| If you think you need new bearings for your inline | | | | and just replace them when they need to be |
| skates, it's best to check your bearings for wear | | | | changed. |
| using the tests provided in this article. Your | | | | In addition, if you have shielded bearings with |
| bearings are at the core of your wheels and | | | | pop-out caps, like Powell Swiss or Black Hole |
| reduce friction so you can skate smoothly and | | | | brands, and like them for their ease of |
| efficiently. Hence, they need to be maintained | | | | maintenance, it's probably best to go with this |
| properly from season to season. | | | | kind of bearing again. |
| Checking for Wear | | | | Buying new Bearings |
| The following are indications of major, bearing | | | | My K2 skates have 8-mm, TwinCam, ABEC-1, |
| wear from a no-load, finger-flick, spin test: | | | | double-shielded bearings with the following |
| - One or more of your wheels stick(s) periodically | | | | inscribed on the casings: |
| - One or more of your wheels (is) are seized | | | | TwinCam |
| - One or more or your wheels require(s) a lot of | | | | ABEC-1 |
| force to spin | | | | 608 ZZ |
| - One or more of your wheels spin(s) freely for | | | | Normally, the manufacturer or brand doesn't |
| only a second or two | | | | make a lot of difference within the three |
| In addition, the following are signs of major, | | | | categories of shielded, serviceable bearings, |
| bearing wear from a spin test with the skater as | | | | shielded, serviceable bearings with pop-up caps, |
| the load: | | | | and sealed, non-serviceable bearings. A bearing |
| - While out skating you hear a loud, grinding noise | | | | size of 8 mm andthe 608 designation are fine for |
| from your bearings | | | | recreational, inline skaters. The ABEC rating is |
| - It takes a lot of effort to pick up and maintain | | | | another story! |
| speed when you skate | | | | ABEC-1, 3, and 5 are the most common bearings |
| - Your bearings are hot to the touch after a roll | | | | that come with inline skates, as well as the newer |
| You may also want to replace your inline skate | | | | ABEC-7s, which are gaining in popularity. Whether |
| bearings if you decide to switch to a different | | | | a skater can go faster with ABEC-5 bearings |
| type of bearing. You may want to change from | | | | versus ABEC-1 bearings has never been proven, |
| shielded bearings to sealed or racing bearings. | | | | scientifically or otherwise. |
| Learning the ABEC Scale | | | | Furthermore, the higher precision may not make |
| Bearings are rated on the Annular Bearing | | | | a significant difference for the recreational skater |
| Engineering Council (ABEC) scale. Ratings are | | | | who travels in the 10 to 20 mph range. The |
| numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 on the ABEC scale. | | | | average skater doesn't require a higher-rated |
| The higher the number is, the greater the | | | | bearing because the difference in performance is |
| manufactured precision of the bearing. | | | | so minimal that it would only become apparent at |
| However, there are no required materials to meet | | | | speeds an inline skater never attains. |
| the ABEC specifications. The bearings only have | | | | In addition, the higher precision eventually |
| to be made to a certain precision. That's all! | | | | deteriorates down to ABEC-3 or 1 due to dust, |
| Servicing your Bearings | | | | dirt, and regular wear and tear. To increase your |
| Inline skate bearings usually come in sets of four | | | | skating speed, you'd be better off to improve |
| to eight. Before you head out to your favorite | | | | your technique and learn how to cut down on |
| sporting goods store, write down the information | | | | wind resistance. These are proven ways to make |
| that's shown on the outer shields of your | | | | you a faster and more efficient skater. |
| bearings. Don't forget to flip the bearing over and | | | | So, get the most affordable ABEC-1 or ABEC-3 |
| include the text that's inscribed on the other side. | | | | inline skate bearings you can find, clean and lube |
| If you're happy with the original bearings that | | | | them with oil or grease on an annual basis, and |
| came with your skates or the last set you | | | | you'll be just fine. |
| installed, by all means buy the same bearings. If | | | | Summing Up |
| you have serviceable bearings like TwinCams or | | | | When it comes time to purchase new bearings |
| YAKs and you don't mind doing your own cleaning | | | | for your inline skates, make sure you write down |
| and lubrication than you may want to stick with | | | | the information that's inscribed on the outer casing |
| the double-shielded type, especially if they are the | | | | of your bearings before you head to your local, |
| Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that your | | | | skating shop. In addition, beware that an ABEC |
| skate manufacturer recommends. | | | | rating is nothing more than a bearing precision. If |
| On the other hand, if you have non-serviceable or | | | | you find a set of bearings at the right price that |
| sealed bearings and are squeamish about doing | | | | are suited for your skates, but they have a lower |
| your own cleaning and lubrication, even periodically, | | | | ABEC rating, go for it anyway! You'll probably |
| you may want to stick with this type of bearing | | | | never notice the difference. |