Abstract: A continuously variable ball planetary variator comprising a main shaft, an input ring, an output ring, carriers and planets, and further comprising an improved idler support bearing capable of handling axial movement and higher differential rotational speeds between the main shaft and the idler assembly inner race. One improvement includes a continuously variable ball planetary variator comprising a main shaft, an input ring, an output ring, carriers and planets with an improved idler support bearing comprising; an idler bearing with an inner bearing race and an outer bearing race, wherein one bearing race is a split bearing race and one bearing race is a cylindrical bearing race, wherein the split bearing race has a preload between the bearings, and wherein the cylindrical bearing race allows axial movement of the idler assembly, and wherein the idler bearings comprise radial ball bearings to achieve said axial movement.