiss Six (had to buy a single from PP to fix a set)
Bronson Ceramics (one shield finally wonked out recently and the bearing got filthy, the rest are perfect; they give you extra shields, so cleaned and back to new)
Bronson Raws - still fast / loud
Race Reds (very infrequent use)
what’s your favorite?
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Still in Rotation (I swap between a few sets of wheels depending on what I'm skating, i.e., crust, park, street, etc.):
2x sets of Swiss Six (had to buy a single from PP to fix a set)
Bronson Ceramics (one shield finally wonked out recently and the bearing got filthy, the rest are perfect; they give you extra shields, so cleaned and back to new)
Bronson Raws - still fast / loud
Race Reds (very infrequent use)
what’s your favorite?
If you use spacers Race Reds (which are super redz) are great, tho there are some 6 ball (longboard) options out there from Seismic...Zealous also makes a Ceramic Built-In Bearing that's only $34...I still have a regular set of zealous built-ins from like 10yrs ago and they're still rolling....built-ins are heavier than regs even with spacers.
Out of what I have, given the prices, Swiss6 at $52 is the way to go...but with regs swiss now at that new MSRP of $49.95...
I don't notice a difference running ceramics (surely if I skated bowls all the time I would), but at that price range, I would just dip for Bones Reds Ceramics (china) over bronson (also china); my bronsons were free and they are plenty fast...on par with the swiss six for sure.
Bronson Raws, no complaints, I just wanted to try them, they are nothing special....they're in that middle ground category (~$40) and at that price point you are probably better off nabbing some CCS inhouse ceramic at $44 and Daddies has a built in ceramic at $44 (zealous as well as noted above)...Modus at $70....all of them are clearly the same rebranded china ceramic bearing...
No reason to not spend a few bucks more in every price/bearing range and just get Bones...or off brand ceramics.
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Ace is making bearings
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fwC_yS3GF/?img_index=1
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Ace is making bearings
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fwC_yS3GF/?img_index=1
this is sick
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Ace is making bearings
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fwC_yS3GF/?img_index=1
For a sec I doubted the quality, but ace been killing lately so...
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It seems like Mesa is aiming to be a full service distributor in the skate industry. They will need a better board brand than Uma, though.
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It seems like Mesa is aiming to be a full service distributor in the skate industry. They will need a better board brand than Uma, though.
Would be cool to see Heroin switch it up and work with Mesa. Especially seeing Fos and the team riders tend to rock Ace and Pepper already.
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Ace is making bearings
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fwC_yS3GF/?img_index=1
For a sec I doubted the quality, but ace been killing lately so...
Why not? Indy bearings are pretty decent, I believe in Ace but no way I'm cheating on swiss.
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First post! Hey everyone.
Just found two unused sets of Bones Swiss packed away from literally 15-20 years ago. One Super 6 and the other a standard set of Bones Swiss. I loaded up the 6 set right away. I also found a bunch of my old Reds and Black Widows too, not to mention some sweet old Indys, Thunders, Destructos.... Felt like Christmas.
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Bones Swiss pop the shields and they're even faster - Allegedly
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It seems like Mesa is aiming to be a full service distributor in the skate industry. They will need a better board brand than Uma, though.
Would be cool to see Heroin switch it up and work with Mesa. Especially seeing Fos and the team riders tend to rock Ace and Pepper already.
Leave Baker Bros. for Mesa?
Riiiiiight
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I've been on bones reds for life. I usually rock new bearing with new wheels. Skate almost everyday. Wheels usually last me about a half a year. Usually more if i'm skating a bigger wheel. I've had a set last me a long ass time. And then I will get the random sets that are kind of shit. but most of the time they are hitting. And then I would have a set last me a month or two. I do no maintenance to my shit. Only other bearings i've tried are bronson g2's. Only skated one pair and had the back ones blow out on me. Went straight back to the reds.
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Hard to beat Swiss 6 and Quantum but I'm all for some mid-range bearing options for budget times. Indy Blacks were good for that.
If these Ace bearings are on par with the old Indy Blacks... and are between $25 and $35... I'm down.
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It seems like Mesa is aiming to be a full service distributor in the skate industry. They will need a better board brand than Uma, though.
didn’t get to roll on it, but a friend of a friend showed up at the park very mesa’d out: uma, ace, pepper. guess he has a friend that is a rep or something and the guy gave him some stacks of stuff.
aaaaanyways, the board looked very nice. like a perfect band-aid shape, looked mellow.
i would have been down for sure, based off of the shape and concave
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Hard to beat Swiss 6 and Quantum but I'm all for some mid-range bearing options for budget times. Indy Blacks were good for that.
If these Ace bearings are on par with the old Indy Blacks... and are between $25 and $35... I'm down.
Given ACE's prices, I expect them to be at that $30-35 range.
Could be more since they're using a 'proprietary factory'
I'm all for it but do we need another bearing company?
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Running the same Swiss 6 I got almost 4 years ago. Mineral spirits, 99% iso, speed cream, and shields ON keep them right. Clean them every other board.
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I’m on my third month of SKF Oski’s. Weird bearings. They aren’t slow but they have never broken in. Most bearings I’ve ever ridden get faster as they age , then they die. These just spin at the same speed. They aren’t fast when spun on the wheel, but they don’t ride slow. Swedish madness.
I feel like these are the Toyota Camry of bearings. Nothing special but they are still going to be here 20 years from now, still spinning at one speed.
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I’m on my third month of SKF Oski’s. Weird bearings. They aren’t slow but they have never broken in. Most bearings I’ve ever ridden get faster as they age , then they die. These just spin at the same speed. They aren’t fast when spun on the wheel, but they don’t ride slow. Swedish madness.
