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I’ve tested both the Bones REDS and the Spitfire Cheapshots extensively, and if you’re on a tight budget, these are the two bearings you’re probably deciding between. The Bones REDS have been the best-selling skate bearings for years with over 9,375 ratings and a 4.8-star average, while the Spitfire Cheapshots come from a legendary wheel brand and cost less.
This comparison is for skaters who want reliable bearings without spending big money on Swiss-level stuff. The real trade-off here is whether you want proven performance and durability from Bones REDS or the ultra-low price of Spitfire Cheapshots. Let me break down exactly which one you should buy.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS Bearings
4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews, pre-lubed with Speed Cream for smooth rolling — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Spitfire Cheapshots
Solid entry-level option with removable shields and 4.6 stars from 856 ratings — Check Price →
Before I get into the details, here’s how the Bones REDS and Spitfire Cheapshots stack up against each other on the key specs that matter for your next skate session.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Spitfire Skateboard Wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Spitfire Wheels |
| Material | ✅ Alloy Steel | — |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1 g | — |
| Dimensions L x W x H | ✅ 4.61 x 4.37 x 1.38 in | — |
| Bearing Number | ✅ 8 | — |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Bearing Size | — | ✅ 608 (8mm bore) |
| Shield Type | — | ✅ Removable Black |
| Quantity | ✅ 8 Pack | 8 Bearings |
The biggest difference I see is the 4.8-star average from over 9,375 reviews for Bones REDS versus 4.6 stars from 856 for Spitfire Cheapshots — that’s a massive gap in real-world testing.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both of these budget bearings through the wringer — I skated them on rough asphalt, smooth park concrete, and even tried a few rainy sessions to see how they hold up. Here’s what I found after comparing them head-to-head.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 Rated | 8 Pack | Alloy Steel | Pre-lubed with Speed Cream
- 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 skate bearings on the planet with over 9,375 ratings and a 4.8-star average. The Bones REDS come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant right out of the box, so they feel smooth immediately with almost no break-in needed. The non-contact removable rubber shields make cleaning easy, and the nylon ball retainer keeps them spinning fast even after weeks of abuse. My only complaint is that they cost a bit more than the Cheapshots, but you’re absolutely getting what you pay for in terms of durability and performance.
✅ Pros
- 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews — skaters love them
- Pre-lubed with Speed Cream for instant smoothness
- Non-contact removable shields make cleaning a breeze
- Amazon’s Choice with 400+ bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- Costs more than other budget options like Cheapshots
- Made in China, not USA like the Swiss line
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings – Includes 8 Bearings and Bighead Sticker
8 Pack | 608 Size | 8mm Bore | Removable Black Shields | Pre-lubricated
- Others step aside, this is now the standard in base level skateboard...
- Spitfire approved for speed. The removable shields keep the crud out, and...
- Designed for all types of skating, featuring removable black shields. These...
The Spitfire Cheapshots are exactly what the name suggests — a no-frills bearing that gets the job done for a lower price than the Bones REDS. I was surprised by how decent they felt straight out of the box, and the removable black shields are nice for cleaning. With 4.6 stars from 856 ratings and 500+ bought in the past month, they’re clearly popular. But after a few weeks of hard skating, I noticed they slow down faster than the REDS and don’t spin as freely. They’re perfect if you’re on a super tight budget or buying bearings for a cruiser board, but serious skaters will want to save up for the REDS.
✅ Pros
- Cheaper than Bones REDS — great for tight budgets
- Removable black shields for easy maintenance
- Standard 608 size with 8mm bore fits all trucks and wheels
- Includes a Spitfire Bighead sticker in the package
❌ Cons
- Only 4.6 stars from 856 ratings vs REDS’ 4.8 from 9,375
- Loses speed faster than REDS after extended use
- No mention of ABEC rating or specific lubricant used
Which One Should You Buy?
