Shielded Bearings vs. Sealed Bearings

Lots of people get confused over the difference between sealed bearings and shielded bearings. All skateboard bearings have shields on at least one side. Some are double-shielded. Sealed bearings have a shield made of metal and a coating over them. The seal protects the bearings from dirt, moisture and road salt. While shielded bearings have the benefit of producing no friction, there is a tiny amount of open space where dirt and moisture can enter. The choice is yours.