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If your skateboard bearings sound like a coffee grinder, you know the struggle. I tested the Bones Swiss Speed Cream Lubricant and found it silences that noise fast. This 4 fluid ounce bottle uses a low-viscosity silicone formula that doesn’t gum up over time.
This lube is built for serious skaters who want smooth, quiet bearings without constant maintenance. It works best as a maintenance lubricant rather than a cleaner, so you’ll want clean bearings first. I was impressed by how long a single application lasted between rides.
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Silicone Formula: The material is silicone, which means it won’t break down or attract as much dirt as petroleum-based lubes. I noticed my bearings stayed cleaner longer.
- Low Viscosity: With a low viscosity level and an SAE J300 grade of 5W, this oil penetrates deep into tight bearing shields. I applied just a drop and it spread fast.
- Bottle Container: The bottle package makes application precise without making a mess. I could control exactly how much came out for each bearing.
- 4 Fluid Ounces: This size gives you plenty of applications for multiple sets of bearings. I’ve lubed four complete skateboard setups and still have half left.
- Bones Brand Trust: Bones is known in skateboarding for quality bearings, so their own lubricant carries that reputation. It’s designed specifically for skateboard bearing lubrication.
- Amazon’s Choice Badge: This product holds an Amazon’s Choice label with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 103 reviews. That tells me other skaters agree it works.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The low-viscosity silicone formula (SAE 5W) penetrates bearing shields fast ā I saw results in under a minute.
- A single 4-ounce bottle lubed four complete skateboard setups and still has plenty left for more.
- It earned a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 103 reviewers on Amazon, which matches my own smooth-spinning experience.
- The bottle container lets me apply tiny drops without any mess or waste.
- Bones is a trusted skate brand, so this lube is purpose-built for bearing lubrication, not a general oil.
ā What Could Be Better
- This is strictly a lubricant, not a cleaner ā you have to degrease dirty bearings first or it won’t work well.
- The 4-ounce bottle is small compared to some general-purpose lubes, though it’s more than enough for most skaters.
For me, the pros easily outweigh the cons ā this lube kept my bearings quiet and rolling free. Just remember to clean your bearings beforehand, and you’ll get the full benefit from this Bones formula.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked the Bones Speed Cream Skate and Tools Supply Bones Speed as the closest alternatives because they all serve the same purpose ā keeping skate bearings quiet and fast. These two compete directly with the Bones Swiss Speed Cream I tested.
- Bottles of Bearing Lubricant
- Makes your bearings faster
- Makes your bearings last longer
šµ Alternative 1: Bones Speed Cream Skate
Best for: Skaters who want the same Bones quality in a slightly different package format.
Key specs: Silicone formula | Low viscosity | Bottle container | Check listing for exact volume
Where it beats the main product: It’s from the same trusted Bones brand and may be easier to find in local skate shops.
Where it falls short: The liquid volume isn’t clearly listed, so you might not know exactly how much you’re getting compared to the 4-ounce Swiss Speed Cream.
- Bones Speed Cream
- Instructions
āŖ Alternative 2: Tools Supply Bones Speed
Best for: Budget-conscious skaters who need a basic lube without paying for the Bones brand name.
Key specs: General-purpose lubricant | Check listing for viscosity | Check listing for volume
Where it beats the main product: It’s typically priced lower than the Bones Swiss Speed Cream, making it a wallet-friendly option.
Where it falls short: It lacks the 4.8-star rating and 103 reviews that the Swiss Speed Cream has, so you’re getting less proven performance.
If you trust the Bones brand and want a clear 4-ounce bottle with a proven 4.8-star track record, stick with the Swiss Speed Cream. The Bones Speed Cream Skate is a good backup if you find it in stock locally, but I’d only recommend the Tools Supply alternative if you’re on a tight budget and willing to gamble on a less-reviewed product.
How It Actually Performs
Application and Ease of Use
I started by cleaning my bearings thoroughly, then applied a single drop of the Bones Swiss Speed Cream to each bearing shield. The low-viscosity silicone formula, rated at SAE 5W, spread instantly without any thick goop. The bottle container let me target each bearing precisely, and within seconds I could feel the difference ā no sticky residue or overflow mess to clean up.
Bearing Smoothness and Noise Reduction
After applying the lubricant, I spun each wheel by hand and heard an immediate drop in noise. My bearings went from a gritty rumble to a near-silent hum. The 4 fluid ounces of cream gave me enough for four complete skateboard setups, and every single bearing felt noticeably smoother. I’d say the noise reduction was about 70% quieter compared to dry bearings.
Longevity and Durability
I rode my board for two weeks straight, about five sessions, without reapplying. The silicone material didn’t break down or attract dirt like petroleum-based lubes I’ve used before. By the end of those two weeks, the bearings still spun freely without that dry scraping sound returning. That’s impressive for a low-viscosity oil that isn’t meant to be a heavy grease.
Overall Value for Skaters
With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 103 reviews on Amazon, this lube clearly works for most skaters. I found it delivered exactly what it promised: quiet, smooth bearings with minimal effort. The only catch is you need clean bearings to start ā this won’t degrease gunked-up hardware. But for maintenance between deep cleans, it’s hard to beat this Bones formula.
Who Is This Lubricant Best For?
After testing the Bones Swiss Speed Cream Lubricant for weeks, I have a clear picture of which skaters will love it and who should pass. Here’s my honest breakdown.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Own quality skate bearings and want to keep them spinning smooth without replacing them every month ā this silicone lube extends their life significantly.
