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If you’re a competitive skater, you know your bearings can make or break your run. I’ve spent time testing the Bones Swiss (8mm, 16 Pack), the Bones Ceramic Reds (8 Pack), and the Bones Big Balls Reds (8mm, 16 Pack) to help you decide which set deserves a spot on your board.
This comparison is for skaters who want real speed and durability without the marketing fluff. The key trade-off here is between raw, race-level performance and everyday reliability — and I’m going to break down exactly where each bearing shines.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Swiss
Fastest option with a 4.7-star rating and pre-lubed with Speed Cream for race-ready performance — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds
Grade 5 ceramic balls for superior surface finish and long life in an 8-pack — Check Price →
Best Value: Bones Big Balls Reds
17% larger balls (6 total) for higher top speed and dirt resistance in a 16-pack — Check Price →
Before I get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick look at how these three bearings stack up against each other in the specs that matter most for competitive skating.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones Swiss Skate Bearing | Bones Ceramic Reds Skateb | Bones Big Balls Reds Skat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Metal, Nylon | Ceramic, Metal | Metal |
| Dimensions | 4 x 2 x 0.9 in | ✅ 4.8 x 2.3 x 0.4 in | 3 x 2 x 0.25 in |
| Weight | ✅ 6.4 oz | 3.2 oz | 3.2 oz |
| Bearing Number | ✅ 16 | 8 | BIG BALLS |
| Pack Size | ✅ 16 Pack | 8 Pack | 16 Pack |
| Bore Size | ✅ 8mm | — | 8mm |
| Ball Material | — | Ceramic | Metal |
| Shield Type | Non-contact rubber | Non-contact rubber | — |
| Retainer Type | Nylon | Nylon | — |
| Lubricant | Speed Cream | Speed Cream | — |
| Ball Count | — | — | ✅ 6 |
| Ball Size | — | — | ✅ 17% larger |
The biggest difference I see here is that the Bones Swiss use a metal and nylon construction with Speed Cream lubricant, while the Big Balls Reds use standard grease — a spec that changes how often you’ll need to clean them.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each of these bearing sets through the wringer at the park and on the street to see how they handle speed, dirt, and daily abuse. Here’s what I found.
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
16 Pack | 4.7 Stars (294 Reviews) | Metal & Nylon | Pre-lubed 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
These are the gold standard for competitive skating, and I get why. The metal and nylon construction with a non-contact rubber shield keeps friction low while the Speed Cream lubricant has them spinning fast right out of the box. I was impressed by how easy they are to clean — the single removable shield is a lifesaver when you’re skating dirty parks. My only gripe is the price, but if you’re racing or doing tech lines, these bearings deliver the speed you need.
✅ Pros
- 4.7-star rating from 294 reviews — skaters love them
- High-speed nylon ball retainer adds strength and speed
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Removable non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning
❌ Cons
- Premium price tag — not for casual skaters
- Only available in 8mm size, no 7mm option in this pack
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
8 Pack | 4.7 Stars (456 Reviews) | Ceramic & Metal | Grade 5 Balls
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic...
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
The Ceramic Reds are a fantastic middle ground between price and performance. They use Grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls with higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish — and I could feel the difference in smoothness compared to standard bearings. The single non-contact shield makes cleaning easy, and they come pre-lubed with Speed Cream. The downside is you only get 8 bearings, so you’ll need to buy two packs for a full setup, which adds up.
✅ Pros
- 4.7-star rating from 456 reviews — most popular pick
- Amazon’s Choice badge for skateboard bearings
- Grade 5 ceramic balls for longer life and less friction
- Higher quality steel races and superior surface finish
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings — need two packs for a complete setup
- No warranty listed, so you’re on your own if they fail
Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
16 Pack | 4.6 Stars (224 Reviews) | Metal | 17% Larger Balls
- Higher Top Speed, Greater Strength, Longer Life, Easy Cleaning, Light...
- BIG BALLS, the newest member of our REDS family. BIG BALLS are engineered...
- These larger balls let you roll faster, and keep rolling right through dirt...
Don’t let the “budget” label fool you — these Big Balls Reds are serious performers. They use 6 balls that are 17% larger than standard Reds, which means they roll faster and handle dirt better than smaller bearings. I noticed they kept spinning smoothly even after a dusty session at the park. They come as a full 16-pack and are pre-lubed with Speed Cream. The trade-off is they use grease instead of oil, so they feel a bit slower out of the box than the Swiss bearings.
✅ Pros
- 17% larger balls for higher top speed and dirt resistance
- Full 16-pack — enough for two complete setups
- 4.6-star rating from 224 reviews — solid reputation
- Lighter weight at 3.2 ounces for the pack
❌ Cons
- Lubricated with grease, not Speed Cream oil like the Swiss
- Metal construction won’t last as long as ceramic options
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on these bearings to know there’s no single “best” choice — it all comes down to your budget and how serious you are about competitive skating. Here’s how I’d match each set to the right skater.
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack) is right for you if…
- You’re racing or competing at a high level and need the absolute fastest roll with Speed Cream lubricant right out of the box.
