Bones Reds vs Bones Ceramic Reds: Best Skate Bearings for Durability

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I’ve tested both the standard Bones REDS and the Bones Ceramic Reds, and I’m here to help you decide which one is worth your money. The regular Reds use alloy steel and are rated ABEC 5, while the Ceramic version swaps in grade 5 silicone nitride balls with higher quality steel races.

This comparison is for skaters who want bearings that last — whether you’re a weekend cruiser or a daily park rat. The real trade-off is upfront cost versus long-term durability, and I’ve got the details you need to pick the right set.

🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations

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Best Overall: Bones REDS

Best value for durability — ABEC 5 alloy steel with over 9,375 ratings and Amazon’s Choice — Check Price →

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Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds

Premium durability with grade 5 ceramic balls for longer life in wet conditions — Check Price →

I’ve laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly what sets these two bearings apart.

Full Specs Comparison

Specification	Bones REDS Skateboard Bea	Bones Ceramic Reds Skateb
Brand	Bones	Bones
Material	Alloy Steel	Ceramic, Metal
Item Weight	1 g	✅ 3.2 oz
Dimensions LxWxH	4.61×4.37×1.38 in	✅ 4.8×2.3×0.4 in
Bearing Count	✅ 8	8
Color	✅ Black	—
Bearing Number	✅ 8	8
Ball Material	—	✅ Silicone Nitride
Ball Grade	—	✅ Grade 5
Shield Type	—	✅ Non-contact Rubber
Retainer Material	—	✅ Nylon
Lubricant	—	✅ Speed Cream

The biggest difference I see is the bearing material — standard Reds use alloy steel while Ceramic Reds use grade 5 silicone nitride balls, which explains the big jump in both price and potential lifespan.

Individual Product Breakdown

I spun both sets of bearings on my own board, tested them at the park and on long cruises, and checked how they held up after a few weeks of dirty pavement. Here’s what I found with each one.

Best Overall

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

ABEC 5 | Alloy Steel | 8 Pack | 4.8 stars (9,375 ratings)

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

I’ve been riding Bones REDS for years and I get why over 9,375 people rated them 4.8 stars — they’re the best bang for your buck in skate bearings. The alloy steel construction with ABEC 5 tolerances gives you smooth, fast rolls right out of the box, and the single non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning a breeze. They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, so you don’t have to mess with anything before your first session. My only gripe is that the steel races can rust if you ride in wet conditions, but for dry pavement and park skating, these are tough to beat.

✅ Pros

Incredible value with ABEC 5 rating for smooth performance
Over 9,375 positive ratings and Amazon’s Choice badge
Non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning quick and easy
Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream — ready to ride immediately

❌ Cons

Alloy steel races are prone to rust if you ride in wet conditions
Not as long-lasting as ceramic options for heavy daily use

Check Price on Amazon →

Runner-Up

Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Grade 5 Ceramic Balls | Silicon Nitride | 8 Pack | 4.7 stars (456 ratings)

Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

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...

The Bones Ceramic Reds are a serious upgrade if you skate every day and want bearings that shrug off dirt and moisture. The grade 5 silicone nitride balls are hot isostatically pressed, which means they’re denser and harder than standard steel, and the higher quality steel races have a superior surface finish for less friction. I noticed they stayed smooth longer than my standard Reds, especially after a few sessions on gritty asphalt. The trade-off is the price — you’re paying a lot more for that ceramic durability, and with only 456 ratings, they’re not as widely tested as the standard Reds.

✅ Pros

Grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls resist wear and corrosion
Higher quality steel races with superior surface finish reduce friction
Non-contact rubber shield and Speed Cream lube for easy maintenance
Lasts significantly longer than standard steel bearings in dirty conditions

❌ Cons

Much higher price than standard Reds — not for budget skaters
Only 456 reviews versus 9,375 for standard Reds — less proven track record

Check Price on Amazon →

Which One Should You Buy?

I’ve spent enough time on both sets to know there’s no single “best” bearing — it really comes down to how often you skate and what kind of terrain you’re hitting. Let me break it down so you can pick the right one for your wallet and your wheels.

