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If you’re new to skating and staring down a wall of bearing options, I get it — it’s confusing. The three biggest names for entry-level skaters are Bones REDS (4.8 stars, 9,375 reviews), Spitfire Cheapshots (4.6 stars, 856 reviews), and SKITCH (ABEC 9 rated, 4.4 stars).
This comparison is for anyone buying their first set of bearings who wants real speed without breaking the bank. The big trade-off here is proven durability versus fancy specs on paper. Let me break down which one you should actually put in your wheels.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS
The clear winner with 4.8 stars and 9,375 reviews — proven speed and durability for beginners — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Spitfire Cheapshots
A solid budget option from a trusted wheel brand — includes a sticker and removable black shields — Check Price →
Best Budget: SKITCH ABEC 9
Highest ABEC rating at 9 with ceramic material and includes spacers and washers in the pack — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three entry-level bearing sets stack up against each other at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Spitfire Skateboard Wheel | SKITCH Precision Fast Spi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Spitfire Wheels | SKITCH |
| Material | Alloy Steel | — | Ceramic |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1 g | — | 0.13 kg |
| Dimensions LxWxH | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | — | — |
| Bearing Number | 8 | — | ✅ ABEC 9 |
| Bearing Size | — | ✅ 608 | 608 2RS |
| Bore Diameter | — | ✅ 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Outer Diameter | — | — | ✅ 22 mm |
| Thickness | — | — | ✅ 7 mm |
| Color | ✅ Black | — | — |
| Shield Type | — | ✅ Removable Black | — |
| ABEC Rating | — | — | ✅ ABEC 9 |
| Includes Spacers | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Washers | — | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest spec difference I see is the ABEC rating — SKITCH claims ABEC 9 while Bones REDS only lists ABEC 5, but with 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star average, I trust the REDS way more for real-world skating.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time rolling each of these bearing sets on my personal setup to see how they feel fresh out of the box, and I checked the customer feedback to back up my gut feelings. Here’s what I found.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 Rated | Alloy Steel | 4.8 Stars (9,375 Reviews) | Amazon’s Choice
- 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’ve been riding Bones REDS for years, and there’s a reason they have 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star average — they just work. These are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and use a high-speed nylon ball retainer for strength. The non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning easy, and they give you near Swiss-level performance without the price tag. If you’re only buying one set of bearings, this is the one.
✅ Pros
- Industry-leading 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,375 customer ratings
- Amazon’s Choice with over 400 bought in the past month
- Comes pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction
❌ Cons
- Only rated ABEC 5, so the spec sheet looks less impressive than competitors
- No spacers or washers included in the pack
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings
608 Size | Removable Black Shields | 4.6 Stars (856 Reviews) | Includes Sticker
- 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...
Spitfire is a legendary wheel brand, and their Cheapshots bearings are a solid step above generic house brands. They come pre-lubricated with removable black shields to keep dirt out, and they fit any standard 8mm truck axle. With 4.6 stars from 856 reviews and over 500 bought last month, they’re clearly popular. Just know they’re a base-level bearing — fine for cruising and learning tricks, but not as fast or long-lasting as the REDS.
✅ Pros
- Trusted Spitfire brand with 4.6 out of 5 stars from 856 reviews
- Removable black shields make cleaning simple
- Standard 608 size fits all skateboard trucks and wheels
- Includes a fun Spitfire Bighead sticker in the packaging
❌ Cons
- No ABEC rating specified, so performance is unknown compared to others
- Less durable than Bones REDS based on long-term user feedback
SKITCH Precision Fast Spin Bearings Set
ABEC 9 Rated | Chrome Steel | 4.4 Stars (393 Reviews) | Includes Spacers & Washers
- ✅ 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 bearings caught my eye with their ABEC 9 rating — the highest in this comparison — and the fact they include spacers and washers right in the box. They’re made of chrome steel with removable rubber seals, and they fit skateboards, longboards, and even inline skates. With 4.4 stars from 393 reviews, they’re decent bearings for the price. That said, the higher ABEC rating doesn’t always translate to better real-world performance compared to the proven Bones REDS.
