5 Best Roller Skate Bearings 2024

I have chosen the Rollerbones 8mm Bearings as the best roller skate bearings. 

Through my work in a skate repair shop, I have come to realize that most manufacturers skimp on the bearings. This is why most people head straight to me once they have bought themselves a new pair of skates. The poor quality of the bearings also means that it is one of the main components on quad skates that I end up replacing. 

If you are looking to handle the replacement by yourself, then you should check out my recommendations for the top roller skate bearings on the market. It’s the only way you can get the most bang for your buck. 

The reason that I picked out the Rollerbones 8mm Bearings is because they tick all the necessary boxes. To start with, they are skate rated, which means that you can trust their performance. The bearings also offer optimal glide allowing you to get more distance, and are also simple to install. Last, but not least, they last quite a while too. 

There are many different types of skating, which is why I included a top option for whatever you require from the bearings. This way, you can find the perfect fit and improve your performance as needed. 

Keep reading to find out the best picks: 

Best Roller Skate Bearings 

Here are the top picks for bearings for your roller skates: 

Rollerbones Bearings 8MM – Best Overall 

Specs: 

• Material: Chrome   
• Size: 8mm
• Sealed: No
• Set: 16

Skate Rated 

This is a brand and model that you can trust. Not only are these bearings incredibly popular among roller skaters, inline skaters, and skateboarders, but they are also skate rated. This means that professional skaters have put these bearings through their paces in real-world situations. Thus, they are some of the best options available to you. 

Great Glide 

One of the top benefits of installing these bearings is the glide. They are lubricated with low viscosity Bones Speed cream. Due to this, there is less resistance and friction between the bearings which is an added bonus. 

This means that the bearings get you rolling right off the bet, resulting in a smooth and easy glide. Best of all, they let you roll for longer without you having to make as much effort. Therefore, covering longer distances will be an absolute breeze. 

Easy to Install 

You don’t have to be a pro to install these bearings. As long as you use a bearing tool, you will be able to finish the job in just minutes. This is one of the reasons that make these bearings an excellent choice for roller skaters who are only just starting out. 

Now, it should be noted that despite being 8mm, these bearings do run a little big. As such, they may not fit perfectly with some makes and models. 

Lasts for Longer 

Another interesting feature on these bearings is the nylon ball retainer. While this does help with speed quite a bit, it also boosts the overall durability of the bearings. So, even if you are someone who skates on a regular basis, you will be able to make the bearings last longer. 

Fireball Dragon Precision 608 – Best for Speed 

Specs: 

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Size: 8mm
• Sealed: Yes
• Set: 8

Speedy, Frictionless Performance 

If you like to go fast or are involved in speed skating, then you will want to get hold of these bearings. This is because of the way they are built. From top to bottom, they have been designed to help you pick up speed. 

It all begins with the stainless steel balls that greatly reduce friction, allowing you to travel faster and without a hitch in your ride. At the same time, the bearings are lubricated with Race oil which further improves your forward momentum. Then, there is the nylon cage which also results in a more fluid roll, adding to your speed. 

Now, it should be noted that these bearings do have a break-in period. As such, you will need to practice with them before entering any competitions. 

Well Sealed 

These bearings boast dual labyrinth shields, ensuring that any dirt and debris is kept out of the bearings. In fact, this particular design works up to 50 percent better than seals you will find on other bearings. This also means that you can use these bearings all year round, regardless of the weather. 

Great Fit 

The bearings have been machined carefully and follow an industry standard. As such, it can fit with a far greater number of roller skates. This helps you install them without any hassle. 

Long-Lasting 

The fact that these bearings are made from high quality materials, boast a nylon cage, and are well sealed all work to make them last longer. Therefore, if you are an avid skater, you won’t have to worry about swapping them out anytime soon. 

TRIXES Frictionless 608RS – Best for Durability 

Specs: 

• Material: Chrome Steel  
• Size: 8mm
• Sealed: Yes
• Set:16

Highly Durable 

One of the main perks of these bearings is that they will last quite a while. This is true even if you are an avid skater and put these bearings through the wringer. Even then, they will have no trouble handling the wear and tear of these skates. 

These bearings are hardy due to the fact that they are made from high quality chrome steel. As such, they are more than capable of dealing with whatever you throw at them. 

Smooth and Speedy 

These bearings come pre-lubricated ensuring that there is virtually no friction between them at all. This creates a smooth and comfortable ride and even helps you to pick up speed without an issue. 

