Bearings for inline skates and speed skates
The bearings determine how easily and quietly your wheels run. Two bearings are fitted per wheel, so a pair of skates with eight wheels needs 16. Almost all inline skates use the standard size 608 (8 mm inner diameter, 22 mm outer diameter, 7 mm width). That is why the bearings in our range fit most wheels of recreational, fitness and speed skates.
ABEC, ILQ or ceramic?
- ABEC is a tolerance class for manufacturing precision. Higher values mean tighter tolerances, but not automatically more speed. For recreational skaters, ABEC 5 bearings such as the Powerslide ABEC 5 Freespin are a solid choice.
- ILQ (Inline Quality) is a rating specifically for inline bearings. ILQ 7 and ILQ 9 run smoothly and are resistant to dust and moisture, ideal for training and fitness.
- Ceramic bearings have balls made of ceramic instead of steel. They are lighter, harder and do not rust. If you skate long distances or race, you will benefit from hybrid ceramic bearings, for example as a ceramic bearing set for a complete pair or as Bones Ceramic in a set of 8.
Care: how to make your bearings last longer
Dirt and water are the greatest enemies of bearings. After skating in the rain, you should remove the wheels and let the bearings dry. Cleaned regularly and treated with a little oil or lubricant, such as Caramba 70 Super Plus or Dry Fluid, they will run quietly and fast again. Our guide Inline skate bearings: ABEC, ceramic and proper cleaning shows exactly how to do this.
Also worth considering
When changing bearings, it is worth taking a look at the wheels: it is best to replace worn wheels at the same time. You will find new inline skate wheels, axles and spacers under inline spare parts. Not sure which bearing fits your skates? Call us on +49 (0) 77 20 / 34 70 6, we will be happy to advise you.
