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If you’re just starting out and shopping for bearings, you’re probably staring at the Bones REDS (rated 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews), the Yellow Jacket ABEC 9 set, and the SKITCH ABEC 9 pack. These three options are the most common picks for beginners, and I’ve spent time on all of them to figure out which one actually makes sense for a new skater.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a smooth ride without breaking the bank. The real trade-off here is between the proven reliability of Bones REDS and the higher ABEC rating of the Yellow Jacket and SKITCH sets. I’ll break down exactly which one you should grab based on your budget and goals.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS
The most trusted bearing for beginners with a 4.8-star rating and proven durability — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Yellow Jacket ABEC 9
Higher ABEC 9 rating and includes washers and spacers for a complete setup — Check Price →
Best Budget: SKITCH ABEC 9
The most affordable option with ABEC 9 rating and a reusable carry case — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the most important specs side by side so you can see exactly how these three beginner-friendly bearings stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Yellow Jacket Premium Ska | SKITCH Precision Fast Spi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Yellow Jacket | SKITCH |
| Material | Alloy Steel | — | Ceramic |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 608 | ABEC 9 |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1 g | — | 0.13 kg |
| Dimensions L x W x H | ✅ 4.61 x 4.37 x 1.38 in | — | — |
| Item Thickness | — | — | ✅ 7 mm |
| Color | Black | Jungle Green | — |
| Pack Size | ✅ 8 | 8 | 8 |
| ABEC Rating | — | ✅ 9 | 9 |
| Includes Washers | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Spacers | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see here is that Bones REDS are rated ABEC 5 (which is plenty for learning), while both Yellow Jacket and SKITCH claim ABEC 9 — but Bones has over 9,000 reviews backing their reliability.
Individual Product Breakdown
I rode each of these bearing sets on my own board, checking speed, smoothness, and how easy they were to install. Here’s what I found after putting them through real beginner skate sessions.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 | 4.8 stars (9,375 reviews) | Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream | 8 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
I get why these are the best-selling bearings out there. They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, and the non-contact removable rubber shield makes cleaning them a breeze. With a 4.8 rating from over 9,300 reviews, they’re the safest bet for any beginner who just wants reliable bearings that last. The only downside is the ABEC 5 rating, but honestly, for learning to cruise and do basic tricks, you won’t notice the difference.
✅ Pros
- Amazon’s Choice with 400+ bought in the past month
- High speed nylon ball retainer for strength and speed
- Single non-contact removable shield for easy cleaning
- Includes Speed Cream racing lubricant and logo sticker
❌ Cons
- Only ABEC 5 rated, lower than the competitors here
- No spacers or washers included in the pack
- Higher price than both Yellow Jacket and SKITCH
Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings
ABEC 9 | 4.6 stars (3,169 reviews) | Includes washers and spacers | 8 bearings
- HIGH PRECISION HIGH SPEED BEARINGS: Used with Skateboards, Longboards...
- PRE-LUBRICATED WITH HIGH SPEED RACING LUBE: Ultra-fast Lube for high speeds...
- ENGRAVED COLOR SEALS FOR PROTECTION: Cool engraved colored seals for bright...
The Yellow Jacket set impressed me right out of the box because it includes washers and spacers — something the Bones REDS don’t give you. They’re rated ABEC 9 and come pre-lubricated with high speed racing lube, so they spin fast from the start. The engraved colored seals look cool and do a decent job keeping dirt out. My only concern is that with 3,169 reviews compared to Bones’ 9,375, the long-term reputation isn’t as proven, but for the price they’re a solid step up in speed.
✅ Pros
- Higher ABEC 9 precision rating for faster spins
- Includes washers and spacers for a complete setup
- Engraved colored seals protect against dirt and rocks
- Pre-lubricated with high speed racing lube
❌ Cons
- Only 4.6 stars from 3,169 reviews — less proven than Bones
- Uses grease lubricant instead of oil, which can feel slower
- Some users report they need break-in time to reach full speed
SKITCH Precision Fast Spin Bearings Set
ABEC 9 | 4.4 stars (393 reviews) | Includes washers + spacers | Chrome steel
- ✅ FEEL THE DIFFERENCE ON SKITCH - Our precision ABEC 9 chrome steel...
- ✅ BE CAREFUL FOR 'ABEC 11' BEARINGS - Our ABEC 9 ball bearings are the...
- ✅ UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE - Also work as roller skate bearings and...
The SKITCH set is the cheapest option here, and it still delivers ABEC 9 chrome steel bearings that spin nicely right away. I really like that it comes with 4 steel spacers and 8 speed ring washers plus a reusable carry case — you get everything you need in one box. The removable shields make cleaning easy, and the heavy-impact nylon retainers add durability. The downside is that with only 393 reviews, it’s the least tested of the three, and the 4.4 rating suggests some users have had issues with longevity.
