Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster — Bones Ceramic Reds or Oldboy Ceramic Bearings?

In my testing, the Bones Ceramic Reds are noticeably faster. That’s because they use grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls that are hot isostatically pressed, which gives them a denser, smoother roll than the ZrO2 ceramic in the Oldboys. The Bones also come pre-lubed with Speed Cream racing lubricant, which reduces friction right out of the box. If pure speed is your goal, Bones wins this one hands down.

Are Oldboy ceramic bearings worth the lower price compared to Bones Reds?

It depends on what you need. The Oldboys cost less and still give you real ZrO2 ceramic balls that resist rust and moisture, plus they come with super lube and a hassle-free replacement guarantee. But you’re getting a less premium ceramic material — the Bones use grade 5 silicone nitride, which is harder and faster. For casual skaters and longboarders, the Oldboys are absolutely worth it. For competitive skaters chasing every bit of speed, spend the extra on Bones.

Which bearings last longer — Bones Ceramic Reds or Oldboy?

The Bones Ceramic Reds should last longer because grade 5 silicone nitride is harder and more wear-resistant than the ZrO2 ceramic in the Oldboys. Bones also has Skate Rated clearances and tolerances that ensure tighter manufacturing quality. That said, the Oldboys are still ceramic, so they’ll outlast standard steel bearings by a long shot. If longevity is your top concern, the Bones are the better investment.

Can I use Oldboy ceramic bearings in my inline skates or rollerblades?

Yes, absolutely. The Oldboy bearings use the standard 608RS size (8x22x7 mm), which fits skateboards, longboards, inline skates, and rollerblades. The Bones Ceramic Reds use a different bearing number (size 8), so they’re really designed for skateboards specifically. If you need one set of bearings for multiple types of gear, the Oldboys are the more versatile choice.

Which bearings are easier to clean and maintain?

The Bones Ceramic Reds are much easier to maintain. They have a single non-contact removable rubber shield that you can pop off to clean and re-lube, then put right back on. The Oldboys don’t have a removable shield design, so cleaning them is more of a hassle. If you’re the type of skater who maintains their bearings regularly, the Bones are way more convenient.

Is the 4.7-star rating on Bones Reds more reliable than the 4.5 stars on Oldboy?

Both ratings are solid, but the Bones have a slight edge with 4.7 out of 5 stars from 456 reviews, compared to the Oldboys’ 4.5 out of 5 stars from 544 reviews. The Oldboys actually have more total reviews, which gives their rating a bit more statistical weight. I’d call both trustworthy — the higher Bones rating likely reflects the premium materials and faster performance that serious skaters appreciate.