When you are choosing a skateboard, you need to look at far more than just the board itself. Yes the length and the width of the board is very important, but did you ever consider the skateboard wheel bearings? This is something that many people tend to forget about when they are buying a skateboard, and it is quite true that just like any other device involving wheels, skateboards do have bearings.
The bearings are of course the metal inside the wheels that deal with the weight of the individual riding the board, though the bearings you choose will determine just how effective your board is on the move. Before you can choose bearings of any type you will need to understand the rating system and how it effects your wheels.
Using the ABEC system of rating, experts have found that the best bearings fall under a 3 or a 5. With that being the case, you will probably want to choose something within this range simply because you want a bearing that can handle your weight, even as you are jumping on the board or doing tricks. The question however, is how you know which bearings you are purchasing, and what you should do if the skateboard wheel bearings you are in possession of simply aren't doing the trick. Believe it or not, the fix is not difficult.
The quality of the skateboard wheel bearings you purchase will usually be determined by the location. If you were to buy your board at a simple retail store, then the skateboard bearings would probably be quite cheap. Keep in mind that the skateboard bearings will determine just how fast your board moves once you have stopped exerting effort, and if you have lighter bearings, you won't go far at all. This will require more work on your part, and you may find yourself exhausted before even reaching your destination.
You can have your bearings replaced rather easily by visiting a skate store, though this will cost you a bit in some cases. Luckily you can perform the procedure on your own by taking the wheel apart with skate key, or even a screwdriver. You will need to pry the old bearings from the wheel, and then place the new one at the end of the screwdriver. Push the bearings in evenly, and once you are done, place the wheels back on track.
Replacing skateboard wheel bearings does not have to be difficult, but it is important that you choose the right bearings. Talk to your local skate shop and find the information you need. Just remember that reading and talking won't provide experience, and experience can only be obtained on the pavement.
