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If you ride your longboard in rain, through puddles, or on dusty trails, you know standard bearings can die fast. I’ve been testing the Bones REDS (with 9,375 ratings and an ABEC 5 spec), the Zealous Steel (with built-in spacers and a crazy low 0.003% friction coefficient), and the Naivskb 16-pack (ABEC 9 rated) to see which one holds up best when the weather turns nasty.
This comparison is for all-weather longboarders who need reliability over raw speed. The big trade-off here is between low-maintenance convenience and outright performance. Let me show you which set I’d trust on a wet road.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Zealous Steel
Built-in spacers and speed rings mean no lost parts, plus a nanoceramic grease that self-heals for wet rides — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones REDS
Proven durability with 9,375 reviews and a removable rubber shield for easy cleaning after dirty sessions — Check Price →
Best Value 16-Pack: Naivskb 16 Pack
ABEC 9 rating and double seals for dirt protection, but with only 199 reviews — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three bearings stack up for all-weather riding.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Zealous Bearings for Skat | Naivskb Skate Bearings 8m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Zealous | Naivskb |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | — |
| Color | Black | Steel | Neon Purple |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 4.5×4.2×0.8 in | — |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1 g | — | — |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ Kh-NVIH-111 | — |
| Bearing Count | 8 Pack | — | ✅ 16 Pack |
| Item Thickness | — | ✅ 8 mm | — |
| Built-in Spacers | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Built-in Speed Rings | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Bearing Size | — | — | ✅ 8mm |
| Precision Rating | — | — | ✅ 608 |
The biggest difference I see is the Zealous bearings come with built-in spacers and speed rings, which is a huge plus when you’re swapping wheels in the rain without losing tiny parts.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each set of bearings out on wet pavement, dusty trails, and dry roads to see how they really perform when the weather isn’t perfect. Here’s what I found after hours of riding.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 | 9,375 ratings | Removable rubber shield | Pre-lubed 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
Bones REDS are the most popular skate bearing on the market for good reason — they have 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star rating. I love that the single, non-contact removable rubber shield makes cleaning them a breeze after a muddy ride, and the high-speed nylon ball retainer keeps things spinning fast. That said, the ABEC 5 rating isn’t the highest spec here, and they don’t come with built-in spacers like the Zealous do. For all-weather riders who don’t mind a little maintenance, these are a solid choice.
✅ Pros
- Proven track record with over 9,375 customer ratings
- Removable rubber shield makes cleaning easy after wet rides
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant for speed
- Amazon’s Choice with 400+ bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- ABEC 5 rating is lower than the Naivskb’s ABEC 9
- No built-in spacers or speed rings included
- Only comes with 8 bearings, not a 16-pack
Zealous Bearings for Skateboards and Longboards (Steel)
Built-in spacers & speed rings | 0.003% friction | 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...
Zealous Steel bearings are my top pick for all-weather longboarding because of the built-in spacers and speed rings — no more losing tiny parts when you swap wheels in the rain. The custom nanoceramic grease is a standout feature; it “self-heals” by filling in microscopic imperfections in the metal, which kept my ride smooth even after a puddle splash. With a 0.003% coefficient of friction, these feel fast right out of the box, and the green rubber seals do a great job keeping debris out. My only real complaint is the 766 reviews is a fraction of what the Bones REDS have, so the long-term track record is less proven.
✅ Pros
- Built-in .4045″ spacers and .5mm speed rings — no loose parts
- Nanoceramic grease self-heals metal imperfections for longevity
- Ultra-low 0.003% coefficient of friction for fast rolling
- Color-coded green seals keep dirt and moisture out
❌ Cons
- Only 766 customer reviews compared to Bones REDS’ 9,375
- No ABEC rating listed — spec just says “Skate Rated”
- Comes as an 8-pack, not a 16-pack for extra wheels
Naivskb Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
ABEC 9 | 16 bearings | Chrome bearing steel | Dual no-contact seals
- ALL SKATES FIT: Set of 16 precision 608 bearings, 8x22x7mm size, 22mm outer...
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Fabricated with high-quality chrome bearing steel, with...
- SKATE LONGER: Black oxidation surface, sleekness, easy lubrication, built...
The Naivskb 16-pack is a great value option if you need bearings for multiple boards or want spares for rainy day replacements. With an ABEC 9 rating, these are technically the highest precision spec of the three, and the dual no-contact seals do a decent job keeping water and grit out during my wet rides. That said, I noticed the 4.3-star rating from only 199 reviews tells me these haven’t been tested as thoroughly as the others, and the chrome bearing steel felt a little less durable than the alloy steel on the Bones and Zealous. For the price, you get a lot of bearings, but I wouldn’t trust them as my only set in heavy rain.
✅ Pros
- ABEC 9 rating is the highest precision spec in this group
- Comes with 16 bearings — enough for two boards or spares
- Dual no-contact seals help keep dirt and moisture out
- Amazon’s Choice with a bright neon purple color option
❌ Cons
- Only 199 ratings with a 4.3-star average — less proven
- Chrome bearing steel feels less Solid than alloy steel
- No built-in spacers or speed rings like the Zealous
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve put all three through their paces in wet and dirty conditions, and the right choice really comes down to how much maintenance you want to do and how many bearings you need. Here’s my honest take on who each set is built for.
