These small, yet mighty, elements play a pivotal role in determining the smoothness and performance of your skating experience. But with a myriad of options available, how do you choose the best roller skate bearings for your needs?
Bearings are small, circular components that fit inside the wheels of roller skates, facilitating smooth rotation. They consist of an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements (balls or cylinders), and a cage to maintain the spacing between the rolling elements. They come in 7mm or 8mm, which is the inner dimension (the hole inside the bearing that fits onto the axle).
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST QUAD SKATE BEARINGS
1. Material: Roller skate bearings are typically made from steel, ceramic, or a combination of both. Steel bearings are durable and cost-effective, while ceramic bearings offer reduced friction, increased speed, and resistance to corrosion. Ceramic bearings are more expensive but offer better performance and will need to be replaced much less often. Ceramic bearings are a worthy long-term investment for serious skaters looking for the best roller skate or roller derby bearings.
2. ABEC Rating: The ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineers' Committee) rating system measures the tolerance and precision of bearings from a scale of 1-9. While a higher ABEC rating often indicates better precision, it's crucial to note that the rating doesn't consider other factors like material quality or lubrication. Not all bearings will have an ABEC rating, such as high quality ceramic bearings. When it comes to ABEC ratings, skaters often find that a mid-range ABEC rating, such as ABEC 5 or 7, strikes a balance between performance and cost.
3. Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for the longevity and smooth operation of roller skate bearings. Some bearings come pre-lubricated, while others may require periodic maintenance. Consider your preference for low-maintenance or high-performance bearings when making your choice.
4. Bearing Shields: Bearing shields protect the rolling elements from dirt, debris, and moisture. You want to look for bearings where the shield is removable on one or both sides, so you can thoroughly clean your bearings. Shields are either metal, nylon or rubber. Metal shields are susceptible to bending if you are not very careful during maintenance. Once a shield is bent it can get in the path of the balls and slow down the roll of your wheels. We recommend nylon or rubber as better materials for bearing shields. So what are some of the best roller skate bearings? Check out our picks below.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Good Bearings **
Speed Master ABEC 7 ($39.00)
Durable construction, ABEC 7 precision, enhanced speed
Qube Juice ($35.95)
Color-coded shields, high-quality lubrication, versatile performance
BEVO Swiss Platinum ($34.99)
Swiss precision, premium materials, high-speed capability
Better Bearings ***
VNLA Reaction ABEC 9 ($44.90)
ABEC 9 precision, pre-lubricated, easy maintenance
Bones Super Reds ($63.99)
High-speed design, skatepark tough, pre-lubricated
Qube 8 Ball ($49.95)
Eight-ball design, economical choice, versatile application
Best Bearings ****
Qube Ceramic ($129.95)
Ceramic precision, low maintenance, smooth and quiet
Bones Ceramic Super Reds ($189.99)
Ceramic precision, longevity, high-speed performance
Bones Swiss Ceramic ($317.95)
Ceramic excellence, elite construction, race-ready performance