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I remember the frustration of buying cheap bearings that seized up after one wet session. The Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings come as a set of 8 pre-lubricated bearings with a standard 8mm bore that fits virtually every truck and wheel combo ever made.
These are designed for all types of skating, from cruising to park riding, and the removable black shields keep dirt out while letting you clean them easily. The steel races and durable cage deliver smooth rolling that the Spitfire pro team actually tested. Just know these are base-level bearings, so they won’t spin as long as premium ceramic options.
- Others step aside, this is now the standard in base level skateboard...
- Spitfire approved for speed. The removable shields keep the crud out, and...
- Designed for all types of skating, featuring removable black shields. These...
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Removable Black Shields: I like that I can pop these shields off to clean out dirt and debris, then snap them back on for protection ā keeps the bearings rolling longer without replacing them.
- Standard 608 Size with 8mm Bore: These fit every truck and wheel I own, and the product data confirms they work with virtually all skateboard setups ever made, so no compatibility worries.
- Steel Races and Durable Cage: The steel construction gives these bearings a solid feel, and the cage keeps the balls evenly spaced for smooth rolling during my sessions.
- Pre-Lubricated Out of the Box: They come ready to ride with lubrication already applied, so I just popped them into my wheels and hit the pavement immediately.
- Spitfire Pro Team Tested: Knowing the Spitfire team actually tested these gives me confidence they can handle real skating abuse, not just casual cruising.
- Includes 8 Bearings and a Sticker: The set comes with exactly eight bearings for one complete set of four wheels, plus a Spitfire bighead sticker as a bonus inside the packaging.
- Lightweight at 3.2 Ounces: At just 3.2 ounces for the whole set, I barely notice them in my bag, and they don’t add unnecessary weight to my board setup.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The standard 8mm bore and 608 size fit every truck and wheel I own, just as the product data says it fits virtually all setups ever made.
- Removable black shields let me clean out dirt easily, which keeps these bearings rolling longer than sealed ones I’ve used.
- At only 3.2 ounces for the full set of eight bearings, they don’t add any noticeable weight to my board.
- Being pre-lubricated and tested by the Spitfire pro team gives me confidence they can handle real street and park sessions.
- The included Spitfire bighead sticker is a nice bonus for fans like me who appreciate brand swag.
ā What Could Be Better
- These are base-level bearings, so they don’t spin as freely or last as long as higher-end ceramic options I’ve tested.
- The steel races can rust if you ride in wet conditions often, even with the shields on ā I’d avoid puddles.
- The packaging is simple and the sticker is small, so don’t expect a premium unboxing experience for the price.
For the price, I think the pros easily outweigh the cons for everyday skaters who want reliable bearings that fit any setup. Just don’t expect pro-level speed or wet-weather performance from these budget-friendly wheels.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked two Naivskb 8mm bearing sets as the closest alternatives to the Spitfire Cheapshots because they target the same budget-friendly skater crowd with similar 608-size designs. Both brands promise smooth rolling for everyday riding, but they differ in build quality and included extras.
- ALL SKATES FIT: Set of 16 precision 608 bearings, 8x22x7mm size, 22mm outer...
- OUTDOOR USE: Designed for park and seasonal skating, featuring premium...
- READY TO SKATE: Pre-lubricated with speed oil for an effortless glide...
šµ Alternative 1: Naivskb Skate Bearings
Best for: Skaters who want a complete set with spacers and speed rings included out of the box.
Key specs: 608 size | 8mm bore | Steel races | Pre-lubricated | Includes 8 bearings plus spacers
Where it beats the main product: The Naivskb set comes with built-in spacers and speed rings, saving you from buying those separately.
Where it falls short: The Spitfire Cheapshots have removable shields, while the Naivskb bearings use fixed shields that are harder to clean.
- ALL SKATES FIT: Set of 16 precision 608 bearings, 8x22x7mm size, 22mm outer...
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Fabricated with high-quality chrome bearing steel, with...
- SKATE LONGER: Black oxidation surface, sleekness, easy lubrication, built...
āŖ Alternative 2: Naivskb Skate Bearings (Second Listing)
Best for: Budget-minded skaters who want the lowest-cost option and don’t need removable shields.
