Every skater or skateboarder knows how important bearings are when it comes to skates. An ABEC rating system is a group of people in a committee who judge and rate different bearings of the skate.
Bearings are one of the most essential parts of skates. Proper bearings make the skates smooth. ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 are two types of skate bearings. They are very different from each other.
Key Takeaways
- ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 are ratings used to indicate the precision of bearings used in machinery and equipment.
- ABEC 7 bearings are more precise than ABEC 5 bearings and have tighter radial and axial play tolerances.
- ABEC 7 bearings are more expensive than ABEC 5 bearings and are used in high-performance applications where precision is critical.
ABEC 5 vs ABEC 7
ABEC 5 bearings have a lower level of precision than ABEC 7 bearings and are designed to operate at moderate speeds with average loads. ABEC 7 bearings offer a higher level of precision and are designed for higher speeds and lower friction and noise, having a narrower tolerance range.
The full form of ABEC is Annular Bearing Engineers’ Committee, and it is based in the USA. The higher the bearings’ rate is, the better the quality is to be considered. ABEC 5 is one of the bearing sets in a skateboard. It is cost-effective and also gives a good amount of speed in skates.
On the other hand, ABEC 7 gives super-fast speed, but it is very expensive. Not everyone can afford it. It is mainly for professionals. There is also the risk of getting hurt if one skates very aggressively. It is also considered for racers. If one wants the best experience in skating, then ABEC 7 is for them.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | ABEC 5 | ABEC 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Sale quantity | ABEC 5 is sold more. | ABEC is sold less compared to ABEC 5. |
| Cost | It is not very expensive | It is very expensive |
| Made for | Amateurs | Professionals |
| Speed | It is smooth but not very fast | It is super-fast |
| Class | It comes under class 6 | It comes under class 4 |
What is ABEC 5?
ABEC 5 comes at a very reasonable price and is preferred by most people who use skates and skateboards as a hobby rather than a profession. These bearings are sold more than ABEC 7. These bearings also come with a grease coating that helps with dust and muck not to get stuck in the skates.
The tolerance of these bearings is good enough for people who do not wish to skate at a very high speed. Children can use these bearings for skating at parks for a fun time. Using these bearings is not very risky as they do not roll the skates at high speed, so they do not cause accidents often.
ABEC 5 comes with high quality, and the bearing makes the riding experience very smooth. People prefer it more because of its rate and quality. The quality is a little less than higher models but unnoticeably.
The bearing type is 608 8mm, and the dimensions are 8mm core, 22 diameters, and 7mm width. The quality type is bearing steel GCr15, and the ball material is steel. The total number of balls in a box is 7. These balls are pre-lubricated to give the best rolling experience that is frictionless.
What is ABEC 7?
ABEC 7 bearing is for professionals and for those who like racing and speed. It is tested on speed skaters, and usually, under the load of the speed, bearings start to get in bad shape, which results in the skates being slowed down, but with ABEC 7, it does not happen.
The bearings are made from strong steel that helps keep the bearings in shape and round, decreasing rolling resistance at speeds. There is also a double shield coating that helps in keeping the dust out of the bearing.
It is pre-lubricated, and one can use it straight out of the box. The bearing type is 608 8mm, and the dimensions of it are 8mm core, 7mm width, and 22 outer diameters.
The ball material is steel, and in one box, there are 7 pieces.
ABEC 7 is a very highly rated bearing but is also very expensive. Usually, people go with lower-rated bearings because they are not so costly. However, they do not give the same amount of speed and grip that ABEC 7 offers.
The tolerance of the bearing is very high. It is higher than all other models of bearing. The material used in ABEC 7 is pre-lubricated, which makes the skates roll very easily.
Main Differences Between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7
- ABEC 5 costs less than ABEC 7.
- ABEC 5 is for people who skate for fun. In contrast to that, ABEC 7 is preferred by professionals and people who like speed.
- ABEC 5 is rated less than ABEC 7. However, people prefer ABEC 5 more.
- ABEC 7 gives more speed to the skates than ABEC 5.
- The tolerance level of ABEC 7 is much more than the tolerance level of ABEC 5.
- The structure of ABEC 7 is more precise than that of ABEC 5.
- https://deuxmien.com/memory/ltd-p6-p5-supplyini-39163338.html
- https://www.esmats.eu/esmatspapers/pastpapers/pdfs/1999/popp.pdf
Last Updated : 16 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article offers a well-researched and comprehensive overview of ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings. The comparison of their specifications and intended uses makes it easier for skaters to determine which type of bearings suits their needs best.
While ABEC 7 bearings are undoubtedly expensive, the article’s detailed explanation of their benefits offers a compelling argument for their superior performance. It’s certainly enlightening to understand the trade-offs between cost and quality in bearings.
The detailed discussion on the features and capabilities of both ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings offers a clear understanding of what each type has to offer. This article effectively addresses the key differences between the two.
Very informative article! The comprehensive comparison between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 really helps make an informed decision on which bearings to choose for different skating needs.
The in-depth analysis of the differences between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings is truly insightful. It certainly provides valuable information for both amateur and professional skaters on which type of bearings best suit their needs.
I completely disagree with the notion that ABEC 7 is only for racers and professionals. Many enthusiasts and amateur skaters who value speed and performance would also find ABEC 7 bearings beneficial despite the higher cost.
The insights into the specific applications and features of ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings provided in this article are highly enlightening. It provides a solid basis for skaters to understand the nuances of each bearing type.
It seems that ABEC 7 bearings are not only about speed but also durability and precision. This article certainly presents a balanced view of the benefits and downsides of both ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings.
I don’t believe ABEC 7 is worth the high cost. The difference in speed is not substantial enough to justify the price difference. ABEC 5 seems to be the more reasonable choice for most skaters.
I appreciate the practical comparison table provided in the article, as it clearly outlines the key parameters for comparing ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings. It’s a valuable resource for skaters looking to make an informed choice.