One of the topics discussed was micro bearings and what benefits they may have for skaters.  Many of us have never seen or even felt micro-bearings, and I became curious enough to buy a set for myself.  Well, that's a perfect opportunity to take some photos and weigh the bearings to show all of you.

   It's easy to show what micro bearings look like, and how much they weigh, but it would be much more difficult to present an objective measurement of their rolling resistance, even if only in comparison to other bearings.  Until I have a repeatable objective way of measuring bearing resistance, I'm not going to look at this.

   Our metric series miniature bearings (mini bearings) and small bearings are available open, shielded or sealed, with bore sizes as small as 1 mm. The smaller sizes are sometimes referred to as instrument bearings or micro bearings. We provide metric sizes for applications as varied as food processing and electric motor miniature small bearings. We provide customers with rc bearings for remote-controlled cars, thin section bearings, ceramic bearing for bicycles, and skateboard bearings designed to provide a longer, smoother ride.

   Product Description
Micro Bearings specifications:
1) Shield / closure: Open bearing, Z, ZZ, RS, 2RS
2) Snap ring: N, NR
3) Tolerance codes: ABEC-1, ABEC-3, ABEC-5, ABEC-7
4) Vibration level codes: V4, V3, V2, V1
5) Internal clearance codes: C2, C3, C4, C5
6) Material: AISI52100, AISI440C, AISI304, AISI316, ceramic
7) Retainer: PTFE, nylon, PEEK or stainless steel
8) Bore size: 1 - 500mm
9) Model: 672-6709, 682-6820, 692-6920, 602-6020, 623-6220, 633-6320, 16000, MR52-MR149, R, FR, MR, MFR

   Bevo 688 Micro ABEC 9 Bearings are fast and light!  Micro bearings aka mini bearings are 75% lighter than standard 608 sized bearings.  With the Bevo Micro bearings you're getting the best of both worlds.  The Bevo Micro bearing offers the highest ABEC rating available to ensure a smooth, fast roll, and it's the lightest skate bearing available. Light skates, mean fast skates.

   If you are not already skating Micro bearings you can switch most skates over to use Micro 688 bearings.  If your skates are equipped with 6mm axles you'll need (8) short sleeved 6mm 688 Micro Bearing Spacers (sold separately).  If your skates are equipped with the wider 8mm axle you can just use the 8mm bore bearing spacers that are included in this package.  Both set-ups require wheels with Micro Hub wheels too.

  Bearing Specs:
•ABEC 9 rating - The highest rating available
•Custom deep grove chrome steel channel reduces friction resulting in maximum speed and smoothness
•8 grams lighter per bearing than standard 608 bearings
 Package Contains:
•(16) Micro 688 Bearings
•(8) 8mm Bore 688 Micro Bearing Spacers
Comments:these bearings are fast and smooth and are very durable and at a great price
From: Parkey
I mounted these and noticed that two bearings had slight glitches when I spun them. Being new I figured that would spin out in use. I started using them and they had a fantastic glide to them, but they have a problem. Without side shields they get dirty quick and inside of 40 hours of use I fried the two bearing that had the bumps in the beginning. I think the concept of smaller bearing balls is great but I don't think standard material can stand up to the abuse. I've never disintegrated a fafnir or swiss bearing, or any ceramic bearing. Though I don't know whether to attribute it to the quality of the material or just incidental workmanship. The other 14 bearing are doing fine but I can't afford to spend 100.00 for just 40 hours of use. If those two had not failed I would have ordered another set already