Originally Posted by Eivind E

I agree with this completely.
Personally when I replace standard size main bearings I use a steel bearing, and I always make sure to purchase a 9-ball bearing. 9-ball bearings use bigger balls, while 11-ball bearings use smaller balls which are prone to failure at about 2 to 2.5 gallons of use. So when it comes to bearings, the size of your balls is what matters.

As for third party ceramic bearings I do not trust them. I bought five of a certain brand and three of them were "notchy" when new. Now some people will say that will wear in and such, but I have seen ceramic bearing failure on cheap ceramics, and it totally destroys your engine. So I simply stay away from them.