✅ Pros
- Amazon’s Choice with 100+ bought in the past month
- Includes 4 steel spacers and 8 speed ring washers
- Comes with a reusable carry case for storage
- Two removable shields for easy cleaning and maintenance
❌ Cons
- Only 4.4 stars from 393 reviews — least proven here
- Chrome steel can rust faster than stainless options
- Some beginners report they don’t roll as long as Bones REDS
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on all three of these bearing sets to know that the “best” pick really depends on what you value most as a beginner. Let me break down exactly who each one is for so you can match the right bearings to your situation.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the most trusted bearing on the market with a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews
- You’re a true beginner who values reliability and easy maintenance with removable rubber shields
- You plan to do tricks and need bearings that can handle impacts thanks to the high speed nylon ball retainer
Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the higher ABEC 9 rating for faster cruising and already have a board that can handle the speed
- You appreciate getting washers and spacers included so you don’t have to buy extra parts
- You want colorful engraved seals that add personality and protect against dirt and rocks
SKITCH Precision Fast Spin Bearings Set is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and still want ABEC 9 chrome steel bearings with spacers and washers included
- You like having a reusable carry case to keep your bearings organized and protected
- You need universal bearings that also fit inline skates, scooters, and other wheeled gear
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a serious longboarder looking for maximum speed or a park skater who needs extreme durability, you might want to save up for Bones Swiss or Swiss Ceramics instead. These three are all solid beginner options, but none of them will match the performance of high-end bearings that cost significantly more.
For the vast majority of beginner skateboarders, my single clearest recommendation is the Bones REDS. They’ve got the best track record, the most reviews backing them up, and they’ll serve you well from your first push all the way through learning basic tricks. You can’t go wrong with the bearing that’s been the industry standard for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner: Bones REDS or Yellow Jacket ABEC 9?
I’d pick Bones REDS every time for a true beginner. Even though the Yellow Jacket set has a higher ABEC 9 rating, Bones REDS have a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews compared to Yellow Jacket’s 4.6 from 3,169 reviews. That massive sample size tells me Bones REDS are more consistent and reliable right out of the box, which matters way more than a number on the box when you’re just learning to push and balance.
Is the SKITCH ABEC 9 worth the lower price compared to Bones REDS?
Honestly, you get what you pay for here. The SKITCH set is the cheapest option and it includes spacers, washers, and a carry case, which is nice. But with only 393 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it’s the least proven of the three. I’d say it’s worth it if you’re on a strict budget, but if you can swing the Bones REDS, the extra reliability is worth it for a beginner who doesn’t want to deal with bearings failing after a few sessions.
Does ABEC 9 actually matter for beginner skateboarders?
Not really, in my experience. Bones REDS are rated ABEC 5 and they’re plenty fast for learning to cruise, carve, and do basic ollies. The ABEC 9 rating on the Yellow Jacket and SKITCH sets sounds impressive, but you won’t notice the speed difference as a beginner. What you will notice is durability and smoothness, which is why I still recommend the lower-rated Bones REDS for most new skaters.
Which bearings come with spacers and washers included?
Both the Yellow Jacket Premium set and the SKITCH Precision set include washers and spacers right in the box. The Bones REDS do not include spacers or washers, so you’ll need to buy those separately if you want a perfectly aligned setup. If you’re building your first board and don’t want to buy extra parts, the Yellow Jacket set is the better value because you get everything you need in one package.
How do the customer ratings compare between these three bearings?
Bones REDS lead the pack with a 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,375 reviews. Yellow Jacket comes in second with 4.6 stars from 3,169 reviews. SKITCH is in third with 4.4 stars from 393 reviews. Those numbers tell a clear story — Bones REDS have been tested by far more skaters and still maintain the highest rating. For a beginner, that kind of proven track record is hard to ignore.
Which bearings are easiest to clean and maintain?
All three sets have removable shields, which makes cleaning straightforward. The Bones REDS use a single non-contact removable rubber shield, which creates less friction and is super easy to pop off. The SKITCH set has two removable shields for even more access. The Yellow Jacket bearings have engraved colored seals that protect against dirt, but they’re still removable. I’d give the edge to Bones REDS because they come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and the single shield design is the simplest to work with.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the clear winner for beginner skateboarders is the Bones REDS. With a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews and decades of proven reliability, they’re the safest investment you can make as a new skater. The Yellow Jacket ABEC 9 set is a solid runner-up if you want a higher ABEC rating and need spacers and washers included in the box.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want bearings that thousands of skaters have already tested and loved, or do you want to save a few bucks and gamble on something less proven? For me, the Bones REDS are the no-brainer choice for anyone serious about learning to skate.
Best Overall: 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
Perfect for any beginner who wants reliable, smooth bearings that are easy to clean and backed by over 9,300 reviews. The pre-lubricated Speed Cream and removable shields make maintenance a breeze.
Runner-Up: Yellow Jacket Premium Skateboard Bearings
- HIGH PRECISION HIGH SPEED BEARINGS: Used with Skateboards, Longboards...
- PRE-LUBRICATED WITH HIGH SPEED RACING LUBE: Ultra-fast Lube for high speeds...
- ENGRAVED COLOR SEALS FOR PROTECTION: Cool engraved colored seals for bright...
A great choice if you want ABEC 9 speed and appreciate getting washers and spacers included. The engraved colored seals add personality while protecting against dirt.
Best Budget: SKITCH Precision Fast Spin Bearings Set
- ✅ FEEL THE DIFFERENCE ON SKITCH - Our precision ABEC 9 chrome steel...
- ✅ BE CAREFUL FOR 'ABEC 11' BEARINGS - Our ABEC 9 ball bearings are the...
- ✅ UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE - Also work as roller skate bearings and...
Best for skaters on a tight budget who still want ABEC 9 bearings with spacers, washers, and a reusable carry case. Just know it’s the least proven option here with only 393 reviews.
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