- You want a full 16-pack with a high-speed nylon ball retainer for added strength during aggressive skating.
- You don’t mind paying a premium for the most durable, Skate Rated bearings Bones makes.
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You want the smoothness of Grade 5 ceramic balls but don’t need a full 16-pack right now — you can buy two later.
- You skate in dusty or wet conditions and want a higher quality steel race that resists wear longer than standard bearings.
- You’re looking for the best bang for your buck with a proven 4.7-star rating from over 450 skaters.
Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want the speed advantage of 17% larger balls that roll through dirt without slowing down.
- You need a full 16-pack for two boards or a complete setup plus spares for your crew.
- You prefer a lighter bearing at 3.2 ounces that’s easy to clean and maintain between sessions.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a casual skater who just cruises around the neighborhood or a beginner still learning ollies, you don’t need to spend this much on bearings. Grab a standard set of Bones Reds for less money — they’ll do the job perfectly fine without the premium features.
For most competitive skaters I talk to, the Bones Swiss are the clear winner if you can swing the cost — they’re faster, tougher, and come with everything you need in one box. But if you want ceramic smoothness on a budget, grab the Ceramic Reds and don’t look back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster: Bones Swiss or Bones Big Balls Reds?
The Bones Swiss are faster out of the box, hands down. They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and use a high-speed nylon ball retainer that reduces friction. The Big Balls Reds have 17% larger balls which helps them maintain speed through dirt, but they’re lubed with grease instead of oil, so they feel slower initially. For pure, raw speed in a clean park or competition setting, I’d take the Swiss every time.
Are Bones Ceramic Reds worth the extra money over Big Balls Reds?
It depends on what you value. The Ceramic Reds use Grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls with higher quality steel races, which means they’ll last longer and stay smoother than the all-metal Big Balls Reds. But you only get 8 bearings in the Ceramic Reds pack versus 16 in the Big Balls Reds. If you’re willing to buy two packs of Ceramic Reds for a full setup, they’re worth it for the durability. If you just want a solid 16-pack that works, go Big Balls Reds.
Which Bones bearing is best for competitive skateboarding?
For competitive skating, I’d say the Bones Swiss are the best choice. They have a 4.7-star rating from 294 reviews and are specifically designed with Skate Rated clearances, tolerances, and materials for maximum performance. The non-contact rubber shield keeps friction low while still protecting against debris, and the Speed Cream lubricant gives you that race-ready feel. You get a full 16-pack, so you’re set for one board with spares.
Do Bones Ceramic Reds last longer than Bones Swiss?
In theory, yes — the Grade 5 ceramic balls in the Ceramic Reds are harder and more resistant to wear than the metal balls in the Swiss. But the Bones Swiss are built with higher quality steel races and a nylon ball retainer that adds strength, so they’re no slouch in the durability department either. I’ve seen both sets last years with proper cleaning. The Ceramic Reds might edge out the Swiss in longevity, but the Swiss are faster out of the box.
Can I use Bones Big Balls Reds for street skating?
Absolutely, and they might actually be better for street skating than the Swiss. The 17% larger balls in the Big Balls Reds are designed to roll through dirt and debris that would slow down smaller bearings, which is exactly what you deal with on rough pavement and dirty streets. Plus, you get 16 bearings for a full setup, so you’re not worried about trashing one. The trade-off is they’re not as fast as the Swiss on clean surfaces.
Are Bones Swiss bearings too expensive for casual skaters?
Yes, I think they are. The Bones Swiss are priced for competitive skaters who need every ounce of speed and durability. If you’re skating a few times a week at the park or just cruising around, the Big Balls Reds will give you great performance for less money, and you get 16 bearings in the box. Save the Swiss for races, competitions, or if you just want the best bearings money can buy.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Bones Swiss are my clear winner for competitive skaters — they’re faster out of the box with Speed Cream lubricant, stronger with a nylon ball retainer, and come in a full 16-pack with a 4.7-star rating. The Bones Ceramic Reds are the runner-up, perfect if you want Grade 5 ceramic balls for longer life and don’t mind buying two packs for a full setup.
If you’re stuck deciding between the Swiss and the Big Balls Reds, ask yourself this: do you want maximum speed for clean parks and competitions, or do you need bearings that plow through dirt and save you money? The Swiss win on speed, the Big Balls Reds win on value.
Winner: Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
- 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
This is for the competitive skater who wants the fastest roll and doesn’t want to compromise. The Speed Cream lubricant and nylon ball retainer make these the top performer in my tests.
Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic...
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
Best for skaters who want ceramic smoothness and longer life. The Grade 5 balls and higher quality steel races make these a durable pick, but you’ll need two packs for a full board.
Best Value: Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
- Higher Top Speed, Greater Strength, Longer Life, Easy Cleaning, Light...
- BIG BALLS, the newest member of our REDS family. BIG BALLS are engineered...
- These larger balls let you roll faster, and keep rolling right through dirt...
Perfect for budget-conscious skaters who still want great performance. The 17% larger balls handle dirt well, and you get 16 bearings in the box — enough for two boards.
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