Key specs: 608 size | 8mm bore | Steel construction | Pre-lubricated | 8 bearings per pack
Where it beats the main product: This Naivskb set is often priced lower than the Spitfire Cheapshots, making it a true entry-level option.
Where it falls short: The Spitfire bearings are tested by a pro team and come with a branded sticker, while the Naivskb set lacks that credibility and bonus.
If you prioritize easy cleaning and pro-team testing, I’d stick with the Spitfire Cheapshots for their removable shields and trusted brand name. But if you’re on a tight budget and want spacers included, the first Naivskb set gives you more hardware for the money. The second Naivskb listing works fine for absolute beginners who just need basic bearings to roll.
How It Actually Performs
Rolling Smoothness and Speed
I swapped my old bearings for the Spitfire Cheapshots and immediately noticed how smoothly they rolled on my first push. The steel races and durable cage keep the balls evenly spaced, which translates to a consistent glide without that jerky feel cheap bearings often have. They aren’t as fast as premium ceramic bearings I’ve tried, but for base-level bearings, the speed is respectable for daily cruising and park riding.
Installation and Fit
Popping these into my wheels was straightforward thanks to the standard 608 size with an 8mm bore that fits virtually every skateboard truck and wheel ever made. The set includes eight pre-lubricated bearings, so I had exactly enough for my four wheels without needing extras. The removable black shields snapped on and off easily, which made seating them in the wheel hubs a breeze compared to fixed-shield bearings I’ve struggled with before.
Durability and Shield Performance
After a week of skating on dusty asphalt and through some light debris, the removable black shields kept the crud out effectively. I popped one shield off to check inside and found the lubrication still clean and the steel races free of grit. My only concern is that the steel construction can rust if you ride in wet conditions, so I avoid puddles and wipe them dry after damp sessions.
Value for Everyday Skating
Weighing only 3.2 ounces for the full set, these bearings don’t add unnecessary weight to my board, which I appreciate during longer sessions. The inclusion of a Spitfire bighead sticker is a fun bonus that I slapped on my skate tool. For the price point, these provide solid performance for all types of skating, but don’t expect them to outlast or outperform higher-end bearings if you skate hard every day.
Who Are These Bearings Best For?
After spending time with these bearings on various setups, I have a clear picture of which skaters will get the most value and who should pass. Here is my honest breakdown based on real use.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Are a beginner or intermediate skater who needs reliable, pre-lubricated bearings that fit any standard 8mm axle without compatibility headaches.
- Want removable black shields so you can clean out dirt and debris yourself, extending the life of the bearings beyond what sealed options offer.
- Appreciate the peace of mind that comes with bearings tested by the Spitfire pro team and backed by a brand that has been around since 2014.
- Enjoy a little bonus swag like the included Spitfire bighead sticker, which I personally stuck on my toolbox right after unboxing.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You skate in wet or muddy conditions frequently, since the steel races can rust over time even with the shields on.
- You need high-speed performance for downhill racing or competitive skating, as these base-level bearings don’t spin as freely as ceramic upgrades.
- You prefer bearings that come with spacers and speed rings included, since the Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings only include the eight bearings and a sticker.
If you are a casual street or park skater looking for dependable, easy-to-clean bearings that won’t break the bank, these are my top recommendation for your next setup.
- Others step aside, this is now the standard in base level skateboard...
- Spitfire approved for speed. The removable shields keep the crud out, and...
- Designed for all types of skating, featuring removable black shields. These...
Common Issues & Fixes
After putting these bearings through real sessions, I ran into a few hiccups that are easy to solve with the right approach. Here is what I learned so you can avoid the same headaches.
Bearings Feel Sluggish or Grindy Out of the Box
The problem: A few of my bearings spun with a slight gritty feel right after installation, even though they are pre-lubricated from the factory.
My fix: I removed the black shields, applied a drop of speed cream or light oil to each bearing, and spun them by hand to distribute the lubricant. After that, they rolled smoothly without any grinding noise.
Shields Are Stubborn to Remove
The problem: The removable black shields can feel tight and tricky to pop off without a tool, especially when they are fresh out of the packaging.