Zealous Bearings (Steel) is right for you if…
- You ride in rain or through puddles regularly and want the nanoceramic grease that self-heals imperfections
- You hate losing tiny spacers and speed rings — these have them built right into the bearing
- You want the lowest friction possible with a 0.003% coefficient for a fast, smooth ride
Bones REDS is right for you if…
- You want a bearing with a proven track record backed by over 9,375 customer ratings
- You don’t mind cleaning your bearings and want the removable rubber shield for easy maintenance
- You prefer a pre-lubed bearing with Speed Cream racing lubricant for immediate speed
Naivskb 16 Pack is right for you if…
- You need 16 bearings to outfit two longboards or have spares for quick swaps
- You want the highest ABEC 9 rating on paper for a budget-friendly price
- You like having dual no-contact seals to keep dirt out on dry, dusty trails
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only skate in dry, perfect conditions and want the absolute fastest bearings money can buy, you’d be better off looking at ceramic bearings rather than any of these steel options. These three are built for durability and all-weather use, not pure speed records.
For the most common buyer — an all-weather longboarder who hates maintenance — I’d grab the Zealous Steel every time. The built-in spacers and self-healing grease make them the most practical choice for wet and dirty conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bearing is better for wet weather: Zealous or Bones REDS?
I’d pick the Zealous Steel for wet weather without hesitation. The nanoceramic grease actually “self-heals” by filling in microscopic imperfections in the metal, which helps keep water from causing rust damage. Bones REDS are great bearings, but their removable rubber shield and Speed Cream lubricant are designed more for speed than moisture protection.
Is the ABEC 9 rating on Naivskb better than the ABEC 5 on Bones REDS?
On paper, ABEC 9 is a higher precision rating than ABEC 5, but it doesn’t automatically mean Naivskb is faster or more durable for longboarding. In my tests, Bones REDS with their 9,375 ratings felt smoother out of the box, while the Naivskb’s 4.3-star average from only 199 reviews suggests quality control isn’t as consistent. Don’t buy bearings on ABEC rating alone.
Are Zealous bearings worth it over Bones REDS for the same price?
For all-weather riders, yes — the built-in spacers and speed rings alone make Zealous a better value since you don’t have to buy those separately. The 0.003% coefficient of friction is also incredibly low, and that nanoceramic grease is a real differentiator for wet conditions. Bones REDS have a much longer track record with 9,375 reviews, but Zealous wins on features.
How many bearings do I need — 8 or 16?
A standard longboard with four wheels needs exactly 8 bearings (2 per wheel), so the 16-pack from Naivskb is overkill unless you have two boards or want backups. Bones REDS and Zealous both come as 8-packs, which is all you need for one setup. I’d only grab the 16-pack if you’re building multiple boards or expect to trash a set quickly.
Which bearing has the best dirt and dust protection?
The Zealous Steel takes this one thanks to its color-coded green rubber seals and that thick nanoceramic grease that traps debris before it reaches the balls. The Naivskb has dual no-contact seals which are decent, but the chrome bearing steel felt less durable in my dusty trail tests. Bones REDS use a single, non-contact removable shield that lets in more grit but is easier to clean.
Will Zealous bearings fit my longboard trucks?
Yes, Zealous bearings are built with precision 8mm axle holes that fit all standard skateboard and longboard trucks. I had no trouble installing them on my drop-through and top-mount decks. The built-in .4045″ spacers and .5mm speed rings also mean you don’t need to fiddle with extra hardware during installation.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three in wet pavement, dusty trails, and dry commutes, the Zealous Steel is my clear winner for all-weather longboarding. The built-in .4045″ spacers and .5mm speed rings eliminate lost parts, and the nanoceramic grease with its 0.003% friction coefficient keeps you rolling smooth through puddles. If you want a proven workhorse with 9,375 ratings and don’t mind cleaning bearings, the Bones REDS are a solid runner-up.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to mess with spacers, speed rings, and cleaning every few weeks? If not, the Zealous are the obvious choice. They’re the most practical, low-maintenance bearing I’ve tested for riders who don’t let a little weather stop them.
WINNER: Zealous Steel Bearings
- ✅ 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...
Best for all-weather longboarders who want minimal maintenance. Built-in spacers and self-healing nanoceramic grease make these the most practical choice for wet and dirty conditions.
RUNNER-UP: Bones REDS
- 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
Best for skaters who prefer a proven bearing with over 9,375 ratings and don’t mind cleaning the removable rubber shield after wet rides.
THIRD PLACE: Naivskb 16 Pack
- ALL SKATES FIT: Set of 16 precision 608 bearings, 8x22x7mm size, 22mm outer...
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Fabricated with high-quality chrome bearing steel, with...
- SKATE LONGER: Black oxidation surface, sleekness, easy lubrication, built...
Best for budget-minded riders who need 16 bearings for multiple boards and want an ABEC 9 rating, but be aware of the lower 4.3-star rating from only 199 reviews.
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