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Guide: selection of bearings for roller skates

13/06/2019 | With this guide We want to explain to you a little better the world of roller skate’s bearings to help you understand the various differences and make it easier for you to make the right choice.
At first glance it may seem complicated to understand all the features that a bearing may have but I would start by talking about the ABEC quality scale.

What is meant by ABEC

The ABEC scale is a system for classifying the construction tolerance of precision bearings. The system was developed by the US organization that gave it its name (Anular Bearing Engineering Committee). The tolerance in simple terms is the space (L) between the individual spheres (F) the metal cage which contains them (H) and the two channels or sliding rails in the outer ring and the inner ring, the smaller the space, the more precise and smooth the bearings will be.


To simplify the discussion, the higher the number of ABEC, the more precise, faster and more efficient the bearing.

BEARING MODELS
In addition to the value of the ABEC the absolutely most important thing to look at during the purchase is the construction quality of the bearing.
There are several bearing models that may seem completely identical to an inexperienced eye, but which instead have constructive solutions that are really important for the quality of the product.
These are the main bearing families:
- Bearings completely closed or open on one side with metal inner ring;
- Bearings open on one side with an internal ring in self-lubricating material and closed with a metal ring;
- Bearings open on one side with an internal ring in self-lubricating material and closed with a plastic ring;

Bearings completely closed or open on one side with a metal inner ring
These bearing models are the cheapest and at the same time the worst ones.
The closed bearing on both sides does not allow cleaning and therefore, after little use, when the dust particles have entered inside, it will be blocked and to be thrown away.
A little better appears to be the one opened on one side with a metal inner ring.
Surely it can be cleaned but the metal ring that holds the balls produces a lot of friction (so the bearing will be slow) and is also very little resistant.
Once receiving a blow it will start to vibrate, becoming very noisy and breaking very easily.
SPECIALIZED SHOPS SHOULD NEVER SELL THIS TYPE OF PRODUCT.

Bearings open on one side with an internal ring in self-lubricating material and closed with a metal ring
Bearings closed with a metal ring and with a self-lubricating ring nut are of good quality.
The self-lubricating material that holds the balls will help to keep the bearing fluid and fast over time, reducing friction.
Recognizing this type of bearing is very simple as the inner ring that holds the balls will be colored (green, brown, etc.).

Bearings open on one side with an inner ring made of self-lubricating material and closed with a plastic ring
The best bearings on the market are those open on one side with an internal ring made of self-lubricating material and closed with a plastic ring.
The self-lubricating material that holds the balls will help to keep the bearing fluid and fast over time, reducing friction.
The external plastic shields adhere perfectly to the bearing walls almost completely preventing the entry of dust.
This little trick makes the bearings more durable and reduces the need for cleaning a lot.
Until some time ago the ABEC 9 were the only one made this way, therefore the most expensive version on the market.
Lately we have produced our own line of bearings, with all these features, but in every ABEC version.
ABEC 1 GREY

ABEC 3 BLUE

ABEC 5 BLACK

ABEC 9 TURBO RED


All our roller skates are available with each of these bearings.

I remind you that to improve bearing life it is always advisable, at least once a month, to clean and lubricate by removing them from the wheel, always using a professional extractor to avoid crushing and breaking.

To clean the best product is the STAR CLEAR of Roll-line:


For lubrication always use a lubricating oil such as the Bat oil by Roll-line:


For assembly and disassembly of wheel’s bearings always use a professional extractor such as the one made by Roll-line:



 

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