cheap bearing comparisons

[xsalad_bar]

Alright so I've been reading up here about good quality inexpensive bearings and I would like some first-hand opinions. Some of the top ones from what I'm hearing are: Mini-Logos, MHS, Rush, Bones Red, and Pleasure Tool.
(some links)
LongboardSkater.com: Bones Bearings - Reds
LongboardSkater.com: Rush Bearings - Abec 5
LongboardSkater.com: MiniLogo Bearings

My questions to you are as follows:

-Are any going to last longer or are more durable than the others?
-Which gets the dirtiest the fastest?(aka requires more often cleanings)
-Which are the hardest or easiest to clean?
-Out of these, do any stand out above the rest as a much higher quality?

Any responses will be greatly appreciated.(Well the helpful ones at least)

[Bookworm]

bones reds top every category there, but they're also the most expensive.

[carvivore]

Having ridden Reds and MiniLogos I can tell you they're pretty much the same IMO (both made by SkateOne in China), especially on a longboard. If I had to pick between the two I'd get the MLs because they're the cheapest and have dual removable seals (both metal and rubber). Thus you can choose to use both or just leave one in if you're lazy as I am.

Oh and don't forget to clean your bearings regularly, in fact I'd say buy two sets of MLs so you can swap when you clean clean. Do this and you'll never need another set of bearings.

[enemy combatant]

Double sealed bearings last longer between cleanings because they keep road grit out better.

[xsalad_bar]

thanks. Also I forgot to ask which of these have seals vs shields cause I'd rather get a sealed bearing as to keep out more shtuff. Does the metal shield/seal on the minilogos make them annoyingly hard to clean?

[Mile_High_Mark]

Shields let more crud in than seals.
Seal efficacy varies, but dual seals generally work better than single seals.
Crown/race material and design will definitely have an effect on longevity.

[carvivore]

thanks. Also I forgot to ask which of these have seals vs shields cause I'd rather get a sealed bearing as to keep out more shtuff. Does the metal shield/seal on the minilogos make them annoyingly hard to clean?

I've heard of some people having trouble with metal shields, escoecially prying out the C clips they use, but I've never had that problem. Either way, after you remove/refit metal shields a couple of times it becomes just as easy as rubber shields. Just watch out when you pop out the clip, they tend to fly out from time to time. Bearing maintainence is annoying enough without spending 15mins on all fours looking for little piece of metal.

[xsalad_bar]

Ok so it looks like minilogos are out because they run on a shield not a seal.

I currently have a set of mhs bearings in my board but I must say they're kinda slow. I've heard that they're lubed with something thicker to last longer and that if I cleaned and relubed them with bones speed cream they would go faster. Truth to this?

Also has anyone used the rush bearings? How are they and do they use seals?

[carvivore]

MiniLogos have a rubber seal on one side and a metal shield on the other. You simply need to make sure the rubber side is facing outwards.

[xsalad_bar]

MiniLogos have a rubber seal on one side and a metal shield on the other. You simply need to make sure the rubber side is facing outwards.

:0 I may have spoken too soon.

[Mile_High_Mark]

Ok so it looks like minilogos are out because they run on a shield not a seal.

I currently have a set of mhs bearings in my board but I must say they're kinda slow. I've heard that they're lubed with something thicker to last longer and that if I cleaned and relubed them with bones speed cream they would go faster. Truth to this?

Also has anyone used the rush bearings? How are they and do they use seals?

Rush bearings use seals. They're very good bearings for the money, but they do have some "play" right out of the box.

The lube in the MHS bearings is slightly thicker than, say, Speed Cream. But, as you mentioned, it lasts longer. MHS bearings need to be broken in before they can reach their max speed. This is intentional, as a "looser" bearing will have more lateral play, which can compromise durability, and even longevity.

Many, many races have been won on bearings that are essentially the same as MHS bearings (different name on the seal).

[xsalad_bar]

Thanks.

Just one more thing, Does the amount of time a bearing/wheel spins when you spin it with your hand relate to how fast and or amount of time you will roll for the same input force? Or not?

[olivertwist4345]

I have used reds before, but either Mini Logos or Rush.

I liked the Reds alot better than some of the sets I bought for $30+. They performed just as good if not better.

On a recent pair I had of Zero bearings, the metal shields fell out and made a really annoying ringing noise, sorta like having change in your pocket every time you ride.

[Blix]

Thanks.

Just one more thing, Does the amount of time a bearing/wheel spins when you spin it with your hand relate to how fast and or amount of time you will roll for the same input force? Or not?

No, it's how it performs under load that matters.

[xsalad_bar]

No, it's how it performs under load that matters.

Alright that makes me feel a lot better because mine only spin for like 5-7 seconds.

I just cleaned my mhs bearings and they were real dirty. However, they now make a kinda sandy sound when I spin them near my ear. Other than that they seem the same.

I guess pretty soon I'll order a set of either logos or rush from longboardskater.com cause they're <$10 and have free shipping. I was also debating ordering a set of each from mile high skates but I don't think I'm gonna spring that much money right now.

[Mile_High_Mark]

Thanks.

Just one more thing, Does the amount of time a bearing/wheel spins when you spin it with your hand relate to how fast and or amount of time you will roll for the same input force? Or not?

How a bearing performs under load is more important than how long it spins unloaded (i.e., in your hand).

[Mr Longboarder]

Thanks.

Just one more thing, Does the amount of time a bearing/wheel spins when you spin it with your hand relate to how fast and or amount of time you will roll for the same input force? Or not?

No, a unlubed bearing will spin faster then a lubed one

[longboardkid]

Ive got bling bearings abec 5 and they fast as but reds are alright for only about 20 buks.

[left handed]

If your bearings make a sandy sound when you spin them, they aren't completely clean. I would suggest recleaning and relubing them.

[david svistun]

has anybody used rush abec 9 bearings?

how do they ride and are they any good?