I feel like these are the Toyota Camry of bearings. Nothing special but they are still going to be here 20 years from now, still spinning at one speed.
i want these
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Square taper bottom bracket enthusiasts such as myself have long revered SKF. I haven’t fucked with their skate bearings but it’s unsurprising that they made the best and most durable option.
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I’m on my third month of SKF Oski’s. Weird bearings. They aren’t slow but they have never broken in. Most bearings I’ve ever ridden get faster as they age , then they die. These just spin at the same speed. They aren’t fast when spun on the wheel, but they don’t ride slow. Swedish madness.
I feel like these are the Toyota Camry of bearings. Nothing special but they are still going to be here 20 years from now, still spinning at one speed.
The Toyota Camry of bearings is such a great way of describing them. I’ve been riding a set for a little while now and they’re holding up great. By now any other bearing I’ve ridden would’ve been loud and rough sounding from stuff getting inside and spinning around but the SKFs are only slightly louder than they started at and still wonderfully smooth.
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Square taper bottom bracket enthusiasts such as myself have long revered SKF. I haven’t fucked with their skate bearings but it’s unsurprising that they made the best and most durable option.
According to Jan Heine, their smaller bearings are outsourced. Maybe they're like Powell and are particular with manufacturers and QC on cheap stuff.
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Treated myself to a set of the basic SKF ones over xmas, swap them out when these G3s shit the bed
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Been skating SKF for over 6 months. Better then Reds, Big balls, that tier bracket.
They have grease, hence why they seemingly roll slow, and need heat for them to roll the fastest.
But they roll so smooth, maintain their speed excellently.
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if skf are as reliable as claimed, chalk me down for a set
running atoms and my tail/heel side wheel is slow
had em for a minute and they havent seen a cleaning yet
never fully taken apart a bearing but might go for it now
skf sounds great for any bearing thats seized beyond repair
but hopefully the quantums return to form after maintenance
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I've had isotopes and atoms, both have seized on me in the past but have returned to brand new peak performance after a clean
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I've had isotopes and atoms, both have seized on me in the past but have returned to brand new peak performance after a clean
did you use quantum lube or bones speed cream?
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I've had isotopes and atoms, both have seized on me in the past but have returned to brand new peak performance after a clean
quantum lube allllll day, all my homies hate speed cream
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I've had isotopes and atoms, both have seized on me in the past but have returned to brand new peak performance after a clean
quantum lube allllll day, all my homies hate speed cream
ive used speed cream on quantums, but since i got the $60 ones i decided to get the lube they make.
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It seems like Mesa is aiming to be a full service distributor in the skate industry. They will need a better board brand than Uma, though.
im glad they didn't make a whole new bearing brand. ace's quality seems to be on point the last few years so makes sense to branch off ace versus making a whole new brand. and yeah would be cool to see another board brand join Mesa
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I’m on my third month of SKF Oski’s. Weird bearings. They aren’t slow but they have never broken in. Most bearings I’ve ever ridden get faster as they age , then they die. These just spin at the same speed. They aren’t fast when spun on the wheel, but they don’t ride slow. Swedish madness.
I feel like these are the Toyota Camry of bearings. Nothing special but they are still going to be here 20 years from now, still spinning at one speed.
Got a set of the green ones when they first dropped, they have been on my setup since, the Camry of bearings is a great way of describing them, I cleaned them once and relubbed them with my sewing machine oil, they seemed to roll a bit faster afterwards, hopefully after my ACL surgery mine will still be rolling as good
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With the skf you def can thin down the grease with some oil if you want it a little slick, longevity wise I think it’s the best bearing built for that.
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Been skating Quantum Isotopes for the last 6 months or so and they're definitely the quickest bearings i have ever skated.
I usually skate bones reds or super reds or random local brand bearings
The city i live in is on a mountain and i bomb hills alot, im not sure if the top speed is actually much higher than what im used to but the acceleration is noticeably better and it holds speed way better, there are sections of hill i used to push in for years and now I dont need to anymore and still keep plenty of speed.
did have to lube them once but not because they got slow, just didnt free spin as easy, using their oil solved it and they feel great again.
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What’s the verdict on popping shields on Swiss?
Trying my first set and I’m on the fence. I usually pop shields with reds but it feels a little naughty since Swiss are double the price. I need some advice!
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Keep the shields on
It's dumb to pop them in the first place
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What’s the verdict on popping shields on Swiss?
Trying my first set and I’m on the fence. I usually pop shields with reds but it feels a little naughty since Swiss are double the price. I need some advice!
Popping shields is definitely the fastest way to wear your bearings out while gaining absolutely nothing whatsoever.
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^this. And this ^^. Definitely do not pop the shields.
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Never ask the bearing thread if you can pop your shields they will never give you the answer you desire
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I've never understood the whole popping shields thing. Just look at how much gunk gets on your shields after skating a few times.
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I've never understood the whole popping shields thing. Just look at how much gunk gets on your shields after skating a few times.
I’ve always done it because it does look cooler. But I’ve seen the responses here, shield pop the swiss I shall not. Thanks for the insight people
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I've never understood the whole popping shields thing. Just look at how much gunk gets on your shields after skating a few times.
Groupthink
Shields off makes u 10% more core and u sound like ur going faster than you actually are.
If ur skating $60 bearings you paid for and pop the shields u a fool. If u skate reds or the cheap shit then it’s whatever cause they ain’t worth cleaning.
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I've never understood the whole popping shields thing. Just look at how much gunk gets on your shields after skating a few times.
Groupthink
Shields off makes u 10% more core and u sound like ur going faster than you actually are.
