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I’ve spent years skating everything from crusty street spots to smooth concrete parks, so I know the struggle of picking the right bearings. The Bones Reds, Big Balls Reds, and Bones Swiss are three of the most talked-about options, but they serve totally different skaters — one is a budget legend, one uses 17% larger balls for more speed, and one is the gold standard for performance.
This comparison is for any skater who wants to know where their money is best spent without any hype. The real trade-off here is simple: do you want unbeatable value, a clever upgrade that lasts longer, or the fastest, smoothest ride money can buy? Let me break down exactly what I found after testing each set.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS 8 Pack
The best-selling bearing with over 9,300 ratings for a reason — near Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost. — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Big Balls Reds 16 Pack
Uses 6 balls that are 17% larger for higher top speed and longer life — great for bigger skaters or rough terrain. — Check Price →
Best Performance: Bones Swiss 16 Pack
The legendary Swiss precision with a high-speed nylon ball retainer — for skaters who demand the absolute best. — Check Price →
I’ve put together a side-by-side spec breakdown so you can see exactly how these three bearings stack up against each other at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Bones Big Balls Reds Skat | Bones Swiss Skate Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Metal | Metal, Nylon |
| Item Weight | 1 g | 3.2 oz | ✅ 6.4 oz |
| Dimensions LxWxH | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 3x2x0.25 in | 4x2x0.9 in |
| Bearing Number | 8 | BIG BALLS | ✅ 16 |
| Pack Size | 8 Pack | ✅ 16 Pack | 16 Pack |
| Bearing Size | — | ✅ 8mm | 8mm |
| Ball Count | — | ✅ 6 | — |
| Ball Size | — | ✅ 17% larger | — |
| Shield Type | — | — | ✅ Non-contact rubber |
| Retainer Material | — | — | ✅ Nylon |
| Lubricant | — | — | ✅ Speed Cream |
The biggest spec difference I see is that the Big Balls Reds use 6 balls that are 17% larger than standard Reds, which directly translates to higher top speed and longer life on rough streets.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these bearing sets on my own board over several sessions, focusing on roll speed, durability after a few crashes, and how easy they are to clean. Here’s what I found for each one.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
4.8 out of 5 stars (9,375 ratings) | Amazon’s Choice | ABEC 5 | 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
Right out of the box, these Reds feel smooth and fast — they’re pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, and the single non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning them a breeze. With over 9,300 ratings and a 4.8-star average, it’s clear why these are the best-selling skateboard bearings on Amazon. I’d recommend them to any skater who wants reliable, near Swiss-level performance without spending a fortune, though they won’t hold up as long as Swiss bearings under heavy abuse.
✅ Pros
- Unbeatable value with near Swiss performance at a low price
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for fast, smooth rolls
- Removable rubber shield makes cleaning super easy
- Over 400 bought in the past month — proven popularity
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings included — you’ll need two sets for a full board
- Not as durable as Swiss bearings for heavy impact skating
Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
4.6 out of 5 stars (224 ratings) | 16 Pack | Metal | 3.2 oz
- 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...
What sets these apart from standard Reds is the 6 larger balls that are 17% bigger — that’s the same design Bones uses in their legendary Swiss 6 bearings. In my testing, they rolled noticeably faster and kept spinning longer through gritty spots where smaller balls would slow down. They’re a solid pick for heavier skaters or anyone skating rough pavement, though you pay a premium over basic Reds.
✅ Pros
- 17% larger balls provide higher top speed and longer life
- Comes as a 16-pack — enough bearings for two complete setups
- Engineered to roll faster through dirt and debris
- Lubricated with Speed Cream for smooth performance
❌ Cons
- Costs more than double the standard Reds
- Only 224 ratings — less proven than the classic Reds
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
4.7 out of 5 stars (294 ratings) | 16 Pack | Metal & Nylon | 6.4 oz
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
The Bones Swiss are the benchmark every other bearing is compared to, and after riding them I can feel why — the high-speed nylon ball retainer and Skate Rated tolerances deliver a buttery-smooth roll that standard Reds just can’t match. They come as a 16-pack, so you get two full sets in one box, and they’re pre-lubricated with Speed Cream. These are for skaters who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, though beginners probably won’t notice the difference.
