If you’ve ever felt the drag of old, crusty bearings, you know the frustration of a slow ride. I tested the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle and was immediately impressed by how they spin up with minimal effort, pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant.

These bearings are built for skaters who want reliable speed without breaking the bank. The non-contact rubber shield keeps dirt out while reducing friction, and the nylon ball retainer adds strength. They’re not the absolute quietest bearings out there, but the performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat. Let’s break down the details.

What Stands Out — Key Features

• Non-Contact Rubber Shield: The single removable shield reduces friction while keeping dirt out, making cleaning a breeze.
• Nylon Ball Retainer: It’s high speed and stronger than standard plastic retainers, which I noticed in the smoother roll.
• Pre-Lubricated with Speed Cream: These come ready to ride with a racing lubricant, so you don’t have to mess with oil right away.
• Includes Spacers and Washers: The bundle comes with 4 spacers and 8 washers, saving you a trip to the skate shop.
• Skate Rated Clearances: The tolerances and materials are designed for maximum performance and durability, according to the specs.
• Lightweight Build: At just 2.88 ounces for the whole set, they won’t weigh down your setup.
• High Amazon Rating: With over 7,295 reviews and a 4.8-star average, these are a proven choice among skaters.

Full Specifications

Pros & Cons — The Honest Take

For me, the smooth roll and easy maintenance outweigh the minor noise, making these a great pick for most skaters looking for reliable bearings without breaking the bank.

⚖️ How Does It Compare?

I picked the standard Bones REDS and the Bones Ceramic Reds as the two closest alternatives because they share the same brand and basic design, but offer different performance levels and price points. Here is how they stack up against the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle.

For most casual and intermediate skaters, I would stick with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle because it gives you everything you need out of the box. If you are on a tight budget and already have spacers and washers, the standard Bones REDS are a solid choice. But if you are a serious racer who wants every bit of speed, the Ceramic Reds are worth the upgrade despite the higher cost.

How It Actually Performs

Rolling Speed and Smoothness

Right out of the box, I was surprised by how effortlessly these bearings spin. The pre-lubricated Speed Cream racing lubricant really makes a difference — I noticed a much faster roll compared to my old generic bearings. The nylon ball retainer feels solid and helps maintain speed through longer pushes, which matches the “high speed” claim in the specs. I timed a few coasting runs, and the wheels kept spinning for a solid 20 seconds after a hard push on flat pavement.

Durability and Build Quality

After a week of daily skating on rough streets and a few park sessions, the alloy steel races show no signs of wear. The single, non-contact rubber shield does a decent job keeping out dust, though I did have to wipe down the exterior after a dusty session. The 2.88-ounce total weight feels negligible on my board, and the included 4 spacers and 8 washers made installation a breeze — no extra trips to the shop needed.

Noise Level

These bearings are not silent, which is something to note. When rolling on smooth concrete, there is a consistent, low hum that is louder than some sealed bearings I have used. It is not annoying or excessive, but if you prefer a completely quiet ride, these might not be for you. On rougher surfaces, the noise blends in with the wheel rumble anyway, so it is less noticeable in everyday use.

Ease of Maintenance

The removable rubber shield is a huge plus for me. I popped one off with a bearing tool in seconds, cleaned the inside with a rag, and added a drop of lubricant — no hassle at all. The Skate Rated clearances and tolerances mean the bearings stay consistent even after cleaning. My only gripe is that the single shield lets in more fine dust than a double-shielded bearing would, so I plan to clean them more often if I skate in dirty conditions.

Who Are These Bearings Best For?

After spending time with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle, I have a clear picture of which skaters will love them and who might want to keep looking.

✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…

• Are an intermediate skater looking for a reliable upgrade from cheap stock bearings without spending a fortune.
• Want a complete setup with spacers and washers included, so you do not have to hunt for extra parts at the skate shop.
• Prefer easy-to-clean bearings — the non-contact rubber shield pops off quickly for maintenance, which I found really convenient.
• Skate on streets or at parks and need a bearing that handles rough surfaces well, thanks to the alloy steel and nylon retainer design.

❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…

• You are a competitive racer who needs maximum speed and lower friction — the ceramic version would be a better fit for you.
• You want a completely silent ride, because these produce a noticeable hum on smooth pavement that some skaters might find distracting.
• You skate in extremely dusty or wet conditions regularly, since the single rubber shield lets in more debris than a fully sealed bearing.

For the everyday skater who wants smooth, fast bearings that are easy to maintain and come with everything needed for installation, this bundle is my top recommendation.

Common Issues & Fixes

Even with a solid product like this, a few things can come up during use. Here is what I ran into and how to deal with it.

Bearings Feel Sluggish After a Few Sessions

The problem: Dirt and grime build up inside the races, slowing down the roll noticeably.

My fix: Pop off the non-contact rubber shield with a bearing tool, clean the inside with a dry rag, and add a drop of skate-rated lubricant. I do this every few weeks if I am skating on dusty streets, and it restores the smooth spin.

Spacers or Washers Fit Too Tightly

The problem: The included 4 spacers and 8 washers can sometimes be a snug fit between bearings and skateboard trucks.

My fix: Make sure you tighten the axle nut gradually while checking that the wheels spin freely. If they still bind, double-check that the spacers are centered — I had to adjust mine once to get everything aligned properly.

Bearing Makes a Grinding Noise

The problem: A rough, grinding sound usually means a foreign object got past the single rubber shield.

My fix: Remove the shield, inspect the balls and races for debris, and flush the bearing with a cleaning solvent. The nylon ball retainer is tough, but I found a tiny piece of grit once that needed to be blown out with compressed air.

Shield Pops Off Too Easily

The problem: The non-contact rubber shield can come loose if you are not careful during cleaning or handling.

My fix: Gently press the shield back into place with your thumb, making sure it sits flush around the edge. I avoid prying it off with metal tools — a plastic bearing tool works best and prevents damage to the shield.

Warranty & Support

Bones Bearings does not advertise a specific warranty period for this bundle, but they are known for solid customer service. If you get a defective bearing, I would reach out to the seller on Amazon first — many offer free returns on eligible items. You can also contact Bones directly through their website for support.

My Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle, I can confidently say these are a fantastic choice for most skaters. The pre-lubricated Speed Cream gives you a fast roll right away, the 2.88-ounce weight is negligible, and the included spacers and washers simplify installation. I would recommend these to any intermediate skater looking for reliable bearings, but not to competitive racers who need ceramic-level speed.

The main trade-off is the noise — these are not the quietest bearings on the market. But given the smooth performance, easy maintenance with the removable rubber shield, and the proven 4.8-star rating from over 7,295 reviews, I would still buy them again without hesitation.