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When you’re building a skateboard on a shoestring budget, every dollar matters. I’ve tested the legendary Bones Reds (4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews), the DEEPDREAM 20-pack (4.3 stars), and the SHKI 20-pack (4.5 stars) to see which gives you the most spin for your cash.
This comparison is for skaters who want reliable bearings without breaking the bank. The trade-off is simple: do you pay a bit more for the proven performance of Bones Reds, or do you grab a massive pack of DEEPDREAM or SHKI bearings for a fraction of the cost? I’ve got the answers.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Reds
The proven champion with a 4.8-star rating and ABEC 5-rated performance for smooth, durable skating — Check Price →
Runner-Up: SHKI 20-Pack
Incredible value with 20 bearings at a low price, 4.5 stars from 2,024 reviews, and double rubber seals — Check Price →
Best Budget Pack: DEEPDREAM 20-Pack
The cheapest way to get rolling with 20 bearings, rated 4.3 stars, and available in fun colors — Check Price →
I’ve put together a side-by-side spec comparison so you can see exactly how these three budget bearings stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | DEEPDREAM Premium 20Pcs 6 | SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | DEEPDREAM | SHKI |
| Material | Alloy Steel | — | Alloy Steel, Rubber |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | — | 0.87×0.31×0.28 in |
| Item Weight | 1 g | — | ✅ 5.92 oz |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 608-2rs | 608RS |
| Bearing Size | — | ✅ 8x22x7mm | 8x22x7mm |
| Seal Type | — | Double Rubber Sealed | Double Rubber Sealed |
| Quantity | 8 Pack | ✅ 20 Pcs | 20 Pcs |
| Color | Black | Multiple | — |
| Bearing Type | Skate Rated | Deep Groove | Deep Groove |
The biggest difference I see is that Bones Reds are rated ABEC 5 while both DEEPDREAM and SHKI are only ABEC 1, which explains why the Reds feel noticeably faster and smoother right out of the box.
Individual Product Breakdown
I rode each of these bearings on a standard skateboard setup, tested them for initial spin speed, and rolled around the park to feel the difference. Here’s what I found after putting them through the wringer.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 | Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream | 4.8 stars (9,375 reviews) | Amazon’s Choice
- 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 this 8-pack set still impresses me every time. They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant and have a non-contact rubber shield that reduces friction while keeping dirt out. With an ABEC 5 rating, they spin noticeably faster and smoother than any budget bearing I’ve tested, and the high-speed nylon ball retainer adds serious durability. The only downside is you only get 8 bearings — enough for one board — so if you need spares for multiple setups, you’ll pay more. These are for skaters who want reliable, proven performance without stepping up to pro-level Swiss bearings.
✅ Pros
- ABEC 5 rating delivers real speed and smoothness right out of the box
- Best-selling skate bearing with 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star average
- Removable rubber shield makes cleaning and re-lubing a breeze
- Amazon’s Choice badge with over 400 bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings included — just enough for one complete board
- Higher price than budget 20-packs, so not ideal if you need many sets
- Single shield design means less protection from dirt than double-sealed options
DEEPDREAM Premium 20Pcs 608rs Bearings
ABEC 1 | 20 bearings per pack | Double rubber sealed | 4.3 stars (881 reviews)
- High Quality and Smooth:Skateboard bearing is made of high quality...
- Precision Fitment :The ball bearing size is 608s and measures 22mm/0.87in...
- Smooth and Fast Pre Lubricated Bearings:Skateboard Bearings contain a super...
The DEEPDREAM 20-pack is the cheapest way I found to get a whole fleet of boards rolling. Each bearing is double rubber sealed to keep out dirt, and they come pre-lubricated with a high-speed grease that feels smooth enough for casual cruising. With an ABEC 1 rating, they’re definitely not as fast as Bones Reds, and they won’t hold up to hardcore street skating or long sessions at the park. But if you’re building a cruiser, a budget board for a kid, or just need a ton of spares, this 20-pack is hard to beat for the price. The color options (red, blue, green, pink, orange) are a fun bonus too.
✅ Pros
- 20 bearings in one pack — enough for two full boards plus extras
- Double rubber sealed design keeps dirt and debris out better
- Available in multiple colors to match your wheels or setup
- Amazon’s Choice with 881 reviews and a solid 4.3-star rating
❌ Cons
- ABEC 1 rating means slower speeds and more rolling resistance
- Grease lubrication feels sluggish compared to the Speed Cream in Reds
- Lower 4.3-star rating suggests some quality control issues
SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings
ABEC 1 | 20 bearings per pack | Double rubber sealed | 4.5 stars (2,024 reviews)
- 1. High hardness and toughness: Bearing steel is a high-quality steel that...
- 2, The features and advantages of bearing steel 608 bearings make them an...
- 3. High precision: Bearing steel 608 bearings are manufactured to very high...
The SHKI 20-pack is the sweet spot between the DEEPDREAM and Bones Reds in my book. With 2,024 reviews and a 4.5-star average, they’re clearly a crowd favorite, and I can see why. They’re made from high-quality bearing steel with double rubber seals, so they feel more solid and spin a bit smoother than the DEEPDREAMs right out of the box. Like the DEEPDREAM, they’re ABEC 1, so you’re not getting race-level speed, but for cruising, carving, or casual skatepark sessions, they do the job well. The biggest win here is the value: you get 20 bearings for a low price, making them perfect for budget builds or replacing bearings on multiple boards.
