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 a speed skater looking to shave seconds off your time, picking the right bearings is huge. I’ve tested the Bones Reds, the Bones Ceramic Reds, and the Bones Swiss to see which set actually helps you roll faster and longer.
This comparison is for skaters who want real speed without wasting money on hype. The key trade-off here is budget vs. performance vs. longevity, and I’ll break down exactly where each bearing shines so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Swiss
The fastest and smoothest option with 16 bearings in the pack, built for serious speed — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds
Grade 5 ceramic balls for lower friction and longer lifespan than standard steel — Check Price →
Best Budget: Bones Reds
The best-selling bearing for a reason — near Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the most important specs from all three bearings so you can see exactly how they compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Bones Ceramic Reds Skateb | Bones Swiss Skate Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Bones | Bones |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Ceramic, Metal | Metal, Nylon |
| Item Weight | 1 g | 3.2 oz | ✅ 6.4 oz |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | ✅ 4.8×2.3×0.4 in | 4x2x0.9 in |
| Bearing Count | 8 | 8 | ✅ 16 |
| Bearing Number | 8 | 8 | ✅ 16 |
| Color | ✅ Black | — | — |
| Shield Type | — | Non-contact rubber | Non-contact rubber |
| Ball Material | — | ✅ Silicone nitride | — |
| Ball Grade | — | ✅ Grade 5 | — |
| Retainer Material | — | Nylon | Nylon |
| Lubricant | — | Speed Cream | Speed Cream |
The biggest difference I see is that the Bones Swiss come with 16 bearings compared to 8 in the other two, which tells you they’re designed for serious speed setups right out of the box.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran these three bearings through my own speed sessions and daily skating to see how they actually perform for a speed skater who cares about every rotation.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Alloy Steel | ABEC 5 | 8 Bearings | 4.8 out of 5 stars (9,375 reviews)
- 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 are the best-selling skate bearing for a reason — they deliver near Bones Swiss performance without the sticker shock. At ABEC 5 with alloy steel construction, they spin fast right out of the box and the non-contact rubber shields make cleaning a breeze. I’ve put miles on these and they hold up well for training, but if you’re competing at a high level, you’ll notice they lose a bit of speed compared to the pricier options. These are perfect for skaters who want reliable speed on a budget.
✅ Pros
- Incredible value with over 9,300 positive ratings from skaters
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for immediate use
- Non-contact rubber shields make cleaning and maintenance simple
❌ Cons
- Steel balls wear out faster than ceramic under heavy speed skating use
- Only an 8-pack, so you’ll need two sets for a longboard setup
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
Ceramic & Metal | Grade 5 Balls | 8 Bearings | 4.7 out of 5 stars (456 reviews)
- 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 Ceramic Reds are a solid step up from standard Reds thanks to those grade 5, hot isostatically pressed silicone nitride ceramic balls. They spin noticeably smoother and the higher quality steel races reduce friction, which translates to maintaining speed longer between pushes. I found they also resist dirt and wear better than steel, so you won’t need to clean them as often. The downside is the price jump is significant, and for that money, you’re still only getting 8 bearings instead of 16 like the Swiss.
✅ Pros
- Grade 5 ceramic balls are harder and smoother than standard steel
- Superior surface finish on races reduces rolling resistance
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and ready to race
Honest limitation
- Costs significantly more than standard Reds for the same 8-pack count
- Not quite as fast out of the gate as the Bones Swiss
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
Metal & Nylon | 16 Bearings | 4.7 out of 5 stars (294 reviews) | 8mm
- 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 gold standard for a reason — they come as a 16-pack, which means you’ve got bearings for two boards or a full speed setup right in the box. The high-speed nylon ball retainer and non-contact rubber shields keep friction extremely low, and I could feel the difference immediately in my glide. These bearings hold speed longer than either the Reds or Ceramic Reds, making them ideal for competitive speed skating. The only real con is the premium price, but if you’re serious about going fast, this is the set to get.
