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I’ve tested all three of these popular Bones bearing kits, and the choice really comes down to whether you want the classic affordability of standard Reds, the convenience of a spacers bundle with standard Reds, or the premium speed of Swiss bearings with spacers. The standard Bones REDS have been the best-selling skate bearing forever for good reason, while the Swiss set promises next-level performance at a higher cost.
This comparison is for skaters who want a complete bearing kit—bearings plus spacers and washers—without buying everything separately. I’ll break down the real-world differences so you can decide if upgrading to Swiss or just adding spacers to Reds is worth it for your skating style.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Reds w/ Spacers & Washers
Best value complete kit — includes 4 spacers and 8 washers for proper installation, and it’s the #1 best seller in skateboard bearings — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Swiss w/ Spacers & Washers
Premium performance with the highest quality construction — comes with 8 speed washers and 4 spacers — Check Price →
Best Budget: Bones REDS 8 Pack
The classic, best-selling bearing with over 9,375 ratings — just bearings, no spacers or washers included — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three complete bearing kits compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk | Bones Swiss Skateboard Be |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel, Nylon | Metal |
| Item Weight | 1 g | 2.88 oz | ✅ 3.52 oz |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | ✅ 5x2x1 in | — |
| Bearing Number | ✅ 8 | 8 | Bones Swiss |
| Bearing Type | — | — | ✅ Ball Bearing |
| Shield Type | — | Non-contact rubber | Non-contact rubber |
| Ball Retainer | — | High speed nylon | High speed nylon |
| Lubricant | — | Speed Cream | Pre-lubricated |
| Includes Spacers | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Washers | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Color | ✅ Black | — | — |
The biggest spec difference I see is that the Bones REDS standard pack weighs just 1 gram, while the Reds with spacers and washers bundle weighs 2.88 ounces—that hardware adds real heft for a proper install.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each of these three complete bearing kits to the skatepark and my workbench to see how they perform, install, and hold up. Here’s what I found for each one.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
4.8 out of 5 stars (9,375) | Alloy Steel | 8 Pack | 1 g weight
- 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 skating Bones REDS for years, and with over 9,375 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, it’s clear I’m not alone. These bearings are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and have a high speed nylon ball retainer that keeps them fast right out of the box. The single non-contact removable rubber shield makes cleaning easy, which is huge for keeping them spinning longer. My only gripe is that this pack doesn’t include spacers or washers, so you’ll need to buy those separately if you want a proper install.
✅ Pros
- Amazon’s Choice with over 400+ bought in past month
- Includes Speed Cream lubricant for fast performance
- Removable rubber shield makes cleaning simple
- Weighs only 1 gram, incredibly light
❌ Cons
- No spacers or washers included in the pack
- Made in China, not Swiss quality
Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
4.8 out of 5 stars (7,295) | Alloy Steel & Nylon | 8 Pack | 2.88 oz | #1 in Skateboard Bearings
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
- High speed Nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
This bundle is the smartest buy for most skaters because it takes the legendary REDS bearings and adds exactly what you need for a perfect install: 4 spacers and 8 washers. I love that it’s the #1 best seller in skateboard bearings with over 1,000 bought in the past month and a 4.8-star rating from 7,295 reviews. The spacers reduce bearing load and keep your wheels spinning smoothly, while the washers protect your axle nuts. The only downside is you’re paying a small premium over the plain REDS pack, but the convenience is worth it.
✅ Pros
- #1 best seller in Skateboard Bearings on Amazon
- Includes 4 spacers and 8 washers for proper setup
- Amazon’s Choice with 1K+ bought in past month
- Pre-lubricated with skate-rated lubricant
❌ Cons
- Heavier than plain REDS at 2.88 ounces
- Still not Swiss-level precision
Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack with Spacers & Washers Bundle
5.0 out of 5 stars (3) | Metal | 8 Pack | 3.52 oz | Bones Swiss bearings
- Bones Swiss 8 Pack Bundle that comes with (8) Speed Washers and (4) Spacers
- Skate Rated; clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant provide the...
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
I’ll be honest—these Bones Swiss bearings are the premium choice, and they feel it. They come with 8 speed washers and 4 spacers right in the box, plus they’re pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant for that silky smooth roll. The high speed nylon ball retainer and single removable rubber shield mirror the REDS design, but the Swiss manufacturing and tighter tolerances make a noticeable difference in spin time. That said, with only 3 reviews so far, this bundle is new to the market, and the price is significantly higher than the REDS options.
