Bearings

Bearings

The metal rollers that go inside your rollerblade wheel.

ABEC

A rating which is given to some bearings. Conventionally, ABEC rating defines a bearings smoothness. Abec 1 lasts a long time, but spins slowly. Abec 7 bearings spin faster, but wear down quicker. Swiss bearings are in a league of their own. They are not rated. 698 bearings = mini bearings made by K2. Limited and rare.

Bearing spacers

The metal or plastic tubes that go between the bearings Axles: The long bolts that go through your wheel, bearings and spacers.

608

A number which refers to diameter and specs of a wheel hub or bearing size. A "608" bearing or wheel is standard size. Most everything in the skate industry is a "608."

688

A number which refers to diameter and specs of a wheel hub or bearing size. A "688" bearing or wheel is MICRO size. When buying wheels or bearings everything must fit together. A "688" bearing fits a "688" hub wheel.

698

A number which refers to diameter and specs of a wheel hub or bearing size. A "698" bearing or wheel is Mini size. When buying wheels or bearings everything must fit together. A "698" mini bearing fits a "698" hub wheel. (Rare item)

ILQ-9

A new rating given to bearings by Twincam Bearings Company. There is no ABEC rating associated with this type of bearings. Very fast type of Twincam bearing. Also means it has 6 ball bearings and they are made of Chrome steel (SAE 52100).

Skate Frames

Chassis

Also called the "frame." This is the plastic or metal part that houses the wheels and secures onto the skate boot. Often measured in millimeters (i.e. 247mm).

Mounting bolts

The bolts that secure the frame/chassis onto the boot of the skate

UFS (Universal Frame System)

This is a term used for skates that have a Universal Frame System built into them. A UFS skate will accept any UFS frame. By UFS standards, frame size only matters in perfomance and not in the actual fitting. For example, If you have a size 7 aggressive skate and the recommended size frame is a size 1, you can actually put a size 1 or 2 on the skate. They will both fit under the UFS standards, but the performance of the skate may suffer.

Soul Plates

Special Note: All aggressive skates have these parts. The names differ depending on the brand name. Razor skates, USD, Deshi, Rollerblade, K2, Salomon and Roces all have these parts.

Soul Frame

Also called "sole frames" and "midsoles". Pertains to Aggressive skating. This is the hard plastic part that makes up the flat sole of the aggressive skate. Often measured in by whole sizes or combo sizes. They can wear out from grinding. They are the part the UFS frames mount to.

Midsoles

Same function as the soul frames.

Grind inserts

These are sometimes used in conjunction with soul frames. They are attached to the bottom of the soul frame or midsole. The UFS frames attach to them. Often sold in 4 parts. 2 for the right skate and 2 for the left skate.

Tumor plates

Another form of "grind insert" used in the brand USD. Same function as the grind inserts.

Rollerblade Wheels

Spacers

The metal or plastic tubes that go between the bearings Axles: The long bolts that go through your wheel, bearings and spacers.

Diameter

The length of a straight line through the center of an object from side to side; width; thickness. Measures the width. Often measured in millimeters (i.e. 80mm).

Durameter

A measurement of the hardness or softness of a wheels urethane (rubber). 78a would be soft and 100a would be hard. Softer grips better, but wears out quicker. Harder lasts a long time, but does not grip as well.

608

A number which refers to diameter and specs of a wheel hub or bearing size. A "608" bearing or wheel is standard size. Most everything in the skate industry is a "608."

688

A number which refers to diameter and specs of a wheel hub or bearing size. A "688" bearing or wheel is MICRO size. When buying wheels or bearings everything must fit together. A "688" bearing fits a "688" hub wheel.

Rebound

How fast a wheel bounces back or responds to your movements. Usually the more expensive the wheel, the better rebound you have. Pick a inline wheel up and bounce it on the floor. This is a good indication of the "rebound."

Anti-Rocker

A special type of wheel for aggressive skating. This wheel is always smaller than all other wheels. Ranges from 46mm - 50mm. These wheels are also very hard. An anti-rocker wheel is used in the middle of the skate. 2 anti-rocker wheels in the center and usually 2 regular size wheels on the ends. Anti-rocker setups help with street skating and grinding. You can slide on them easier. They are not recommended for huge gaps or stairs.

Hi-Lo

A configuration of the wheels on a skate. Usually involves 2 larger wheels in the back and 2 smaller wheels in the front. Usually found on race skates and Hockey skates. Great for quick starts!

Skate Brakes

Special Note: There are many types of brakes and housings. There are Junior brakes for kids, race brakes and fitness brakes. Generally, aggressive skates and hockey skates have NO BRAKES.

Brake or Stopper

The rubber urethane that is attached to the brake support. Often offered in Non-marking and regular marking urethane. Non-marking is grey and marking is usually black. Regular brakes last longer but mark up indoor rinks and surfaces.

Brake Support

The plastic piece which connects to the back of the right skate and also hold the brake. Also referred to as a brake assembly or brake housing. There are many styles of brake supports.

ABT

A style of brake associated with Rollerblade products only!

Skate Liners

Skate liner

The soft boot-like piece that fits inside the skate shell. Made in full and half sizes depending on the brand. This is the part of the skate that actually defines what size the skate is. Some skates may be a 10.5 skate but the difference is that the liner is a 10.5 and the shell is still a 10.

Fit System

Some skate liner have a fit system. Autofit is a basic fitting with basic contours, Customfit is a heat-moldable liner which fits to your foot a bit better, Memofit is a step above Autofit and remembers your foot pattern.

Skate Shell

The hard plastic piece which houses the skate liner. Usually only made in whole sizes no matter what brand.

Skate Skin

Only refers to TRS aggressive skates from Rollerblade. Often called an "Overboot," but is the same thing. Allows you to customize the look of your skates and also hides the hard shell.