Which Bearings Are You Guys Running?

[bombsaway86]

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I remember NMB and “German” bearings from back in the day.

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NMBs were the fucking worst,so slow. GMN all day back then

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Is that how it was? I remember GMN being hailed as the best back then but considering I finally just noticed a clear difference in speed from bearings after 40 years of skating, it didn't matter too much to me back then.

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I remember NMB and “German” bearings from back in the day.

[close]

NMBs were the fucking worst,so slow. GMN all day back then

[close]

I recently found them on eBay for a good price I've been thinking about trying them. with those metal shields on both sides, seems like a wheel you'd barely ever have to clean? NOS made in Germany adds some hype, too.
https://ebay.us/m/C36t5m

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Nice! What ever happened to whatever company that made those? Did they become some other brand or did they just disappear after Swiss bearings came out and became the new best thing?

Back then, my cleaning process was spraying WD40 into my wheels and spinning them a bit to evenly distribute without removing from trucks. If they got really bad, I would do a deep clean by removing the bearings, wiping them off and then soaking with WD40 again with another coat of WD40 on my axels. I still don't know if the metal shields could come off without destroying them and never bothered trying. It's funny that now WD40 is shunned as counterproductive for cleaning bearings and I haven't done it that way since I got my Bones bearing cleaning kit and read the instructions but it seemed to work fine for me back in the day. I still have trucks and bearings from back then that still could work fine if I needed them.

I always used to clean my bearings with WD-40 then lube with speed cream. I never had any issues, as mentioned above I have some 20 year old Swiss 6 that are still going. Lubricating after WD-40 is key. Nowadays I use 99% isopropyl alcohol instead of WD-40.

[Slave IV]

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I remember NMB and “German” bearings from back in the day.

[close]

NMBs were the fucking worst,so slow. GMN all day back then

[close]

Is that how it was? I remember GMN being hailed as the best back then but considering I finally just noticed a clear difference in speed from bearings after 40 years of skating, it didn't matter too much to me back then.

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I remember NMB and “German” bearings from back in the day.

[close]

NMBs were the fucking worst,so slow. GMN all day back then

[close]

I recently found them on eBay for a good price I've been thinking about trying them. with those metal shields on both sides, seems like a wheel you'd barely ever have to clean? NOS made in Germany adds some hype, too.
https://ebay.us/m/C36t5m

[close]

Nice! What ever happened to whatever company that made those? Did they become some other brand or did they just disappear after Swiss bearings came out and became the new best thing?

Back then, my cleaning process was spraying WD40 into my wheels and spinning them a bit to evenly distribute without removing from trucks. If they got really bad, I would do a deep clean by removing the bearings, wiping them off and then soaking with WD40 again with another coat of WD40 on my axels. I still don't know if the metal shields could come off without destroying them and never bothered trying. It's funny that now WD40 is shunned as counterproductive for cleaning bearings and I haven't done it that way since I got my Bones bearing cleaning kit and read the instructions but it seemed to work fine for me back in the day. I still have trucks and bearings from back then that still could work fine if I needed them.

[close]

I always used to clean my bearings with WD-40 then lube with speed cream. I never had any issues, as mentioned above I have some 20 year old Swiss 6 that are still going. Lubricating after WD-40 is key. Nowadays I use 99% isopropyl alcohol instead of WD-40.

Yeah, I used mineral spirits but misplaced that bottle so currently using 99% isopropyl alcohol too.

[Sila]

Are people still riding Quantum's?

[tzhangdox]

Are people still riding Quantum's?

Yup, got a set of isotopes and atoms. Both going strong almost 3 years later. I do clean them regularly

[devils acrobat]

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Are people still riding Quantum's?

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Yup, got a set of isotopes and atoms. Both going strong almost 3 years later. I do clean them regularly

Same, i am in for 2.5 years on the atoms and the are still pretty great. Would love to get a new set if they were available in europe.

[Goggzy60]

So my replacement skfs took a dip in some shitty water definitely cleaning them but what lubricant do they use? it looks like a thick grease if it helps.

[Scab Picker]

So my replacement skfs took a dip in some shitty water definitely cleaning them but what lubricant do they use? it looks like a thick grease if it helps.

I’m not familiar with the chemical compounds but maybe AI could guide you to a substitute:

They cost like 7 dollars/Euros per bottle, but I’m assuming you would have to order it online, which would take a while to get.

