Bearings & Spacers for Speed Skates

Which Bearings Do Speed Skaters Opt For?

Bearings play a crucial role in speed skating and are a vital piece of kit for speed skaters. The selection of speed skate bearings can directly influence a racer's velocity and outcomes. Thus, regardless of the goal, speed skaters select only the highest quality bearings.

What Are the Optimal Speed Skate Bearings?

To evaluate the top-quality speed skate bearings, consider both the ABEC rating and the type of lubrication.

The ABEC scale indicates the bearing's manufacturing precision and accuracy. Ranging from 1 to 9, a higher number denotes smoother and faster wheel rotation. Many speed skaters prefer an ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 rating to enhance their performance. Other bearing types, like those made from ceramic or Bones bearings, are deemed equivalent to ABEC 7 and ABEC 9 in terms of quality.

Lubrication for speed skate bearings can be either oil or grease-based. Bearings lubricated with oil spin very swiftly but are prone to getting dirty quickly, making them ideal for speed skaters practising indoors. Bearings with grease lubrication spin at a slower rate than their oiled counterparts but are less susceptible to grime damage when skating outside.

In search of wheels to pair with your new bearings? Explore our range of Speed Skate Wheels.

Why Opt for Speed Skate Spacers?

Struggling to outpace your competitor or aiming for a new personal best? Numerous variables affect your performance, yet one commonly overlooked factor is the use of spacers. Positioned between wheel bearings, spacers ensure proper alignment, enabling free spinning and allowing you to skate at high speeds. Though small, spacers can significantly impact those crucial few seconds.

The key consideration with speed skate spacers is their compatibility with your skate’s axle. There are two spacer types: floating and long sleeve bearing spacers. To determine your requirement, disassemble the wheel and check the bearing fit on the axle. If noticeable play is present, a long sleeve spacer can tighten the setup. If already snug, opt for a floating spacer.