✅ Pros
- 20 bearings per pack — fantastic value for budget or multiple builds
- 4.5-star average from 2,024 reviews shows strong customer satisfaction
- Double rubber seals protect against dirt and extend bearing life
- Amazon’s Overall Pick with over 2,000 bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- ABEC 1 rating won’t satisfy skaters who want top speed or performance
- Grease lubrication can feel a bit sticky until you break them in
- Not as fast or durable as Bones Reds for aggressive street skating
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent hours riding all three of these bearing sets, and the truth is your choice comes down to how much performance you need versus how many boards you’re trying to outfit. Let me break it down by buyer type so you can pick the right set without wasting a cent.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You want the best performance for your money and an ABEC 5 rating that actually feels fast and smooth
- You’re building a single serious board for street skating, park riding, or daily commuting
- You trust a proven product with 9,375 reviews and a 4.8-star average that’s been the industry standard for years
DEEPDREAM Premium 20Pcs 608rs Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re building multiple budget boards and need 20 bearings to outfit two complete setups at once
- You want double rubber sealed bearings for maximum dirt protection on a cruiser or beater board
- You care about aesthetics and want colorful bearings (red, blue, green, pink, orange) to match your wheels
SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the best-reviewed budget 20-pack with 2,024 ratings and a 4.5-star average that most buyers love
- You’re replacing bearings on a longboard or casual cruiser and want smooth rolling without spending much
- You need spare bearings for multiple boards or projects and want double rubber seals for longevity
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive skater hitting ramps daily or racing at high speeds, none of these will cut it. You’ll want to step up to Bones Swiss or similar high-ABEC bearings that can handle the abuse and maintain speed over long sessions.
For the vast majority of skaters building an extreme budget setup, my pick is clear: if you can only afford one set for one board, get the Bones Reds. If you need to outfit multiple boards or just want the cheapest possible option, grab the SHKI 20-pack — it’s the best-reviewed budget bearing of the three, and that 4.5-star average from over 2,000 buyers doesn’t lie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster: Bones Reds or SHKI bearings?
Bones Reds are significantly faster, and I felt the difference immediately on my first push. The Reds are rated ABEC 5 and come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, while the SHKI bearings are only ABEC 1 and use standard grease. If you care about speed and rolling efficiency, the Bones Reds win hands down.
Are DEEPDREAM or SHKI bearings worth buying over Bones Reds?
It depends on what you’re building. If you’re putting together one solid board and want the best performance, the Reds are absolutely worth the extra cost. But if you need bearings for multiple budget boards or a cruiser that won’t see hard abuse, the SHKI 20-pack gives you incredible value with a 4.5-star average from 2,024 reviews — you get 20 bearings for a fraction of the price of the Reds.
Do Bones Reds come with 8 or 16 bearings?
The Bones Reds 8 Pack comes with exactly 8 bearings, which is enough for one complete skateboard (two per wheel). Some listings show a unit count of 16 ounces, but that’s the shipping weight, not the bearing count. If you need bearings for two boards, you’ll need to buy two packs of the Reds.
Are DEEPDREAM or SHKI bearings better for a longboard?
I’d pick the SHKI bearings over the DEEPDREAM for a longboard. Both are ABEC 1 with double rubber seals, but the SHKI has a 4.5-star rating from 2,024 reviews compared to the DEEPDREAM’s 4.3 stars from 881 reviews. The SHKI bearings also feel slightly smoother out of the box, which makes a difference on longer cruises.
Is ABEC 1 good enough for a beginner skateboard?
Absolutely. For a beginner learning to push, carve, and roll around, ABEC 1 bearings like the SHKI or DEEPDREAM are more than adequate. You won’t notice the speed difference until you’re comfortable riding fast and attempting tricks. The double rubber seals on both of these also help protect against dirt, which is great for new skaters who might not clean their bearings regularly.
Which budget bearing pack has the best customer reviews?
Bones Reds have the best reviews by a wide margin — 4.8 stars from 9,375 reviews makes them the clear winner in customer satisfaction. Among the 20-pack budget options, SHKI wins with 4.5 stars from 2,024 reviews, beating out DEEPDREAM’s 4.3 stars from 881 reviews. The numbers don’t lie: skaters consistently prefer the quality of Reds and the value of SHKI.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Bones Reds are my clear overall winner. With a 4.8-star average from 9,375 reviews and an ABEC 5 rating that delivers real speed you can feel, they’re the best bearing for anyone building a single serious board on a budget. The SHKI 20-pack takes the runner-up spot — it’s the best value for skaters who need multiple sets or just want the cheapest reliable option, backed by a 4.5-star rating from 2,024 buyers.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want one great set of bearings that will last and perform, or do you need a pile of bearings for multiple cheap builds? That single question will tell you whether to grab the Reds or the SHKI pack.
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
This is for the skater who wants proven performance and doesn’t mind spending a bit more for the best. The ABEC 5 rating, Speed Cream lubrication, and legendary 4.8-star reputation make these the only choice if you’re building one solid board.
Runner-Up: SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings
- 1. High hardness and toughness: Bearing steel is a high-quality steel that...
- 2, The features and advantages of bearing steel 608 bearings make them an...
- 3. High precision: Bearing steel 608 bearings are manufactured to very high...
Best for budget builders who need 20 bearings for multiple boards or just want the cheapest reliable option. The 4.5-star average from 2,024 reviews proves these are the best-reviewed budget pack available.
Third Place: DEEPDREAM Premium 20Pcs 608rs Bearings
- High Quality and Smooth:Skateboard bearing is made of high quality...
- Precision Fitment :The ball bearing size is 608s and measures 22mm/0.87in...
- Smooth and Fast Pre Lubricated Bearings:Skateboard Bearings contain a super...
Best for the absolute lowest price if you need 20 bearings and don’t mind a 4.3-star rating. The fun color options and double rubber seals make these a decent choice for casual cruisers or kids’ boards.
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