Breaking World Records with our Miniature Ball Bearings

Imagine hurtling downhill at 80 MPH on a skateboard with only a helmet for protection. This is everyday life for Thiago Lessa, a world-class downhill skateboarder chasing ever-faster times. During nearly 15 years of competitive skateboarding, Thiago has won multiple races and was crowned World Champion in 2017. His success is fueled not only by fearless practice and skill, but also by a relentless pursuit of the best equipment to elevate his performance.

After a few years on the professional circuit of the International Downhill Federation, testing countless components and setups, Thiago felt there was still room to go faster. Determined to push the limits of speed and safety, he began developing his own solutions. Through much trial and error, he identified an optimal combination of parts that maximized velocity while maintaining control. To bring these innovations to the community (and build a network of fellow skaters), Thiago founded Cuei Wheels – a company dedicated to next-level skateboard wheels and components. Now, with world record ambitions, he has partnered with precision bearing experts to squeeze every last bit of performance out of his boards.

Precision Bearings for Extreme Performance

Achieving record-breaking speed isn’t just about aerodynamic tuck and wheel grip – it also comes down to the unseen components riding inside the wheels. NMB’s miniature ball bearings are at the heart of Thiago’s setup, engineered to minimize friction and withstand the intense stresses of downhill racing. The team at NMB understands how passion drives innovation. At their R&D centers, engineers continually develop new materials, designs, and processes to improve each bearing’s performance. In Thiago’s case, NMB’s bearing engineers worked closely with him to understand the unique challenges of bombing steep hills at highway speeds. Through multiple rounds of testing – varying factors like bearing tolerances, lubricant formulas, and even how different wheel materials interacted – they pinpointed the ideal miniature ball bearing for his needs.

With a special low-torque interior design, Thiago’s bearings allow him to accelerate to top speed faster and maintain that speed safely throughout a run. He specifically praised NMB’s bearings for “the meticulous precision machining process that is capable of reaching nano-level Ra values for surface roughness.” In plain terms, NMB’s manufacturing can polish bearing races to an ultra-smooth, nanometer-level finish far beyond the usual micro-level polish of standard bearings. This extreme smoothness reduces friction to a minimum – meaning each push and each gravity-fed incline translates to quicker acceleration and higher speeds at the bottom of the hill. And when you’re charging down a mountain, less friction isn’t just about going faster; it also means less heat and wear on the bearings, which improves reliability.

Reliability is more than a buzzword when you’re cornering at 70–80 MPH on a longboard. Every component must perform flawlessly under the most demanding conditions. NMB’s vertically integrated manufacturing process helps ensure the level of quality and dependability. By controlling each step of production – from refining the steel alloys for bearing races to precision tooling and assembly – NMB can guarantee consistency and durability in every miniature ball bearing. The result is a bearing that maintains smooth performance even under extreme stress, giving riders like Thiago the confidence that their equipment won’t be a point of failure when it matters most.

Originally published at Breaking World Records with our Miniature Ball Bearings

Conclusion

Breaking world speed records on a skateboard requires more than skill and courage – it demands equipment that can keep up with the challenge. The collaboration between Thiago Lessa’s Cuei Wheels and NMB’s engineering team demonstrates how high-tech miniature ball bearings can provide athletes with a competitive edge without compromising safety. In fact, NMB’s parent company, MinebeaMitsumi, holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest commercially available ball bearing – a testament to the level of precision and innovation behind the technology now helping Thiago in his record pursuits.

At Pacific International Bearing (PIB), we share NMB’s commitment to performance and innovation. We are proud to supply the kind of performance-grade components that empower engineers and athletes to push the limits with confidence. As Thiago and the Cuei Wheels team strive for the next downhill skateboarding world record, NMB’s miniature ball bearings will be spinning right there with them – delivering the speed, safety, and reliability needed to make history.

FAQ

Q: Why are high-precision bearings so critical for high-speed skateboarding?

A: In extreme downhill runs, precision bearings:

• Cut rolling friction, converting more gravity into forward speed.
• Use ultra-smooth, tightly toleranced races so wheels spin with minimal resistance.
• Deliver faster acceleration from each push and higher top speeds on long descents.
• Run cooler and more consistently, reducing heat-related performance loss.
• Enhance safety and predictability at 70–80 MPH by lowering the risk of seizure or erratic behavior.
  

Q: What sets NMB’s miniature ball bearings apart from standard bearings?

A: Key differentiators:

• Nano-level surface finishing on bearing races (beyond typical micro-finishes) → markedly lower friction.
• Low-torque internal geometry → freer spin and quicker spool-up under load.
• Premium materials and tight tolerances → durability at high speeds.
• Vertically integrated manufacturing (from steel to finished bearing) → end-to-end quality control and consistency.
  

What this means in use:

• Smoother roll and less heat/wear during long, fast runs.
• Reliable performance in extreme conditions where consistency matters most.
  

Q: Can other industries benefit from these high-performance miniature bearings?

A: Yes, the same qualities apply across sectors:

• Automotive & aerospace: compact, low-friction bearings for high-reliability mechanisms.
• Robotics & drones: efficient motor support and smooth, precise motion control.
• Advanced industrial machinery: long-life bearings that keep equipment running cooler and longer.

Buy NMB bearings from Pacific International Bearing Sales Inc