This paper presents measured results for the eccentricity ratios for two tilting-pad journal bearing. Comparison between a bearing with spherical seated ball and socket pad pivots and one with line contact rocker-back pad pivots is made. The bearings have a length to diameter ratio of 0.75, offset ratios of 0.50, preloads of about 0.320, a journal diameter of 70 mm and a radial machined pad clearance of 113.0 μm. Measurements were made for a range of speed-load conditions encompassing a Sommerfeld number range of 0.1 to 2.0. Comparison of the eccentricity magnitude for the two bearing agreed within uncertainty levels. For the bearing with rocker-back pad pivots, the journal attitude angle with respect to the applied load direction is nearly zero. Attitude angles range from 13° to 33° for the bearing with spherical seated ball and socket pad pivots. The deviation from zero attitude angle for this bearing increased with increasing speed. A hypothesis for larger pad pivot friction in the ball and socket pivot is presented to explain the variation in attitude angle between the two bearings.Presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan May 17–21, 1998