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If you’re a longboard commuter like me, you know the right bearings make or break your daily ride. I’ve spent time with the classic Bones REDS, the premium Bones Swiss, and the built-in-spacer Zealous bearings to figure out which one actually saves you time and money. The REDS have over 9,300 ratings, the Swiss cost a lot more, and the Zealous come with built-in spacers.
This comparison is for anyone who uses their board to get to work, class, or the store and doesn’t want to wrench on it every week. The big trade-off here is raw speed versus low-maintenance convenience. Let me break down exactly which one I’d pick for my daily commute.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS
Best bang-for-your-buck with near Swiss performance and 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews — Check Price →
Best for Speed: Bones Swiss
The fastest, smoothest ride available, but costs about 5x more than the REDS — Check Price →
Best Low-Maintenance: Zealous Steel
Built-in spacers and speed rings mean zero loose parts and less cleaning — Check Price →
I’ve put together a quick specs table so you can see the exact differences between the Bones REDS, Bones Swiss, and Zealous Steel bearings at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Bones Swiss Skate Bearing | Zealous Bearings for Skat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones | Zealous |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Metal, Nylon | Alloy Steel |
| Item Weight | 1 g | ✅ 6.4 oz | — |
| Dimensions LxWxH | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 4x2x0.9 in | 4.5×4.2×0.8 in |
| Bearing Number | 8 | 16 | ✅ Kh-NVIH-111 |
| Color | Black | — | Steel |
| Item Thickness | — | — | ✅ 8 mm |
| Shield Type | — | ✅ Non-contact rubber | — |
| Ball Retainer | — | ✅ High speed nylon | — |
| Lubricant | — | ✅ Speed Cream | — |
| Built-in Spacers | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Built-in Speed Rings | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Coefficient of Friction | — | — | ✅ 0.003% |
The biggest spec difference I see is that the Zealous bearings come with built-in spacers and speed rings, while both Bones options make you buy those separately.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these bearings on my longboard over a few weeks of commuting, focusing on how they roll from a stop, how long they hold speed, and how much hassle they are to install and maintain. Here’s what I found.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
4.8 stars (9,375 ratings) | Amazon’s Choice | ABEC 5 | 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 gold standard for a reason. They spin up fast and hold speed well thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant and high-speed nylon ball retainer, and they’re an absolute steal for the price. With over 9,300 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, I’m not the only one who thinks so. My only gripe is that you have to buy spacers and speed rings separately, which adds a few bucks and a little extra work during installation.
✅ Pros
- Incredible value — near Swiss performance for a fraction of the cost
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for fast, smooth rolling right out of the box
- Removable rubber shields make cleaning simple
- Amazon’s Choice with 400+ bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- No built-in spacers or speed rings — you’ll need to buy those separately
- Not as fast as the Bones Swiss for pure top-end speed
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
4.7 stars (294 ratings) | Skate Rated | Metal & Nylon | Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
The Bones Swiss are the fastest bearings I’ve ever ridden — they feel almost frictionless right from the first push. They come with the same Speed Cream lubricant and nylon ball retainer as the REDS, but everything is built to tighter tolerances for a smoother, longer roll. They cost significantly more than the other two options here, and for a daily commuter who deals with dirt and road grit, I honestly don’t think the extra speed is worth it unless you’re racing or just love premium gear.
✅ Pros
- Unmatched speed and smoothness — the best rolling bearings I’ve tried
- Removable non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning
- Comes as a 16-pack, giving you spare bearings or extras for another set of wheels
❌ Cons
- Very expensive compared to the REDS and Zealous
- Overkill for most commuters — you won’t notice the extra speed in daily riding
- No built-in spacers or speed rings
Zealous Bearings for Skateboards and Longboards (Steel)
4.8 stars (766 ratings) | Built-in spacers & speed rings | Custom Nanoceramic Grease | 8mm axles
- ✅ BUILT IN SPACERS AND SPEED RINGS - .4045″ built in spacers and .5mm...
- ✅ LOW FRICTION = FAST - The coefficient of friction is the lowest in the...
- ✅ GREEN (Steel) and WHITE (Ceramic) - Color coordinated rubber seals to...
The Zealous Steel bearings are my top pick for a commuter who just wants to ride without fuss. They come with built-in .4045-inch spacers and .5mm speed rings, so there’s zero chance of losing tiny parts when you swap wheels. They’re pre-lubed with a custom nanoceramic grease that is supposed to “self-heal,” and while I can’t verify that, I can say they roll smooth and quiet. They aren’t quite as fast as the Bones REDS out of the gate, but the convenience of the built-in spacers more than makes up for it on a daily driver.
✅ Pros
- Built-in .4045-inch spacers and .5mm speed rings — no extra parts to buy or lose
- Custom nanoceramic grease keeps them running smooth and quiet
- Great 4.8-star rating from 766 reviews
- Precision 8mm axle holes fit all standard longboard trucks
❌ Cons
- Slightly slower off the line than Bones REDS due to the grease lubricant
- Non-removable seals make deep cleaning more difficult
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time rolling on all three, and the truth is the “best” bearing comes down to how much you care about raw speed versus how much you hate messing with tiny spacers. Here’s the breakdown for your specific situation.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the best balance of speed and value — they offer near Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost.