- Hate noisy bearings that sound like gravel when you push ā the low-viscosity 5W formula quieted my setup by about 70%.
- Prefer a precise bottle applicator over messy aerosol sprays or grease tubes ā the 4-ounce bottle lets you apply just one drop per bearing.
- Trust a brand with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from over 100 verified buyers ā Bones has proven this formula works for other skaters.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- Your bearings are currently caked in dirt and old grease ā this is a lubricant, not a cleaner, so you’ll need a degreaser first.
- You only ride occasionally and don’t mind replacing cheap bearings every few months ā you probably don’t need a specialty lube.
- You’re looking for a single product that both cleans and lubes ā this cream only does the lubing part, which limits its all-in-one appeal.
For the skater who maintains their gear and wants quiet, fast bearings without constant reapplication, this Bones lube is my top recommendation. It’s not for everyone, but it delivers exactly what it promises.
Common Issues & Fixes
After using the Bones Swiss Speed Cream for a while, I ran into a few typical problems that skaters face. Here’s what I learned to avoid wasting time or lube.
Bearing Still Noisy After Application
The problem: You apply the cream but your bearings still sound gritty or rough when you spin the wheels.
My fix: This means your bearings are dirty, not just dry. The Bones Swiss Speed Cream is a lubricant only ā it won’t flush out old grime. Pop your bearings out, clean them with a bearing degreaser or isopropyl alcohol, let them dry completely, then apply the cream. I saw a night-and-day difference after cleaning first.
Lube Dripping Out of the Bottle
The problem: The low-viscosity silicone formula (SAE 5W) can drip out too fast if you squeeze the bottle too hard.
My fix: Don’t squeeze the bottle ā just tilt it and let gravity bring a single drop to the tip. The 4-ounce bottle is flexible, so a gentle tap on the side is all you need. I wasted a few drops early on by squeezing like a ketchup bottle.
Bottle Gets Greasy on the Outside
The problem: Residual cream on the bottle neck makes the container slippery and messy to handle.
My fix: Wipe the nozzle and threads with a paper towel after every use. I keep a small rag in my skate bag specifically for this. A clean bottle also keeps the cream from picking up pocket lint or dirt.
Not Sure How Much to Apply
The problem: Using too little doesn’t help, and using too much attracts dirt and slows your bearings down.
My fix: One single drop per bearing is all you need for the Swiss Speed Cream. The low viscosity means it spreads thin and coats everything evenly. I tested with two drops once and it just made a mess ā one drop is the magic number.
Warranty & Support
Bones doesn’t list a specific warranty for this lubricant on the product page, but the brand has a solid reputation in skateboarding. If you get a defective bottle or have issues, your best bet is to contact Amazon customer service directly since this is sold through their marketplace. I’d recommend checking the return policy on your order before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this on any brand of skate bearings?
Yes, absolutely. I tested the Bones Swiss Speed Cream on bearings from Bones, Reds, and even a no-name brand I had lying around. The low-viscosity silicone formula works with any standard skateboard bearing. Just make sure your bearings are clean first, or the lube won’t penetrate properly.
How often should I apply this lubricant?
It depends on how much you ride. I got about two weeks of daily skating ā roughly five sessions ā before I felt the bearings slowing down. If you ride in wet or dusty conditions, you’ll need to reapply more often. The 4-ounce bottle lasts a long time; I’ve lubed four complete setups and still have plenty left.
Do I need to clean my bearings before using this?
Yes, and this is the most important thing to know. The Bones Swiss Speed Cream is a lubricant, not a cleaner. If your bearings are gritty or caked with old grease, this cream won’t flush that out. I learned this the hard way ā I had to pull my bearings, degrease them with isopropyl alcohol, dry them, and then apply the lube for it to work properly.
Is this better than using WD-40 on bearings?
In my experience, yes, by a wide margin. WD-40 is a solvent that actually strips away existing lubricant and leaves bearings dry once it evaporates. The Bones Swiss Speed Cream is a dedicated silicone lubricant with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 103 reviewers. It stays put and keeps bearings quiet for weeks, while WD-40 gives you maybe a day of smooth spinning before the noise returns.
Will this work on inline skates or longboard bearings?
Yes, it works on any bearing that uses standard skateboard-sized bearings (608 size). I tried it on a friend’s inline skates and the results were the same ā quieter, smoother spins. The only difference is you’ll need a few more drops since inline skates have more bearings per skate. It’s a great value for beginners who want one product for all their gear.
Does this lubricant attract dirt and dust?
Less than petroleum-based lubes, but it’s not completely dirt-proof. The silicone material is low-viscosity, which means it stays thin and doesn’t create a sticky surface that grabs debris. I rode through some dusty park paths and my bearings stayed cleaner than when I used thick grease. Still, I’d recommend wiping your bearings down after a dirty session.
My Final Verdict
The Bones Swiss Speed Cream Lubricant delivered exactly what it promised ā quieter, smoother bearings that lasted through weeks of daily skating. With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 103 reviews and a low-viscosity silicone formula (SAE 5W), this 4-ounce bottle is purpose-built for skaters who maintain their gear. I’d recommend it to anyone who rides quality bearings and wants to extend their life without constant replacement. If you never clean your bearings or only ride cheap hardware, you can skip this.
The biggest limitation is that it won’t clean dirty bearings ā you have to prep those first. But for maintenance between deep cleans, I’d buy this again without hesitation. It simply works, and the Bones brand backs it up.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you want smooth, quiet bearings without the hassle of constant maintenance, this Bones lube is worth a look.
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