The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying Bearings

When it comes to buying skateboard or roller skate bearings, a lot of people make mistakes that cost them money, performance, and durability. Bearings may seem like a simple purchase, but if you buy the wrong ones, you’ll quickly find yourself slowing down, dealing with unnecessary wear, or replacing them way too often.

At Beagle Bearings, we’ve seen it all. From skaters choosing the wrong materials to falling for marketing gimmicks, there are some common traps that many people fall into. If you want to avoid wasting money and get the best performance from your skates, keep reading.

Here are the five biggest mistakes people make when buying bearings, and how to make the right choice.

1. Thinking All Bearings Are the Same

One of the most common mistakes is believing that all bearings are built the same. Many skaters assume that if a bearing fits inside their wheel, it must be good enough. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

What Actually Matters?

• Precision engineering – Bearings with tighter tolerances roll smoother and last longer.
• Quality materials – Low-cost steel bearings wear out faster and cause unnecessary friction.
• Proper lubrication – Some brands sell bearings dry, requiring extra work before you can even use them.

At Beagle Bearings, we design our bearings specifically for skaters who need durability, speed, and easy maintenance. Every bearing is engineered with precision and pre-lubed for maximum performance right out of the box.

2. Buying Bearings Based on ABEC Ratings

We get it ABEC ratings sound official. The problem? They don’t really apply to skating.

ABEC ratings measure a bearing’s tolerance levels in industrial machines running at extreme speeds, not on roller skates, skateboards, or derby tracks. Choosing a bearing solely based on ABEC means you might be paying for something that doesn’t actually improve your ride.

What Should You Look for Instead?

✅ Bearings designed specifically for skating (not industrial use)
✅ Durability & smoothness over high ABEC numbers
✅ Dirt and moisture protection for longevity

Beagle Bearings are made with real skaters in mind, not industrial machines. We focus on what actually impacts your skating experience—smoothness, longevity, and reliability.

3. Ignoring Shield Design & Maintenance Needs

Most people don’t think about bearing shields, but they play a huge role in how long your bearings last. Cheap bearings often come with metal shields that trap dirt, making cleaning difficult. Others use low-quality rubber seals that pop off too easily.

Why Beagle Bearings Are Different

✅ Dirt-Blocking Rubber Shields – Our shields are designed to keep dust, dirt, and moisture out without making maintenance a hassle.
✅ Glow-in-the-Dark Feature – Not only do they protect your bearings, but they also look awesome under blacklight!
✅ Easy to Clean & Re-Lube – Our shields are removable for quick cleaning, so you can keep your bearings in top condition.

If you want bearings that stay cleaner longer and last through intense skating sessions, Beagle Bearings are the way to go.

4. Choosing the Cheapest Option (and Regretting It Later)

Look, we all love saving money. But when it comes to bearings, cheap usually means disposable. Low-cost bearings are often made from poor-quality steel, dry lubricated (or not lubricated at all), and wear out within weeks of heavy skating.

Why Cheap Bearings Cost More in the Long Run:

• They slow down quickly because of poor tolerances.
• They wear out faster, meaning you’ll need replacements sooner.
• They require constant cleaning and maintenance to keep working.

Instead of wasting money replacing bad bearings over and over, invest in a quality set that will last. Beagle Bearings are engineered for durability, giving you long-term performance without constant replacements.

5. Not Thinking About Where & How You Skate

Many skaters buy bearings without considering their skating style or environment. Bearings that work well in a smooth indoor rink might not hold up on rough outdoor pavement.

How to Choose the Right Bearings for Your Skating Style:

• Roller Derby: Look for durability, impact resistance, and fast roll speed.
• Outdoor Skating: Bearings should be sealed to prevent dirt and moisture damage.
• Jam Skating & Dance: You’ll need high-speed performance with ultra-smooth rotation.
• Casual & Rink Skating: A balance of speed, smoothness, and low maintenance is key.

Beagle Bearings were designed with all types of skaters in mind, making them perfect whether you’re hitting the derby track, cruising outdoors, or dancing under the rink lights.

Why Beagle Bearings Are the Best Choice

If you’ve ever bought a low-quality, overhyped, or poorly designed bearing, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s why we built Beagle Bearings, to give skaters a better option.

🔥 What Makes Beagle Bearings Different?
✔️ Precision-Engineered for Roller Skaters & Skateboarders
✔️ Durable, High-Quality Materials That Last Longer
✔️ Dirt-Blocking Glow Rubber Shields for Easy Maintenance
✔️ Pre-Lubed for Smooth Speed Right Out of the Box
✔️ 10% of Every Sale Goes to Animal Shelters – Skate & Support a Cause!

Ready to Upgrade?

Don’t fall for these 5 common mistakes, get bearings that are actually built for performance. Order Beagle Bearings today and feel the difference!

👉 Get Your Set Now!

Final Thoughts: Make the Right Choice the First Time

When buying bearings, avoid these five mistakes and choose bearings that give you smooth rides, durability, and easy maintenance.

✅ Don’t assume all bearings are the same
✅ Forget ABEC ratings, focus on real performance
✅ Pick the right shields to keep dirt out
✅ Invest in quality bearings that last
✅ Choose bearings designed for your skating style

With Beagle Bearings, you get high-quality bearings designed for real skaters. Don’t settle for less! Upgrade today and roll with confidence! 🚀