What Are Roller Skate Bearings?

Roller skate bearings are small cylinders positioned inside the wheel hub of your quad skates. These bearings are the part of your skating setup that enables the wheels to spin. Each roller skate wheel requires 2 bearings to rotate smoothly on the axles. Therefore, you will need a set of 16 bearings to ensure all 8 wheels of your roller skates roll quickly and smoothly.

What Are the Best Roller Skate Bearings?

The best roller skate bearings for you will largely depend on your needs and riding style. A useful metric to gauge the quality of quad skate bearings is the ABEC rating system. Ranging from ABEC 1 (lowest) to ABEC 9 (highest), this system indicates the precision of the bearings' manufacturing process. With a high-rated set of bearings, your wheels will spin extremely fast and smooth.

For most skate wheels, the standard bearings used are 608 bearings. These bearings have measurements of 22 mm outer diameter, 7 mm width, and 8 mm inside diameter. Beginner and recreational skaters can easily choose an ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 set of bearings for smooth and enjoyable rides. Top-rated bearings are typically the best option for professionals and athletes seeking the highest speeds and performance.

When to Replace Roller Skate Bearings?

Quad skate bearings generally last between 12 and 18 months. Proper maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan. Be sure to clean them after each session and avoid skating in dusty areas. If your roller skate bearings start making noise or show signs of rust, it's time to replace them.

Looking to pair your bearings with a new set of wheels? Check out our selection of Roller Skate Wheels.