bearings shields vs. no shields … is there a difference in performance?
well really no. but if you bend a c-clip your better off without sheilds. Dirt is easier to enter the bearing when shieldless.
I generally prefer shields on, but there are some bearings I use shieldless.
I think it all depends on how the bearing comes out of the box. The bearing in my hitman plays 10 times better without the shields, but in my kickside I see no difference. If the bearing isn’t good even after you thoroughly clean it then try taking the shields off.
As far as performance, it makes absolutely no difference.
If there is something stuck in the bearing, or the bearing has a heavy grease in it (some come this way) removing the shields allows you to get that stuff out of it.
However, having no shields also makes it easier for things to get in…
Kyle
Okay. A bearing is a bunch (normally 7 or 6) of steel balls rooling around inside of a steel casing. On a skatebord, u really want shields, b/c if u take a sharp turn, the balls could come out. i doubt youll be taking any sharp turns on your yoyo. I personally, really do not care, but some people like to be able to take care of the yoyo bearing. not crucial, and u can still get lube in the bearing with a shild, but no shield makes it easier. but there is one problem wih no shields. if something were to get ing the no shield bearing, then u got a problem. when u have shields, nothing can get in. other wise, no big difference.