Swedish Manufacturer Offers New Custom Bearing Set

We’ve covered SKF in medical, wind turbine, hand tool, solar panel, and compressor applications. We’ve examined SKF bearings utilized in crazy, out-of-this-world, aerospace applications. Nothing, however, tops the seal of approval coming from a professional skater in Europe. Here’s a unique story coming out of SKF’s Evolution magazine: 

According to his Dew Tour online profile, Oskar Rozenberg, or Oski as he prefers, comes to the skateboard world by way of Sweden where the first thing people typically think of when you say “skate” is ice. 

However, Malmo, Sweden happens to be a skateboard haven within the Scandinavian peninsula. The best way to understand the 25-year-old skater is to watch his videos online. He boasts his own unique style based on how different he rides the same terrain as the competition. Sponsors for Oski have included Nike SB, Polar Skate Co. Spitfire Wheels, SKF and more.

In fact, the Oski Signature pro bearing set is now available for order through SKF. The bearings are presented in a unique packaging, featuring artwork by his friend David Stenström.

Made in Italy by SKF, these high quality, low friction bearings run fast and smooth – and offer long-lasting performance.

“SKF bearings were some of the first I ever tried – when I was nine-years-old,” said Oski. “I was over the mall boards and at the point of setting up proper skateboards.”

He’s already used them in competition – to roll “straight into the semi-finals.”

“If they’re good enough for Ishod, they’re good enough for any skater,” he added.

SKF, for those who don’t know, has a history in bearings. Away from skateboards, their bearings are found in F1 cars, jet planes, stuff like that. Will this impress skaters?

“I think so, because that brand history is fascinating,” he said.

But despite this pedigree, he knows that skaters value something more down to earth.

“At the end of the day, it’s about practicality,” Oski said. “Skaters want a fair price for good quality that lasts a long time. These bearings are all that.”

The ‘fit and forget’ mentality is crucial. Because who wants to be tinkering with their wheels all the time?

“It’s important for sure,” Oski added. “You don’t want to have to change them too often.”

There is a science part behind all this – not least, the grease within the bearings – not oil – that helps them run smoother for longer. 

How does that sit with him? He’s refreshingly honest.

“I’m not an expert on bearing technology,” he admits. “But that’s why I ride SKF: I know they have that part covered.”

‘Oski Signature’ is the first pro bearing set release from SKF. Look out for more later this year.