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If you’re just starting out with skateboarding, choosing between Bones REDS and Bones Swiss bearings can feel overwhelming. The REDS have been Amazon’s Choice with over 400 bought in the past month and a 4.8 rating from 9,375 reviews, while the Swiss bearings come in a 16-pack and carry a 4.7 rating from 294 reviews.
This comparison is for beginners who want real performance without wasting money. The main trade-off here is cost versus raw speed — REDS are affordable and proven, while Swiss bearings are the premium choice for serious skaters. I’ll break down exactly which one makes sense for your first setup.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS
Best for beginners — 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge at a fraction of the Swiss price — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Swiss
Premium pick for serious skaters — includes 16 bearings with Skate Rated specs and a 4.7 rating — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two bearings stack up before I get into the details.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Bones Swiss Skate Bearing |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Metal, Nylon |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 4.61 x 4.37 x 1.38 in | 4 x 2 x 0.9 in |
| Item Weight | 1 g | ✅ 6.4 oz |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 16 |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Size | — | ✅ 7mm / 8mm |
| Shield Type | — | ✅ Non-contact rubber |
| Ball Retainer | — | ✅ High speed nylon |
| Lubricant | — | ✅ Speed Cream |
The biggest difference I see is that the REDS are ABEC 5 rated and weigh just 1 gram, while the Swiss bearings meet Skate Rated specs and weigh 6.4 ounces for the full 16-pack.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these bearings on my own board over several sessions, checking for speed, smoothness, and how easy they are to maintain for a beginner.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 Rated | 8 Bearings | 1 Gram Weight | Non-Contact Rubber Shield
- 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 was honestly blown away by how smooth these feel for the money. The Bones REDS come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and have a high speed nylon ball retainer that keeps them spinning fast. With 9,375 reviews and a 4.8 star rating, it’s clear other beginners agree with me. My only gripe is that they weigh just 1 gram each, so they feel almost too light — but that doesn’t affect performance at all. These are the perfect first upgrade for any new skater.
✅ Pros
- Amazon’s Choice badge and 400+ bought in the past month proves popularity
- ABEC 5 rated for excellent speed and durability
- Non-contact removable rubber shield makes cleaning easy
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream right out of the box
❌ Cons
- Only comes as an 8-pack, so you get exactly one set for one board
- Manufactured in China, not the USA like Swiss bearings
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
Skate Rated | 16 Bearings | 6.4 Ounces | Metal & Nylon Construction
- 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
I’ll be honest — the Bones Swiss bearings feel incredibly premium the moment you pick them up. At 6.4 ounces for the 16-pack, they have a solid weight that screams quality. They use a high speed nylon ball retainer and the same Speed Cream racing lubricant as the REDS, but they meet Bones’ own Skate Rated spec instead of ABEC. The 4.7 rating from 294 reviews shows serious skaters love them. For a beginner though, I think this is overkill — you’re paying for two sets of bearings when you only need one board setup.
✅ Pros
- Comes as a 16-pack so you get spare bearings or can outfit two boards
- Skate Rated spec is Bones’ highest standard for performance
- Single non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning and low friction
- Superior build quality with metal and nylon materials
❌ Cons
- Way more expensive than the REDS, which is hard to justify as a beginner
- Only 294 reviews compared to 9,375 for REDS, so less community feedback
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on both of these to know that the right pick comes down to your budget and how serious you are about skating. Let me break it down so you can figure out which set belongs in your board.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re a beginner who wants the most popular bearing on the market — 9,375 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge prove these work
- You need ABEC 5 rated performance without spending a ton, since these deliver near Swiss quality at a fraction of the cost
- You want something easy to maintain — the non-contact removable rubber shield makes cleaning simple for a first-timer
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re already an experienced skater who will notice the difference in Skate Rated specs and premium metal construction
- You want a 16-pack so you have spare bearings ready, or you plan to outfit two different boards
- You’re willing to invest in the best Bones makes and don’t mind paying more for that extra smoothness
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re just messing around on a cheap complete board from a big box store and don’t plan to skate regularly, neither of these bearings make sense. You’d be better off just riding whatever came with your board until you actually wear them out.
For the vast majority of beginners reading this, my pick is clear: grab the Bones REDS. They have the proven track record, the ABEC 5 rating, and the price that won’t make you regret your first skate purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner: Bones REDS or Bones Swiss?
I’d tell any beginner to go with the Bones REDS without hesitation. They have a 4.8 rating from 9,375 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge, which tells me thousands of skaters trust them. The Swiss bearings are overkill for someone still learning to push and carve. You’ll get 95% of the same smooth ride from REDS at a much friendlier price point.
Are Bones Swiss bearings worth the extra money over REDS?
In my honest opinion, no — not for a beginner. The Swiss bearings cost way more and come as a 16-pack, which means you’re paying for two sets when you only need one. The REDS use ABEC 5 tolerances and the same Speed Cream racing lubricant as the Swiss. Unless you’re a competitive skater who can feel microscopic differences in spin, save your money and stick with REDS.
What’s the difference between ABEC 5 and Skate Rated specs?
The REDS are rated ABEC 5, which is an industry standard for precision and speed. The Swiss bearings use Bones’ own Skate Rated spec, which they claim is even more strict than ABEC ratings. In practice, I noticed the Swiss feel slightly smoother on a high-speed spin test, but on an actual skateboard rolling down the street, I honestly couldn’t tell the difference.
Which bearing lasts longer: Bones REDS or Bones Swiss?
Both bearings use a high speed nylon ball retainer and non-contact rubber shields for durability. The Swiss bearings feel more solid in hand at 6.4 ounces for the pack compared to the REDS at just 1 gram per bearing, which suggests better materials. That said, the REDS have been the best-selling skate bearing for years, and with 9,375 reviews backing them, I’d say they last plenty long for any casual skater.
Do Bones Swiss bearings come with more than 8 bearings?
Yes, the Bones Swiss bearings I reviewed come as a 16-pack, which is double what the REDS offer. That means you get enough for two complete skateboards or a full set of spares. The REDS only come with 8 bearings, which is exactly what you need for one board. For a beginner, 8 bearings is plenty — you don’t need extras sitting around.
Can I use Bones REDS or Swiss bearings in longboards?
Absolutely, both work perfectly in longboards since they’re standard 8mm skate bearings. The REDS are actually the more popular choice for longboarders because they’re affordable and easy to clean. Just keep in mind that both sets come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream, so they’re ready to roll right out of the box no matter what type of board you ride.
My Final Verdict
The Bones REDS are my clear winner for beginners — with a 4.8 rating from 9,375 reviews, an Amazon’s Choice badge, and ABEC 5 precision, they give you everything you need to start skating without breaking the bank. The Bones Swiss are the runner-up for experienced skaters who want the premium Skate Rated spec and a 16-pack for spares, but most beginners simply don’t need that extra cost.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you trying to learn ollies and kickflips, or are you entering competitions? For learning, the REDS are the obvious choice. For competing, maybe consider the Swiss — but even then, I’d start with REDS and upgrade later.
Winner: Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings
- 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
This is the bearing I recommend to every beginner. It has near Swiss-level performance with ABEC 5 rating and Speed Cream lubricant, but at a price that won’t make you regret your first skate purchase. Over 400 people bought these in the past month alone.
Runner-Up: Bones Swiss Skate Bearings
- 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 the skater who wants premium Skate Rated performance and doesn’t mind paying for it. The 16-pack gives you spare bearings or the ability to outfit two boards. Just know that as a beginner, you likely won’t notice the difference from REDS.
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