Five different parts go into building skateboard bearings and longboard bearings.
Ceramic bearings vs steel bearings longboard.
The different elements balls retainers and closures can change a bit.
Ceramic bearings vs steel.
Ceramics are known for heat reduction making them able to spin fast at higher speeds but generally the ceramic ball bearings are encased in a steel outer inner race.
No easily affected by dirt and moisture hence less maintenance.
It takes weeks for a kogel ball to sit in a tumbler and be.
Electrically non conductive if you have an electric motor that is controlled by a variable frequency drive it is important that you use an electrically non conductive bearing.
There is still a heated discussion even until now between ceramic and steel bearings.
So before looking for steel or ceramic skateboard bearings it s first important to know the pros and cons of the two.
This is mostly due to the additional time spent to perfect a quality ceramic ball.
Heat and rust resistant hence longer lifespan.
Truly knowing the best longboard bearings requires study and research and not simply relying on marketing hype.
However take note that there are certain applications that require you to use bearings constructed out of ceramic material.
Harder and more durable over a long period of time.
Optimization is possible for the disparity that exists between these parts.
The first thing that strikes the eye when looking at bicycle bearings is the difference in price between steel bearings and hybrid ceramic bearings.
Initially the enduro bearing has lower friction at around 600km of use the ceramic bearing has worn a track into the comparatively soft steel races and the bearing friction starts to increase dramatically.
Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings.
The battle between steel and ceramic bearings can get heated every now and again and it is still on going.
Steel bearings are.
Lighter and smoother to spin hence offer more speed compared to steel bearings.
The graph below shows a comparison between two steel bearings skf and ntn and a ceramic bearing enduro.
Ceramic balls are less prone to expansion than steel balls which means bearings with ceramic balls will be more precise than steel bearings and produce less vibration.
Ceramic bearings vs steel bearings ceramic materials offer superior corrosion and heat resistance higher dimensional stability and lower density which facilitates high speed.