The ABEC rating

If there is one myth that shall never be solved, it's the ABEC rating given to skateboard bearings. Apparently the higher the better...

ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Commitee and these guys established a scale from 1-9 in odd numbers to measure the tolerance levels of steel ball bearings. The higher the tolerance means the greater accuracy of shaft rotation and faster rotation capability.

However, this scale does not incorporate the following factors: raceway uniformity, smoothness of the rolling contact surfaces, ball precision, and material quality. That said, it kind of makes you wonder what their scale is doing on skateboard bearings which rides all sorts of surfaces, and take a good beating with each trick.

So, when you think that bearings are manufactured for precision engineering and all we do it roll through the street with some, the ABEC rating of a skateboard bearing doesn't really stand for shit. If you want to skate faster- push harder! It isn't rocket science.

N.B. The only company that put it's money where it's mouth is in the bearing game of hearts and minds was Powell Peralta when they released the Powell Peralta Bones Swiss Ceramics range. These babies roll forever, but take a bit of tender loving care to look after. At around $100 for 8, avaoid every puddle as if your life depended on it!