Wheels and Bearings: The Ultimate Guide to Rolling Components

What’s up, skate family!

Let’s talk about what literally keeps you rolling – wheels and bearings. These might seem simple, but they’re some of the most important parts of your setup. Get them right, and every session feels smooth. Get them wrong, and you’ll fight your board every time.

The Durometer Scale (Hardness)

Every wheel has a durometer rating measuring hardness:

• 78A-87A: Soft wheels, perfect for cruising and rough surfaces

• 88A-95A: Medium wheels, good for hybrid skating

• 96A-101A: Hard wheels, ideal for street skating and tricks

Softer wheels roll over cracks and rough surfaces like butter. They’re quieter and more forgiving but slower. Hard wheels are faster, slide better, and are preferred for tricks, but they’re harsher on rough surfaces.

Size Matters

Wheel size in millimeters:

• 50-53mm: Small wheels, slower but more agile for street

• 54-59mm: Medium wheels, good all-around size

• 60mm+: Large wheels, faster but less maneuverable

The ABEC Rating Myth

Let’s destroy the biggest myth in skateboarding: ABEC ratings don’t matter for skating. An ABEC 3 bearing can outperform an ABEC 9 in a skateboard. Focus on quality from reputable brands, not arbitrary numbers.

What Actually Matters

Material quality, construction quality, and maintenance are way more important than ABEC ratings. You need 2 bearings per wheel, so 8 total for a complete skateboard.

Real-World Choosing Guide

For cruising: Soft wheels (78A-87A) in larger sizes (56mm+) with quality bearings like Bones Reds. For street skating: Hard wheels (99A-101A) in smaller sizes (50-53mm) with durable bearings. For beginners: Medium wheels (88A-95A) in medium sizes (54-56mm) – best of both worlds.

Installation and Maintenance

Never force bearings into wheels – they should press in smoothly. When you get new bearings, spin them by hand – they should spin freely. Clean bearings regularly by removing from wheels, popping off shields, cleaning with degreaser, drying completely, adding tiny oil drop, and reinstalling.

The Money Truth

You don’t need to spend a fortune. Good wheels cost $30-60, quality bearings are $20-40. These can last years with proper care. Focus on quality from reputable brands, not the most expensive option.

The MARA Philosophy

At MARA, we believe in quality components that perform when you need them. We’re not selling overpriced gear with fancy marketing. We want you to have wheels and bearings that help you express yourself and enjoy skating.

Your rolling components are your foundation. When they work properly, you forget they’re there. When they don’t, every push is a struggle. Make the right choice for your style and budget.

Stay stoked,

The MARA Team