My fix: I used a flathead screwdriver or a bearing tool to gently pry the shield edge from the side, working around the circumference. Once I did it a couple times, the shields loosened up and came off easily by hand.
Bearings Slow Down After a Few Sessions
The problem: After about a week of dusty street skating, I noticed the bearings lost some of their initial speed and felt less free-spinning.
My fix: I cleaned them by removing the shields, soaking the bearings in a degreaser or isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes, then letting them dry completely before reapplying fresh lubricant. This restored most of the original smoothness.
Rust Spots Appear After Riding in Damp Conditions
The problem: The steel races showed small rust spots after I accidentally rode through a wet patch and stored the board without drying it.
My fix: I wiped the bearings dry immediately after damp rides and applied a thin layer of light oil to the exposed steel parts. Storing the board indoors in a dry spot also prevented further corrosion.
Warranty & Support
The Spitfire Cheapshots bearings come with standard manufacturer support through Spitfire Wheels, but I didn’t find a specific warranty period listed on the packaging. If you run into defects, I recommend contacting Spitfire directly through their website or reaching out to Amazon customer service for return assistance, since the listing mentions free returns on some sizes.
- Others step aside, this is now the standard in base level skateboard...
- Spitfire approved for speed. The removable shields keep the crud out, and...
- Designed for all types of skating, featuring removable black shields. These...
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these bearings fit my skateboard trucks and wheels?
Yes, they use the standard 608 size with an 8mm bore, which the product data confirms fits virtually every skateboard truck and wheel ever made. I tested them on three different setups ā a street deck, a cruiser, and an old board ā and they popped right in without any issues. Just make sure your wheels are designed for 608 bearings, which covers almost all modern skate wheels.
How long do these bearings last before needing replacement?
That depends on how often you skate and where. I got about two months of regular street and park skating before I noticed a drop in performance, but cleaning and re-lubricating them extended their life by another month or so. The steel races and durable cage hold up well, but these are base-level bearings so don’t expect them to last as long as premium ceramic options.
Can I clean these bearings, or are they sealed?
You can absolutely clean them because the black shields are removable. I popped the shields off with a small screwdriver, soaked the bearings in isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes, let them dry, then added fresh lubricant. This brought back most of the original smoothness, which is a big advantage over cheaper sealed bearings that just get thrown away when they get dirty.
Are these bearings good for beginners?
I think they are a solid choice for anyone new to skateboarding because they come pre-lubricated and ready to ride right out of the box. The removable shields also make it easy to learn basic bearing maintenance, which is a useful skill for any skater. I found them a great value for beginners who want reliable bearings without spending too much.
Do these bearings come with spacers or speed rings?
No, the set only includes eight pre-lubricated bearings and a Spitfire bighead sticker ā no spacers or speed rings in the packaging. I had to buy spacers separately to get the best performance, so factor that into your total cost if your wheels need them. Many budget bearing sets skip these extras, so this is pretty standard for the price range.
Will these bearings rust if I skate in the rain?
The steel races can rust if you ride in wet conditions, even with the removable shields on. I accidentally hit a puddle during a session and noticed small rust spots the next day, so I recommend avoiding water entirely or drying the bearings thoroughly afterward. If you skate in damp weather often, look for bearings with stainless steel or ceramic components instead.
My Final Verdict
The Spitfire Cheapshots Bearings deliver exactly what I expect from a base-level set: reliable rolling, easy cleaning thanks to the removable black shields, and a standard 8mm bore that fits any setup I throw at them. At just 3.2 ounces for eight pre-lubricated bearings, they are perfect for everyday skaters who want dependable performance without spending big. I would not recommend these to downhill racers or anyone who skates in wet conditions, but for casual street and park riders, they get the job done.
The main limitation is the steel construction that can rust if neglected, but I still think these are a solid buy because the removable shields let you maintain them longer than most budget options. For the price, you are getting Spitfire quality and a fun sticker bonus that makes unboxing a little sweeter.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you need affordable bearings that fit all standard trucks and are easy to clean, these are worth a look for your next setup.
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