Freeskate Bearings
Understanding Freeskate Bearings
Positioned inside your wheels and secured by an axle, freeskate bearings are crucial for your skating setup as they facilitate wheel rotation. The choice of freeskate bearings significantly affects your speed and energy efficiency.
Selecting Appropriate Freeskate Bearings
Your selection of freeskate bearings should consider factors like material, precision (ABEC rating), and your skating style and proficiency.
Typically, children and new skaters opt for ABEC 3 or ABEC 5 rated bearings, whereas those with intermediate to advanced skills favour ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 freeskate bearings. Advanced skaters who enjoy performing jumps, shredding, and executing dance or slalom moves may prefer freeskate ceramic or Swiss bearings.
Proper upkeep of your freeskate bearings is key to their longevity, particularly with frequent inline skating. Refer to our Bearing Cleaning and Lubrication guide for insights into bearing maintenance.
Freeskate Spacers: Small but Significant
The importance of freeskate spacers shouldn't be underestimated, even though they are among the smallest elements of your skate setup. Placed between the bearings, spacers alleviate some stress and friction.
When it comes to spacers, consider both size and material. Size is crucial, with options typically being 6 mm or 8 mm. The appropriate size for you depends on the specifications of your skates, particularly the axle diameter.
Material selection is a matter of personal preference; common choices are plastic or metal, with aluminum often preferred for its lightweight yet durable properties.
If you need more detailed information about spacers, our Spacers Guide will provide you with the essential knowledge.