Here’s what Chat GPT said:

A generic hardware store product that is similar to the SKF skate bearing lubricant (pictured) would typically be a light machine oil or a precision lubricant designed for small moving parts. Here are a few common substitutes:

Comparable Generic Products:
   1.   3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil
   •   Lightweight oil
   •   Commonly used for bearings, hinges, and tools
   •   Readily available in most hardware stores
   2.   WD-40 Specialist Silicone or White Lithium Grease
   •   While not the same as bearing oil, the silicone version is good for light lubrication without attracting dust
   •   White lithium is better for heavier-duty parts, not ideal for high-speed skate bearings
   3.   Sewing Machine Oil
   •   Very light and clean oil, similar in viscosity to bearing lubricant
   •   Suitable for small, fast-moving parts like skate bearings
   4.   Gun Oil (e.g., Rem Oil)
   •   Designed for high-speed, small metal components
   •   Provides excellent rust protection and smooth operation

Sewing machine oil is the only one on the list I can vouch for based on experience.

[bombsaway86]

So my replacement skfs took a dip in some shitty water definitely cleaning them but what lubricant do they use? it looks like a thick grease if it helps.

https://www.skf.com/us/products/lubrication-management/lubricants/low-temperature-extremely-high-speed

https://factorysupplyoutlet.com/skf-lglt-2-0-2/

That small tube could be a lifetime supply. If you’re not wanting to spend that much, I’ve heard of people using white lithium grease in bearings to keep them fairly waterproof. The SKF lube is lithium based.

Speed cream/sewing machine oil/3-in1 oil would all work too, but they’re not thick grease.

[JimmyFive]

So my replacement skfs took a dip in some shitty water definitely cleaning them but what lubricant do they use? it looks like a thick grease if it helps.

The lube is SKF LGLT2 lube. It's an ultra high speed light grease. I sourced some through an industrial bearings company. Great stuff and a little goes a long way!

[JimmyFive]

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So my replacement skfs took a dip in some shitty water definitely cleaning them but what lubricant do they use? it looks like a thick grease if it helps.

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https://www.skf.com/us/products/lubrication-management/lubricants/low-temperature-extremely-high-speed

https://factorysupplyoutlet.com/skf-lglt-2-0-2/

That small tube could be a lifetime supply. If you’re not wanting to spend that much, I’ve heard of people using white lithium grease in bearings to keep them fairly waterproof. The SKF lube is lithium based.

Speed cream/sewing machine oil/3-in1 oil would all work too, but they’re not thick grease.

Ah, just saw your reply, that's the stuff!

[Plan9Customs]

Are people still riding Quantum's?

Same set of isotopes from ‘21 and still going strong.  Granted, they’re a replacement set since the first set was from their first run and had different cages. Rear wheel kept locking up. Sent them an email with description/video and they shipped a set the next day with the new cages and haven’t an issue with those in ~4 years and I do a shit ton of slappys. Would recommend.

[rikki]

Are people still riding Quantum's?

Never again after my two sets of Atoms ended up with 1-2 f*cked up bearings in record time. And no, I don't do anything drastically violent in my skating that would cause that. Went back to Swiss and been happy ever since.

[bombsaway86]

Are people still riding Quantum's?

I’ve been riding the atoms for a few weeks now and I’m very happy with them. I was riding Swiss 6 before and the atoms perform just as well.

[JimmyFive]

Love my Atoms, they're about 2 years old and still the fastest bearings I own. Wish I could order more but shipping has got crazy expensive to my country. It's impressive to see their innovation, I'd love to try the Diamonds one day.

[fulfillthedream]

Love my Atoms, they're about 2 years old and still the fastest bearings I own. Wish I could order more but shipping has got crazy expensive to my country. It's impressive to see their innovation, I'd love to try the Diamonds one day.

i got those too - i think they're the white ceramic ones? i had them "freeze" and used that 99% rubbing alcohol plus the lubricant they sell and they were back to rolling fast.

[BartHarleyJarvis]

Quantum isotopes have been my daily drivers for over two years at this point, but I’ve also got atoms and metallics that are still in good shape. Never had any issues with mine, I add a drop of their graphflo lube every once in a while.

[Richard Skidder]

Just grabbed a set of Olympia Silver Grade ( 6-ball).
Felt pretty smooth on the garage quarter pipe but they’re new.
I’ll be breaking them in next week teaching skate camps for the city and will have a decent review for you after the end of June.
Will report back.

[BeachChicken]

Until I lost my board I was on Atoms from Quantum's first release and they just kept getting better. Cleaned every couple months and Quantum sent me replacement shields.