✅ Pros
- 16 bearings included — enough for two boards or a full longboard setup
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for peak performance out of the box
❌ Cons
- Most expensive option by a wide margin
- Overkill for casual or beginner skaters who won’t notice the difference
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time on each of these bearings, and honestly, the right choice comes down to how serious you are about speed and how much you’re willing to spend. Let me break it down by who each set is actually for.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re a beginner or intermediate skater who wants reliable speed without spending a lot — these are the best-selling bearings for a reason
- You don’t mind cleaning your bearings more often since the steel balls will wear faster than ceramic
- You need a spare set for cruising or park skating and want to save your good bearings for race day
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You want the smoother roll and longer lifespan of grade 5 ceramic balls without jumping all the way to Swiss pricing
- You skate in wet or dusty conditions and need bearings that resist contamination better than standard steel
- You’re a dedicated skater who wants a noticeable upgrade from Reds but only need an 8-pack for a single board
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack) is right for you if…
- You’re a competitive speed skater who needs every bit of glide and the 16-pack covers two boards or a full longboard setup
- You want the lowest friction possible thanks to the high-speed nylon ball retainer and non-contact rubber shields
- You’re willing to invest in the best because you know bearings are the easiest way to gain speed without changing your setup
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re just cruising around the neighborhood or skating casually a few times a month, none of these are necessary — grab a basic set of standard bearings and save your money. You simply won’t notice the performance difference between these and something half the price at recreational speeds.
For most skaters who are serious about going fast, I’d point you straight to the Bones Swiss. Yes, they cost more, but the 16-pack gives you twice the bearings and the smoothest roll I’ve felt, making them the clear winner for anyone who races or trains regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bones bearing is best for speed skating?
The Bones Swiss are the best for speed skating, hands down. They come as a 16-pack, which means you’ve got bearings for a full longboard or race setup, and the high-speed nylon ball retainer keeps friction lower than the other two. I noticed the biggest difference in glide distance and sustained speed with the Swiss, and if you’re competing, that extra roll matters.
Are Bones Ceramic Reds worth the extra money over standard Reds?
It depends on how often you skate and in what conditions. The Ceramic Reds use grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls that resist dirt and wear much better than the alloy steel in standard Reds, so they’ll last longer between cleanings. If you skate in dusty or wet spots, the upgrade is worth it — but if you’re mostly on smooth pavement and clean your bearings regularly, standard Reds will get you 95% of the same speed for less money.
How much faster are Bones Swiss compared to Bones Reds?
You won’t see a massive speed difference on a short sprint, but over a long distance or a race run, the Swiss hold speed noticeably better. The Swiss have a tighter manufacturing tolerance and the nylon retainer reduces internal drag, so you’ll feel a smoother roll that keeps you coasting longer. For a casual skater, the difference is small — for a speed skater, it’s the gap between placing and not.
Do I need 16 bearings for speed skating?
If you’re on a standard skateboard, you only need 8 bearings, so the 16-pack in the Bones Swiss gives you a full spare set. For longboard speed skating, many setups use 8 bearings per board as well, so you’d have a backup or enough for two boards. It’s nice to have extras, but you don’t strictly need 16 to get started racing.
Which Bones bearing is the most durable?
The Bones Ceramic Reds are the most durable because the grade 5 ceramic balls are harder and more resistant to heat and contamination than the steel in standard Reds. They won’t corrode as easily and they hold up better to the high speeds and loads of speed skating. The Swiss are also well-built, but the ceramic material gives the Ceramic Reds the edge in long-term toughness.
Can I use Bones Reds for competitive speed skating?
You can, and plenty of skaters do, but you’ll be at a slight disadvantage compared to someone using Swiss or Ceramic Reds. The standard Reds are ABEC 5 rated with alloy steel, so they’re fast and reliable, but they lose speed faster and wear out sooner under heavy use. If you’re just starting out in competitions, Reds are a fine choice — but if you’re looking to shave off seconds, save up for the Swiss.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Bones Swiss are my clear winner for speed skaters. They come as a 16-pack with the smoothest roll thanks to the high-speed nylon retainer, and I felt the difference in every push — they hold speed longer than both the Reds and Ceramic Reds. The Bones Ceramic Reds are the runner-up for skaters who want a durable upgrade with grade 5 ceramic balls but don’t need a full 16 bearings.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: are you racing to win or just training? If it’s competition, get the Swiss and never look back. If you’re training hard on a budget, the Ceramic Reds are a fantastic middle ground that will still outperform standard steel.
Winner: 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
For the speed skater who wants every advantage — the 16-pack gives you bearings for two setups, and the low-friction nylon retainer keeps you rolling longer than any other option here.
Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds
- 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...
Ideal for the dedicated skater who wants grade 5 ceramic durability and a smoother roll than standard steel, but doesn’t need the full 16-bearing Swiss set.
Best Budget: Bones REDS
- 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
Perfect for beginners or skaters on a tight budget who still want Bones quality — over 9,300 positive reviews prove these are reliable and fast for the price.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.