If ur skating $60 bearings you paid for and pop the shields u a fool. If u skate reds or the cheap shit then it’s whatever cause they ain’t worth cleaning.
Or if you get them for free and don't care how long they last.
That seemed to be the main take from pro dudes doing it back in the day, then others followed and it became a thing to have slow noisy bearings, rather than well maintained fast, smooth and silent bearings like normal people do.
Any which way, people can do what they like with their boards and bearings, but I prefer faster bearings and less trouble by keeping shields on.
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I bet bearing companies prefer people remove the shields ;)
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Funny that Bronson sells shieldless bearings
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IME popping the shields is a good way to squeeze some extra life out of cheap bearings, where the things are shitty enough that any friction is too much friction.
But also bearings are so entirely unimportant. I buy Swiss because they last me a lot longer than cheap bearings, but I have no illusions that these things actually roll faster or spin longer once I am standing on my skateboard.
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Funny that Bronson sells shieldless bearings
As do a lot of other companies, with that growing trend to not have shields on bearings right from the first day you put them on.
At least most of those (not all) do not have any lube in the bearings to start with, so they are already dry, so less likely to attract dirt and other things.
A few companies, maybe the cheaper ones, or that don't really know their product, just have regular bearings that come lubed with no shields, so they tend to get everything in there and get very messy pretty quickly from a few sets I got and passed around for people to try, but the set I put shields on right away actually worked great - just a case of sorting through sets of shields to find some that fit.
The other funny thing is with Bronson Raw bearings, I am sure some people love them, but I have a set here as a person I know bought into the hype, got some, skated them about two weeks and then was over them, as they felt slow and his simple Bones Reds were rolling better than the Raw bearings.
I cleaned them and had them on a board for a bit, but they still tend to not roll as fast as any lubed and shielded bearings, even cheaper generic ones, that I have on other boards.
Just one of those things, I guess.
* If you are going to skate bearings without shields, make sure they are clean and dry, no lube or anything else in there, only a little graphite powder if you want them to last longer.
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Bronson’s and Reds sound better shieldless, but my Swiss 6 got super squeaky and needed speed cream. I’d do it all over again though. They look better and still roll faster than cheap bearings. With how expensive living is in 2024, buying a $60 pair of bearings once a year is the least of my concerns. Everything doesn’t have to be practical. Especially in skateboarding. If something mentally bothers you, fix it.
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Bronson’s and Reds sound better shieldless, but my Swiss 6 got super squeaky and needed speed cream. I’d do it all over again though. They look better and still roll faster than cheap bearings. With how expensive living is in 2024, buying a $60 pair of bearings once a year is the least of my concerns. Everything doesn’t have to be practical. Especially in skateboarding. If something mentally bothers you, fix it.
This guy knows what’s up. Popped Swiss sounds cool, look cool and are cool. Do they need more regular cleaning and slow down quicker? Sure. Is it sensible? Probably not. But that’s a small price to pay for the pleasure of riding popped shields. Bones Swiss are still very good value for the lifespan. You wouldn’t use a tail saver to prolong your deck, and you’ll spend way more on decks than bearings. And once you pop, you won’t go back, so weird riding muffled Swiss after skating popped, no thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taVjDH6aIL0
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Bronson’s and Reds sound better shieldless, but my Swiss 6 got super squeaky and needed speed cream. I’d do it all over again though. They look better and still roll faster than cheap bearings. With how expensive living is in 2024, buying a $60 pair of bearings once a year is the least of my concerns. Everything doesn’t have to be practical. Especially in skateboarding. If something mentally bothers you, fix it.
This guy knows what’s up. Popped Swiss sounds cool, look cool and are cool. Do they need more regular cleaning and slow down quicker? Sure. Is it sensible? Probably not. But that’s a small price to pay for the pleasure of riding popped shields. Bones Swiss are still very good value for the lifespan. You wouldn’t use a tail saver to prolong your deck, and you’ll spend way more on decks than bearings. And once you pop, you won’t go back, so weird riding muffled Swiss after skating popped, no thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taVjDH6aIL0
this is so sick.
i didn’t appreciate him as much at the time.
also, because im a setup fiend, besides the shoes, i also want the 8.25 with 147s, 52s (my best guess of what he’s running in this video. i think the setups i’ve seen him on more recently are 8.38, 148s, maybe 53s).
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I had the quantum isotopes for 6-8 months and popped the shields. they were fine til one wheel wouldn't move at all and noticed a tiny bit of wax was on the crown that holds the ball bearings together. i cleaned em up and used that special oil they have, with shields now and they work much better.
- yes the shields off does sound cool and works well just gotta clean em out more often i guess.
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Using Bones Reds, however I'll have to try Bronson RAW some day.
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I had the quantum isotopes for 6-8 months and popped the shields. they were fine til one wheel wouldn't move at all and noticed a tiny bit of wax was on the crown that holds the ball bearings together. i cleaned em up and used that special oil they have, with shields now and they work much better.
- yes the shields off does sound cool and works well just gotta clean em out more often i guess.
I am running the isotopes for over a year now, shields on, cleaned them twice, added their graphlo-ceramic lube from time to tome, and they are still superfast (on par or better than swiss 6).
@Mbrimson88
I dont fully understand why you would recommend to run shieldless bearings dry. Arent dry bearings bound to stop working because of friction?
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Bronson’s and Reds sound better shieldless, but my Swiss 6 got super squeaky and needed speed cream. I’d do it all over again though. They look better and still roll faster than cheap bearings. With how expensive living is in 2024, buying a $60 pair of bearings once a year is the least of my concerns. Everything doesn’t have to be practical. Especially in skateboarding. If something mentally bothers you, fix it.