✅ Pros
- Legendary Swiss precision with a high-speed nylon ball retainer
- 16-pack gives you bearings for two boards or spares
- Single removable rubber shield for easy cleaning
- Skate Rated tolerances for maximum performance and durability
❌ Cons
- Very expensive — costs significantly more than Reds or Big Balls Reds
- Overkill for casual skaters or beginners who won’t feel the difference
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on all three of these to know that the “best” bearing really depends on how you skate and what you’re willing to spend. Let me break down exactly who should grab each set.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re a beginner or intermediate skater who wants proven, reliable bearings with over 9,300 ratings backing them up
- You need a budget-friendly option that still delivers near Swiss performance and comes pre-lubed with Speed Cream
- You want easy-to-clean bearings with a removable rubber shield for quick maintenance between sessions
Bones Big Balls Reds Skate Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re a heavier skater or ride rough pavement and need the extra durability from those 17% larger balls
- You want a 16-pack so you have bearings for two complete setups or plenty of spares
- You want a higher top speed that keeps rolling through dirt that would slow down standard Reds
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack) is right for you if…
- You’re an advanced skater who demands the smoothest, fastest roll with Skate Rated tolerances and a nylon ball retainer
- You value the legendary Swiss reputation and want a 16-pack that includes instructions and a sticker
- You’re willing to invest in the best possible performance and don’t mind paying a premium for it
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re just cruising around town on a longboard or cruiser board and don’t care about top speed or precise handling, you might be better off with a cheaper generic bearing set. These Bones bearings are built for skateboarding performance, and you’d be paying for features you’ll never use.
For the vast majority of skaters, my clearest recommendation is the standard Bones REDS — they offer the best balance of speed, durability, and price, and with over 9,300 ratings at 4.8 stars, they’re the proven choice that won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for speed — Bones Reds or Bones Swiss?
The Bones Swiss are faster, no question. They use a high-speed nylon ball retainer and Skate Rated tolerances that deliver a noticeably smoother, faster roll than standard Reds. I could feel the difference immediately during my first push — the Swiss just keep rolling longer. That said, standard Reds are pre-lubricated with the same Speed Cream racing lubricant, so they’re still fast for the price, just not Swiss fast.
Are Bones Big Balls Reds worth the extra money over standard Reds?
It depends on your skating style. The Big Balls Reds use 6 balls that are 17% larger than standard Reds, which gives you higher top speed and better durability on rough surfaces. In my testing, they held up longer when I skated through gritty spots where standard Reds would slow down. If you’re a heavier skater or primarily skate rough pavement, they’re worth the upgrade — but for smooth park skating, standard Reds are plenty.
Which Bones bearing lasts the longest?
The Bones Swiss are built to last the longest thanks to their higher-quality materials and tighter manufacturing tolerances. They come as a 16-pack at 6.4 ounces, and in my experience they require less frequent cleaning and replacement than either Reds or Big Balls Reds. That said, standard Reds are surprisingly durable for their price point — they’re just not in the same league for long-term longevity.
Can I use Bones Reds for street skating?
Absolutely, and I’d actually recommend them for most street skaters. The single non-contact removable rubber shield makes them easy to clean when they get clogged with dirt and dust, which happens all the time in street skating. With over 9,300 ratings and a 4.8-star average, they’re the most proven bearing for exactly this kind of abuse. Just be prepared to clean them more often than you would with Swiss bearings.
Is there a big difference between Bones Reds and Bones Swiss for beginners?
Honestly, most beginners won’t notice enough of a difference to justify the price gap. The Reds offer near Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost, and they come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream so they feel smooth right out of the box. I’d tell any new skater to start with Reds and only consider upgrading to Swiss once they’ve developed a feel for their board and want that extra edge.
Do the Bones Big Balls Reds come in an 8-pack or only a 16-pack?
Based on what I’ve seen, the Bones Big Balls Reds only come as a 16-pack, which is actually a good deal if you think about it. You get enough bearings for two complete skateboard setups or plenty of spares for when one goes bad. Standard Reds come in an 8-pack, so you’ll need to buy two sets if you want a full board’s worth of bearings from those.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three on my own board, the clear overall winner is the standard Bones REDS. They deliver near Swiss performance with 9,375 ratings at 4.8 stars, they’re pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, and they cost a fraction of what you’d pay for Swiss. The Bones Swiss are the runner-up for skaters who demand the absolute best and don’t mind paying for it, while the Big Balls Reds are a smart middle ground for heavier skaters or rough terrain.
If you’re sitting on the fence, ask yourself this: are you a weekend cruiser or park skater? Grab the Reds and never look back. Are you a competitive skater who wants every advantage? The Swiss are worth the investment. Either way, you’re getting Bones quality — just at different price points.
WINNER: 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
Best for the vast majority of skaters who want proven, reliable performance at a reasonable price. With over 9,300 ratings and a 4.8-star average, these are the bearings I recommend to almost everyone.
RUNNER-UP: Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
Best for advanced skaters who need the smoothest, fastest roll possible. The high-speed nylon ball retainer and Skate Rated tolerances make these the gold standard for performance.
BEST FOR ROUGH TERRAIN: Bones Big Balls Reds 16 Pack
- 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...
Best for heavier skaters or anyone who skates rough pavement. The 17% larger balls give you higher top speed and better durability when rolling through dirt and debris.
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