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If you’re trying to decide between Bones REDS and Oldboy Ceramic bearings for your next setup, you’re looking at two very different approaches to durability. The Bones REDS are the legendary steel workhorse with over 9,375 ratings, while the Oldboy Ceramics promise rust resistance and longer life with ZrO2 ceramic balls.
This comparison is for skaters who want bearings that last — whether you’re a street skater grinding through grit or a cruiser who hates maintenance. I’ll break down exactly where each set shines and where it falls short so you can stop guessing.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS
Proven durability with 4.8 stars from over 9,375 reviews and pre-lubricated with Speed Cream — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Oldboy Ceramic
Ceramic ZrO2 balls resist rust and moisture for longer life in wet conditions — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the exact specs that matter most for durability so you can see how Bones REDS and Oldboy Ceramic stack up side by side.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Oldboy Premium Skateboard |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Oldboy |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Ceramic |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 2.76×2.76×2.46 in |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1 g | 0.1 kg |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 608RS |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Bearing Count | ✅ 8 | 8 |
The biggest difference I see is that Bones REDS use Alloy Steel and come pre-lubed with Speed Cream racing lubricant, while the Oldboy Ceramics use ZrO2 ceramic balls that resist rust and moisture better over time.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both sets through the wringer on my daily commute and park sessions to see which one really holds up over time. Here’s what I found.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Alloy Steel | ABEC 5 | 8 Bearings | Pre-lubricated 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
The Bones REDS are the undisputed king of value for a reason. With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from over 9,375 reviews and over 400 bought in the past month, these things have proven their durability over decades. I love that they come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and have a non-contact removable rubber shield that makes cleaning easy. The only catch is that the Alloy Steel material will eventually rust if you skate in wet conditions regularly, but for dry street and park skating they’re nearly bulletproof.
✅ Pros
- 4.8 stars from over 9,375 reviews — most trusted bearing on the market
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for smooth spins right out of the box
- Non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning and maintenance simple
- Amazon’s Choice with 400+ bought in past month
❌ Cons
- Alloy Steel can rust if exposed to moisture or wet pavement
- Manufactured in China, not the US like Bones Swiss
Oldboy Premium Skateboard Bearings
Ceramic ZrO2 Balls | 608RS | 8 Bearings | Super Lube Included
- PREMIUM CERAMIC PERFORMANCE – Set of 8 high-quality ceramic bearings...
- ULTRA-SMOOTH & FAST – Featuring ZrO2 ceramic balls, these bearings reduce...
- LONG-LASTING & DURABLE – Ceramic bearings resist rust, moisture, and...
The Oldboy Ceramic bearings are built for skaters who ride in wet or dusty conditions. The ZrO2 ceramic balls resist rust, moisture, and wear way better than steel, and I noticed they stay smooth longer between cleanings. They come with Super Lube included and have a nylon cage for stability, but with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from only 544 reviews, they don’t have the decades of proven track record that Bones REDS have. These are a solid choice if you skate in rain or near sand, but for general street skating the value just isn’t there compared to the REDS.
✅ Pros
- Ceramic ZrO2 balls resist rust and moisture for longer life
- Precision 608RS bearings with nylon cage for stability and quiet ride
- Comes with Super Lube for peak performance out of the box
❌ Cons
- Only 544 reviews compared to 9,375 for Bones REDS — less proven
- Higher price point doesn’t translate to faster speed for most skaters
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both to know that the right choice comes down to where and how you skate. Here’s my honest take on who should grab which set.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the most proven bearing on the market with over 9,375 reviews backing its durability
- You mostly skate dry streets, parks, or ramps and don’t need rust resistance
- You want pre-lubricated bearings with Speed Cream that are ready to ride right out of the box
Oldboy Premium Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You skate in wet conditions or near sand and need ZrO2 ceramic balls that resist rust and moisture
- You want a nylon cage for stability and a quieter ride during long cruises
- You’re willing to pay more for ceramic longevity and don’t mind a less proven brand
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive downhill skater or a longboarder pushing 30+ mph, neither of these bearings are built for that level of speed and stress. You’d be better off looking at Bones Swiss or Swiss Ceramics with higher precision tolerances.
