Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for street skating — Bones REDS or Capetos ABEC 9?

For street skating, I’d pick the Bones REDS every time. Even though they’re rated ABEC 5 and the Capetos are ABEC 9, the REDS have that Speed Cream racing lubricant and a single removable shield that makes cleaning after a dusty session way easier. The real proof is in the ratings — 9,375 skaters gave Bones a 4.8 average, while Capetos only has 17 reviews at 4.0. That tells me real skaters trust Bones for everyday street use.

Is the higher ABEC 9 rating on Capetos worth it over Bones REDS?

In my experience, not really for most skaters. ABEC ratings measure manufacturing tolerance, not real-world speed or durability, and Bones REDS have proven themselves with nearly 10,000 reviews. The Capetos bearings are pre-lubricated with racing oil and have double shields, but that 4.8-star average on the Bones shows that ABEC 5 can outperform ABEC 9 in actual use. I’d only go for the Capetos if you specifically want double shields for dusty conditions.

Which bearing set lasts longer — Bones REDS or Capetos ABEC 9?

I can’t say for certain on the Capetos since they only have 17 reviews, but Bones REDS have been a staple in skating for years and consistently hold up well with basic maintenance. The REDS have a removable rubber shield that lets you clean and re-lube them easily, which extends their life significantly. The Capetos have double metal shields that keep dirt out better initially, but they’re harder to clean once gunk gets inside.

Can I use Capetos ABEC 9 bearings on my skateboard if I’m used to Bones REDS?

Absolutely — both are standard 608 size bearings that fit 8 mm axles, so they’ll work on any normal skateboard. The main difference you’ll notice is that the Capetos come with double metal shields, which feel a bit tighter and may take a few sessions to break in. The Bones REDS will feel smoother right out of the box thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant, while the Capetos have a lighter racing oil.

How many bearings do I get with each set?

This is a big difference between the two. Bones REDS come as an 8-pack, which is only enough for one skateboard if you’re using standard setups — you’d need to buy two packs for a full board with extra bearings. The Capetos ABEC 9 set gives you 16 bearings in one box, which is enough for two complete skateboards or one board with plenty of spares. Keep that in mind when you’re comparing them.

Which bearing is better for a beginner skater?

For a beginner, I’d recommend the Bones REDS without question. They’re the best-selling skate bearing for a reason — they’re smooth, easy to maintain with that removable shield, and you have nearly 9,400 other skaters vouching for them. The Capetos might look good with the ABEC 9 label, but a beginner doesn’t need that precision, and the double metal shields make them harder to clean when you’re still learning how to maintain your gear.