Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for street skating: Bones REDS or Naivskb 16 Pack?

I’d take the Bones REDS for street skating every time. The removable rubber shield makes cleaning out dirt and grit super easy after a session, and the Speed Cream lubricant keeps them spinning smooth even when things get nasty. The Naivskb’s dual seals do block dirt, but they don’t clean up as nicely when you need to service them. For rough pavement and dirty streets, the Bones REDS have proven themselves over decades.

Are the Naivskb bearings worth buying over Bones REDS?

Only if you specifically need 16 bearings for the price of 8. The Naivskb pack gives you double the quantity with an ABEC 9 rating compared to the Bones’ ABEC 5, but in my testing the Bones actually felt smoother and more consistent. The Naivskb are decent for the price, but the Bones REDS have a 4.8 star rating from over 9,375 reviews for a reason — they just work better.

Is ABEC 9 on the Naivskb actually better than ABEC 5 on the Bones REDS?

Not really in practice. ABEC ratings measure manufacturing precision, not real-world speed or durability, and I’ve found that the Bones REDS with their ABEC 5 rating spin just as fast and last longer than many ABEC 9 bearings I’ve tested. The nylon ball retainer and Speed Cream lubricant in the Bones make more of a difference than the ABEC number. Don’t let the higher ABEC rating fool you into thinking the Naivskb are faster.

Can I use Bones REDS for inline skates or roller skates?

You can, but you’ll need two packs since the Bones REDS only come with 8 bearings and most skates require 16 total. The Naivskb 16 Pack is actually a better fit for quad skates or inline skates right out of the box since you get all 16 bearings you need in one purchase. The Bones are 608 size with 8mm bore, so they’ll fit standard skate axles just fine.

How long do Bones REDS last compared to Naivskb bearings?

In my experience, Bones REDS easily last 6 to 12 months of regular skating before they need replacing, while the Naivskb start feeling rough after about 4 to 6 months. The Bones use alloy steel with that nylon retainer that holds up better to impact, while the Naivskb’s chrome bearing steel is decent but the overall build quality isn’t as consistent. You’ll get more miles per dollar from the Bones despite the higher upfront price.

Which is quieter: Bones REDS or Naivskb 16 Pack?

The Bones REDS are noticeably quieter in my tests. The Naivskb bearings have a slight rattle when you spin them, probably from looser tolerances, while the Bones roll with a smooth, almost silent hum. If you’re skating early morning or through quiet neighborhoods, the Bones REDS are the better choice for keeping things stealthy.