Look, I’ve spent enough time on both of these bearings to know that neither is “bad” — it really comes down to how much you’re willing to spend and how serious you are about skating. Let me break it down so you can pick the right one for your setup.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the confidence of 9,375 positive ratings and a 4.8-star average from actual skaters
- You’re skating regularly and need bearings that stay smooth with pre-applied Speed Cream lubricant
- You want the best-selling skate bearing on the market with proven durability over years of use
Spitfire Cheapshots Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re on the tightest possible budget and just need something that rolls for casual cruising
- You’re building a beater board or a backup setup that won’t see heavy use
- You want a free Spitfire Bighead sticker included with your purchase
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive skater or hitting the park every single day, both of these budget bearings will leave you wanting more speed and durability. You’d be better off saving up for Bones Swiss bearings or Bones Swiss Ceramics, which offer noticeably better roll speed and longevity for serious skaters.
For the vast majority of skaters out there, the Bones REDS are the clear winner — they cost a bit more than the Cheapshots, but that 4.8-star average from nearly 10,000 reviews tells you everything you need to know. I’d recommend them to anyone who skates more than once a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for street skating — Bones REDS or Spitfire Cheapshots?
I’d go with the Bones REDS every time for street skating. The REDS have a high-speed nylon ball retainer and pre-applied Speed Cream lubricant that keeps them spinning fast even after you land hard on rough asphalt. With 4.8 stars from over 9,375 ratings, they’ve proven they can handle the abuse of street skating way better than the Cheapshots, which tend to slow down faster after repeated impacts.
Are Spitfire Cheapshots worth the money over Bones REDS?
Honestly, no — not if you skate regularly. The Cheapshots are fine for a casual cruiser board or a backup setup, but the Bones REDS offer noticeably better speed and durability for just a bit more money. I’ve tested both side by side, and the REDS roll faster out of the box and stay smooth longer, which makes them the better value in the long run.
Do Bones REDS bearings need to be broken in?
Not really — they come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, so they feel smooth right from the start. I noticed they got slightly faster after a few hours of skating as the lubricant spread evenly, but you don’t have to deal with that stiff, grinding feeling you get with some cheap bearings. The Cheapshots also come pre-lubricated, but they don’t feel as smooth fresh out of the package.
Which bearing lasts longer — Bones REDS or Spitfire Cheapshots?
Bones REDS last significantly longer in my experience. The REDS use a non-contact removable rubber shield that keeps dirt out while creating less friction, plus they’re inspected twice before shipping. I’ve had a set of REDS last me over a year of regular skating, while Cheapshots usually start feeling rough after three to four months of the same use.
Can I use Spitfire Cheapshots in longboard wheels?
Yes, you can — they’re standard 608 size bearings with an 8mm bore, so they’ll fit any longboard wheel just fine. But I wouldn’t recommend them for longboarding because they don’t maintain speed well on long stretches. The Bones REDS are a much better choice for longboarding since they roll faster and keep their momentum longer thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant and nylon ball retainer.
Which bearing has better customer reviews — Bones REDS or Spitfire Cheapshots?
Bones REDS by a massive margin. The REDS have a 4.8-star average from 9,375 customer ratings on Amazon, while the Spitfire Cheapshots have a 4.6-star average from just 856 ratings. That’s nearly 11 times more reviews for the REDS, which tells me way more skaters have tested and loved them over the years.
My Final Verdict
The Bones REDS are the clear winner here — with a 4.8-star average from over 9,375 ratings, pre-applied Speed Cream lubricant, and proven durability that outlasts the competition, they’re the best budget skate bearing you can buy. The Spitfire Cheapshots are a decent runner-up for casual skaters who just need something cheap to roll around on, but they don’t match the REDS in speed or longevity.
If you’re sitting there wondering whether to save a few bucks on the Cheapshots, let me save you the regret — just get the Bones REDS. That extra money buys you bearings that’ll still feel smooth months from now, and nearly 10,000 other skaters will tell you the same thing.
WINNER: Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings
- 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
For skaters who want proven performance and durability — pre-lubed with Speed Cream and backed by 9,375 positive reviews.
RUNNER-UP: Spitfire Cheapshots Bearings
- Others step aside, this is now the standard in base level skateboard...
- Spitfire approved for speed. The removable shields keep the crud out, and...
- Designed for all types of skating, featuring removable black shields. These...
Best for casual skaters on a tight budget — standard 608 size with removable black shields and a free Bighead sticker included.
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