This guy knows what’s up. Popped Swiss sounds cool, look cool and are cool. Do they need more regular cleaning and slow down quicker? Sure. Is it sensible? Probably not. But that’s a small price to pay for the pleasure of riding popped shields. Bones Swiss are still very good value for the lifespan. You wouldn’t use a tail saver to prolong your deck, and you’ll spend way more on decks than bearings. And once you pop, you won’t go back, so weird riding muffled Swiss after skating popped, no thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taVjDH6aIL0
this is so sick.
i didn’t appreciate him as much at the time.
also, because im a setup fiend, besides the shoes, i also want the 8.25 with 147s, 52s (my best guess of what he’s running in this video. i think the setups i’ve seen him on more recently are 8.38, 148s, maybe 53s).
Yeah man, this was when he stepped up to 8.25 around away days era but still running 147s, so rad. I'ma bit of a setup fiend too and there's no bad Dennis era. Big fan of when he skated 8.18, 147, 51/50 - I still run that a lot and get stoked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjFwlLovzno
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I had the quantum isotopes for 6-8 months and popped the shields. they were fine til one wheel wouldn't move at all and noticed a tiny bit of wax was on the crown that holds the ball bearings together. i cleaned em up and used that special oil they have, with shields now and they work much better.
- yes the shields off does sound cool and works well just gotta clean em out more often i guess.
I am running the isotopes for over a year now, shields on, cleaned them twice, added their graphlo-ceramic lube from time to tome, and they are still superfast (on par or better than swiss 6).
@Mbrimson88
I dont fully understand why you would recommend to run shieldless bearings dry. Arent dry bearings bound to stop working because of friction?
* If you are going to skate bearings without shields, make sure they are clean and dry, no lube or anything else in there, only a little graphite powder if you want them to last longer.
Ha yeah, well I wouldn't recommend bearings without shields to start with, but using graphite powder is a dry lubricant, so it will keep things running with less friction but also stops anything and everything from getting stuck in there the way wet lubed bearings do if people take the shields off.
Most of the pro dudes that ride bearings without shields don't do anything to them, just pop shields and skate them, some blow them out or try to get the lube out of them first - story about Brent Atchley back int he day putting brand new bearings in socks in a dryer and skate until he sets up a new board, but often when you don't have to pay for bearings, you can do what you like with them, where as anyone else that has to buy their bearings might usually take a little more care of them.
Hopefully that makes sense.
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Swiss six balls, shields popped and degreased(dry) had one set for 3 years and sold em with a complete to a homie. I've also had dry mini logos last me a couple years. I haven't been hitting 10 sets and shit in a few years, but I remember when I did I'd broken a couple bones reds delrin cores
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I had the quantum isotopes for 6-8 months and popped the shields. they were fine til one wheel wouldn't move at all and noticed a tiny bit of wax was on the crown that holds the ball bearings together. i cleaned em up and used that special oil they have, with shields now and they work much better.
- yes the shields off does sound cool and works well just gotta clean em out more often i guess.
I am running the isotopes for over a year now, shields on, cleaned them twice, added their graphlo-ceramic lube from time to tome, and they are still superfast (on par or better than swiss 6).
@Mbrimson88
I dont fully understand why you would recommend to run shieldless bearings dry. Arent dry bearings bound to stop working because of friction?
* If you are going to skate bearings without shields, make sure they are clean and dry, no lube or anything else in there, only a little graphite powder if you want them to last longer.
Ha yeah, well I wouldn't recommend bearings without shields to start with, but using graphite powder is a dry lubricant, so it will keep things running with less friction but also stops anything and everything from getting stuck in there the way wet lubed bearings do if people take the shields off.
Most of the pro dudes that ride bearings without shields don't do anything to them, just pop shields and skate them, some blow them out or try to get the lube out of them first - story about Brent Atchley back int he day putting brand new bearings in socks in a dryer and skate until he sets up a new board, but often when you don't have to pay for bearings, you can do what you like with them, where as anyone else that has to buy their bearings might usually take a little more care of them.
Hopefully that makes sense.
Yeah thanks, that does make sense. Hadnt heard of graphite powder as a dry lubricant yet. Quite interesting.
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It makes no sense but I'm on some Reds that are bone dry shieldless, cleaned two or three times so far with pure acetone and they're performing just as good as some swiss for like a year now. I feel like skate bearings cheap or expensive you just get lucky sometimes with a pack that had better QC or something.
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It makes no sense but I'm on some Reds that are bone dry shieldless, cleaned two or three times so far with pure acetone and they're performing just as good as some swiss for like a year now. I feel like skate bearings cheap or expensive you just get lucky sometimes with a pack that had better QC or something.
I agree because I’ve had sets with some that stopped within 2 months. On the other hand, I’ve had sets that lasted longer than a year.
Even with Swiss bearings, the lifespan isn’t consistent. You might get a year, or you might get 3-5.
Reds are sold as singles and in packs of 2, if you ever have a bearing or two that isn’t functional after cleaning.
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Stock Indy bushings in my 149's is all I know. I don't think I have the mental capacity to develop bushings madness, but admittedly, I'm Bones bushings curious. Please talk me out of it.
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Stock Indy bushings in my 149's is all I know. I don't think I have the mental capacity to develop bushings madness, but admittedly, I'm Bones bushings curious. Please talk me out of it.
You're confusing bushings with bearings. Wrong thread.
