SKF Enters U.S. Skate Bearing Market

SKF Enters U.S. Skate Bearing Market SKF AB (Sweden; Stockholm: SKFA) revealed it has begun rolling out a direct skateboard bearing program in the United States. Repackagers have been selling SKF bearings for years, but until recently SKF did not have a direct market branded presence.The U.S. skateboard market -- boards, trucks, wheels and bearings -- is valued in excess of $5 billion retail. There are eight bearings on each board, two per wheel, four per truck. Skateboard bearings, either steel or hybrid ceramic with silicon nitride balls, are single row ball bearings and almost always 608 series -- 8mm bore 22mm OD (although seemingly similar, inline and rollerblade bearings use a wide variety of different sizes). They are predominantly sold as ABEC-3, ABEC-5 or ABEC-7. The seal or shield is usually only on one side for lower drag, with the unsealed sides mounted facing in. Skateboard wheels range in size from 49mm through 65mm, in a wide array of hard and soft polymers. In deciding to target the market directly, SKF said it has engineered and is producing special versions specifically engineered for skateboards. They are being sold under the SKF brand as Skate Fast Blue for the color of the seal. Skate bearings are usually considered a reasonably mature segment and extremely competitive, with dozens of brands competing based on a mix of appearance, perceived performance, and actual performance. Names include Bonez, Element, Speed Demon, Rockets, BSB, FKD, NMB, Alien, Diamond, Girl, Pleasure Tool, Dynamite, and many others. Although stodgy by comparison, SKF becomes the largest recognizable bearing manufacturer to direct brand in this market, and in keeping with its worldwide brand strategy. Since 1995, SKF has sponsored skateboarding competitions, the Etnies GvR [Goofy vs. Regular -- goofyfooting is riding with the right foot forward] series, and amateur-oriented Hometown Heroes AM Tour. SKF is now sponsoring legendary 12-year pro and multiple competition winning skateboarder Andrew Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds' endorsement carries considerable weight in the skateboarding community. He is now a mini-conglomerate, with SKF rounding out nearly a dozen product and endorsement arrangements including his own companies, Baker Skateboards and Altamont clothing. Mr. Reynolds said: "The SKF bearings are the fastest bearings I have ever skated through my years on a board. I'm excited to be a part of the SKF family -- bringing new, better bearing knowledge to my beloved sport here in America."