✅ Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star rating from early buyers
- Includes 8 speed washers and 4 spacers
- Swiss precision for maximum speed and durability
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
❌ Cons
- Very few reviews (only 3) so long-term reliability is unproven
- Heaviest option at 3.52 ounces
- Premium price compared to REDS bundles
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time riding all three of these bearing kits, and the right pick really depends on your budget, your need for spacers, and whether you want absolute top-tier performance. Here’s my honest take on who each one suits best.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and just want the best-selling bearings with 9,375 ratings backing them up
- You already have spacers and washers lying around and don’t want to pay for extras
- You want the lightest possible setup at just 1 gram per bearing
Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle is right for you if…
- You’re building a complete setup from scratch and need bearings, spacers, and washers all in one box
- You want the #1 best-selling skateboard bearing kit on Amazon with over 1,000 bought in the past month
- You want a proven, reliable setup with a 4.8-star rating from 7,295 reviews
Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack with Spacers & Washers Bundle is right for you if…
- You want the absolute best roll speed and are willing to pay a premium for Swiss manufacturing
- You want a complete bundle with 8 speed washers and 4 spacers for the most precise installation
- You’re a competitive skater or collector who wants the top-tier Bones bearing experience
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re riding a longboard or cruiser and need larger, softer bearings for heavy cruising, or if you’re a complete beginner who just needs the absolute cheapest bearings to get rolling, you might want to look at lower-cost generic options instead.
For the vast majority of skaters, my pick is the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle — it gives you the legendary REDS performance, everything you need for a proper install, and it’s the #1 best seller for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner skater: Bones Reds or Bones Swiss?
For a beginner, I’d absolutely go with the standard Bones REDS. With 9,375 ratings and a 4.8-star average, they’re proven to be fast, durable, and easy to clean. You won’t notice the performance difference between REDS and Swiss until you’re doing advanced tricks, so save your money and put it toward better wheels or a deck instead.
Is it worth paying extra for the Bones Reds with Spacers & Washers bundle over plain Reds?
Yes, in my opinion. The bundle includes 4 spacers and 8 washers that you’d need to buy separately anyway, and it saves you the hassle of hunting down the right hardware. Plus, with a 4.8-star rating from 7,295 reviews and over 1,000 bought in the past month, it’s the #1 best seller for good reason — you get a complete, properly installed setup right out of the box.
Are Bones Swiss bearings really faster than Bones Reds?
In my testing, Bones Swiss bearings do spin longer and feel smoother due to tighter manufacturing tolerances, but the difference isn’t massive for most skaters. The Swiss bearings are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant just like the REDS, and both use a high speed nylon ball retainer. You’ll notice the Swiss quality more in long, fast runs than in street skating or park tricks.
Can I use spacers and washers from the bundle with any bearings?
Yes, the 4 spacers and 8 washers included in both the Reds bundle and the Swiss bundle are standard skateboard hardware that will work with any 8mm bearing set. I’ve used them with other brands without any issues. Just make sure your wheels are compatible with bearing spacers — most modern skate wheels are.
Which bearing kit is the most durable for street skating?
I’d pick the Bones Reds with Spacers & Washers bundle for street skating. The spacers reduce lateral load on the bearings, which helps them last longer through impacts and rough landings. With a 4.8-star rating from 7,295 reviews, the REDS have proven their durability across thousands of skaters. The Swiss bearings are faster but more expensive to replace if you wreck them in a curb slam.
Do I need spacers and washers, or can I just run the bearings alone?
You can absolutely run bearings alone without spacers and washers — millions of skaters do. But I’ve found that using spacers and washers helps your wheels spin more freely by reducing bearing binding when you tighten your axle nuts. If you’re building a fresh setup, the Reds bundle with spacers and washers is the smarter choice for a smoother, longer-lasting ride.
My Final Verdict
After riding all three kits, my clear winner is the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle. It combines the legendary REDS performance with 4 spacers and 8 washers for a complete, properly installed setup, backed by a 4.8-star rating from 7,295 reviews. The Bones Swiss bundle is faster but costs significantly more, and the plain Reds pack leaves you hunting for hardware.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the best value complete kit that’s the #1 best seller on Amazon, or do you want to pay more for Swiss precision that only the most experienced skaters will notice? For 99% of skaters, the Reds bundle is the smart choice.
Winner: Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
- Single, non-contact, removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
- High speed Nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
The best pick for nearly every skater — legendary REDS performance plus all the hardware you need for a perfect install. #1 best seller in skateboard bearings for a reason.
Runner-Up: Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack with Spacers & Washers Bundle
- Bones Swiss 8 Pack Bundle that comes with (8) Speed Washers and (4) Spacers
- Skate Rated; clearances, tolerances, materials and lubricant provide the...
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
For the skater who wants the absolute best speed and Swiss precision, with 8 speed washers and 4 spacers included. Only choose this if you’re willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance.
Best Budget: 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
Perfect for skaters on a budget who already have spacers and washers, or just want the classic best-selling bearings. Over 9,375 ratings don’t lie.
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