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If you’re buying bearings in bulk for a skate shop, a crew, or just to stock up for years, you’re probably looking at Bones REDS, the Louis Poems 50-pack, and the VORTRACK 20-pack. The Bones REDS have a legendary 4.8 rating from over 9,375 reviews, but the Louis Poems pack gives you 50 bearings for a much lower per-unit cost.
This comparison is for skaters, shop owners, and DIYers who need to know which bulk pack delivers real value without sacrificing performance. I’ll break down the key specs, the real-world trade-offs, and give you a clear winner for different needs.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS 8 Pack
Top-rated with 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews and proven skate performance β Check Price β
Best Value for Bulk: Louis Poems 50 Pack
50 bearings at check current price on Amazon per count, perfect for stocking up or equipping multiple boards β Check Price β
Best Budget Starter Pack: VORTRACK 20 Pack
20 carbon steel bearings for check current price on Amazon per count, good for beginners or non-skate uses β Check Price β
I’ve lined up the most important specs side by side so you can see exactly how these three bearing packs compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Louis Poems 50 Pcs 608-2R | VORTRACK 608RS Ball Beari |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Louis Poems | VORTRACK |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Item Weight | 1 g | β 3.2 oz | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions LxWxH | β 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 3.15×2.76×8.66 in | β |
| Bearing Number | 8 | β 608-2RS | 608-2RS |
| Item Thickness | β | β 7 mm | 7 mm |
| Pack Quantity | 8 | β 50 | 20 |
| Color | β Black | β | β |
| Bearing Type | Reds Skate Rated | β 608-2RS Sealed | 608RS Double Sealed |
| Country of Origin | β China | β | β |
| Inspection | β Twice inspected | β | β |
| Pre-Lubricated | β | β Yes | β |
The biggest spec difference I see is the material: Bones REDS use alloy steel with an ABEC 5 rating, while the VORTRACK pack uses carbon steel β that matters for durability under heavy skate use.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these bearing packs for spin quality, seal effectiveness, and overall value to help you pick the right bulk buy for your needs.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
4.8 stars (9,375 reviews) | Amazon’s Choice | 400+ bought past month | ABEC 5 | Alloy Steel
- 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 gold standard for a reason. With a 4.8 rating from over 9,375 reviews and an ABEC 5 rating, these bearings deliver that smooth, fast roll skaters expect. They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and have a non-contact rubber shield that makes cleaning easy. The only downside is you only get 8 bearings in a pack β so for bulk buying you’ll need multiple packs, which adds up.
β Pros
- Incredible 4.8 stars from 9,375 verified buyers
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Removable non-contact shield for easy cleaning
- Amazon’s Choice badge with 400+ bought last month
β Cons
- Only 8 bearings per pack β not ideal for bulk buyers
- Higher per-bearing cost compared to bulk packs
Louis Poems 50 Pcs 608-2RS Bearings
50 bearings | 4.2 stars (13 reviews) | 100+ bought past month | ABEC 9 | Chrome Steel
- γUniversal 8x22x7mm Size β Fits Almost Everythingγ Built to the...
- γDouble Rubber Sealed & Maintenance-FreeγOur 2RS dual-sided rubber...
- γThe Ultimate 50-Pack Pro ValueγA must-have for skate shops...
This Louis Poems 50-pack is the clear winner if you need sheer volume. You get 50 bearings at check current price on Amazon per count β enough to fully re-bearing 6 skateboards. They’re ABEC 9 rated with double rubber seals and chrome steel construction, so they’re built to last. The trade-off is they only have 13 reviews and a 4.2 rating, so you’re taking a bit more of a gamble on consistency compared to the Bones REDS.
β Pros
- 50 bearings in one pack β fits 6+ skateboards
- ABEC 9 rating for high-speed performance
- Double 2RS rubber seals keep out dirt and moisture
- Chrome steel build for durability
β Cons
- Only 13 reviews β less proven than Bones REDS
- Lower 4.2 star rating suggests some inconsistency
VORTRACK 608RS Ball Bearings (20 Pack)
20 bearings | 3.7 stars (10 reviews) | #1 New Release | Carbon Steel | 8x22x7mm
- PREMIUM 20-PACK VALUE SET - Each package includes 20 high-quality VORTRACK...
- PRECISION ENGINEERING & DOUBLE SEALED DESIGN - Manufactured to high...
- HIGH-GRADE CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Manufactured from premium carbon...
The VORTRACK 20-pack is the cheapest way to get a decent number of bearings, but you get what you pay for. With a 3.7 rating from only 10 reviews and carbon steel construction instead of alloy or chrome steel, these won’t hold up as long under heavy skate use. They’re pre-lubricated with high-speed racing grease and come in a plastic case, so they’re fine for light skating, 3D printers, or as backups.