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Bronson’s and Reds sound better shieldless, but my Swiss 6 got super squeaky and needed speed cream. I’d do it all over again though. They look better and still roll faster than cheap bearings. With how expensive living is in 2024, buying a $60 pair of bearings once a year is the least of my concerns. Everything doesn’t have to be practical. Especially in skateboarding. If something mentally bothers you, fix it.
This guy knows what’s up. Popped Swiss sounds cool, look cool and are cool. Do they need more regular cleaning and slow down quicker? Sure. Is it sensible? Probably not. But that’s a small price to pay for the pleasure of riding popped shields. Bones Swiss are still very good value for the lifespan. You wouldn’t use a tail saver to prolong your deck, and you’ll spend way more on decks than bearings. And once you pop, you won’t go back, so weird riding muffled Swiss after skating popped, no thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taVjDH6aIL0
Damn this Busenitz ad gets me thinking I should give Thunders and his shoe another go, both things I know don't work for me.
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was trying to restore this set of quantum isotopes- got the cleaning kit with the special lube but still no dice - they rolled good for a few days and then began to freeze up... over them :(
invested in a set of classic bones swiss that have never let me down.
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I presume you lubed the Isotopes? @fulfillthedream
I had a couple seize up but the lube worked wonders after a good spin and sesh.
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
What you don't like about them and why are they bad? Genuine question. I never bought anything from Bronson and I think I mostly heard negative things about the bearings. At least one person told me, that Bronson Raws are good.
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Bones Reds and am content with it, I however never used any other bearings before though. I am unable to compare the Bones Reds with anything.
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Reds. Picked up some Swiss on sale but have not set up yet.
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Mini Logo only £5.00 cheapest bearings that I have ever owned and not bad. Heard from a reliable source that they are Reds with two shields.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Ks41v49/17108216655243247007656567338292.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ks41v49)
(https://i.ibb.co/4VKggfx/17108217083704530349564291915753.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4VKggfx)
White ceramic bones circa 2017. Since the moment I went ceramic I've known. I'm always going to prefer them to the standard.
All my ceramics go 8+ years. Shields are completely unnecessary I believe now too. They just get faster now.
(https://i.ibb.co/1TG46xB/17108217616479013480268682636920.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1TG46xB)
Swiss. Rode them in moisture once. Never the same no matter how much I clean um.
I'm probably going to rip the shields off rn.
I can't find the post or remember the OP. Can we get an update on the $13 bag of ceramic 608s. Is it worth it so far?
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
What you don't like about them and why are they bad? Genuine question. I never bought anything from Bronson and I think I mostly heard negative things about the bearings. At least one person told me, that Bronson Raws are good.
I've ridden raws. I enjoyed them for the hour or so. It's like a red.
Lot of homies ride the g3 but they buy regularly. They're young way less interested in limiting your waste and suff. They don't complain. They definitely notice how fast my shit is tho. They always say THOSE ARE VENTURES NOT ACES! Or I don't understand how you can ride those wheels.
Virgins ::)
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I presume you lubed the Isotopes? @fulfillthedream
I had a couple seize up but the lube worked wonders after a good spin and sesh.
yeah i used that 99% alcohol and that lube. over my break i may try to resurrect them
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
What you don't like about them and why are they bad? Genuine question. I never bought anything from Bronson and I think I mostly heard negative things about the bearings. At least one person told me, that Bronson Raws are good.
They're noticeable slower than swiss, I know that they need time to break in but still I don't think it will get that much better.
Shields are loose, feels like a damn pimp my ride car since when the wheel stops spinning the shield keeps on moving and for some reason that bothers the shit out of me.
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
Such overrated bearings. Better to use Bones Reds if you want to go with something inexpensive.
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
Such overrated bearings. Better to use Bones Reds if you want to go with something inexpensive.
Only reason I got them is was because they were 50% but even like that they're not worth it.
My swiss 6 died and wanted to get some cheaper bearings in the meantime since I'm going on holidays and won't be skating + wanted to save money for it but wanted to get some sessions before that.
Update: just went back to the busted swiss 6 which are better than G3. Cages have multiple cracks on them so hopefully they won't give up on me soon, they just need to hold till pay day
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I have G3 right now and my disappointment cannot be measured.
Such overrated bearings. Better to use Bones Reds if you want to go with something inexpensive.
My swiss 6 died and wanted to get some cheaper bearings in the meantime since I'm going on holidays and won't be skating + wanted to save money for it but wanted to get some sessions before that.
Update: just went back to the busted swiss 6 which are better than G3. Cages have multiple cracks on them so hopefully they won't give up on me soon, they just need to hold till pay day
repeating myself here, but i use minilogos (had decent luck with cheapshots), or bones swiss (preferably swiss 6).
i don’t like reds. don’t like bronson.
i want to try skf.
when i need a cheap bearing, mini logos do what needs to be done, more than well enough.
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Swiss are my go to but I have reds on most of my setups at the moment. What's the deal with popped shields then besides how they sound?
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Swiss are my go to but I have reds on most of my setups at the moment. What's the deal with popped shields then besides how they sound?
Is a great way to make your bearings last less.
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I was forced to clean my shit cuz everything got wet.
This is the inside of a ceramic bones. I bought them in 2017 used from a homie who was desperate for bread.
I tried to clean um once a year minimum. They've seen ever season since very few missed days.
Look at the track. It just st came out the acetone no polishing yet. Random selection.
As you can see the ceramic balls keep the track nice and clean. If you wanna save money definitely buy ceramic.
