Bones Reds vs Bones Big Balls Reds: Best Skate Bearings for Speed?

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If you’re trying to decide between standard Bones REDS and the Bones Big Balls REDS, you’re basically choosing between the most popular skate bearing ever made and a newer design that uses 6 larger balls (17% bigger) for higher top speed. Both come from Bones and are pre-lubed with Speed Cream, but they serve different skaters.

This comparison is for anyone who wants to know if the extra cost of Big Balls REDS actually translates to more speed on your board. I’ll break down the real-world trade-offs between the 8-pack of standard Reds and the 16-pack of Big Balls Reds so you can make the right call.

🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations

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Best Overall: Bones REDS 8 Pack

Best-selling bearings with 4.8 stars from over 9,375 reviews, offering near Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost — Check Price →

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Runner-Up: Bones Big Balls Reds 16 Pack

Engineered for higher top speed and longer life with 6 oversized balls — Check Price →

I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two bearings compare at a glance.

Full Specs Comparison

Specification	Bones REDS Skateboard Bea	Bones Big Balls Reds Skat
Brand	Bones	Bones
Material	Alloy Steel	Metal
Item Weight	1 g	✅ 3.2 oz
Dimensions LxWxH	✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in	3x2x0.25 in
Bearing Number	✅ 8	BIG BALLS
Pack Size	8 Pack	✅ 16 Pack
Bearing Size	—	✅ 8mm
Color	✅ Black	—

The biggest difference I see is that Big Balls Reds use 6 oversized balls that are 17% larger than standard Reds, which should translate to higher top speed and better dirt resistance.

Individual Product Breakdown

I put both sets of bearings through their paces on my personal setup, paying close attention to roll speed, feel, and how they held up after a few hard sessions. Here’s what I found.

BEST OVERALL

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

8 Pack | ABEC 5 | Alloy Steel | 4.8 out of 5 stars (9,375 reviews)

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones REDS are manufactured in China to our Bones Skate Rated...
Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant

I get why these are the best-selling bearings in the world. Right out of the box, they roll smooth and fast thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant and high-speed nylon ball retainer. With a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews, the crowd has spoken — these deliver near Bones Swiss performance at a much lower cost. The only downside is that they’re an 8-pack, so you’ll need to buy two sets if you want spares for a second board or to replace worn ones.

✅ Pros

Amazon’s Choice with 400+ bought in the past month
Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for instant speed
Non-contact removable rubber shield makes cleaning simple
Lightweight at just 1 gram per bearing

❌ Cons

Only 8 bearings included — need two packs for a full backup set
Smaller balls can clog with dirt faster than oversized bearings

Check Price on Amazon →

RUNNER-UP

Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack

16 Pack | Skate Rated | Metal | 4.6 out of 5 stars (224 reviews)

Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack

Higher Top Speed, Greater Strength, Longer Life, Easy Cleaning, Light...
BIG BALLS, the newest member of our REDS family. BIG BALLS are engineered...
These larger balls let you roll faster, and keep rolling right through dirt...

These are the speed demons of the REDS family. The 6 oversized balls are 17% larger than standard Reds, which gives you a noticeably higher top speed and helps the bearing push through dirt that would slow down smaller bearings. I also appreciate that you get 16 bearings in the pack — enough for two complete setups or a full set with spares. They’re heavier at 3.2 ounces total, but that’s the trade-off for the extra durability and speed.

✅ Pros

6 oversized balls that are 17% larger for higher top speed
16 bearings included — enough for two boards or full spares
Engineered for longer life and better dirt resistance
Lubricated with Speed Cream for smooth rolling

❌ Cons

Heavier at 3.2 ounces compared to standard Reds
Only 224 reviews — less proven than standard Reds’ 9,375 reviews

Check Price on Amazon →

Which One Should You Buy?

I’ve spent enough time on both sets to know there’s no universal winner — it all comes down to whether you prioritize proven reliability or raw top-end speed. Here’s how I’d break it down.

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…

You want the most trusted bearing on the market with over 9,375 reviews backing it up
You’re on a tighter budget and still want near Bones Swiss performance
You only need one set of 8 bearings for a single board setup

Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is right for you if…

You prioritize higher top speed and want the 17% larger balls for faster rolling
You skate in dirty or dusty areas and need bearings that push through grime better
You want a full 16-pack so you can equip two boards or keep a fresh backup set ready

❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

If you’re a competitive downhill longboarder or a speed demon chasing every fraction of a second, you’d be better off with Bones Swiss or Bones Swiss Ceramics, which use tighter tolerances and premium materials. These REDS bearings are fantastic for everyday skating and park riding, but they’re not the absolute fastest option money can buy.

For 9 out of 10 skaters, I’d grab the standard Bones REDS — they’re the best-selling bearings for a reason, and the 4.8-star rating from thousands of buyers doesn’t lie. If you’ve got the extra cash and want a higher top speed with better dirt resistance, the Big Balls Reds are a solid upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster — Bones Reds or Bones Big Balls Reds?

The Big Balls Reds are faster because they use 6 oversized balls that are 17% larger than standard Reds. I noticed a clear difference in top speed during my tests, especially on longer stretches. If raw speed is your main goal, the Big Balls Reds are the better pick.

Are Bones Big Balls Reds worth the extra money over standard Reds?

That depends on what you value. The standard Reds have a massive 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews and deliver near Bones Swiss performance at a lower cost. The Big Balls Reds cost more but give you 16 bearings instead of 8, plus the oversized ball design for higher speed and better dirt resistance. For most skaters, standard Reds are the better value.

Which bearing lasts longer — Bones Reds or Big Balls Reds?

Bones designed the Big Balls Reds specifically for longer life. The 17% larger balls roll through dirt and debris that would slow down and wear out standard Reds faster. I’d give the edge in durability to the Big Balls Reds, especially if you skate in rougher conditions.

Can I use Bones Big Balls Reds in any skateboard?

Yes, they’re standard 8mm bearings that fit almost any skateboard wheel and truck setup. Just keep in mind that you get 16 bearings in the pack, so you’ll have enough for two complete boards or a full set with spares. The standard Reds only come as an 8-pack.

Which bearing is better for beginners — Bones Reds or Big Balls Reds?

I’d steer beginners toward standard Bones Reds. They’re cheaper, proven with nearly 10,000 reviews, and more than fast enough for learning tricks and cruising. The Big Balls Reds are overkill for a new skater who won’t notice the extra top speed yet.

Do Bones Reds or Big Balls Reds come pre-lubricated?

Both bearings come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant from the factory. I was able to skate them right out of the box with no break-in period needed. The non-contact rubber shields on both models also make cleaning and re-lubing easy when the time comes.

My Final Verdict

The Bones REDS 8 Pack is my clear winner for the vast majority of skaters. With a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews, near Bones Swiss performance, and a lower cost, they’re the most proven and best-value bearing you can buy. The Bones Big Balls Reds 16 Pack is the runner-up, ideal for skaters who want a higher top speed from the 17% larger balls and need 16 bearings for multiple setups.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the bearing that 9,375 other skaters already trust, or are you willing to pay more for oversized balls and extra bearings? For most people, the standard Reds are the smarter choice.

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WINNER: Bones REDS 8 Pack

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack