F-3 Hybrid Stage-2 Silicon Nitride Ceramic Bearings

The Next-Generation of Hybrid Ceramic Bearings: Tornado Bearings F-3 Stage 2 Hybrids
 
Our champion speed and artistic skaters wanted a bearing that provided the next level of durability and ultra-low rolling resistance. We found that we had reached the limits of Zirconia, used in other hybrid ceramic bearings, So, we upped the game and introduced one of the hardest and lightest ceramic materials into the bearing - Silicon Nitride (Si3N4). 
 
Silicon nitride has a very high hardness, typically measured at around 1500 Vickers hardness (HV), compared to stainless steel, which typically measures around 200-300 HV. This increased hardness allows silicon nitride to resist deformation under load, providing longer-lasting performance and greater durability.
 
The races of the F-3's are crafted from the same high-quality AISI 52100 stainless steel with oxidized races as our other hybrid bearings. This high-carbon chromium alloy steel is known for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue life. Using our 5-step polishing process, we create polished races that are near mirror-like. We then coat these races with an oxidation layer to achieve a harder, smoother, and more durable surface. 
Using Silicon Nitride ceramic balls, which are harder than steel, the F-3's provide a lower rolling resistance, radically higher heat dissipation capacity, and a roll that is smoother and faster than other hybrid ceramic bearings. 
 
The F-3's are the next generation of hybrid ceramic bearings. They offer advanced skaters:
Higher Hardness: Silicon nitride is significantly harder than zirconia, used in other hybrid ceramic bearings, providing superior wear resistance and longer lifespan under high-stress conditions.
Lower Density: Silicon nitride is lighter than zirconia, reducing rotational mass and enabling faster acceleration and higher speeds in speedskating.
Enhanced Fracture Toughness: Silicon nitride has better fracture toughness, making it more resistant to cracking and chipping under impact or heavy loads.
Superior Thermal Stability: Silicon nitride maintains its properties better at higher temperatures, ensuring consistent performance during intense skating sessions.
Improved Lubrication Retention: The surface properties of silicon nitride help retain lubrication better, leading to smoother operation and reduced maintenance needs.
 Wear Resistance: These balls exhibit excellent resistance to wear, extending the lifespan of the bearings.
Corrosion Resistance: Silicon nitride is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in damp environments, like outdoor speedskating. 
 
The F-3's are the next-generation of hybrid ceramic bearings.
 
F-3's are packaged in sets of 16 bearings.
Each set of tornado bearings comes standard with our lime green dust shields and complimentary spacers.
 
Want to customize your bearings? We can upgrade the dust shields to the color of your choice! An additional $5 customization charge will apply per color.