Everything about bearings
Short answer:
When choosing bearings for your inline skates, stick with a trusted brand or opt for affordable ones that can be easily replaced when worn out. All inline skates use size 608 bearings, which are standard across roller skates, scooters, and skateboards.
How to choose the right bearings for your skates
Selecting the right bearings for your skates is important for performance and durability. Bearings are small, but they play a crucial role in how smoothly your wheels rotate. If you're unsure which ones to pick, a reliable brand is always a good choice. Alternatively, you can choose the more affordable options available on Thisissoul.com and replace them when they wear out.
How many bearings do you need?
Each wheel on your skate requires two bearings. Therefore, if your skate has four wheels per foot, you'll need a total of 16 them to replace all of them. Additionally, keep in mind that there is also a small one spacer positioned between the two bearings in each wheel. For more details, check out our detailed guide on bearing spacers here.
Bearing sizing
All inline skates use the same size bearings: size 608. This is a standard size across various sports equipment, including roller skates, scooters, and skateboards. The dimensions of a 608 bearing are as follows:
- Outer diameter: 22mm
- Inner diameter: 8mm
- Width: 8mm
Bearing components
A typical bearing consists of several key components:
- Outer ring
- Balls
- Ball cage
- Inner ring
- Seal
The groove in the outer ring where the balls roll is called the raceway. The balls themselves start as steel wire, cut into small pieces, and then ground down into perfect spheres—a process that takes several days to complete.
The ABEC scale and skate bearings
The ABEC scale is often mentioned in connection with bearings, but it’s not as important as you might think for inline skating. The ABEC scale measures the precision of them, but it was originally designed for industrial machines, not skates. What really affects your bearing's performance is the material used and how well it’s lubricated, not the ABEC rating.
For skates in the 200-250 euro range, you can trust that the wheels and bearings are of high quality, so there's no need to worry too much about the specifics.
Lubrication: grease or oil?
When it comes to lubricating your bearings, you have two options: grease or oil. Grease lasts longer but is slower, while oil offers faster speeds but wears off more quickly. Choosing the right lubrication depends on your skating style and preferences.
Material options
The material of your bearings also affects performance. The harder the material, the faster and smoother your skate will be. Common materials include:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Hybrid steel/ceramic
- Full ceramic
Seals
There are different types of seals for bearings:
- 608: Open on both sides
- 608 Z: Open on one side, sealed on the other
- 608 ZZ: Sealed on both sides
- 608 2RS: Features two rubber seals
These seals help protect them from dirt and debris, extending their lifespan.
How long should bearings spin?
The spin duration of your bearings can vary depending on weight, lubrication, and materials. If you're looking for more speed and longer spin times, investing in higher-quality bearings and maintaining them well will make a significant difference.
Cleaning your bearings
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your bearings spinning smoothly. Dirt, grime, and moisture can accumulate inside them, causing them to slow down or even seize up. Cleaning them will help extend their lifespan and maintain performance.
Browse all bearings
To find the best bearings for your skates, browse our full selection here:
Bearings Collection
How to get bearings out.