Ceramic bearing good or bad?

[geekindenial]

I came across a thread in the electric motor/esc/etc... forum where Georges (owner of Scorpion) was responding to some other issues and mentioned that ceramic bearings are not a good choice for motors, as there is a lot of side load and their stock NMB bearings are more suitable.

I've seen quite a few people here upgrading motor bearings to ceramic. It might be something you are interested to know.

Link here: https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=335519
(see post #14. By the way if you read that whole thread it is pretty hilarious, this guy was trying to scam Scorpion and got busted good time. Georges was still helpful and professional though, kind of make me like to stick to Scorpion brand more).

[4cyclic]

no ceramic bearings for me, only stock NMB bearings. there is no evidence ceramic bearings are as good or better.

[Cartrixx]

I have read the link you posted but after crunching some numbers the ceramics still have a higher load rating than the NMB bearings they use,

NMB
dynamic load = 384(N)
static load= 140(N)

Orange Ceramic from BOCA
Dynamic load = 392(N)
Static Load = 137(N)

these are comparing the 4 X 8 X 3 mm bearings

so as for cost id say go with the NMB's but ceramics are know to last longer, less friction(means less load on the motor), lighter (.49g ceramic (have to weigh a stock bearing))...
plus the stock NMB will rust if not properly cared for, ceramic wont rust

[dannylightning]

ceramic bearings are definitely nice but they are a bit expensive. i don't usually use them unless i can get them at a really good price. nothing wrong with normal bearings..

[fusionsx00]

Really ceramics were made for ultra high rpms , 100k + rpm

I use them in places i need them to last longer, but dirt, dust, always finds its way in and then they are ruined.

I dont know if ceramics are good for motors, hyperion uses japanese steel bearings.
And the do last. My 2 hyperions are over a year old, bearings are still good.