VertigoPerformance
04-28-2007, 08:35 PM
I decided to take a look at ABEC ratings and what they mean to you as the end user.
ABEC is a standard used in Inline skating that other markets have adapted.
These rating coincide with ISO Class ratings.
The lower the number on the ABEC scale the poorer the tolerence of the bearings. ABEC 1 is the lowest grade bearing on the ABEC Scale, ABEC 9 being the highest.
A non ABEC rated bearing does not mean the bearing is not quality, it only means they have not used the ABEC rating scale.
Something I pulled off of the net with regards to ratings.
Is there a lower grade than ABEC 1 ?
There is no GRADE lower than ABEC 1, but that doesn't mean that a manufacturer has to meet ABEC standards.
Grease or oil make more of a difference in the bearing speed and the cost of a ABEC 1 compared to a 3,5,7 or 9 will vary. The A1 should most always be less expensive than a 3,5,7 or 9 and possibly 25% less than the A3.
Then there are the seals that protect the bearing, some are rubber sealed, Teflon sealed or metal shielded.
A doubled sealed bearing will require less maintenance but may cost a bit more. If you are not maintaining your bearings properly they may fail not because of quality but simply because of lack of maintenance.
........... Grease .................................. Oil
helps keep dirt out .................. prevents material wear
can suspend contaminants ....... requires frequent servicing
prevents material wear ............ has low torque (less drag)
requires little servicing ............ does not last as long
increases torque (drag)
lasts a long time
ABEC is a standard used in Inline skating that other markets have adapted.
These rating coincide with ISO Class ratings.
The lower the number on the ABEC scale the poorer the tolerence of the bearings. ABEC 1 is the lowest grade bearing on the ABEC Scale, ABEC 9 being the highest.
A non ABEC rated bearing does not mean the bearing is not quality, it only means they have not used the ABEC rating scale.
Something I pulled off of the net with regards to ratings.
Is there a lower grade than ABEC 1 ?
There is no GRADE lower than ABEC 1, but that doesn't mean that a manufacturer has to meet ABEC standards.
Grease or oil make more of a difference in the bearing speed and the cost of a ABEC 1 compared to a 3,5,7 or 9 will vary. The A1 should most always be less expensive than a 3,5,7 or 9 and possibly 25% less than the A3.
Then there are the seals that protect the bearing, some are rubber sealed, Teflon sealed or metal shielded.
A doubled sealed bearing will require less maintenance but may cost a bit more. If you are not maintaining your bearings properly they may fail not because of quality but simply because of lack of maintenance.
........... Grease .................................. Oil
helps keep dirt out .................. prevents material wear
can suspend contaminants ....... requires frequent servicing
prevents material wear ............ has low torque (less drag)
requires little servicing ............ does not last as long
increases torque (drag)
lasts a long time