(https://i.ibb.co/J7sbFdn/IMG-20240323-152119-606.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VSqhpNV)
(https://i.ibb.co/wYwh6m5/IMG-20240323-152102-780.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KmLxyvT)
(https://i.ibb.co/HK630fg/IMG-20240323-152051-954.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mRkgmVz)
So worth it. I've had several metal sets die all the way on side boards in this time. I take much better Care of the metal ones too
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(https://i.ibb.co/0qDZrkb/IMG-20240323-160228-277.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TcvRtZ3)
I show you my inside part
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One more example of awesome for the pals.
I know it's hard to see because of the Obama phone camera but I assure you there are zero deformed bearings in the cup.
(https://i.ibb.co/swFPRc2/IMG-20240323-162115-483.jpg) (https://ibb.co/J7zdt8K)
(https://i.ibb.co/4SPW99y/IMG-20240323-162123-859.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wQMy33H)
Nothing but ceramics do that
Tools of the trade. thecup on the left has 3 pinholes on the edge of the top so I can squeeze transfer and recycle my acetone.
(https://i.ibb.co/HYdSnLJ/IMG-20240323-141010-387.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S0rjRDL)
(https://i.ibb.co/yWd1P4C/IMG-20240323-151525-814.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GcnLpHD)
(https://i.ibb.co/0BrwLhJ/IMG-20240323-151612-561.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jVDpYg4)
(https://i.ibb.co/p1tMgNy/IMG-20240323-151624-065.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cyGZPRL)
Example. The parts and scum stay in the squeeze cup. Fluid passes through easily without losing nothing
(https://i.ibb.co/V9Dz1NB/17112264438764017955824999444224.jpg) (https://ibb.co/V9Dz1NB)
End result
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(https://i.ibb.co/K5f65R7/17112279580792596600239279973003.jpg) (https://ibb.co/K5f65R7)
This Osiris symbol is bearing position 1 for reassembly
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Got damn @Uncle Flea with the master class! Speed is the reward for dedication.
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I can't find the post or remember the OP. Can we get an update on the $13 bag of ceramic 608s. Is it worth it so far?
I think that would be me, I actually just cleaned the bearings for the first time today. I definitely think the claim that the balls polish the races is true they have been getting faster the more I skate them. I also found ceramic balls that will fit the six ball bones and it’s got me like… 🤔
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Bones Reds. Do the job for a decent price
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I've been running Quantum Atoms on my main setup for awhile now. I honestly don't even remember when I bought them, but even without regular maintenance, they're fast af and are easily the best bearings I've tried. Anyone have experience with the cheaper models (vectors/metallics)? The set of G3s I have in my slappy setup are finally starting to crap out and I'm wondering if it's worth spending extra for Atoms/Isotopes.
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A pair of reds in one wheel, a pair of shake hunts in another, a pair of Bronson G3’s in one and one shorty and on reds bearing on the fourth one. My bearings tend to explode every time
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I've been running Quantum Atoms on my main setup for awhile now. I honestly don't even remember when I bought them, but even without regular maintenance, they're fast af and are easily the best bearings I've tried. Anyone have experience with the cheaper models (vectors/metallics)? The set of G3s I have in my slappy setup are finally starting to crap out and I'm wondering if it's worth spending extra for Atoms/Isotopes.
I have a set of quantum metallics that I haven’t ridden a ton, they’re relegated to a back up set up, but they’re fine. My biggest complaint is that they seem to get a little dry and squeak. I just add some graphflo and that usually takes care of it.
If you can find a good price I say go for it, otherwise they aren’t necessarily worth the upcharge over reds or whatever else.
Love my atoms/isotopes though
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I can't find the post or remember the OP. Can we get an update on the $13 bag of ceramic 608s. Is it worth it so far?
I think that would be me, I actually just cleaned the bearings for the first time today. I definitely think the claim that the balls polish the races is true they have been getting faster the more I skate them. I also found ceramic balls that will fit the six ball bones and it’s got me like… 🤔
Hell yeah. I'm betting that they will fit anything but raws.
608s pretty standard.
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A pair of reds in one wheel, a pair of shake hunts in another, a pair of Bronson G3’s in one and one shorty and on reds bearing on the fourth one. My bearings tend to explode every time
Gotta maybe get some swiss cages. I'm pretty sure that's why they cost more. Those cages are anti explosion as the cup the balls much firmer.
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I used to go through all that hassle cleaning bearings but now I just use the Bones bearing cleaner. It's much more efficient IMO. I'm sure I used to scratch up my bearings pulling them to pieces.
For me Bronson G3's have been fast and totally serviceable. Bones Swiss are still going at 2 years bar one bearing that occasionally seizes. Quantum Atoms have been great, super fast but I can't get used to the noise they make. My fave at the moment is actually Modus Blue! Once the grease breaks in (I used some lighter oil to help it along) they are very smooth and very fast.
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A pair of reds in one wheel, a pair of shake hunts in another, a pair of Bronson G3’s in one and one shorty and on reds bearing on the fourth one. My bearings tend to explode every time
Gotta maybe get some swiss cages. I'm pretty sure that's why they cost more. Those cages are anti explosion as the cup the balls much firmer.
Interesting. I know SKF make fibreglass reinforced retainers for their skate and "stuntmaster" inline bearings -perhaps Bones have a similarly enforced cage for their Swiss range as opposed to the usual nylon retainers?
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Bronson Raws are the best to me despite the noise they produce.But at least people hear you comming from behind.
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Bronson Raws are the best to me despite the noise they produce.But at least people hear you comming from behind.
How long have you been running the Raws? Lots of ppl love them, I just cant get my head around a shieldless bearing. I guess a shield adds friction but surely the balls and races will get nicked up by debris and the bearings will fail faster than otherwise?
