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Definition
SG5 bearings are designed to reduce wear and tear on skate wheels by reducing friction between the wheel and the axle. The first skate bearing, created by James Plimpton in 1863, was a simple brass ring. Modern units have retained their ring shape, but feature a variety of components. A small ball, lubricated by oil or grease, moves around a small inner ring. A large outer ring encases the entire system. For a long time, grease was used to lubricate bearings because of its availability and non-corrosive qualities.
Skate Bearing Types
Inline skates use one of three bearings. The first, created by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, is carefully inspected for defects during production, but not tested for load capacity in post-production. Guidelines for ABEC manufacturers are established by a designated committee. ILQ bearings are tested based on guidelines established by the individual manufacturer. Silicone grease (SG)-rated bearings are the newest evolution in skate technology. They create less resistance during movement and have improved moisture repellent abilities.
Advantages of Silicone
Silicone-based lubricants have a number of advantages over oil and grease-based products. Units that use oil and grease must be re-lubricated periodically to maximize efficiency. Silicone products maintain a constant temperature, which reduces the possibility of skate components being damaged by extreme heat or cold. Users have reported that skates equipped with silicone-lubricated bearings produce smoother movements. Silicone provides corrosive protection, allowing skates to last longer than units equipped with grease or oil-lubricated bearings.
Performance
SG5 bearings improve motion, but do not increase skating speeds. Skate manufacturers and professional inline skaters agree that expensive bearings have no greater affect on performance than cheaper units.