How to Choose the Best Bearings for Your Skates (Without Falling for the Hype)

Let’s be real for a second: if your skates feel slow, stiff, or off-balance, your problem probably isn’t your wheels. It’s your bearings.

Those tiny things inside each wheel? Yeah, they matter way more than most skaters realize. Bearings control how fast you roll, how smooth your ride feels, and how much effort you waste every time you push. So when you're skating with bad ones, you're basically skating in quicksand.

Whether you skate for fun, for competition, or just to feel something again (we get it), choosing the right bearings is a game changer.

And no, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need the facts, and a brand you can actually trust.

What Bearings Really Do (And Why You Should Care)

Each skate wheel holds two bearings. That means a full setup takes 16 little miracles of motion to make your skates roll right.

Cheap or worn-out bearings cause:

• Drag (you feel slow even when you’re pushing hard)

• Rattling or squeaking (that annoying metal-on-metal grind)

• Extra effort for less speed

Good bearings feel like flying. And Beagle Bearings? They're built to make that flying feeling last.

Steel vs Ceramic: Which Bearings Are Best for You?

Let’s break it down. No fluff.

Steel Bearings

Tough, durable, and budget-friendly. Great for beginners or anyone who skates casually at the rink. They get the job done, especially if they’re sealed and easy to clean.

Ceramic Bearings

If speed, smoothness, and performance matter to you, ceramic bearings are in a different league. They’re lighter. They don’t heat up as fast. And they roll like butter on a hot pan.

Beagle Bearings’ Ceramic Spectras are 6-ball beasts with USA-made glow-in-the-dark shields. They're not just fast, they look fast too.

🛒 Shop Ceramic Spectra Bearings – Smooth. Fast. Built to Last.

What About ABEC Ratings?

ABEC ratings are one of those things people love to argue about. But here’s the truth:

• ABEC 3 = Not great

• ABEC 5 = Decent for light cruising

• ABEC 7 or higher = Smoother, faster, better

But guess what? ABEC isn’t everything. Some of the best-performing skate bearings in the world don’t even use that rating system. Focus more on real-world feel, material quality, and construction. Not just a number.

What Size Bearings Do You Need?

This is where a lot of skaters get tripped up.

8mm bearings are the most common. Used in almost all modern roller skates and skateboards.

7mm bearings are lighter and slightly more responsive, usually found in high-end or vintage setups.

If you're unsure what size you need, check your axles or shoot us a message. We're here for you.

🛒 Shop 8mm Bearings – Our Most Popular Option

What Features Actually Matter?

Forget the gimmicks. Look for bearings that:

• Have dual shields to keep out dirt and dust

• Are easy to clean (ours have removable shields)

• Are hand-polished to reduce friction

• Offer something unique (like our glow-in-the-dark shields)

Every feature of Beagle Bearings is built around you. The skater who wants to go faster, roll smoother, and support a brand that actually gives a damn.

Match Your Bearings to Your Style

Different skaters, different needs. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Recreational skating: Steel bearings are perfect. Affordable, smooth, and low maintenance.

• Speed skating or jam skating: Ceramic is your best friend. Less friction, more flow.

• Roller derby: Go for durability and responsiveness. Look for precision, not flash.

• Outdoor skating: You need shields and seal protection. Bonus points for ceramic.

Skaters Who Care Take Care of Their Bearings

Even the best bearings need love.

Clean them regularly to keep your ride fresh. Here’s the quick version:

• Remove them from your wheels

• Take off the shields

• Soak in isopropyl alcohol

• Dry thoroughly

• Add 1 or 2 drops of real skate lube

• Reassemble and go

Not sure how to clean them? We’ve got you:

📘 Read: How to Clean Your Skate Bearings the Right Way

The Truth About Cheap Bearings

We’ve tested them. The no-name, bargain bin bearings you find online. They’re loud. They seize up fast. They don’t spin clean. And they cost you more over time when you constantly replace them.

Beagle Bearings are hand-polished, dual-shielded, and backed by real skaters who care. Every order supports our mission. $4 from every set goes directly to Garden State Animal Rescue Center to help rescue dogs in need.

That’s more than a bearing. That’s purpose on wheels.

Final Thoughts: This Choice Isn’t Just About Bearings

It’s about how you skate. How you feel when you push off and glide smooth. It’s about confidence in your gear. Knowing it won’t fail when you need it most. It’s about supporting a company that gives back and actually gets it.

You deserve bearings that move.

Not just your wheels. Your heart. Your mindset. Your mission.

🏷️ Shop Beagle Bearings Today – Built for Skaters. Backed by Purpose.

Let’s turn this one into another sales engine.