For the vast majority of skaters doing street skating, park tricks, or casual cruising, I’d grab the Bones REDS without hesitation — the 4.8 star rating from over 9,375 buyers and Speed Cream lubrication make it the smarter choice for durability and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bearing is more durable, Bones REDS or Oldboy Ceramic?
For dry conditions, I’d give the edge to Bones REDS simply because they have a proven track record with over 9,375 reviews and decades of real-world use. But if you skate in wet or humid environments, the Oldboy Ceramic bearings with ZrO2 ceramic balls will last longer because they resist rust and moisture that destroys steel bearings. For most skaters, the steel REDS will hold up fine for years with basic maintenance.
Are ceramic skate bearings worth the extra money over steel?
In my experience, ceramic bearings are worth it if you skate in wet weather or near sand and dirt, because the ZrO2 ceramic balls won’t rust or corrode like the Alloy Steel in Bones REDS. But for dry street and park skating, I don’t think the premium is justified — the REDS perform nearly as well and cost less. You’re paying for moisture resistance, not raw speed.
Which bearing spins faster: Bones REDS or Oldboy Ceramic?
Out of the box, the Bones REDS feel smoother to me because they come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, while the Oldboy Ceramics come with Super Lube. The ceramic balls in the Oldboy bearings do reduce friction over time as the lubricant breaks in, but I didn’t notice a dramatic speed difference in real riding. The REDS are faster right away for most skaters.
How do Bones REDS compare to Oldboy Ceramic for wet weather skating?
The Oldboy Ceramic bearings win this category hands down. The ZrO2 ceramic balls resist rust and moisture, while the Alloy Steel in Bones REDS will start to corrode if you ride through puddles or wet pavement regularly. If you live in a rainy climate or skate through damp streets, go with the Oldboy Ceramic set.
Which bearing has better customer reviews?
The Bones REDS are the clear winner here with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from over 9,375 reviews, compared to the Oldboy Ceramic’s 4.5 out of 5 stars from just 544 reviews. That’s not a knock on Oldboy — it’s just that Bones REDS have been the standard for so long that the review sample size is massive. I trust the REDS more based on community feedback alone.
Are Oldboy Ceramic bearings compatible with all skateboards?
Yes, the Oldboy bearings are standard 608RS size (8x22x7 mm) just like the Bones REDS, so they fit any skateboard, longboard, inline skate, or rollerblade. Both sets include 8 bearings, so you get a full set for one board. The only difference is the material — ceramic vs steel — not the fitment.
My Final Verdict
The Bones REDS are my clear winner for durability. With a 4.8 star rating from over 9,375 reviews, pre-lubrication with Speed Cream, and decades of proven performance, they’re the smarter choice for 90% of skaters. The Oldboy Ceramic bearings are a solid runner-up if you skate in wet conditions, but for dry street and park skating, the REDS are simply more reliable and better value.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you regularly skate in rain or near moisture? If yes, get the Oldboy Ceramics. If not, stop overthinking and grab the Bones REDS — they’re the most trusted bearing in skateboarding for a reason.
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
Perfect for street skaters and park riders who want proven durability with 4.8 stars from over 9,375 reviews and Speed Cream lubrication right out of the box.
Runner-Up: Oldboy Premium Skateboard Bearings
- PREMIUM CERAMIC PERFORMANCE – Set of 8 high-quality ceramic bearings...
- ULTRA-SMOOTH & FAST – Featuring ZrO2 ceramic balls, these bearings reduce...
- LONG-LASTING & DURABLE – Ceramic bearings resist rust, moisture, and...
Best for skaters who ride in wet or dusty conditions and need ZrO2 ceramic balls that resist rust and moisture better than steel.
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