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Skate fast, save cash, and extend your ride? Let's dive deep into the world of skateboard bearing lubrication, with a special focus on the intriguing potential of MoS2 and WS2! Today, we're going under the hood of your wheels. #bearingslube#naivskbbearings#skatebearings#skateboardbearings#lubricants
1. The Lube Landscape: What's Spinning in Your Bearings?
1. The Lube Landscape: What's Spinning in Your Bearings?
When it comes to keeping those wheels turning, skateboard bearings traditionally rely on two main types of lubricants: oil and grease.
Grease: This is the heavy-duty option, often found in sealed bearings right out of the box. It offers excellent protection against the elements and requires less frequent re-lubrication. Think of it as the long-haul hero, though it can initially feel a bit slower. Traditional industrial bearing greases fall into this category.
Oil: The speed demon's choice. Low-viscosity oils allow for maximum free spin and a super-fast feel. They require more frequent application but deliver that exhilarating "just lubed" performance. Bones Speed Cream or even some light motor oils (though not always recommended for skate bearings due to specific additive packages) are examples. Many dedicated skate brands offer their own "speed oils" designed for optimal performance.
While industrial brands like SKF or FAG produce excellent general-purpose lubricants, and motor car brands like Mobil or Castrol offer high-performance oils, always remember that skateboard bearings have specific needs. Dedicated skateboard/skate brands like Bones, Bronson, and Zealous formulate their lubricants precisely for the demands of skating, balancing speed, protection, and durability.
2. The Need for Speed: Why Low Viscosity Wins for Skaters
2. The Need for Speed: Why Low Viscosity Wins for Skaters
Why do skaters crave that effortless, fast-spinning bearing? It's simple: speed and flow.
Speed: Faster-spinning bearings mean less friction, allowing you to maintain momentum with less effort. This is crucial for cruising, executing tricks, and covering ground efficiently.
Flow & Response: A smooth, free-spinning wheel enhances the overall feel of your board, making it more responsive and enjoyable to ride.
High-viscosity grease, while protective, creates more drag, especially when the bearing isn't under significant load. Low-viscosity speed oils, on the other hand, minimize this internal resistance, allowing the balls to roll with less impedance. This is why many performance-oriented skaters opt for oils over greases, sacrificing some longevity for that immediate boost in speed and feel.
3. MoS2 & WS2: The Anti-Wear Revolution for Skate Bearings?
3. MoS2 & WS2: The Anti-Wear Revolution for Skate Bearings?
Here's where it gets interesting! Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) and Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) are solid lubricants, known for their incredible anti-wear and friction-reducing properties, especially under extreme pressure. They form a microscopic layer on metal surfaces, essentially making them super slick.
So, adding MoS2/WS2 to your skate bearing lubricant – is it good for skating, especially in challenging conditions like dusty, muddy, rainy, or wet terrains?
Absolutely, there's a strong theoretical basis for it being beneficial!
Reduced Friction & Wear: These compounds can significantly lower friction, potentially making your bearings spin even faster and smoother. More importantly, they drastically reduce wear, extending the life of your bearings.
Extreme Pressure Performance: When you land a trick or carve hard, your bearings experience immense pressure. MoS2 and WS2 excel in these conditions, preventing metal-to-metal contact even if the oil film breaks down.
Contaminant Resistance: While not a sealant, the solid lubricant layer can offer a degree of protection. If dirt or grime gets in, the low friction properties of MoS2/WS2 might help the bearing tolerate contaminants better and reduce the abrasive effect. For outdoor, dusty, muddy, or wet conditions, this added layer of protection against wear could be a game-changer for bearing longevity. Imagine less degradation when faced with abrasive elements!
4. Maximizing Effectiveness: Large Clearance + MoS2/WS2 + PAO
4. Maximizing Effectiveness: Large Clearance + MoS2/WS2 + PAO
This is where we get into optimizing for peak performance and durability!
Large Clearance Bearings: Bearings with larger internal clearance (e.g., C3 or higher) are designed to accommodate higher speeds and some misalignment. They also provide more space for lubricant, which can be beneficial. However, without proper lubrication, larger clearance can sometimes lead to more noise or vibration.
PAO (Polyalphaolefin) Lubricants: PAO is a synthetic base oil known for its excellent thermal stability, wide operating temperature range, and low viscosity, making it an ideal carrier for solid lubricants. It doesn't break down easily, resisting oxidation and maintaining its lubricating properties over time.
Putting it all together: A fast-spinning bearing with large clearance, combined with a high-quality PAO lubricant infused with MoS2/WS2, creates a powerful synergy. The large clearance allows the solid lubricants to circulate effectively and accommodate the low friction characteristics. The PAO provides a stable, low-viscosity medium, while MoS2/WS2 delivers superior anti-wear and friction reduction, leading to maximum speed, reduced maintenance, and significantly extended bearing life. This combination targets both initial spin and long-term durability, a skater's dream!
5. MoS2/WS2 for Soft Skate vs. Hard Skate: Pros and Cons
5. MoS2/WS2 for Soft Skate vs. Hard Skate: Pros and Cons
The benefits of MoS2/WS2 aren't just for one type of skating; they can enhance performance across the spectrum, with slight nuances.
Soft Skate (Cruising, Longboarding, Filming):
Pros:
Effortless Glide: MoS2/WS2 will make your cruising feel even smoother and more effortless, extending your push distance and reducing fatigue.
Longevity: For long-distance rides, the reduced wear means your bearings will last longer between cleanings and replacements, even if you encounter varied terrain.
Quiet Operation: Reduced friction can lead to quieter bearings, a definite plus for a smooth cruising experience or filming.
Cons:
Might be overkill for very casual, infrequent cruising where bearing wear isn't a primary concern.
Hard Skate (Street, Park, Aggressive):
Pros:
Durability Under Impact: This is where MoS2/WS2 truly shines. Landing gaps, grinding rails, and repeated impacts put immense stress on bearings. The anti-wear properties will significantly protect the bearing components, extending their life.
Consistent Speed: Even after heavy impacts or exposure to dust/grime at the park, the solid lubricant layer can help maintain a consistent spin, preventing your bearings from feeling sluggish prematurely.
Reduced Friction in Grinds: While wheels aren't grinding, the internal bearing surfaces are still working hard, and reduced friction can contribute to overall board feel.
Cons:
The primary challenge for hard skating is often external contamination (dirt, dust). While MoS2/WS2 helps with wear if contaminants get in, it doesn't prevent them from entering. Regular cleaning remains essential.
Conclusion: Roll Further, Spend Less – Let's Try This Lube!
Conclusion: Roll Further, Spend Less – Let's Try This Lube!
The evidence is compelling: incorporating MoS2 and WS2 into your skateboard bearing lubrication regime, especially when paired with a quality PAO oil and perhaps larger clearance bearings, offers a powerful combination of enhanced speed, reduced friction, and dramatically improved durability.
For skaters who demand the most from their equipment, whether it's bombing hills on a longboard or mastering flip tricks at the park, the benefits of advanced anti-wear solid lubricants are clear. You'll spend less time cleaning, less money replacing bearings, and more time shredding.
So, it's time to experiment and feel the difference. Give a MoS2/WS2 + PAO lubricant a try and experience a smoother, faster, and longer-lasting ride. Try to lubricate with this advanced formula in our Naivskb bearings, to get better performance and a superior experience across all types of terrain, durability, and a smooth roll, no matter where the wheels take them.
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