Inline Skate Bearing Ratings

Bearing choice can greatly affect the performance of your inline skates. However, trying to choose a bearing amongst all the different terms and ratings can prove difficult and confusing.  Below, we've comprised a basic guideline on inline skate bearings, their ratings, and terms used to describe bearings. The intention is to provide you with information so that you may form your own opinion.

Different brands of bearings at the same rating may not perform the same way. At Inline Warehouse, you'll find trusted brands like Bones Bearings, BSB or BOSS Bearings, Oust Bearings and many more to choose from. 

ABEC
The most common rating scale for bearings is the ABEC.  The acronym stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee of the once known Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association.  The ABEC scale measures the precision of the bearing in relation to tolerances and friction.  The scale ranges from 1 to 9 in odd numbers.

ABEC standards were originally intended for high-speed machinery and not inline skating.  They do not account for the quality of steel used, or the manufacturing and assembly process, which is also very important. For this reason, while higher rated bearings are generally better in overall quality, whether they automatically translate to more speed is questionable.   This means that one brand of ABEC9 bearings very well may differ in performance from another at the same rating.

ILQ & SG9
ILQ and SG9 ratings work similar to that of ABEC from 1 to 9 in odd numbers. The higher the number, the better the precision the bearing is said to have.  ILQ manufactured by TwinCam, were made with inline skating specifically in mind.  SG ratings are found on Rollerblade skates.

TITANIUM
Bearings listed as Titanium Bearings, refer to the material used for the balls within the bearing itself.  A ball bearing coated in Titanium is very hard and is said to stay perfectly spherical for much longer.  Titanium bearings also are said to have a lower rate of expansion than a steel bearing.  This would result in less friction and therefore would run smoother and quicker.

SWISS
The main difference between Swiss bearings and those that are ABEC, are the standards for which they are rated on.  A bearing with a ‘Swiss’ rating, not only takes into account those of ABEC, but also the manufacturing and assembly of the bearingf.   Swiss Bearings are said to be able to roll faster with less maintenance. 

You should note that not all ‘Swiss Bearings’ are made in Switzerland.  The term ‘Swiss’ is used to describe a manufacturing style.

CERAMIC
Ceramic bearings again refer to the material of the balls used within the bearing. Typically such bearings are of a hybrid material with inner and outer rings made of steel or chrome, but the rolling balls are made of a ceramic material.  

Claims for ceramic bearings include that they are lighter, have superior corrosion resistance, are able to withstand higher temperatures, have improved lubricant life, experience less friction, and so on.  They are said to be able to rev up faster, and use less energy to maintain its speed.

Ceramic bearings currently make up the most expensive bearings on the market.

CONCLUSION
Bearings can be referred to in a number of different ways with many things to consider. The right choice depends mostly on the type of skating you’ll be doing.  A marathon skater may benefit from a Swiss or Ceramic bearing where as a recreational skater may not.  

Price can be another factor. Bearing price typically increases as you move down the list above, or the rating increases. Brand recognition plays an important roll. One brands at an ABEC7 rating likely will not work the same as another with the same rating.

No matter which bearing you decide on, maintenance also plays an important roll.   Keeping your bearings lubricated, and properly servicing your bearings will give them a longer life with better performance. Click here to be directed to a video showing how to clean bearings.