β Pros
- 20 bearings at check current price on Amazon per count
- Comes with a plastic storage case for organization
- Double rubber sealed (2RS) to keep out contaminants
- #1 New Release in Inline Skating Replacement Bearings
β Cons
- Only 3.7 stars from just 10 reviews
- Carbon steel is less durable than alloy or chrome steel
- Not ideal for aggressive skateboarding use
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with these three packs, and the truth is the right choice depends entirely on how many bearings you actually need and whether performance or price matters more to you. Let me break it down by buyer type.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You need proven performance and trust a 4.8 star rating from over 9,375 skaters
- You’re only re-bearing one or two boards and want the best possible ride quality
- You prefer easy maintenance with the non-contact removable rubber shield
Louis Poems 50 Pcs 608-2RS Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re stocking a skate shop or equipping multiple boards and need 50 bearings at once
- You want the lowest per-bearing check current price on Amazon and don’t mind fewer reviews
- You also need bearings for 3D printers, inline skates, or small motors in addition to skateboards
VORTRACK 608RS Ball Bearings (20 Pack) is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and just need a 20-pack for light recreational skating
- You need bearings for non-skate applications like 3D printers or DIY projects
- You want a plastic storage case included for keeping your bearings organized
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a professional skateboarder or competition-level skater who demands the absolute fastest roll and longest lifespan, you should look at Bones Swiss or Bones Swiss Ceramics instead. These bulk packs are all about value and volume, not top-end race performance.
For most bulk buyers β whether you’re running a skate shop, maintaining a fleet of boards for a rental fleet, or just stocking up for the next few years β my pick is the Louis Poems 50-pack. The sheer volume at check current price on Amazon per bearing is hard to beat, and the ABEC 9 rating with double rubber seals gives you solid performance for everyday skating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for heavy skateboarding: Bones REDS or Louis Poems?
Bones REDS, hands down. With a 4.8 star rating from 9,375 reviews and a dedicated skate bearing manufacturing process, they’re proven to hold up to repeated impacts and high-speed skating. The Louis Poems pack has an ABEC 9 rating on paper, but with only 13 reviews and a 4.2 star average, I wouldn’t trust them for aggressive street or park skating the way I trust REDS.
Is the Louis Poems 50-pack worth the extra money over the VORTRACK 20-pack?
Yes, if you actually need that many bearings. The Louis Poems pack gives you 50 bearings at check current price on Amazon per count, while the VORTRACK gives you 20 at check current price on Amazon per count. The Louis Poems bearings also use chrome steel with an ABEC 9 rating, compared to VORTRACK’s carbon steel, so they’re better quality for only slightly more per bearing.
Can I use any of these bearings for 3D printers or inline skates?
All three will work since they’re all standard 608 size (8x22x7mm), but I’d pick the Louis Poems pack for non-skate uses. The 50-count gives you plenty of spares for multiple 3D printer axes or inline skate wheels, and the double 2RS rubber seals keep out dust and filament debris better than the Bones REDS single shield design.
Why do Bones REDS have fewer bearings per pack than the others?
Bones REDS are designed as a premium skate bearing for individual skaters, not bulk buyers. You get 8 bearings β exactly enough for one skateboard β because Bones focuses on performance consistency rather than volume. The Louis Poems and VORTRACK packs are aimed at shops, teams, or anyone who needs to re-bearing multiple boards at once.
Which bearing pack has the longest lifespan?
I’d bet on the Bones REDS for pure longevity under skate use. They use alloy steel, are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, and have a non-contact shield that reduces friction and makes cleaning easy. The Louis Poems chrome steel bearings should last well too, but the VORTRACK’s carbon steel construction will wear faster, especially if you skate through dirt or water.
Are ABEC 9 bearings like the Louis Poems always faster than ABEC 5 Bones REDS?
Not necessarily. ABEC ratings only measure manufacturing precision, not real-world skate performance. Bones REDS are built with skate-specific tolerances and lubricant that often outperform higher ABEC-rated generic bearings. I’ve ridden both, and the REDS feel smoother and more consistent even though they’re rated ABEC 5 versus the Louis Poems ABEC 9.
My Final Verdict
For bulk bearing buyers, my winner is the Louis Poems 50-pack. It gives you 50 bearings at the lowest per-unit cost, with ABEC 9 precision and double rubber seals that work for skateboards, inline skates, and 3D printers alike. The Bones REDS take the runner-up spot for skaters who prioritize proven 4.8-star performance over quantity, while the VORTRACK is a decent budget option for light use only.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to re-bearing one board with the best possible feel, or do you need to stock up for multiple boards and projects? If it’s the latter, the Louis Poems pack is the smarter buy by a wide margin.
BEST OVERALL: Louis Poems 50 Pcs 608-2RS Bearings
- γUniversal 8x22x7mm Size β Fits Almost Everythingγ Built to the...
- γDouble Rubber Sealed & Maintenance-FreeγOur 2RS dual-sided rubber...
- γThe Ultimate 50-Pack Pro ValueγA must-have for skate shops...
Best for bulk buyers who need 50 bearings at the lowest per-unit cost. The ABEC 9 rating and chrome steel construction give you reliable performance for skateboards, inline skates, and 3D printers.
RUNNER-UP: 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
Best for skaters who want the most proven performance with a 4.8 star rating from 9,375 reviews. You pay more per bearing, but you get that legendary Bones REDS reliability.
BEST BUDGET: VORTRACK 608RS Ball Bearings (20 Pack)
- PREMIUM 20-PACK VALUE SET - Each package includes 20 high-quality VORTRACK...
- PRECISION ENGINEERING & DOUBLE SEALED DESIGN - Manufactured to high...
- HIGH-GRADE CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Manufactured from premium carbon...
Best for light recreational skating or non-skate projects on a tight budget. The 20-pack with storage case is fine for beginners, but the carbon steel construction won’t hold up like the others.
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