[logjammin]

any bearing out there besides raws that don't hit the mute button on your setup when newly installed?

[skatebruh]

any bearing out there besides raws that don't hit the mute button on your setup when newly installed?

You can pop the shields off any bearings. I would go for something cheap if you're going to pop the shields off.

[Plan9Customs]

Haven’t heard anyone ever mention this so,
Anyone ever try tungsten balls as a replacement for regular or ceramics? Haven’t priced or done any research so…

[logjammin]

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any bearing out there besides raws that don't hit the mute button on your setup when newly installed?

[close]

You can pop the shields off any bearings. I would go for something cheap if you're going to pop the shields off.

it's not just a matter of the shields on or off. usually requires a soaking in alcohol to help, but new bearings are usually pretty silent. bronson raws being an exception, so I'm just seeing if anyone's had anecdotal experience with a different bearing that sounded broken in outta the gate.

[backsideroller]

ive been running the same bones swiss for 14 years now just put nail polish then speed cream and they're good to go

[Richard Skidder]

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any bearing out there besides raws that don't hit the mute button on your setup when newly installed?

[close]

You can pop the shields off any bearings. I would go for something cheap if you're going to pop the shields off.

[close]

it's not just a matter of the shields on or off. usually requires a soaking in alcohol to help, but new bearings are usually pretty silent. bronson raws being an exception, so I'm just seeing if anyone's had anecdotal experience with a different bearing that sounded broken in outta the gate.

They can be somewhat controversial here but Quantums have a bit of audio when new. They “burn them in” using a a modified treadmill before packaging.

[logjammin]

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any bearing out there besides raws that don't hit the mute button on your setup when newly installed?

[close]

You can pop the shields off any bearings. I would go for something cheap if you're going to pop the shields off.

[close]

it's not just a matter of the shields on or off. usually requires a soaking in alcohol to help, but new bearings are usually pretty silent. bronson raws being an exception, so I'm just seeing if anyone's had anecdotal experience with a different bearing that sounded broken in outta the gate.

[close]

They can be somewhat controversial here but Quantums have a bit of audio when new. They “burn them in” using a a modified treadmill before packaging.

interesting, thanks man. looks like they have some $20-$30 options which is what I need to be at max, so if I can't find em locally I'm probably gonna order some. Bronson raws suck they shit out just from park skating and slappies.

[BL0B]

Haven’t heard anyone ever mention this so,
Anyone ever try tungsten balls as a replacement for regular or ceramics? Haven’t priced or done any research so…

aren't those gonna be heavier than most other balls? got me interested though, i've two sets of big balls, i want to swap ceramic balls into. 🤭

[Nyjahs sweaty tights]

Haven’t heard anyone ever mention this so,
Anyone ever try tungsten balls as a replacement for regular or ceramics? Haven’t priced or done any research so…

Bad idea. Tungsten is significantly harder than the stainless steel used for the inner bearing race, the tungsten balls would wear down the steel overtime until the bearing race is worn out and can't hold the ball bearings in anymore.

[Plan9Customs]

After a cursory search, looks like you both are correct. 
 That’s what I get for thinking about bearings while make a note to get some tungsten for my welder.🥴

[Richard Skidder]

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any bearing out there besides raws that don't hit the mute button on your setup when newly installed?

[close]

You can pop the shields off any bearings. I would go for something cheap if you're going to pop the shields off.

[close]

it's not just a matter of the shields on or off. usually requires a soaking in alcohol to help, but new bearings are usually pretty silent. bronson raws being an exception, so I'm just seeing if anyone's had anecdotal experience with a different bearing that sounded broken in outta the gate.

[close]

They can be somewhat controversial here but Quantums have a bit of audio when new. They “burn them in” using a a modified treadmill before packaging.

[close]

interesting, thanks man. looks like they have some $20-$30 options which is what I need to be at max, so if I can't find em locally I'm probably gonna order some. Bronson raws suck they shit out just from park skating and slappies.

I had the best luck with the Metallics. I think they cost about $35
Haven’t tried the Vectors yet but they’re around $25 so price is in your range.

[Plan9Customs]

Need to finally get off my last set of G3s(everything else is QBS) figured I’d try some Bones Swiss. Anyone ridden the swiss 6 and the regular Swiss? If so, preferences? I’m kinda leaning towards the 6, but figured there has to be people who’ve ridden both.
Opinions?


*edit
I mainly skate small tight trans, curbs, flat, and the occasional 4 stair. No hucking anymore.