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is the quantum lube supposed to be black? had two sets of isotopes and theyre kinda mid. havent had swiss but been thinking bout em lately
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I used to go through all that hassle cleaning bearings but now I just use the Bones bearing cleaner. It's much more efficient IMO. I'm sure I used to scratch up my bearings pulling them to pieces.
For me Bronson G3's have been fast and totally serviceable. Bones Swiss are still going at 2 years bar one bearing that occasionally seizes. Quantum Atoms have been great, super fast but I can't get used to the noise they make. My fave at the moment is actually Modus Blue! Once the grease breaks in (I used some lighter oil to help it along) they are very smooth and very fast.
My bearings get mad hair in um. Especially cat hair. Probably because I like to stand on my board in the house.
I tried just building a shake cup. I gotta full tear apart. I can't help it. It takes way less cleaner too.
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A pair of reds in one wheel, a pair of shake hunts in another, a pair of Bronson G3’s in one and one shorty and on reds bearing on the fourth one. My bearings tend to explode every time
Gotta maybe get some swiss cages. I'm pretty sure that's why they cost more. Those cages are anti explosion as the cup the balls much firmer.
Interesting. I know SKF make fibreglass reinforced retainers for their skate and "stuntmaster" inline bearings -perhaps Bones have a similarly enforced cage for their Swiss range as opposed to the usual nylon retainers?
I think the cages are just beefier. They definitely keep a tighter tolerance after tearing them down. Way harder to pop out too.
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Anyone have deetz on real-life comparison between SKF and Bones Swiss? I know e.g. Oski rides SKF so they can't be all that shitty. Made in Italy, too.
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Anyone have deetz on real-life comparison between SKF and Bones Swiss? I know e.g. Oski rides SKF so they can't be all that shitty. Made in Italy, too.
At the end 99% of pros skate Swiss no matter who their bearing sponsor is.
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Anyone have deetz on real-life comparison between SKF and Bones Swiss? I know e.g. Oski rides SKF so they can't be all that shitty. Made in Italy, too.
I prefer Bones Swiss but all of the team riders I know that skate for Bronson (pro and Am) use and swear by Raws. I was gifted some sets that I will try out the next time my Swiss 6 are due for service. Getting use to the sound will probably be the biggest difference. I have never ridded bearings without shields on.
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Anyone have deetz on real-life comparison between SKF and Bones Swiss? I know e.g. Oski rides SKF so they can't be all that shitty. Made in Italy, too.
Couple pages back I and several other people were talking about them, someone called them the Toyota Corolla of bearings, and I feel like that’s a good comparison, they are solid, and when you break them in they roll fine, Swiss has a feverish following and I’m sure if I said they were anything like the almighty I’d end up get kooked into oblivion, currently going through ACL rehab but before I got hurt I had the normal green skf on my setup and they’ve been going strong for about 8 setups before that, I’d say pull the trigger, they have a heavy grease and I left the shields on but they definitely last forever and have no side to side play
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i have a 100 eurobucks gift card to burn and i finally want to treat myself with some quality bearings for once, after running countless of bones reds over the last 20 years. so i need some intel from you bearing heads: which ones would you choose: Bones Swiss 7 Balls or Bones Super Swiss 6 Balls, or does it not make any difference and i should stay on my true and tested reds and spend the money on some other shit. any insights are highly appreciated.
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My quantum isotopes are finally starting to break down after about 14 months of use. The failure point for every bearing has been the shields slowly tearing off, causing slow down or the occasional seeze. Going to just go shieldless now and see how much longer theyll last, but been really happy with the product and will probably re-order them if i find a UK stockist
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i have a 100 eurobucks gift card to burn and i finally want to treat myself with some quality bearings for once, after running countless of bones reds over the last 20 years. so i need some intel from you bearing heads: which ones would you choose: Bones Swiss 7 Balls or Bones Super Swiss 6 Balls, or does it not make any difference and i should stay on my true and tested reds and spend the money on some other shit. any insights are highly appreciated.
I said it countless times and I'll never change it: Swiss 6
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i have a 100 eurobucks gift card to burn and i finally want to treat myself with some quality bearings for once, after running countless of bones reds over the last 20 years. so i need some intel from you bearing heads: which ones would you choose: Bones Swiss 7 Balls or Bones Super Swiss 6 Balls, or does it not make any difference and i should stay on my true and tested reds and spend the money on some other shit. any insights are highly appreciated.
Swiss 6. They’re super fast and last forever
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I've had Swiss 6 ball for like a decade. Granted I don't skate 1/10 as much but clean them once a year and they have been money.
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I've had Swiss 6 ball for like a decade. Granted I don't skate 1/10 as much but clean them once a year and they have been money.
I have a set of Swiss 6 from 2006. One bearing died around 2018, so I bought a new set and kept the old set for backup. I’ve probably replaced another 3 since then, so at least 3 of the bearings on my main setup are like 18 years old now. I clean them 2-3 times a year and pretty much only skate parks so I’m not terribly hard on them. They get better with age, they’re still so fast and smooth. I’d like to try ceramics, they’d probably live longer than me
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I've had Swiss 6 ball for like a decade. Granted I don't skate 1/10 as much but clean them once a year and they have been money.
I have a set of Swiss 6 from 2006. One bearing died around 2018, so I bought a new set and kept the old set for backup. I’ve probably replaced another 3 since then, so at least 3 of the bearings on my main setup are like 18 years old now. I clean them 2-3 times a year and pretty much only skate parks so I’m not terribly hard on them. They get better with age, they’re still so fast and smooth. I’d like to try ceramics, they’d probably live longer than me
I am curious about the swiss 6 tho. I'd like to throw ceramic balls in a 6 ball race. That might be sick
Def be stronger.
