The Best Inline Skate Bearings 2022
What we looked for:
The inline skate bearing category is the category that you can waste a ton of cash. Many skate bearings are mislabeled, and the ABEC rating system is a joke. Let’s dive into some of the problems with inline skate bearings.
The first problem is that they all look similar. A set of $300 bearings appear very similar to a set of $10 bearings.
The next big problem is that there is a rating system called ABEC. Bearings are typically rated ABEC 1, ABEC 3, ABEC 5, ABEC 7, or ABEC 9. Companies tell consumers that the higher the number, the better the bearing. However, this rating system has little or no meaning for skaters apart from rating the bearings from one manufacturer. That is to say; companies often stamp ABEC 9 on an ABEC 1 bearing. How are you ever going to tell the difference? As an example, I have tested $300 bearings that skate precisely the same as $20 bearings. The only difference is that the $300 bearings came in a flashy box. In summary, my advice is to be very wary of bearings labeled ABEC 9. I can almost guarantee you they are not ABEC 9 bearings.
So, what are the essential things to look for in an inline skate bearing? The important things are extremely precise balls, solid materials, and a finely polished race. A race is the part the balls touch.
Unfortunately, you can’t tell the good from the bad by looking at them. Luckily, I have tested hundreds of bearings and taken the guesswork out of choosing the best of the best inline skate bearings for 2022.
#1 Bones SWISS
Bones is the #1 selling aftermarket inline skate bearing and for a good reason. They are one of the only SWISS bearings actually made in Switzerland. So, you know you are going to get a good, reliable, long-lasting bearing when you go with Bones.
Bones inline bearings are easy to clean and come pre-lubricated, so you don’t need to clean the grease out of them. The bearings roll well under load, including speeds at over 60 miles per hour.
They are our number 1 bearings again for 2022.
#2 Bont JESA BLACK SERIES
Bont’s Jesa Black Series inline skate bearings are sourced from Jesa in Switzerland. Jesa is a specialty bearing manufacturer just down the road from the Bones factory.
These bearings are on par with Bones inline skate bearings. Therefore, whichever skate bearing is on sale is the one I would buy.
Bont has one of the largest professional inline racing teams in the world to test their bearings. As a result, their inner materials are top-notch, the steel balls are very precise, and they are easy to clean.
These bearings have won numerous world championship titles for inline speed skating.
#3 Capetos ABEC 9
#4 Bones REDS
Bones Reds are made in China, but they are one of the best Chinese bearings on the market. They are more than 50% cheaper than Bones Swiss bearings. Importantly, many inline skaters won’t be able to tell the difference unless they are a professional skater. My roll testing showed that they are around 3% slower than the Bones Swiss bearings. These bearings are especially good if you are skating in the rain and don’t want to damage your expensive bearings. Likewise, for training, when you don’t need the absolute best performance.
#5 Bont Ceramic Bearings
If money is no option and you want the very best bearings that money can buy then this is the bearing for you. These bearings used to retail for $600 a set and they have won numerous inline speed skating world titles.
These bearings come with all the bells and whistles such as the highest grade steel, Kluber lubrication, ultra high-end ceramic balls and they are of course used by Bont's professional racing team. Look after them and they will last you for years. Remember, don't jump on ceramic bearings as they can shatter and they are more susceptible to dirt and dust as they are so precise so keep them clean.