From my understanding it is all vanity. I could be wrong. I will suggest what I was told early in the bearing game. Get one of each and try them in different throws as they will react differently. Some will improve play and others will hinder it.
It is just a normal bearing. The fact that it is gold means that is completely clean. It has no dirt or lube in it. I think I’m right don’t quote me on this.
It’s not pure 24k gold…If it were, it’d be going for a lot more than $15/bearing.
The gold color is from a process used to treat the bearings. It’s not actual elemental gold. They work good for a while, but die pretty quick. And you’re not supposed to clean them…don’t buy them.
I have a few of these gold bearings. I have not found them to be superior to many stock bearings on the market. My biggest beef is with noise. They are way too loud for my tastes - like a 10-Ball, they start out nice, but within a week they sound like old roller-skates with loose ball bearings. I chucked them for a Terrapin.
IMHO If you want good bearings:
Terrapin X ceramic NOT the steel. Awesome but expensive.
General-Yo AIGR - best all-around value and QUIET!