688 <--> 608 possible?

[Alexo]

Hello,

Is it possible to replace 688 wheels & bearings on a skate with 608 ones and vice versa?

What bearings are considered "better" (speed, durability, maintenance, etc.) , the 608 or 688?

Thank you.

[IW Staff]

Sure.. All you would need to do is change the bearing spacers and you should be good to go with the same axles and everything.

If using a floating (short-sleeved) spacer, you would go to the long-sleeved or vice versa.

The Micros were said to be a little lighter (grams) and have better race. They are not as prevalent as they once were, but a lot of the speed skates still have them. They are a little harder to service as they are so small, but you don't lose anything in my opinion with going with a standard 608 bearing. BONES bearings are my favorite bearings in the world. Standard Bones Swiss bearings.

Thanks for the post.

[Alexo]

Thanks for the advice!

Sorry for the late post but your email notification is acting up.
I got the email today, 3 weeks after the reply was posted :shock:

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[chris101]

I heard that it's possible to put 688 bearings in 608 wheels, granted that you have the proper extra stuff (to fit the 688 in a 608 hub). I think I heard about it from...

http://www.niskaters.com/newsletters/bearing_weight.htm

I'm not sure how old that article is...I also think some speed teams exclusively use 688, but I guess it's all a matter of personal preference.

It would be nice to know how much each bearing and wheel weighs, it's kinda of hard to find that at some places.

[idontowninlines]

hahaha, the IW doesnt like the super fast bone swiss labyritnh ceramic bearings

[IW Staff]

Not sure what the post about the Labyrinth bearings is all about, as IW, including myself thinks they are excellent. My opinion was that I personally do not skate them as I cannot afford them and would rather not worry about $180-220 bearings on my skates, when I can direct more of my attention to enjoying my skate.

In regards to fitting 688 bearings in to 608 wheels or vice versa. No, I don't know of that being possible. You can switch from using micro bearings to standard and vice versa, but you would need to change the wheels you are using. Then the spacer as well. The axles would remain the same.

Thanks for the post. At least for the older one :)

IW

[maryjasmine]

yes it is possible


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[IW Staff]

Corrected... It is possible. Why you would want to is another question. I'd just make the choice and then setup your skates accordingly rather than try to use something not as intended.

Good luck..

IW