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I'm still running Modus Titanium's from 3 years ago. Will get more once these are toast for sure.
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is the quantum lube supposed to be black? had two sets of isotopes and theyre kinda mid. havent had swiss but been thinking bout em lately
Yes - the lube is a graphite infused oil. The black stuff is the graphite. It's supposed to fill in asperirities in the balls and race. You have to shake the bottle up a bit before use to disperse it evenly.
It's good stuff - My special sauce is a mix of this and LGLT grease.
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I used to go through all that hassle cleaning bearings but now I just use the Bones bearing cleaner. It's much more efficient IMO. I'm sure I used to scratch up my bearings pulling them to pieces.
For me Bronson G3's have been fast and totally serviceable. Bones Swiss are still going at 2 years bar one bearing that occasionally seizes. Quantum Atoms have been great, super fast but I can't get used to the noise they make. My fave at the moment is actually Modus Blue! Once the grease breaks in (I used some lighter oil to help it along) they are very smooth and very fast.
My bearings get mad hair in um. Especially cat hair. Probably because I like to stand on my board in the house.
I tried just building a shake cup. I gotta full tear apart. I can't help it. It takes way less cleaner too.
I tried building one too but it's just easier with the Bones setup.. Do what you have to do man - cleaning bearings is a bit of a ritual for me too. I reuse the Acetone that I use in the bearings cleaner for the next first wash.
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I'm still running Modus Titanium's from 3 years ago. Will get more once these are toast for sure.
Modus make a good product for sure. I think they might use the same or very similar grease that SKF use in their bearings. The grease seems to protect the bearing a lot more than a thin oil. Takes a bit to "heat up" though and it muffles and dulls the sound/feedback from your wheels/bearings.
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alright thanks guys for the input regarding bones bearings. so i'm gonna try those bones swiss six balls. i'm curious
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alright thanks guys for the input regarding bones bearings. so i'm gonna try those bones swiss six balls. i'm curious
You'll be super happy
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got some reds to put in my main set of wheels and moved my bronson g3’s into my set of oj mini super juices. I think they feel better, I never really had any problems with my g3’s compared to some of the stories i’ve read on here. if anything they kinda feel on par with eachother, time will tell tho.
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Using Bronson G3 and they are OK so far. Time will tell. I used to use Bones Red, again with time, I will compare the two once I use these G3 more.
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(https://i.imgur.com/CuKvN2L.jpeg)
Last Sunday I put together some 99 53mm Tablets on new Swiss 6. Couldn't be happier.
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I just got a set of Bones Swiss Ceramics for the hell of it. Always wanted a set and had some Amazon points, so figured I'd treat myself to something nice. They're way overkill for my ability, but hopefully they'll be really fast and last a long time. I've been riding Super Swiss 6 for years, so I'll be curious to see how they compare.
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I just got a set of Bones Swiss Ceramics for the hell of it. Always wanted a set and had some Amazon points, so figured I'd treat myself to something nice. They're way overkill for my ability, but hopefully they'll be really fast and last a long time. I've been riding Super Swiss 6 for years, so I'll be curious to see how they compare.
Very interested to hear how the two compare. I’ve been tempted to buy a set lately
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Are Andale still a thing seen a few skate shops in the uk have the andale swiss at around bones reds price wouldn’t mind comparing a set to my bones Swiss
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Are Andale still a thing seen a few skate shops in the uk have the andale swiss at around bones reds price wouldn’t mind comparing a set to my bones Swiss
They're not great bearings. The "Swiss" are made in China. I'd recommend Modus over Andale any day.
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Are Andale still a thing seen a few skate shops in the uk have the andale swiss at around bones reds price wouldn’t mind comparing a set to my bones Swiss
They're not great bearings. The "Swiss" are made in China. I'd recommend Modus over Andale any day.
Stay away from Andale. If you want a great cheap bearing go for the Flip HKD 5 or 7.
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Are Andale still a thing seen a few skate shops in the uk have the andale swiss at around bones reds price wouldn’t mind comparing a set to my bones Swiss
They're not great bearings. The "Swiss" are made in China. I'd recommend Modus over Andale any day.
Thanks I tend to ride bones Swiss but I’m on my 4th set in 18 months probably due to the to being in Scotland I have not had any bearings last longer than 6 months our paths and roads are pretty shite though.
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Are Andale still a thing seen a few skate shops in the uk have the andale swiss at around bones reds price wouldn’t mind comparing a set to my bones Swiss
They're not great bearings. The "Swiss" are made in China. I'd recommend Modus over Andale any day.
Thanks I tend to ride bones Swiss but I’m on my 4th set in 18 months probably due to the to being in Scotland I have not had any bearings last longer than 6 months our paths and roads are pretty shite though.
Get some green skf’s they have grease packed in them so they take awhile to break in, but I think they would be best for colder wetter environments
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Dry swiss six
But I rode some ceramic reds with Xtra spread cream the other day and they were fast as fuck
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Are Andale still a thing seen a few skate shops in the uk have the andale swiss at around bones reds price wouldn’t mind comparing a set to my bones Swiss
They're not great bearings. The "Swiss" are made in China. I'd recommend Modus over Andale any day.
Thanks I tend to ride bones Swiss but I’m on my 4th set in 18 months probably due to the to being in Scotland I have not had any bearings last longer than 6 months our paths and roads are pretty shite though.
Due to rust or just falling apart? If rust is an issue, ceramic bearings might be worth checking out.
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Thanks I tend to ride bones Swiss but I’m on my 4th set in 18 months probably due to the to being in Scotland I have not had any bearings last longer than 6 months our paths and roads are pretty shite though.
http://youtu.be/29-LRuuqFT0