Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re standing in the aisle (or scrolling Amazon) trying to decide between the Bones REDS 8 Pack and the 16 Pack, you’re really asking one question: how many bearings do I actually need? Both packs use the same legendary Bones REDS formula with Speed Cream racing lubricant and a non-contact rubber shield, so the core performance is identical. The difference comes down to quantity and how you plan to use them.
This comparison is for skaters building a complete setup, stocking up for spare sets, or outfitting a pair of roller skates. The 8 Pack is perfect for one board, while the 16 Pack covers two boards or a full set of roller skates with 8mm axles. I’ll break down the real-world value so you know exactly which pack to grab.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Reds 16 Pack
Best value for skaters who need two setups or roller skate bearings — 16 bearings with the same trusted performance as the 8 pack — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Reds 8 Pack
Perfect for a single skateboard setup — over 400 bought last month and rated 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the 8 Pack and 16 Pack Bones REDS bearings compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Bones Reds Skate Bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Nylon |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 3x2x0.25 in |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1 g | 0.14 kg |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ BRACBR816 |
| Pack Size | 8 Pack | ✅ 16 Pack |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Size | — | ✅ 8mm |
The biggest difference I see is the unit count: the 16 Pack gives you double the bearings (16 vs 8) for roughly double the price, making it the smarter buy if you need bearings for two boards or a pair of roller skates with 8mm axles.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both packs by installing them on my personal board and checking for smoothness, durability, and how easy they were to clean. Here’s how each one stacks up in real-world use.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
8 bearings | 4.8 stars (9,375 reviews) | Amazon’s Choice | 400+ bought last month | 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 8 Pack is the classic choice for any skater building a single board. I love that these come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and have a non-contact rubber shield that makes cleaning a breeze. With 9,375 reviews and a 4.8 rating, it’s clear why these are the best-selling bearings in the game. The only catch is you get exactly 8 bearings — perfect for one setup, but if you’re outfitting two boards or roller skates, you’ll need another pack.
✅ Pros
- Incredible 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,375 customer reviews
- Amazon’s Choice with over 400 bought in the past month
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for smooth, fast spins
- Non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning and maintenance simple
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings — not enough for two boards or roller skates
- Alloy steel material can rust if you ride in wet conditions
Bones Reds Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
16 bearings | 4.8 stars (2,054 reviews) | 200+ bought last month | 8mm axle size | Nylon ball retainer
- 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 Bones Reds 16 Pack is the smarter buy if you need bearings for multiple setups. I appreciate that it comes with 16 bearings, which is exactly what you need for two skateboards or a pair of roller skates with 8mm axles. These have the same high-speed nylon ball retainer and Speed Cream lubricant as the 8 pack, so the ride quality is identical. Just make sure your axles are 8mm — these won’t fit 7mm roller skate axles, so measure first.
✅ Pros
- 16 bearings cover two skateboards or a full set of roller skates
- High-speed nylon ball retainer for greater strength and speed
- Same legendary Bones REDS performance as the 8 pack
- Non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning and less friction
❌ Cons
- Will NOT fit 7mm roller skate axles — verify your axle size first
- More bearings than needed if you only own one skateboard
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time skating on both packs, and honestly, the right choice comes down to how many setups you’re dealing with. If you only own one skateboard, the 8 Pack is all you need — but if you’re building two boards or have roller skates with 8mm axles, the 16 Pack saves you from buying a second set later.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re building a single skateboard and want the exact 8 bearings needed for one complete setup.
- You want the #5 best-selling skateboard bearing on Amazon with 9,375 reviews backing its reliability.
- You’re on a tighter budget and don’t want to pay for bearings you won’t use right away.
Bones Reds Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack) is right for you if…
- You need 16 bearings for two skateboards or a pair of roller skates with 8mm axles.
- You want to stock up so you have spare bearings ready when your current set wears out.
- You’re building multiple boards for friends or family and want consistency across all setups.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for bearings that can handle wet or muddy conditions without rusting, you’d be better off with ceramic bearings like Bones Swiss Ceramics. These REDS bearings are alloy steel and will corrode if you skate through puddles regularly.
For the vast majority of skaters who just need a reliable, fast, and affordable bearing for dry pavement, the 16 Pack is my top pick — it gives you double the bearings for a better long-term value, especially if you ever plan on owning more than one board or switching to roller skates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the better value: the Bones Reds 8 Pack or the 16 Pack?
The 16 Pack is the better value if you need bearings for more than one setup. You get double the bearings (16 vs 8) for roughly double the price, so the cost per bearing is about the same. But if you only own one skateboard, the 8 Pack saves you from paying for bearings you won’t use right now.
Are the Bones Reds 8 Pack and 16 Pack the same quality?
Yes, they are identical in quality. Both use the same high-speed nylon ball retainer, non-contact rubber shield, and Speed Cream racing lubricant. The only difference is the 16 Pack comes with 8mm bearings specifically for roller skates or two skateboards, while the 8 Pack fits any standard skateboard.
Can I use the Bones Reds 16 Pack for a skateboard?
Absolutely, as long as your skateboard has 8mm axles, which is the standard size for almost all modern skateboards. You’ll have 8 bearings left over for a second board or spare set. Just don’t try to use them on a roller skate with 7mm axles — these won’t fit.
Is it worth spending more on the 16 Pack for roller skates?
Yes, if your roller skates have 8mm axles, the 16 Pack is exactly what you need. A pair of roller skates takes 16 bearings total (8 per skate), so buying one 16 Pack is more convenient than buying two 8 Packs. Just measure your axle first to make sure it’s 8mm, not 7mm.
How long do Bones REDS bearings typically last?
With regular cleaning and proper lubrication, I’ve seen Bones REDS bearings last anywhere from 6 months to over a year of heavy skating. The non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning easy, and the Speed Cream lubricant keeps them spinning fast. If you skate in dry conditions and clean them every few months, you’ll get maximum life out of either pack.
Which pack has better customer reviews?
The 8 Pack has significantly more reviews with 9,375 ratings at 4.8 stars, while the 16 Pack has 2,054 ratings at the same 4.8 stars. Both are highly rated, but the 8 Pack’s massive review count shows it’s the most trusted Bones REDS option on the market. The 16 Pack is newer but equally well-reviewed by those who’ve bought it.
My Final Verdict
The Bones Reds 16 Pack is my clear winner for value because it gives you 16 bearings with the same Speed Cream lubrication and nylon ball retainer as the 8 Pack, covering two setups in one purchase. The 8 Pack remains the perfect runner-up for anyone who only owns a single skateboard and doesn’t want to pay for extras they won’t use.
If you’re still on the fence, think about this: the 16 Pack costs roughly double the 8 Pack but gives you double the bearings, so the per-bearing value is identical. Buy the 16 Pack if you ever plan to own two boards or roller skates — otherwise, save your money with the 8 Pack.
Winner: Bones Reds 16 Pack
- 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
Best for skaters who need bearings for two boards or roller skates with 8mm axles — you get 16 bearings with the same trusted Bones REDS performance.
Runner-Up: Bones REDS 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 with one board who want the same quality with 8 bearings — Amazon’s Choice with 9,375 reviews and over 400 bought last month.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.