Bearing Buying Guide

This guide covers the basic factors that influence a bearing’s cost and performance so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next set. Topics covered on this page include:

• Size
• Materials
• Rating
• Ball Count
• Serviceable vs Sealed

All of the bearings offered at Inline Warehouse are a standard size (608) for inline wheels unless otherwise noted. 608 bearings work with 6 and 8mm axles when used with the correct bearing spacers. You can find both types of bearing spacers by clicking here.

Bearings are most efficient when friction is at its lowest, so materials play a pivotal role in performance. Many bearings are constructed from steel alloys that are tough and affordable. Keep an eye out for components or coatings made from bronze, titanium, and especially ceramic – these will improve a bearing’s resilience, durability, and performance. Ceramic bearings are widely regarded as the best that money can buy.

Different manufacturer's use different rating systems to describe how their bearings will perform. The most common rating systems consist of a scale, such as the ABEC rating system, and terms such as "skate rated" or "Swiss".

These scales refer to the tolerances needed in machinery applications and will range on a scale from 1-9. On this scale, larger numbers refer to higher performance in terms of smoothness of the bearing and how well it will sustain roll. Rating systems are best used to compare bearings within the same brand as each manufacturer has different quality thresholds that will affect the performance. For example, one brand at ABEC 7 may not perform as well as another brand with the same ABEC 7 rating. If you do not have any past experience to reference brands that perform best, ask your friends or call us for recommendations.

Many high-end bearings, such as the popular Bones Bearings, forgo the numerical rating system in favor of terms that are specific to skating. These are specifically engineered for skating to prioritize speed and smoothness over extremely high machinery tolerances. These bearings will be priced according to their performance.

This is the highest rating and refers to the manufacturing process. Not all, in fact very few Swiss bearings are made in Switzerland. It remains important to remember that not all brands rated Swiss will perform equally. Brand awareness and past experience help considerably when looking to spend money on Swiss bearings. If needing assistance choosing a respected brand in the price range you are looking for, we are happy to help.

Traditional skate bearings have seven balls spinning between the races, though some brands have bucked that trend in favor of either six or eight balls. Six-ball bearings use slightly larger balls that generate less friction and spin faster and longer in ideal conditions. Conversely, the extra ball in eight-ball bearings helps them more evenly distribute your weight and better handle the side loads that are ever present in skating.

Serviceable bearings feature removable shields or plastic retainers that allow you to clean and re-lubricate your bearings. Most high-end bearings will be serviceable to allow you to maintain optimal roll and extend the life of the bearing. Sealed bearings have non-removable shields that help keep out harmful debris, but they are not serviceable and would have to be replaced when not performing as desired. Sealed bearings are great for those skaters not interested in bearing maintenance but tend to lack the performance offered by serviceable bearings.