Bearings have a couple of measurements that you should be aware of. 8mm, shown with these bearings, tells you the diameter of the inner hole. This diameter matches the diameter of the axle used on the trucks. 8mm axles are by far the most common.

 

The next number is shown as an abec rating. This number classifies the precision of a bearing when manufactured. Abec1 is considered the lowest rating, and abec9 as the highest. An abec9 bearing will be ground or polished to a higher tolerance and in turn may be faster and last longer. A very precise bearing will have reduced friction, friction causes heat, and heat ultimately will cause bearings to fail.

 

Swiss bearings use balls that are manufactured at a very high level of precision. They do not have an abec rating, but we all know how precise the Swiss are.We always recommend that you clean and lube bearings regularly. A well maintained Abec5 bearing will outlast an Abec7 bearing that is not maintained.

Legendary Original Bones Swiss bearings are the optimum combination of Bones Skate Rated design and Swiss precision manufacturing creating the standard by which all other bearings are measured. For more than 24 years preferred by the worlds top professional skaters. Proven, professional competition-grade speed and durability make Bones Swiss the most desired bearing in the sport.

 

Legendary Bones Swiss bearings have been the industry standard ever since they were introduced in 1983. Fast, smooth, and long lasting, these swiss bearings have become the choice of most professional skaters, and remain unequaled in their class. "Bones Swiss bearings" feature the same ultra high performance components used in Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings, except that the balls are chromium steel instead of silicone nitride. Bones Swiss bearings have earned their fame through years of proven, dependable performance for the best skaters in the world. No hype, just the best... ask anyone who has been skating for a few years.

When I bought my first set of bearings a wise old man at the skate shop suggested I take a look at Bones REDS. "Yes, they're a little more than the generics," he said, "but when it comes to getting the biggest bang for your buck, these are best." The skate shop owner had the right idea. Bones brand bearings have been around a long time, and are famous for the quality of their top of the line bearings, like Bones Swiss. But unfortunately, buying top of the line means spending a lot of money. For some skaters, that's no sweat, but for many, money's not so easy to come by.