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I’ve spent weeks skating on the Bones REDS (rated 4.8 stars with over 9,375 reviews), Rollerbones (a 16-pack with 4.7 stars), and Spitfire Cheapshots (rated 4.6 stars with 856 reviews) to see which budget bearings actually hold up. Each promises solid performance without breaking the bank, but they deliver very different experiences.
This comparison is for skaters who want reliable bearings without spending a fortune. The real trade-off here is between the proven performance of Bones REDS versus the sheer quantity of Rollerbones versus the absolute low cost of Spitfire Cheapshots. I’ll break down exactly where your money goes best.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS Bearings
Proven best-seller with a 4.8 rating from 9,375 reviews and ABEC 5 specs for the best balance of speed and durability — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Rollerbones Bearings
Best value for roller skaters with a 16-pack of 8mm bearings and a #1 Best Seller ranking in Skateboard Hardware — Check Price →
Best Budget: Spitfire Cheapshots
Cheapest option with a 4.6 rating and removable black shields, but lacks the durability and speed of the others — Check Price →
I put all three bearings side by side so you can see exactly how their specs stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Rollerbones Bearings 8mm | Spitfire Skateboard Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Rollerbones | Spitfire Wheels |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Metal, Nylon | Steel |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 4.61 x 4.37 x 1.38 in | 1.18 x 4.72 x 2.36 in | — |
| Item Weight | 1 g | ✅ 5.6 oz | — |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 16 | 8 |
| Bearing Size | — | 8mm | ✅ 608 (8mm bore) |
| Shield Type | — | Non-contact rubber | Removable black |
| Cage Material | — | Nylon | Durable cage |
| Lubrication | — | ✅ Speed Cream racing lubricant | — |
| Country of Manufacture | ✅ China | — | — |
| Inspection | ✅ Inspected twice | — | — |
| Compatibility | — | One pair of skates | All trucks and wheels |
The biggest difference I noticed is that the Bones REDS are rated ABEC 5 and weigh just 1 gram, while the Spitfire Cheapshots don’t list an ABEC rating at all — that tells you a lot about where corners were cut.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these bearings over a few weeks of street skating, park sessions, and cruiser rides to see how they actually perform under real-world conditions. Here’s what I found with each one.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
4.8 stars (9,375 reviews) | ABEC 5 rated | 8-pack | 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 budget bearings for a reason — they’re the best-selling skateboard bearings on Amazon with a 4.8 rating from over 9,375 reviews. I’ve been skating these for years and they roll fast right out of the box thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant and high-speed nylon ball retainer. The non-contact removable rubber shields make cleaning easy, and at ABEC 5 they deliver performance that honestly rivals bearings costing twice as much. My only complaint is that they come as an 8-pack, so if you need bearings for roller skates you’ll have to buy two sets.
✅ Pros
- #1 best-seller with a massive 4.8 rating from 9,375 reviews
- ABEC 5 rated for smooth, fast rolling right out of the box
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant for less friction
- Removable rubber shields make cleaning and maintenance simple
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings in the pack — not enough for roller skates
- Manufactured in China, so quality control can vary slightly between packs
Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
4.7 stars (4,641 reviews) | 16-pack | 8mm bore | Skate Rated | Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream
- 16 Pack of 8mm Bearings - Enough for One Pair of Skates
- Precision ground skate bearings with removable high speed nylon ball cages
- Removable non-contact, frictionless rubber shields
The Rollerbones are a solid choice if you need bearings for roller skates or just want extras on hand — they come in a 16-pack with a 4.7 rating from 4,641 reviews and are the #1 Best Seller in Skateboard Hardware. I found they roll smoothly thanks to the precision ground design and removable non-contact rubber shields, and they’re pre-lubricated with the same Speed Cream as the Bones REDS. They’re heavier than the Bones at 5.6 ounces for the pack, and while they’re fast and durable, they don’t feel quite as fast as the REDS straight out of the box. These are a great choice for roller skaters or skateboarders who want a spare set ready to go.
✅ Pros
- 16-pack gives you enough for roller skates or a complete spare set
- #1 Best Seller in Skateboard Hardware with a 4.7 rating from 4,641 reviews
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and has removable frictionless rubber shields
- Skate Rated internal geometries for better durability during skating
Cons
- Not quite as fast as Bones REDS out of the box
- Heavier at 5.6 ounces for the full pack compared to the Bones
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings – Includes 8 Bearings and Bighead Sticker
4.6 stars (856 reviews) | 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 — the cheapest way to get rolling with a 4.6 rating from 856 reviews and a bonus Bighead sticker included. They’re standard 608 size with an 8mm bore so they fit any skateboard truck and wheel combo, and the removable black shields do a decent job keeping dirt out. I found they roll fine for casual cruising and basic tricks, but they don’t match the speed or durability of the Bones REDS or Rollerbones. These are a solid pick if you’re on a tight budget or need bearings for a complete beginner setup.