It should be noted that using new oil during maintenance can slow down the bearings a bit. However, the upside is that your well-maintained bearings will last longer. 

Weatherproof 

The bearings are incredibly well-sealed, which makes them completely weather resistant. Thus, you can skate through puddles, snow, dirt, and debris having peace of mind that nothing is going to get inside the bearings. This is yet another reason why they last so long. 

Compatible 

You will be happy to know that these bearings have been designed for a universal fit. This means that they should fit virtually every pair of quad skates, regardless of brand or style. So, there is less chance that you will make a mistake when ordering them. 

Yellow Jacket Premium 608 – Best for Low Maintenance 

Specs: 

• Material: Chrome Steel
• Size: 8mm
• Sealed: Yes
• Set: 16

Excellent Seal

These bearings boast some of the best seals around. As such, you can guarantee that absolutely nothing will get past them. It doesn’t matter if you skate around dust, dirt, debris, or through any kind of weather. You can guarantee that these seals will stay put. 

This means that there is less maintenance required on your end as well. You don’t have to open up the bearings as often to clean them out. This maintains the integrity of the bearings while ensuring that there is less work for you. 

Speedy Performance 

If you enjoy going fast, then you will be pleased by the performance that these bearings offer up. They have been pre-lubricated with high speed lube that minimizes friction to a great extent. This helps to keep your moving forward with minimal effort. 

As an added bonus, the seal also keeps the lubricant in place. This means that you get to enjoy a faster performance for longer. The only issue is that these bearings can become a bit noisy at higher speeds which can be a drawback. 

Durable 

These bearings are made from high quality materials and have been designed well. And, when you add in the seal, the bearings have been built to last quite a while. This is true regardless of whether you like to skate often or in rough conditions. 

Aesthetic Appeal 

Want to make the wheels on your roller skates stand out? Well, these bearings have a pop of color that look incredibly cool and will attract attention when you wear them. 

BESIY 608 Bearings – Best for Budget

Specs: 

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Size: 8mm
• Sealed: Yes 
• Set: 8

Good Value 

If you are only an occasional skater or don’t have the money to burn on bearings, then you might want a more affordable option. These bearings fit this description perfectly. While they are cheaper than other options on the list, it doesn’t mean that they offer a poor performance. 

While these bearings may not be suitable for pro skaters, they will get the job done for occasional skaters. They work quite well and are surprisingly good quality. All in all, they are a good investment. 

Smooth Performance 

The ball bearings have been designed quite well and are pre-lubricated. Due to this, there is very little friction between them, providing you with a smooth and pleasant performance. In fact, you will find that it is on par with more expensive options and will guarantee that you aren’t missing out on much. 

Decent Speed

You can pick up some decent speed with these bearings. Once again, the design and the lubrication plays a role here. Therefore, you will not have to worry about getting left behind in the dirt by more expensive bearings. 

How to Choose Roller Skate Bearings 

It is important to know how to choose roller skate bearings. After all, there is a good chance that you will need to swap out the ones that came with your roller skates. At the very least, you might need to invest in a new set after a while. To make sure that you’re considering the right features, check out this post here. 

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding roller skate bearings: 

1. Are Roller Skate Bearings Universal?

Most roller skate bearings designed today can also be used in skateboards, longboards, and inline skates. Also, most bearings are 8mm which is what most of these designs use. In this way, the bearings can be considered universal, but this isn’t always the case. 

2. What Size are Roller Skate Bearings? 

The most common size is the standard 608 size. This means that the bearings have an 8mm bore, 7mm wide, and 22mm diameter. However, it is possible for bearings to come in various sizes, so you shouldn’t automatically assume the size. 

3. How Long Can Roller Skate Bearings Last?

The bearings can last anywhere from one year to several years. It all depends on the quality of the bearings, how you use them, and how well you maintain them.

If you skate on smoother surfaces with little dirt and maintain your bearings properly, you may find that they last up to 20 years in some cases. This is something you should keep in mind if you want to continue your skating hobby.

Check out our post on how to clean your roller skate bearings properly. 

Conclusion 

The Rollerbones 8mm Bearings win hands down. These bearings are good for skaters of all skills and levels and have been skate rated. What’s more, they offer a smooth and long glide. To add to this, the bearings are easy to install and will last long too. 

Not sure what you are looking for? Then go ahead and check out all the links provided on this list. This will give you a better idea of the options available to you, ensuring that you pick the right one. Find your perfect bearings today!