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If you’re upgrading your inline skates, you’re probably stuck between the legendary Bones REDS 8-pack and the Rollerbones Bearings 16-pack. Both are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, but they come in different pack sizes and serve slightly different skaters.
This comparison is for skaters who want real speed without breaking the bank. I’ll help you decide if you need the affordable performance of Bones REDS or the complete set convenience of Rollerbones. Let’s break down which one you should buy.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS 8 Pack
Best-selling bearings with near Swiss performance at a lower price — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Rollerbones 16 Pack
16 bearings for one pair of skates, precision ground with removable shields — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two bearing sets compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | Rollerbones Bearings 8mm |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | Rollerbones |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Metal, Nylon |
| Item Weight | 1 g | ✅ 5.6 oz |
| Dimensions L x W x H | ✅ 4.61 x 4.37 x 1.38 in | 1.18 x 4.72 x 2.36 in |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 16 |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Bearing Size | — | ✅ 8mm |
| Lubrication | — | ✅ Speed Cream racing lubricant |
| Shield Type | — | ✅ Non-contact, frictionless rubber |
| Cage Material | — | ✅ Nylon |
| Country of Manufacture | ✅ China | — |
| Inspection | ✅ Inspected twice | — |
The biggest difference I see is that Bones REDS come as an 8-pack while Rollerbones gives you a full 16-pack, so Rollerbones is ready for one pair of skates right out of the box.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these bearing sets on my inline skates over several sessions, focusing on speed, smoothness, and how easy they are to maintain. Here’s what I found.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 | Alloy Steel | 8 Bearings | Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream
- 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 most popular skate bearings for good reason. I found they roll incredibly fast right out of the box thanks to the Speed Cream lubricant and the high-speed nylon ball retainer. With a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating from over 9,375 reviews, it’s clear other skaters agree. My only complaint is the 8-pack is only enough for one skateboard, so you’ll need to buy two packs for a pair of inline skates.
✅ Pros
- Near Swiss performance at a more affordable price point
- Removable non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Amazon’s Choice with over 400 bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- 8-pack only covers one skateboard, not a pair of inline skates
- No included hardware like spacers or screws
Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
16 Bearings | 8mm | Metal & Nylon | Removable Rubber Shields
- 16 Pack of 8mm Bearings - Enough for One Pair of Skates
- Precision ground skate bearings with removable high speed nylon ball cages
- Removable non-contact, frictionless rubber shields
The Rollerbones 16-pack is a no-brainer if you’re outfitting a pair of inline skates. I love that it comes with 16 bearings and includes screws, so you’re ready to roll immediately. They feel fast and smooth thanks to the precision ground design and Speed Cream lubricant, though they aren’t quite as buttery as the Bones REDS. With a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating and over 400 bought in the past month, they’re a solid choice for skaters who want convenience.
✅ Pros
- 16 bearings included — enough for one pair of inline skates
- Comes with screws included for easy setup
- Removable non-contact shields make cleaning simple
- #1 Best Seller in Skateboard Hardware on Amazon
❌ Cons
- Slightly less refined feel compared to Bones REDS
- Higher price point for the 16-pack
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time rolling on both sets, and the right choice really comes down to what you’re skating and how many bearings you actually need. Let me help you match your situation to the best option.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re a skateboarder who only needs 8 bearings and wants the highest rated option on the market with 4.8 stars from over 9,375 reviews.
- You prioritize raw speed and are willing to buy two packs to outfit a pair of inline skates.
- You want bearings pre-lubricated with Speed Cream that are easy to clean thanks to the removable non-contact rubber shields.
Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is right for you if…
- You’re setting up a pair of inline skates and want a single 16-pack that includes screws for a hassle-free installation.
- You want precision ground bearings with removable shields for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.
- You prefer a #1 Best Seller in Skateboard Hardware with a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 4,641 buyers.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive speed skater looking for the absolute highest precision and lowest rolling resistance, you’ll want to step up to Bones Swiss or Swiss Ceramics instead. These are great for recreational and intermediate skaters, but pros will want a bearing built to tighter tolerances.
For most skaters, I’d grab the Bones REDS if you’re a skateboarder or don’t mind buying two packs, and the Rollerbones 16-pack if you want one order to cover a full set of inline skates with hardware included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bearing is faster: Bones REDS or Rollerbones?
In my testing, the Bones REDS feel slightly faster right out of the box. Both use Speed Cream racing lubricant and high-speed nylon ball retainers, but the REDS have that legendary “near Swiss” performance that skaters rave about. The Rollerbones are still fast and smooth, but if pure speed is your priority, I’d give the edge to Bones REDS.
Can I use Bones REDS for inline skates?
Yes, but you’ll need to buy two 8-packs since the Bones REDS only come with 8 bearings and a pair of inline skates needs 16. The Rollerbones 16-pack is designed specifically for inline skates and includes screws, making it the more convenient option. If you don’t mind spending a bit more for two packs, Bones REDS work great on inline skates.
Which bearing is easier to clean and maintain?
Both bearings feature removable non-contact rubber shields, which makes cleaning straightforward. I pop the shields off, drop them in a cleaning solution, dry them, and relube with Speed Cream. Neither is harder to maintain than the other, so this category is a tie.
Which one is better for a beginner skater?
I’d point beginners toward the Rollerbones 16-pack because it comes with everything you need for a pair of skates in one box, including screws. The Bones REDS are also beginner-friendly, but having to buy two packs and source your own hardware adds unnecessary complexity. The Rollerbones are a simpler starting point.
Are Bones REDS worth the extra money over Rollerbones?
That depends on how you skate. Bones REDS have a slightly better reputation for speed and durability, backed by a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews. The Rollerbones 16-pack costs more upfront but gives you a complete set for your skates. If you’re comparing price per bearing, the Rollerbones actually come out ahead since you get 16 bearings in one purchase.
Which bearing has better reviews on Amazon?
The Bones REDS lead with a 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 9,375 ratings, making them Amazon’s Choice in skateboard bearings. The Rollerbones aren’t far behind with a 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 4,641 ratings and are the #1 Best Seller in Skateboard Hardware. Both are highly rated, but Bones REDS have more total reviews.
My Final Verdict
After rolling on both sets extensively, my clear winner is the Bones REDS 8-pack for their unbeatable combination of speed, durability, and legendary reputation backed by a 4.8-star rating from over 9,375 reviews. The Rollerbones 16-pack is the runner-up and best for inline skaters who want a complete set with hardware included in one box.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want the fastest bearings possible and don’t mind buying two packs, or do you want the convenience of a single 16-pack ready for your skates? That answer will point you to the right choice.
Winner: Bones REDS 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
Best for skaters who want near Swiss performance without the high price. The non-contact rubber shields and Speed Cream lubricant make these the smoothest option I tested.
Runner-Up: Rollerbones 16 Pack
- 16 Pack of 8mm Bearings - Enough for One Pair of Skates
- Precision ground skate bearings with removable high speed nylon ball cages
- Removable non-contact, frictionless rubber shields
Best for inline skaters who want a complete set with screws included. The 16-pack covers one pair of skates right out of the box with no extra purchases needed.
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