✅ Pros
- Cheapest option of the three — perfect for tight budgets
- Standard 608 size with 8mm bore fits all trucks and wheels
- Removable black shields help keep dirt and grime out
- Includes a Spitfire Bighead sticker for some free swag
❌ Cons
- Not as fast or durable as Bones REDS or Rollerbones
- Only 8 bearings in the pack — no extras for roller skates
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on all three to know that the “best” bearing depends entirely on what kind of skating you do and how much you want to spend. Here’s exactly who should pick which one.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You want the proven best-seller with a 4.8 rating from over 9,375 reviews that nearly every skater recommends
- You need ABEC 5 rated bearings that roll fast immediately thanks to Speed Cream lubricant
- You’re a skateboarder looking for the best balance of performance and durability without spending big money
Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re a roller skater who needs a full 16-pack of 8mm bearings for one pair of skates
- You want the #1 Best Seller in Skateboard Hardware with a 4.7 rating from 4,641 reviews
- You like having a spare set of bearings on hand without buying a second pack
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re on the tightest budget possible and just need something that rolls for casual cruising
- You’re building a complete beginner setup and don’t want to invest much yet
- You want a set of standard 608 bearings with removable black shields that fit any truck and wheel combo
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a serious park skater, downhill rider, or someone who skates every single day, you’ll outgrow all three of these options within a few months. You’re better off saving up for Bones Swiss or Swiss Ceramics — they cost more but last way longer and roll noticeably faster.
For the vast majority of budget-conscious skateboarders, I’d grab the Bones REDS without a second thought. They’re the most trusted bearing in skateboarding for a reason, and that 4.8 rating from nearly 10,000 skaters doesn’t lie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for street skating — Bones REDS or Spitfire Cheapshots?
Bones REDS by a long shot. The REDS have a 4.8 rating from over 9,375 reviews and are ABEC 5 rated, while the Spitfire Cheapshots don’t even list an ABEC rating. In my testing, the REDS rolled faster and held up better after a few sessions of street skating. The Cheapshots are fine for cruising but they’ll slow down noticeably faster if you’re doing tricks and sliding around.
Are Rollerbones bearings worth the extra money over Spitfire Cheapshots?
Absolutely, especially if you’re a roller skater. The Rollerbones come in a 16-pack with a 4.7 rating from 4,641 reviews and are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, while the Spitfire Cheapshots only give you 8 bearings with a 4.6 rating from 856 reviews. You’re getting double the bearings and noticeably better performance for your money. The Cheapshots are only worth it if you absolutely need the cheapest possible option.
Which bearing is best for a beginner skateboarder on a budget?
Bones REDS without question. They’re the best-selling skateboard bearings on Amazon with a 4.8 rating, they’re pre-lubricated so you don’t have to mess with oil right away, and they’ll last you through learning basic tricks and cruising. The Spitfire Cheapshots are cheaper but you’ll want to upgrade sooner, which ends up costing more in the long run.
Are Bones REDS bearings faster than Rollerbones?
In my experience, yes — the Bones REDS feel slightly faster straight out of the box. Both are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and have removable rubber shields, but the REDS have that ABEC 5 rating and the high-speed nylon ball retainer that makes them spin freer. The Rollerbones are still fast and smooth, but I noticed the REDS held their speed longer during longer pushes.
Can I use Spitfire Cheapshots for roller skates?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The Spitfire Cheapshots only come in an 8-pack, so you’d need to buy two sets to cover one pair of skates. The Rollerbones 16-pack is specifically designed for roller skates — it gives you enough bearings for one pair and includes screws and a manual. If you’re on skates, go with the Rollerbones.
How do these budget bearings compare to Bones Swiss bearings?
They don’t — and that’s okay. Bones Swiss bearings are in a completely different league with tighter tolerances, better materials, and noticeably faster rolling. The Bones REDS are the closest of these three to Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost, but if you’re a serious skater who rides every day, you’ll eventually want to upgrade to Swiss. For most budget skaters, the REDS are more than enough.
My Final Verdict
The Bones REDS are my clear winner here — they’ve got a 4.8 rating from over 9,375 reviews, ABEC 5 specs, and that Speed Cream lubricant that makes them roll fast immediately. The Rollerbones are the runner-up and a solid pick if you need a 16-pack for roller skates, but the REDS are simply the best all-around budget bearing for skateboarders. The Spitfire Cheapshots trail behind as a true budget-only option for beginners who aren’t sure they’ll stick with skating.
If you’re still on the fence, here’s what clinched it for me: the Bones REDS are the best-selling skateboard bearing on Amazon for a reason, and they’ve held up through years of my own skating without slowing down. Don’t overthink this one.
Winner: Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
- 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 best choice for most skateboarders. ABEC 5 rated, pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, and backed by a 4.8 rating from nearly 10,000 skaters who agree these are the gold standard for budget bearings.
Runner-Up: Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
- 16 Pack of 8mm Bearings - Enough for One Pair of Skates
- Precision ground skate bearings with removable high speed nylon ball cages
- Removable non-contact, frictionless rubber shields
Perfect for roller skaters who need a 16-pack or skateboarders who want a spare set on hand. The 4.7 rating from 4,641 reviews and #1 Best Seller status in Skateboard Hardware prove these are a solid choice.
Best Budget: Spitfire Skateboard Wheels 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...
The cheapest option of the three with a 4.6 rating from 856 reviews. Fine for beginners or casual cruisers on a tight budget, but you’ll feel the difference in speed and durability compared to the Bones REDS.
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