Are you a skateboarder or a skater? If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard of the ABEC rating system. ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineers Committee, in case you didn’t know. They’ve devised a system for grading or assessing various bearings. Skates with proper bearings glide smoothly. Skate bearings are divided into two types: ABEC 5 and ABEC 7. They are diametrically opposed to one another.
Summary
ABEC 5 vs ABEC 7
The main difference between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 is that ABEC 5 are the ones that are utilized to upgrade the majority of skateboards and skates that were made recently (newer versions) whereas bearings with an ABEC 7 rating are recommended for racers. They are the ones that are utilized by skaters that seek the most out of their skates.
An ABEC grade reflects the accuracy and endurance of skateboard bearings. Skaters are frequently perplexed as to what this entails and how to obtain the greatest bearings for their board. Skateboarding uses ABEC 5 bearings as a standard. You get a decent level of speed at a fair price. It’s one of the skateboard’s bearing sets.
On the contrary, ABEC 7 bearings would be extremely quick and smooth, but they would also be quite costly. Plus, if you skate forcefully or aggressively, you run the danger of injuring them unnecessarily. It’s worth noting that certain low-cost ABEC 7 bearings may not be deserving of this grade.
Comparison Table Between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7
| Parameters of Comparison | ABEC 5 | ABEC 7 |
| Charge | Affordable | Lavish or pricey |
| Designed for | Newbie or trainee | Trained or expert |
| Resistance | Low resistance | No resistance at all |
| Accuracy | Less accurate | Higher accuracy |
| Acceleration | It is very even and not so quick. | Rapid and fast |
What is ABEC 5?
Most individuals who use skates and skateboards as a pastime rather than a job choose ABEC 5, which is available at a fairly cheap price. These bearings are more popular than ABEC 7 bearings. The grease coating on these bearings prevents dust and sludge from being lodged in the skates.
These bearings have ample tolerance for persons who do not want to skate at a fast pace. These bearings can be used for fun skating in parks by children. These bearings are not extremely dangerous to use since they do not roll the skates at a fast speed and hence do not cause many accidents.
The ABEC 5 bearing is of good quality, and it provides a smooth ride. Because of its low cost and high quality, it is more popular. The quality is somewhat inferior to that of higher models, although the difference is insignificant. The parameters of the bearing are 8mm core, 22 diameters, and 7mm breadth. The bearing type is 608 8mm. Bearing steel GCr15 is the quality kind, and steel is the ball material. A box contains a total of seven balls. These balls are pre-lubricated to ensure a smooth rolling experience.
What is ABEC 7?
Professionals and people who enjoy racing and speed should use an ABEC 7 bearing. It is tested on speed skaters, and normally, under the pressure of the speed, bearings begin to fail, causing the skates to slow down, but this does not happen with ABEC 7.
The bearings are comprised of robust steel, which helps to maintain the bearings round and in shape, lowering rolling resistance at high speeds. In addition, the bearing has a double shield covering that helps to keep dust out. It is pre-lubricated and ready to use right out of the package. The bearing is of type 608 8mm, with an 8mm core, 7mm width, and 22 outer diameters. Steel is the ball’s substance, and there are seven pieces in each box.
The ABEC 7 bearing has a very good rating, but it is also quite pricey. People choose lower-rated bearings since they are less expensive. They do not, however, provide the same level of speed or grip as ABEC 7. The bearing has a very tight tolerance. It outperforms all other bearing models. The ABEC 7 material is pre-lubricated, making the skates incredibly easy to roll.
Main Differences Between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7
- Skates with ABEC 7 have better speed than those with ABEC 5.
- ABEC 5 is less expensive than ABEC 7.
- The ABEC 5 is designed for recreational skaters, whereas ABEC 7 is for the experienced and for the people who love the fast race and speed.
- The ABEC 5 rating is lower than the ABEC 7 rating. ABEC 5 is, nevertheless, more popular.
- The ABEC 7 structure is more accurate than the ABEC 5 structure.
Conclusion
One of the most critical components of skateboarding and skating is bearings. These bearings should be regarded seriously and given careful consideration, yet they are frequently overlooked. High-quality bearings provide a clear or simple skating experience. The ABEC is a council that assists individuals by assessing and classifying skate bearings. They examine every facet of a good pair of bearings. The committee comes up with a clear plan based on everyone’s skating requirements.
Skates with ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 bearings are two examples. ABEC 5 is far more popular and favoured, but ABEC 7 is less popular and liked, although being of higher quality. If you just want to have a good time skating, ABEC 5 is a good option because it is inexpensive and provides a smooth ride.
The difference between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7 is little, but quality counts, thus ABEC 7 is preferable if a person is searching for rush and serious skating expertise.
References
- https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/tribology/article-abstract/96/3/524/418553
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0042207X87902673
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.