Deep groove, or single row radial, ball bearings are the most widely used bearings. They utilize an uninterrupted raceway that makes them optimal for radial loads .This design permits precision tolerance, even at high-speed operation. Ball bearings use standard cages of pressed steel, as well as machined, brass cages for high-speed applications.

Deep groove ball bearings are the most widely used bearing type and are particularly versatile. They have low friction and are optimized for low noise and low vibration which enables high rotational speeds. They accommodate radial and axial loads in both directions, are easy to mount, and require less maintenance than other bearing types.

Radial deep groove bearings are made with very high levels of precision and used in applications where rotational performance and low torque is necessary, but load is a secondary issue. Miniature, Deep-groove bearings however do have higher load ratings for their size than shallow-groove ball bearings, but are also less tolerant of misalignment.