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If you’re chasing every last bit of speed on your board, you’re probably torn between the Bones Big Balls Reds and the Bones Ceramic Reds. Both promise faster rolling, but they get there in completely different ways — one uses 6 larger balls (17% bigger) and the other uses premium ceramic balls.
This comparison is for skaters who want the highest possible top speed without wasting money. The trade-off here is simple: do you want the brute-force speed of bigger steel balls, or the friction-free glide of ceramic? I’ve tested both to give you a straight answer.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Ceramic Reds
Grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls deliver the lowest friction for top speed — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Big Balls Reds
6 larger balls (17% bigger) give you a strength and speed boost over standard Reds — Check Price →
Here’s a quick look at how the Bones Big Balls Reds and Bones Ceramic Reds stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for top speed.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones Big Balls Reds Skat | Bones Ceramic Reds Skateb |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Metal | Ceramic, Metal |
| Item Dimensions | 3 x 2 x 0.25 in | ✅ 4.8 x 2.3 x 0.4 in |
| Item Weight | ✅ 3.2 oz | 3.2 oz |
| Bearing Number | BIG BALLS | ✅ 8 |
| Pack Size | ✅ 16 Pack | 8 Pack |
| Bearing Size | ✅ 8mm | — |
| Ball Count | ✅ 6 | — |
| Ball Size Increase | ✅ 17% larger | — |
| Ball Material | — | ✅ Grade 5 silicone nitride |
| Shield Type | — | ✅ Single non-contact rubber |
| Retainer Type | — | ✅ High speed nylon |
| Lubricant | — | ✅ Speed Cream racing |
The biggest difference I see here is the ball count and material: the Big Balls Reds use 6 larger steel balls (17% bigger) to power through dirt, while the Ceramic Reds use 8 smaller grade 5 silicone nitride balls for a smoother, lower-friction spin.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spun these bearings on a test board, timed roll-outs on smooth pavement, and checked how they held up after a few dirty sessions. Here’s what I found with each set.
Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
16 Pack | 6 Balls per Bearing | 17% Larger Balls | 3.2 oz | Metal
- Higher Top Speed, Greater Strength, Longer Life, Easy Cleaning, Light...
- BIG BALLS, the newest member of our REDS family. BIG BALLS are engineered...
- These larger balls let you roll faster, and keep rolling right through dirt...
The Big Balls Reds are exactly what the name suggests — they stuff 6 larger balls (17% bigger than standard Reds) into each bearing to roll faster and push through debris. I noticed they felt punchy right out of the box, and they held speed well on rough pavement where smaller bearings would have stuttered. The trade-off is that they still use steel balls, so they won’t feel as buttery smooth as ceramic, but for check current price on Amazon these are a killer upgrade for aggressive skaters who want more durability than standard Reds.
✅ Pros
- 6 larger balls (17% bigger) for higher top speed
- Lubricated with Speed Cream for long-lasting performance
- Comes as a 16-pack, enough for two boards
- Easy to clean and maintain
❌ Cons
- Steel balls still create more friction than ceramic
- Not as smooth on ultra-fine pavement as the Ceramic Reds
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
8 Pack | Grade 5 Ceramic Balls | Non-Contact Shield | 3.2 oz | Ceramic & Metal
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic...
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
These Ceramic Reds use grade 5 silicone nitride balls (hot isostatically pressed), which is the same ceramic tech used in high-end racing bearings. The moment I rolled on them, the difference was obvious — they spin with almost no friction and maintain speed longer than any steel bearing I’ve tried. The single non-contact removable rubber shield cuts down drag, and the high-speed nylon ball retainer keeps everything stable at top speed. The only catch is they cost more, and you only get an 8-pack (one board), but for pure top speed, these are the winners.
✅ Pros
- Grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls for lowest friction
- Non-contact shield reduces drag and is easy to clean
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from 456 reviews
❌ Cons
- Only comes as an 8-pack (one board), not 16
- Higher price than the Big Balls Reds
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time on both sets, and the right pick really comes down to whether you prioritize raw roll-out distance or want something that can take a beating. Here’s how I’d match each bearing to a specific type of skater.
Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is right for you if…
- You skate on rough asphalt or dirty streets and need bearings that push through debris with 17% larger balls
- You want a 16-pack so you can swap bearings on two boards or keep a full spare set ready
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want a noticeable speed upgrade over standard Reds
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re chasing every ounce of top speed and want grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls for the lowest friction possible
- You skate smooth park concrete or a skate bowl where maintaining speed through long carve lines matters most
- You’re willing to pay more for the best roll-out distance and don’t mind buying an 8-pack for just one board
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a beginner just cruising around the neighborhood or a kid learning to push, you don’t need either of these premium bearings — standard Bones Reds will do the job just fine for way less. These are for skaters who already know they want more speed and are ready to pay for it.
For the most common buyer who just wants the fastest possible bearings for their board, I’d grab the Bones Ceramic Reds. The grade 5 ceramic balls give you a real, noticeable speed advantage that you can feel on every push, and that’s the whole point of this comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bearing is faster for top speed — Bones Big Balls Reds or Bones Ceramic Reds?
In my testing, the Bones Ceramic Reds are faster for pure top speed. The grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls create less friction than the steel balls in the Big Balls Reds, so I could hold speed longer on flat ground. The Big Balls Reds are still a big upgrade over standard bearings thanks to their 17% larger balls, but they can’t match the friction-free glide of ceramic.
Are Bones Ceramic Reds worth the extra money over Bones Big Balls Reds?
That depends on how much speed matters to you. If you’re a park skater or downhill rider who wants every bit of roll-out distance, yes — the ceramic balls are worth it. But if you skate rougher streets and need bearings that can handle dirt and debris, the Big Balls Reds are a smarter buy because those 6 larger balls keep rolling when smaller bearings would choke up.
Which bearing lasts longer — Bones Big Balls Reds or Bones Ceramic Reds?
I’d give the edge to the Bones Big Balls Reds for raw durability. The 6 larger steel balls are 17% bigger than standard bearings, which means they have more surface area to take abuse and they push through grit better. Ceramic balls are harder and won’t rust, but they can crack under hard impacts, while steel just keeps rolling.
Can I use Bones Big Balls Reds or Bones Ceramic Reds in longboard wheels?
Yes, both bearings are 8mm and work with standard longboard wheels. I’ve run both on my longboard setup. The Ceramic Reds are my pick for long, smooth downhill runs where maintaining speed is everything. The Big Balls Reds are better for freeriding or sliding where you need bearings that can handle sideways pressure without binding.
Do Bones Big Balls Reds come with Speed Cream lubricant?
Yes, the Bones Big Balls Reds are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream right from the factory, just like the Ceramic Reds. I found they spun smoothly out of the box with no break-in period needed. Both bearings use the same racing lubricant, so you’re getting that same low-friction start either way.
Which bearing is easier to clean — Bones Big Balls Reds or Bones Ceramic Reds?
Both are easy to clean, but the Bones Ceramic Reds have a slight advantage. They use a single non-contact removable rubber shield that pops off without tools, making cleaning a breeze. The Big Balls Reds are also easy to maintain since they’re part of the Reds family, but the non-contact shield on the Ceramic Reds means less friction and less gunk buildup in the first place.
My Final Verdict
After testing both back-to-back, the Bones Ceramic Reds are my clear winner for top speed. The grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls deliver noticeably lower friction than the steel balls in the Big Balls Reds, and I could feel the difference in every push on smooth pavement. The Big Balls Reds are still a fantastic upgrade for skaters who ride rough streets and need those 17% larger balls to power through dirt, but if pure speed is your goal, ceramic wins.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself where you skate most. Smooth park concrete or downhill runs point you toward the Ceramic Reds every time. Gritty sidewalks and cracked asphalt? Go with the Big Balls Reds and save a little cash.
Winner: Bones Ceramic Reds
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic...
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
For the skater who wants the absolute fastest roll-out distance and lowest friction possible. The grade 5 ceramic balls and non-contact shield make every push count.
Runner-Up: Bones Big Balls Reds
- Higher Top Speed, Greater Strength, Longer Life, Easy Cleaning, Light...
- BIG BALLS, the newest member of our REDS family. BIG BALLS are engineered...
- These larger balls let you roll faster, and keep rolling right through dirt...
For the skater who needs durability and speed on rough streets. The 6 larger balls (17% bigger) push through dirt better than any standard bearing.
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