Roller skate bearings are what make skating possible. They enable the wheels to rotate freely on the axle, allowing skaters to move quickly and smoothly across the surface. They can be made of steel or ceramic.
Skate-bearing size is usually expressed in millimeters (mm). The most common sizes for quad skates are 608 (8 mm) and 627 (7 mm). Some skaters prefer one size over the other, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Selecting the best bearings for your roller skates can be difficult. That is why we researched, reviewed, and tested the most popular bearings on the market.
Then we gathered relevant information that will help you get the right bearings. We picked some best of the best bearings. Let's have a look at which one works right for you.
1. Best Roller Skate Bearings For Budget: Rollerbones bearings
As a committed skater, you know how thrilling it is to whizz about with the breeze in your hair, and you undoubtedly want your roller skates to be completely silent and smooth, and these bearings will be your best companion.
Being a roller skater, you always want to have the ideal gear. Here is our pick for you. These are the high-performance and top-class roller skate bearings that are liked by most skaters around the world.
Why do we like it:
· Strong, fit perfectly
· Smooth and easy to pop in
· Great workmanship
What should we know:
· Couldn't find any
These bearings are multi-surface, but much more effective for outdoor skating. These bearings by Roller Bones are the most demanding and completely durable. Internal dimensions and clearances have been optimized for skating, and are precision finished.
Removable high-speed nylon ball cages and non-contact, smooth rubber shields. These are quick, long-lasting, and simple to clean. Speed Cream racing lubricant has already been pre-applied.
2. Best Versatile: Bones Ceramic Reds Bearing
This product from Bones is constructed for skaters by skaters, so you know you can rely on them for high-quality and excellent performance. It comes in a pack of 16 bearings.
Why do we love it:
· Much harder balls than steel
· Durable yet lighter
· Provide the smoothest ride possible
What should we know:
· The rubber shield needs to be upgraded
Ceramic bearings are lighter, sturdy, water-resistant, and more durable than even the most well-crafted steel ball bearings. The non-contact, separable rubber shield reduces friction and makes them easy to clean.
The high-speed ball adherents offer strength and speed, and they’re also pre-lubricated with Bones’ racing cream. Ceramic bearings are especially useful for outdoor use since they give a smoother ride. These ceramic bearings, like all Bones items, come with a lifetime warranty.
You can install them on your roller skate wheels. The wheels, combined with ceramic bearings, produce the smoothest roll possible on asphalt or concrete.
3. Best In Speed: Bones Swiss Bearings
These Legendary Bones Swiss bearings are the ideal blend of Bones Skate Rated engineering and Swiss precision workmanship, establishing a benchmark for all the other bearings. A single pack includes 16 bearing sets, Instructions, and a Sticker.
Why do we like it:
· The rubber covering makes it simple to clean
· The nylon ball retainer adds strength and speed.
· Pre-lubricated with speed cream.
What should we know:
· The dust cover touches the ball bearings
Due to their dependable, professional, competition-grade speed and durability, Bones Bearings, typically last several times as long as standard ABEC-rated bearings.
The rubber shield is single and detachable, allowing easy cleaning. The high-speed nylon ball retainer adds strength and speed, so you can enjoy a swift ride. The high-end craftsmanship ensures the greatest possible performance and longevity.
4. Best Durable: Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings
The Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings are high-speed ball bearings that are less likely to experience friction and wear down than other types of bearings. They are also more durable and have a longer lifespan.
Why do we like it:
· A unique six-ball feature
· Improved strength and durability, and better acceleration
· Endure a lot longer than low-cost bearings
What should we know
· Couldn't find any
These typically engineered bearings feature six bigger diameter balls Instead of the seven balls found in conventional 608 bearings, this design has the benefit of increased speed, better acceleration, stronger strength, and longevity.
A rubber cover facilitates cleaning and reduces friction. A high-speed nylon ball retainer is inserted for increased strength and speed, so you feel the breeze passing by.
Since 1981, Bones Swiss Bearings have had the finest reputation in the skateboard business due to their performance and quality. Skaters who use Bones Super Swiss 6 do so because they desire the greatest equipment available.
The ball bearings are protected by a shield that is removable for easy cleaning. The bearings are also pre-lubricated with a special skate grease that reduces friction and makes them run smoother.
5. Best Low Friction: ACER Racing 608 Ceramic Skate Bearing
When we were trying different balls and bearings, these ACER 608 Ceramics caught our attention. The way these are manufactured and getting popular is truly a benchmark in this industry.
Why do we like it:
· Extreme-level engineered item
· Inordinately smooth and diamonds polished balls
· Low friction nylon inner cage
· Non-contact removable seals on both sides
What should we know:
· Couldn't find any
These bearings are made using high-end engineered technology. Their size is 608, their inner diameter is 8mm, and the outer diameter is 22mm, and their width is 7mm.
The super hard Ceramic Nitride Pro Series Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) balls are polished by diamond, which results in a sleeky smooth and shiny surface. Immensely durable with a 2552°F temperature resistance.
