Description
The Bont 688 Quad Mini roller skate bearing has an exceptionally fine polished bearing track surface and incredibly precise balls. The lightweight plastic cages allow for lower rolling resistance. The extremely strong steel helps the bearing keep its shape when under load.
Bont 167/688 bearing adapters fit over your 688 mini bearings so that they can fit into 608 wheels. These bearing adapters allow you to use a mini bearing in a wheel that was made for a larger 608 bearing. The benefit of using a mini bearing and an adapter rather than a 608 bearing is that you can create a much lighter set up with better acceleration.
Small Bearings, Carefully Finished Running Surfaces
The 688 mini bearing measures 8 x 16 x 5 mm. Its compact outer diameter and width make it an option for skaters looking to reduce the weight of their wheel setup. The bearing still uses an 8 mm bore, so axle size and wheel compatibility need to be checked separately.
Why the Polished Track Matters
The bearing track is the surface that guides the steel balls as the wheel rotates. A finely polished track and precisely made balls work together to support a smooth, consistent roll. This is a detail that is difficult to judge from the outside: two bearings can look similar while differing in the finish of their running surfaces.
Keeping Its Shape Under Load
A bearing must roll while carrying your weight and responding to the forces of pushing and cornering. All bearings flex to some degree under load. Excessive race distortion can make the ball path less circular, changing contact and loading as the balls travel around it and increasing resistance. The strong steel used in this bearing helps it retain its shape; race geometry, wheel support, and correct installation also matter.
Choose the Correct Mini-Bearing Setup
A 688 bearing has a 16 mm outer diameter, while a 608 bearing has a 22 mm outer diameter. The mini bearing therefore needs a suitable adapter when used in a wheel designed for 608 bearings. Choose the bearings-only set if you already have the appropriate setup, or select the bearings-and-adapters option when you need both. Check the selected option before ordering. Adapters and axle spacers serve different purposes; spacers are not included.
For the best results, seat the bearings squarely, use compatible components, and check that each wheel rolls freely after installation. Keep the bearings clean and correctly lubricated to help preserve their running surfaces.
Technical Specifications
- Bearing Type: 688 mini
- Dimension: 8x16x5
- Protection: ZZ
- Cage: SPCC 08F
- Quality: Bearing steel GCr15
- Ball complement: 9 pieces
- Ball Material: Steel
Pack of 16 pieces.
Spaces not included.
Bont 688 skate bearings are the bearing of choice for a number of Team Bont skaters. Quite a lot of skaters want the lightest skate setup they can possibly achieve and mini bearings can save 12 grams per bearing. On a roller skate or roller derby skate, that is a saving of 88grams when you factor in the 1 gram spacer on each bearing.
For more information about mini bearings, please check out this roller skate bearing blog post.