The ABEC 3 bearings work for most skateboarding, but won’t roll very smoothly or fast. The more expensive 5- grade bearing is what you need if your board has high speeds and intense curves on it!
Abec 5 bearings are good for skateboards because they offer a smooth and fast ride. They are also durable and can last a long time. However, they may not be the best choice for everyone.
Bearings grade information for skateboarders
The ABEC rating system goes, from “worst” to “best”:
- ABEC 1 Approximately equal to ISO P0
- ABEC 3 Approximately equal to ISO P6
- ABEC 5 Approximately equal to ISO P5
- ABEC 7 Approximately equal to ISO P4
- ABEC 9 Approximately equal to ISO P2
The ABEC system is the most widely used and recognized standard for measuring bearing precision. Other standards include the ISO standard and the Bearing Industry Association of America (BIA) standard.
What is the real difference between ABEC 3 and ABEC 5?
The main difference between ABEC 3 and ABEC 5 bearings is the level of precision and tolerance. Bearings with a higher ABEC rating are more precise and have tighter tolerances than those with a lower ABEC rating.
This means that they will spin faster and last longer. However, not all skateboarders need or want the fastest and most expensive bearings. Some skaters are perfectly happy with lower-rated bearings that spin at a slower speed.
How can I tell which size bearing I need?
The size of the bearing you need will depend on the size of your wheels. Most skateboard wheels are either 52mm or 60mm in diameter. You can usually find the size of your wheels printed on the side of the wheel. If you’re unsure, you can always ask a salesperson at your local skate shop
Does ABEC matter for skating?
The ABEC rating (Annular Bearing Engineers Committee) is a system for classifying the precision of bearings. It goes from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest. The higher the ABEC rating, the more precise the bearing is.
So does that mean that higher ABEC-rated bearings are always better for skating? Not necessarily. The precision of the bearing has more to do with how fast it spins and how long it lasts, rather than how smoothly it rides.
So if you’re looking for bearings that will spin quickly and last a long time, then you want one with a higher ABEC rating. But if you’re just looking for a bearing that rides smoothly, then you might be just as well off with a lower ABEC rating.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the higher the ABEC rating, the more expensive the bearing is likely to be. So if you’re on a budget, you might want to stick with a lower ABEC rating.
How ABEC Ratings Work
The purpose of the ABEC rating system is to grade each skateboard’s quality. The higher a number, such as 1 or 3 (which only occur at odd numbers), means better materials were used in construction.
The lower numbers mean cheaper commodity parts were utilized which may ruin your deck over time due to its lack of durability Theoretically, an ABEC 9 bearing is almost twice as precise as an ABEC 5 bearing. In practice, it’s probably closer to 1.5 times as precise.
So, if you’re looking for bearings that will spin fast and last long, go with an ABEC 5 or higher. If you’re looking for bearings that are more affordable, go with an ABEC 3 or lower.
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