The fixed axle versus bearing debate has been raging since the invention of bearing diabolos. Some fixed axle users have called bearing players cheats, and some bearing users have called fixed axle players narrow-minded. The fact is they are different props for different styles and each has its merits. Many experienced diabolists use both fixed axle and bearing diabolos.
If you are a total beginner, I would strongly suggest to start with a fixed axle. It will help you develop good technique, also the transition from fixed to bearing is easier than the other way around. Fixed axle diabolos are also cheaper, so it’s better if you end up not liking this hobby.
| Fixed Axle | Bearing Axle | |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Diabolo Longevity | More resilient | One more piece can get damaged |
| Noise | Silent | Noisy |
| Acceleration | Harder to accelerate. Loses speed faster. | Easier to give speed. Keeps it longer. |
| String Longevity | Wears the string faster | The string lasts longer |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Not so easy |
Price
This is a win for fixed.
Fixed axle diabolos are cheaper than bearings.
For example for the same brand (Sundia Evo) and generation (G3):
The fixed axle is £29,95 https://www.diabolomoves.co.uk/diabolos/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=295
The triple bearing is £46.95 https://www.diabolomoves.co.uk/diabolos/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=277
The 5-bearing is £45.95 https://www.diabolomoves.co.uk/diabolos/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=300
(prices seen on https://www.diabolomoves.co.uk/ in december 2021)
So for the price of 2 bearings, you can get 3 fixed axle ones.
Weight
This is a win for fixed axle.
Fixed axle diabolos are lighter than bearing ones. More weight means more stability, but also quicker cramps and tendinitis. You will be able to play longer with a fixed axle.
Diabolo Longevity
This is a win for fixed axle.
With normal care, a good fixed axle diabolo lasts forever. Bearings diabolos are more fragile and may need replacing if the axle gets broken.
Noise
No winners here, just a matter of taste.
Bearings make noise, some find it satisfying, some find it annoying. The more recent diabolos with bearings are way less noisy than the older versions and hopefully someone will develop a totally silent one (I’m in the « find the noise annoying » camp)
Here is a video that illustrate the noise difference between fixed and bearing :
Acceleration
This is a win for bearing.
With bearings, it’s easier to give spin and to keep it.
A fixed axle means that it cannot turn, so when you stop giving speed, the friction of the axle against the string makes the diabolo lose spin. With a bearing axle, the diabolo cups keep spinning even when the axle doesn’t, so there is less friction on the string and less loss of spin.
String Longevity
This is a win for bearing.
The fixed axle diabolo wears the string much faster. The string’s friction on the axle makes a big difference in the string’s longevity and you’ll have to change the string more frequently with fixed axle to avoid tangled string and unwanted elevators.
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
This is a win for fixed.
Fixed are easier to use.
You can use a fixed axle in any way. For bearings it’s different, the axle is usually black and white (sometimes red and black) and the black part should be facing you if you are right handed and it should be away from you if you are left handed.
Bearings require more care : sand and dust are the enemies, big shocks can also damage the axle. When your diabolo needs tightening, you have to be careful not to tighten a bearing too much, for fixed axle you can tighten as much as you can without a care in the world.
Tricks And Style
This is a win for both.
They are two completely different props and the styles of play are very different. Many experienced diabolists use both fixed axle and bearing diabolos.
Here is an example of both, the first video is with bearings and the second with fixed axles.
With bearings, there is less constraints due to speed and number of wraps. Playing with bearings is a great way to think outside of conventional diabolo and just have fun experimenting, one reason is there is so much time to think about your next move from any position you’re in.
With fixed, you feel more control, because you can feel the friction of the diabolo against the string better. With bearings, your contact with the diabolo is somewhat lost.
There are also tricks that are easier with one type or the other. This is a non-exhaustive list :
Tricks that are easier with bearing
- grinds
- slacks and knots
- vertax
- body moves and combos
Tricks that are easier with fixed axle
- elevator
- learning the 2 diabolo shuffle (because of the wrap start)
- suicides because the sticks go a lot slower
Conclusion
If you’re a total beginner, go for fixed axle and when you’ve improved a little, try a bearing diabolo.
I hope this article helped you to get your bearings straight, but if you have any more questions about bearings, leave me a comment and I’ll make sure to answer.
