608 inline skate bearings — ILQ-9, steel, hybrid

How to read the markings

The marking on a bearing tells you about manufacturing precision, not speed. ABEC is an industrial standard for dimensional tolerance. ILQ and SG are scales used by inline skate manufacturers, and “Swiss” is now the name of a class, not a place of manufacture.

Marking	What it means
ABEC 5, 7, 9	dimensional tolerance standard; a higher number means tighter tolerances
ILQ-5, 7, 9	Twincam scale for bearings designed for inline skates
SG5, 7, 9	marking used for Rollerblade bearings
Swiss, Ceramic	trade names for higher classes, with no common standard

What actually affects the ride

How a bearing rolls and how long it lasts depends on the race steel, the lubricant, the seals and cleanliness. Rubber seals keep dust out better and can be removed for cleaning; metal shields are less tight. A bearing with oil spins up more easily, one with grease lasts longer without servicing.

Clean or replace

Grinding after skating in dust usually disappears after cleaning and lubricating. Rust, noticeable play and a gritty resistance that remains after cleaning mean replacement. While you’re at it, check the spacers: a badly matched one can lock up new bearings. You’ll find a full overview in the guide inline skate bearings: ABEC, ILQ, Swiss.

Frequently asked questions

What does 608 on a bearing mean?

The dimensions: 8 mm bore, 22 mm outer diameter, 7 mm width. It’s the standard in inline skates, roller skates and skateboards.

Is ILQ-9 better than ABEC 9?

These markings can’t be compared directly, because they’re different scales. ILQ describes bearings designed for the loads in inline skates, ABEC refers only to dimensional tolerance.

How many bearings are in a set?

16, i.e. enough for eight wheels. For three-wheel skates you need 12.

Do ceramic bearings make sense for recreational skating?

Rarely. You feel the difference over long distances and in racing; for recreational skating, good wheels and clean steel bearings make more difference.

How do I look after the bearings in my skates?

Avoid water and sand, and after skating in the rain take the bearings out and dry them the same day. If you skate regularly, clean and lubricate them every 2–3 months.

Inline skate bearings

Products

Rollerblade Hydrogen ILQ-9 Pro skate bearings, lime (16 pcs)

Stelior Pro Black Ceramic racing bearings (16 pcs)

FR Skates Twincam Storm SCRS Rustproof skate bearings (16 pcs)

FR Skates Twincam ILQ-7 Plus skate bearings (16 pcs)

Impala ABEC-7 skate bearings, pink (8 pcs)

K2 ILQ-5 skate bearings (16 pcs)

Łożyska do rolek Rollerblade Hydrogen ILQ-7 Plus czarne (16 szt.)

Stelior Black Ceramic 5-ball hybrid bearings, titanium (16 pcs)

Stelior Black Ceramic 5-ball hybrid bearings, gold (16 pcs)

Stelior Black Ceramic hybrid bearings, black (16 pcs)

Stelior White Ceramic hybrid bearings, black (16 pcs)

Stelior White Ceramic hybrid bearings, titanium (16 pcs)

Stelior Black Ceramic hybrid bearings, gold (16 pcs)

Stelior White Ceramic hybrid bearings, gold (16 pcs)

Stelior black steel skate bearings (16 pcs)

Stelior steel bearings, titanium (16 pcs)

Stelior steel bearings, gold (16 pcs)

Stelior 608-RS rubber bearing shield

Stelior Pro White Ceramic racing bearings (16 pcs)

Bionic ABEC-7 skate bearings (16 pcs)

Bionic Swiss skate bearings (16 pcs)

FR Skates Twincam ILQ-9 Slalom Pro skate bearings (16 pcs)

FR Skates Twincam MW-9 Titalium Freeride skate bearings (16 pcs)

FR Skates Twincam MW7 Freeride skate bearings (16 pcs)

How to read the markings

What actually affects the ride

Clean or replace

Frequently asked questions

Basket

Categories

Cookies

Products

How to read the markings

What actually affects the ride

Clean or replace

Guides for this category

Frequently asked questions