Since finger boarding exploded onto the youth culture scene large companies like Tech Deck have been releasing fairly realistic looking miniature skateboards.
Complete with beautiful graphics and cast metal trucks.
The mini decks are almost identical to their full size cousins with the glaring exception of wheel bearings.
Bearings are the small metal rings that sit inside a skateboard wheel allowing it to roll smoothly.
A Standard fingerboard is not made with wheel bearings included.
Without the bearing the wheel simply sets directly on the truck,causing friction and slowing down the wheel.
Bearings on the other hand are made of metal and when placed on the fingerboard truck create an even motion.
Another advantage that bearing wheels have over plain is that on almost any surface the bearing wheels roll freely with little resistance.
Often if a surface is to smooth the standard wheels will stop rolling completely.
This is not a problem with bearing wheels as no matter what surface the fingerboard is on the trucks remain in contact with the bearings.
The wheel with the bearing included also creates a more realistic look.
For the enthusiast trying to create the most authentic look possible with their finger skateboard bearings are a must.
The wheel itself can be standard molded plastic or a variety of other materials with various colors.
The only really glaring advantage of standard wheels without bearings is the cost.
Custom wheels with bearings can be quit expensive and may sit on back order for months.
While regular wheels can be found quit easily.