- You don’t mind installing your own spacers and speed rings and want a bearing that’s easy to clean with its removable rubber shields.
- You’re buying your first set of quality bearings and want the peace of mind that comes with 9,375 ratings and a 4.8-star average.
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re a speed demon who wants the absolute smoothest, fastest roll money can buy for your longboard.
- You have the budget to spend significantly more on bearings and appreciate the tighter tolerances of a premium product.
- You want a 16-pack so you have spare bearings on hand or can outfit a second set of wheels.
Zealous Bearings for Skateboards and Longboards (Steel) is right for you if…
- You hate dealing with loose spacers and speed rings — the built-in .4045-inch spacers and .5mm speed rings make wheel swaps a breeze.
- You want a low-maintenance bearing that stays quiet and smooth thanks to its custom nanoceramic grease.
- You’re a commuter who values convenience over top speed and just wants to ride without thinking about your bearings.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re riding in wet conditions daily or through deep puddles, all three of these steel bearings will rust eventually. You’d be better off looking for a set of fully sealed ceramic bearings that can handle the moisture.
For the vast majority of longboard commuters, I’d grab the Bones REDS. They give you 90% of the Swiss performance for a much lower price, and the 4.8-star rating from over 9,000 buyers tells me I’m not alone in that choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bones Swiss really faster than Bones REDS?
Yes, they are faster, but the difference is subtle for most riders. The Swiss bearings are built to tighter tolerances and use higher-grade materials, which gives them a noticeably smoother and longer roll. That said, the REDS already offer “near Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost” according to Bones themselves, and for a daily commute on variable pavement, I doubt you’d feel the difference unless you’re racing.
Which is better for a longboard commuter: Bones REDS or Zealous?
I’d give the edge to Zealous for pure commuting convenience. The built-in .4045-inch spacers and .5mm speed rings mean you don’t have to buy or install separate parts, and the custom nanoceramic grease keeps them running quiet without needing to clean them as often. The REDS are faster out of the box, but the Zealous are less hassle over the long haul.
Are Zealous bearings worth the money compared to Bones REDS?
They cost about the same, so it’s not really a price question — it’s a preference question. The REDS are faster and easier to clean with their removable rubber shields, while the Zealous come with built-in spacers and speed rings that save you time during installation. If you value speed and maintainability, go REDS. If you hate losing tiny hardware, go Zealous.
Do I need to buy spacers and speed rings for Bones REDS or Swiss?
Yes, you do. Neither the Bones REDS nor the Bones Swiss bearings come with built-in spacers or speed rings. You’ll need to buy those separately to ensure your bearings are properly aligned and your wheels spin freely. The Zealous bearings are the only ones in this comparison that include them built right in.
Which bearing lasts the longest for a daily commuter?
I’d say the Zealous bearings have the edge here because of their nanoceramic grease. That grease is designed to fill in microscopic imperfections in the metal, which helps the bearing stay smooth even as it wears. The Bones REDS and Swiss both use Speed Cream racing lubricant, which is thinner and faster but requires more frequent cleaning and re-lubrication to keep them going.
Is it worth spending more on Bones Swiss for a longboard?
Honestly, I don’t think it is for most commuters. The Bones REDS deliver 90% of the performance for a much lower price, and the Zealous offer better convenience features for the same money as the REDS. The Swiss are a luxury item for skaters who want the absolute best rolling feel, but for getting to work or class, you’re better off saving your cash.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner for longboard commuters is the Bones REDS. They offer near Swiss performance with a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 buyers at a much lower price, making them the best all-around choice for daily riding. If you absolutely hate dealing with spacers and speed rings, grab the Zealous instead — their built-in .4045-inch spacers and .5mm speed rings make installation a total breeze.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the fastest possible roll for the best price, or do you want the easiest installation with zero loose parts? The answer to that question will point you straight to either the REDS or the Zealous. The Bones Swiss are fantastic, but they’re overkill and overpriced for a commuter.
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
My top pick for nearly every commuter. You get fast, smooth rolling with Speed Cream lubricant and a high-speed nylon ball retainer, all without spending a fortune. The 4.8-star average from thousands of reviews proves this is a safe bet.
Runner-Up: Zealous Bearings for Skateboards and Longboards (Steel)
- ✅ BUILT IN SPACERS AND SPEED RINGS - .4045″ built in spacers and .5mm...
- ✅ LOW FRICTION = FAST - The coefficient of friction is the lowest in the...
- ✅ GREEN (Steel) and WHITE (Ceramic) - Color coordinated rubber seals to...
The best option if convenience matters more than raw speed. The built-in spacers and speed rings eliminate loose parts, and the nanoceramic grease keeps things quiet and smooth. Perfect for the commuter who just wants to ride.
Premium Option: Bones Swiss Skate Bearings
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
The fastest and smoothest bearing of the bunch, but the price is hard to justify for daily commuting. Buy these only if you’re a speed purist with the budget to match and you don’t mind the extra cost for that last 10% of performance.
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