Crucial Bearing version 2 (concave) first impression

[joemeyer]

The original Crucial bearing was a flat bearing with a center sharply edged groove about the width of a string. I have C and A sized Crucial bearings but I don't like either as to me it felt that some spin time and smoothness of play was lost because the string was trapped (too snug) in the center groove with little if any slippage around the bearing.

The new Crucial Bearing Version 2 in my opinion is much improved. It has a concave shape with a finely grooved surface but in the center is a solitary polished groove (shallow and smoothly sloped) that keeps the string centered without trapping the string. The bearing spun freely for 17 seconds on a finger flick thus I suspect it came cleaned with little if any thin lube. It has a dual radius design with claims the design makes it spin faster and longer.

I compared the Crucial Version 2 to a KonKave bearing and in my hands they play virtually identical. The finely grooved surface on the Crucial might be advantageous in decreasing string bunching (I had up to three additional layers) and the solitary polished groove might prove to be advantageous in centering over the KonKave but I really couldn't detect any differences in how the Crucial performed compared to a KonKave. I have never had issues with string bunching interfering with any of my tricks but I know that same people fault the KonKave for bunching.

In summary the new Crucial Bearing Version 2 performs similar (if not identical) to a KonKave and is less expensive. Currently it only comes in "C" size.

[fallenangemon0]

That right there in bold says it all, like it or not. I bought 3 and feel the same way.

I love how well they handle thin lube too. Stays as quiet as it is unresponsive when you first get it. Nice review. Even better bottom line.

[sloegoe]

Never liked my 888 until i put this one in it, one advantage to this bearing over the kk is that it seems to stabilize those yo's that are tilty, to even greater stability, put one in my popstar also, it's great!

[Jeremym]

I'm loving the fact that they are quiet, as opposed to KK or CT which you tend to have to choose loud or heavily lubed.

[starstrider]

I just got mine and it's as good as the dife yos one