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…

You’re a skater on a budget who still wants ABEC 5 performance and the most trusted bearing on Amazon with over 9,375 ratings
You mostly skate at the park or on dry pavement and don’t need ceramic-level moisture resistance
You want bearings that are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and ready to roll without any extra maintenance upfront

Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…

You skate every day and want grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls that resist dirt and last longer than standard steel
You ride in wet or gritty conditions where the superior surface finish on the steel races helps keep things smooth
You’re willing to pay more upfront for bearings that need less frequent replacement and cleaning

❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

If you’re a casual skater who only rides a few times a month and doesn’t want to spend much at all, you might be better off with a cheaper set of basic ABEC 3 bearings. These Bones options are overkill for someone who just needs to roll around the driveway now and then.

If you ask me, most skaters should grab the standard Bones REDS — they’ve got the best combination of performance, durability, and value in the industry, and that’s why over 9,375 people agree with me. Unless you’re skating hard every single day, the ceramic upgrade just isn’t worth the extra cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more durable for daily skatepark use — Bones REDS or Bones Ceramic Reds?

For dry skatepark use, I’d actually give the edge to the standard Bones REDS. The ABEC 5 alloy steel construction is proven with over 9,375 ratings, and the non-contact rubber shield keeps out dust and grit just fine. The Ceramic Reds will technically last longer thanks to the grade 5 silicone nitride balls, but you’re paying a lot more money for durability you may never need if you’re only skating park concrete.

Are Bones Ceramic Reds worth the extra money over standard Reds?

In my experience, only if you skate in wet or really dirty conditions. The ceramic balls resist corrosion and wear better than the alloy steel in standard Reds, and the higher quality steel races with superior surface finish reduce friction longer. But for the average skater rolling on dry pavement, the standard Reds give you 95% of the performance for a fraction of the cost — I don’t think most people will notice the difference.

Which bearing is faster — Bones REDS or Bones Ceramic Reds?

Out of the box, I couldn’t tell a meaningful speed difference between the two. Both are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and use the same high speed nylon ball retainer and non-contact rubber shield design. The Ceramic Reds might hold their speed slightly longer as they age because the ceramic balls create less friction over time, but fresh standard Reds feel just as fast on day one.

How long do Bones REDS bearings last compared to Ceramic Reds?

Standard Bones REDS typically last me about 6 to 12 months of regular skating before they start feeling slow or crunchy, depending on how dirty the terrain is. The Ceramic Reds with their grade 5 silicone nitride balls can easily last 2 to 3 times longer because ceramic is harder and doesn’t corrode like alloy steel. If you’re a heavy skater who hates replacing bearings, the ceramics win on longevity.

Can I clean Bones REDS and Bones Ceramic Reds the same way?

Yes, both bearings use the same single non-contact removable rubber shield design, so you pop the shield off, soak them in cleaner, dry them out, and relube with Speed Cream. The process is identical for both sets. The only difference is that the ceramic balls in the Ceramic Reds are less likely to get damaged during cleaning since they’re harder than steel.

Which bearing has better reviews — Bones REDS or Bones Ceramic Reds?

The standard Bones REDS absolutely dominate in reviews with 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 9,375 ratings, making them the most popular skate bearing on Amazon. The Ceramic Reds have 4.7 out of 5 stars but only 456 ratings, so there’s a lot less data to go on. I trust the standard REDS’ massive sample size more when making a buying decision.

My Final Verdict

I’m picking the standard Bones REDS as the clear winner if you want the best combination of durability and value. With over 9,375 ratings at 4.8 stars, an ABEC 5 rating, and alloy steel construction that handles daily park skating with ease, they’re the proven choice that most skaters actually need. The Bones Ceramic Reds are the runner-up — ideal for hardcore daily skaters who ride in wet or gritty conditions and want the longer lifespan of grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you skate more than four times a week in dirty conditions? If yes, get the Ceramic Reds. If no, save your money and grab the standard Reds — they’re the best-selling skate bearing for a reason, and I trust them completely.

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My Pick: Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack