Uniq Ceramic Bearings: Precision Performance by Doug Glass
The 2025 Uniq Ceramic Bearings represent the latest innovation from Doug Glass, the accomplished skate designer known for creating the Verducci, Luigino, Atom, and Mota skate lines. Glass, who recently introduced the Uniq Q8 inline speed skate, has expanded his premium Uniq product line with these high-performance bearings designed specifically for serious skaters.
The Uniq Ceramic Bearings feature precision ceramic balls manufactured in Japan, offering the characteristic benefits ceramic technology brings to skating performance. These bearings incorporate double honed inner and outer races with deeper grooves specifically engineered for skating applications. The technical design is completed with Delrin retainers and non-contact rubber shields on one side, allowing for easy access during cleaning and maintenance.
Each 16-pack provides enough bearings for a complete set of skates and includes .17 oz of light speed oil for optimal lubrication. The single-sided shield configuration represents a practical design choice, balancing protection with accessibility for regular maintenance.
Ceramic bearings have gained popularity among serious skaters for several distinct characteristics. The ceramic material typically offers reduced friction compared to traditional steel, potentially allowing for higher speeds and longer roll times. This material is also resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for various skating environments.
The hardness of ceramic can provide durability benefits in certain applications, though proper usage and understanding of ceramic bearing characteristics are important for optimal performance. The bearing's lightweight properties can also contribute to overall skate responsiveness.
The 2025 Uniq Ceramic Bearings are available through Nett Racing at $139.00 for a complete 16-pack set.
They join the Uniq Q8 inline speed skate in Glass's current product lineup, offering skaters premium component options from this established equipment designer.
For skaters looking to enhance their setup with specialized bearings, the Uniq Ceramic Bearings represent an investment in technology designed specifically for the demands of speed skating.