The lubrication is done by ACER Racing SIN's synthetic oil, which works on a wide range of temperatures from -50 to +120 °C and keeps the bearings running smoothly.
The inner ball bearing cage is then integrated to ensure durability, and strength with extreme heat resistance at high RPMs.
FAQs Of Roller Skate Bearings
How Many Bearings Do You Need?
It depends on the type of skate, the quality of the bearings, and how often you skate. For roller skates, you need two bearings per wheel.
You'll also need spacers, the metal or plastic rings that go between the bearing and the wheel, and axle nuts or bolts to hold everything in place.
How To Clean Roller Skate Bearings?
The first thing you need to do is remove the wheels from the skate. Once the wheels are off, you will be able to see the bearings. Take a look at the bearings and see if there is any dirt or debris on them.
If there is, use a clean rag to wipe it off. Once the bearings are clean, you will need to lubricate them. This will help keep them in good condition and prevent them from corrosion and rust. Bearings also need protection from dirt.
Why Are Bearings Essential?
The bearings in a skate help the wheels to rotate smoothly. The faster the bearing, the less friction there will be between the wheel and the ground, which makes for a smoother ride.
The ABEC rating is a measure of how precisely the bearing is made. A higher ABEC rating means that the bearing is more accurate and can handle higher speeds.
When To Replace Roller Skate Bearings?
How often you skate, the type of skating you do, fast and smooth, the amount of friction you experience, and the environment you skate in all play a role in how often you will need to replace your bearings.
If you are a recreational skater who only skates occasionally, you may not need to replace your bearings very often because of low wear and tear. However, if you are a competitive skater or someone who uses their skates frequently, you will need to replace them more often.
If you do a lot of high-impact skating or skating in dirty environments, your bearings will wear out faster and need to be replaced more often.
You will easily realize it is time to replace your bearings when they start to feel sluggish or make noise. You may also see corrosion or rust on the bearing or the inside of the wheel. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to replace your bearings.
How Do You Care For Your Bearings Made Easy?
To keep your bearings in good condition, you should regularly lubricate them to avoid corrosion and clean them. Bearings require special lubrication for corrosion-free and frictionless performance.
Lubrication on regular basis improves their longevity. You should also periodically clean your bearings to remove dirt and debris.
When cleaning them, be sure to use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals as this can damage the bearing material. Finally, make sure to keep your bearings free of rust by storing them in a dry place.
The Difference Between ABEC Bearings Vs. Swiss Vs. Ceramic Bearings
The difference between ABEC and Swiss bearings is the way they are made. The fundamental distinction between the Swiss and the ABEC is the parameters against which they are rated. The ABEC rating is used to determine the quality of bearings and the sleekness of polish. The Swiss rule considers not only the smoothness of the bearing's polish but also the overall assembly of the bearing itself.
Swiss bearings are often more costly, although they are easier to maintain. They are also slightly slower out of the box. ABEC bearings are normally less costly and will be quick out of the box. However, ABEC bearings are more resistant to debris, which can cause friction inside the bearing and reduce its efficiency.
Ceramic bearings are different from both ABEC and Swiss bearings in that they are made from ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic is much harder than metal, so ceramic bearings last longer and roll faster than metal bearings. Ceramic bearings also don’t require lubrication as metal bearings do, so they reduce friction even further.
How Often Should I Lubricate My Skate Bearings?
Bearings are parts of the skate that allow it to rotate smoothly. It is important to lubricate your bearings regularly to keep them from drying out and becoming damaged. Skate bearings, typically need to be lubricated every few weeks, but this can vary depending on how often you use your skate.
A good way to tell if your bearings need to be lubricated is by listening for any squeaking or grinding noises. If you hear these noises, it is time to lubricate your bearings. To do this, you will need a clean cloth and a small amount of lubricant.
First, apply the lubricant to the bearings. Next, use the cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant. Finally, spin the wheels of your skate to distribute the lubricant evenly. By following these steps, you can help your bearings last longer.
Roller Skate Bearing Buying Guide, Bearing Size And ABEC Rating
Let's have a look at this buying guide based on personal research and reviews. When choosing roller skate bearings, it is important to consider the type of skating you will be doing.
The life of the bearing depends on it. If you will be doing more aggressive skating at high speed, then you will need a bearing that can handle the friction and speed.
The ABEC rating system is a good way to judge the quality of a bearing, and it was invented by Annual Bearing Engineers' Committee. The higher the number, the better the quality, making them great. Bearings come in different sizes, but the most common size is 8 mm or 7 mm. Make sure to get a pair of skates that are the right size for your needs.
Bottom Line
Skate bearing quality is important for two reasons: first, because it affects how fast and smoothly the skate can move; and second, because better-quality bearings last longer and must be replaced less often.
The bearings mentioned above are tried and tested. You can pick any of them according to your convenience. We advise you to pick Rollerbones or Bones Ceramic Red Bearings as they are versatile, durable, and frictionless.
