What Bearings Do Speed Skaters Use?

Speed skating bearings are one of the most crucial pieces of equipment for speed skaters. The choice of speed skate bearings can directly influence racers’ speed and outcomes. Therefore, regardless of their goals, speed skaters opt for bearings of the highest quality.

What Are the Best Speed Skate Bearings?

To determine the best quality speed skate bearings, consider the ABEC rating and lubrication.

The ABEC classification indicates the construction accuracy and precision of the bearing by the manufacturer. The ABEC rating ranges from 1 to 9; the higher the number, the smoother and faster your wheels will roll. Most speed skaters choose a rating of ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 to optimize their performance. Other types of bearings, such as ceramic bearings or Bones bearings, are considered to be as good as ABEC 7 and ABEC 9 bearings.

Speed skate bearings can be lubricated with either oil or grease. Bearings lubricated with oil spin very fast but get dirty quickly, making them ideal for indoor practice. Greased inline speed skate bearings spin slower than their oiled counterparts but are less prone to damage from dirt when skating outdoors.

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

Why Use Speed Skate Spacers?

Struggling to beat your rival or aiming to set a new personal best? Many factors affect your performance, but one often overlooked is the use of spacers. Spacers are located between wheel bearings. They ensure the bearings are properly aligned, allowing them to spin freely and enabling you to skate at high speeds. Although small, they can make a significant difference when you need to gain a couple of seconds.

The most important thing to remember with spacers for speed skates is that they fit the axle on your skates. There are two types of spacers: a floating spacer and a long sleeve bearing spacer. To determine which one you need, take the wheel apart and try threading the bearing onto the axle. If there is a lot of play, use a long sleeve spacer to ensure a tight setup. If it already fits snugly, opt for a floating spacer.