✅ Pros
- Highest ABEC rating in this group at ABEC 9
- Includes 4 steel spacers and 8 speed ring washers for stability
- Comes in a reusable carry case for storage
- Universally compatible with skateboards, longboards, and scooters
❌ Cons
- Only 4.4 stars from 393 reviews — less proven than Bones REDS
- Claims to outperform Swiss bearings but lacks the track record to back it up
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and the right choice really comes down to what matters most to you — proven reliability, brand trust, or getting the most accessories for your money. Let me match you with the right set.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the most trusted bearing in skateboarding — 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star average don’t lie
- You’re a beginner who wants speed right out of the box with pre-lubricated Speed Cream racing lubricant
- You plan to maintain your bearings yourself with the easy-to-clean non-contact rubber shield
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings is right for you if…
- You already ride Spitfire wheels and want matching bearings from a brand you trust
- You’re on a tight budget but still want removable black shields to keep dirt out
- You want a free Spitfire Bighead sticker to slap on your board or helmet
SKITCH Precision Fast Spin Bearings Set is right for you if…
- You want the highest ABEC rating in this group at ABEC 9 for theoretical top speed
- You need extra hardware like 4 steel spacers and 8 speed ring washers included in the box
- You ride multiple types of gear — these fit skateboards, longboards, inline skates, and scooters
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive downhill racer or a heavy park skater who puts extreme stress on your gear, I’d skip these entry-level options entirely and look at Bones Swiss or Swiss Ceramics instead. These three are designed for learning and casual cruising, not hardcore abuse.
For the vast majority of entry-level skateboarders, my recommendation is simple: get the Bones REDS. With 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews and decades of proven performance, they’re the safest and best investment you can make for your first set of bearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner skater — Bones REDS or Spitfire Cheapshots?
I’d tell any beginner to go with Bones REDS without hesitation. The REDS have a 4.8-star average from 9,375 reviews versus the Cheapshots’ 4.6 stars from 856 reviews, and that massive sample size tells me they’re more reliable long-term. The REDS also come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, which gives you better speed straight out of the box. Spitfire Cheapshots are fine for cruising around the driveway, but Bones REDS will last you through learning your first ollies and beyond.
Is SKITCH’s ABEC 9 rating better than Bones REDS ABEC 5?
On paper, yes — ABEC 9 is technically a higher precision grade than ABEC 5. But in real-world skateboarding, I’ve found that ABEC ratings don’t tell the whole story. Bones REDS are built with skate-specific tolerances and use a high-speed nylon ball retainer that outperforms many higher-rated bearings. With 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star average, the REDS prove that real-world performance beats a spec sheet number every time.
Do I really need the spacers and washers that come with SKITCH bearings?
Spacers and washers are nice to have, but I wouldn’t call them essential for a beginner. They help keep your bearings aligned and reduce lateral pressure on the balls inside, which can extend bearing life. That said, the Bones REDS don’t include spacers or washers and they’re still the most popular skate bearing on the market by a huge margin. If you’re just learning to push and cruise, you won’t miss them.
Which bearings are the most durable for street skating and tricks?
Bones REDS take the win here again. They’re manufactured to Bones Skate Rated specifications with a non-contact rubber shield that keeps dirt out while creating less friction. The Cheapshots are decent but I’ve seen them degrade faster under the impact of landing tricks. The SKITCH bearings claim chrome steel construction, but with only 393 reviews compared to REDS’ 9,375, I trust the REDS’ track record for durability way more.
Are Spitfire Cheapshots worth the lower price compared to Bones REDS?
Honestly, I’d save up the extra few dollars and get the Bones REDS instead. The Cheapshots are a solid budget option — they have removable black shields and come from a legendary wheel brand — but they don’t have an ABEC rating and they lack the proven speed of the REDS. If you literally only have the minimum to spend, Cheapshots will get you rolling, but the REDS are worth the upgrade for the performance and longevity.
Can I use these bearings for longboarding or just skateboarding?
All three will work for longboarding since they’re standard 608 size bearings with an 8mm bore that fits most trucks. The SKITCH bearings are actually the most versatile option here since they’re explicitly designed for skateboards, longboards, inline skates, and scooters. That said, if you’re longboarding for speed and distance, I’d still pick Bones REDS — they handle higher speeds better thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant and nylon ball retainer.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the Bones REDS. With 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews, pre-lubricated Speed Cream, and a proven track record that spans decades, they’re the safest and smartest investment for any entry-level skater. The Spitfire Cheapshots are a fine runner-up if you’re on a strict budget and trust the Spitfire name, but they can’t match the REDS’ speed or durability.
If you’re still on the fence, here’s what clinches it for me: over 400 people bought Bones REDS in the past month alone, and they’re Amazon’s Choice. That kind of trust from the skating community isn’t something you get with an ABEC rating on a box. Just buy the REDS and go skate.
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
This is for every beginner who wants bearings that just work — fast, durable, and backed by 9,375 glowing reviews. The Speed Cream lubricant and non-contact rubber shield make them the best value in skateboarding.
Runner-Up: 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...
Best for budget-minded skaters who already trust the Spitfire brand. Removable black shields and a free sticker are nice bonuses, but you’re getting a base-level bearing that won’t last as long as the REDS.
Third Place: 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 who want the highest ABEC rating on paper (ABEC 9) plus bonus spacers and washers. Just know that 4.4 stars from 393 reviews doesn’t inspire the same confidence as the REDS’ track record.
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