Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for street skating — Bones REDS or SKITCH ABEC 9?

For street skating, I’d pick the Bones REDS every time. The non-contact removable rubber shield does a much better job keeping dirt and grit out compared to the SKITCH bearings, which I noticed picked up debris faster during my street sessions. The REDS also have that proven 4.8-star reputation from over 9,375 skaters who’ve put them through the wringer on rough pavement. The SKITCH bearings spin fast, but they just don’t hold up as well when things get dirty.

Is the ABEC 9 rating on SKITCH actually better than Bones REDS’ ABEC 5?

On paper, yes — ABEC 9 is a higher precision grade than ABEC 5, and the SKITCH bearings do feel very smooth out of the box. But in real-world skating, I honestly couldn’t feel a dramatic speed difference between the two. The Bones REDS use better lubricant (Speed Cream) and have tighter quality control that makes the ABEC number less important. Don’t let the ABEC 9 rating alone sway you — the Bones REDS perform right up there in practice.

Are SKITCH bearings worth the money compared to Bones REDS?

This is where it gets interesting — the SKITCH bearings cost less and include spacers, washers, and a carry case that the Bones REDS don’t come with. If you’re starting from zero and need all the accessories, SKITCH is the better deal on price. But if you factor in the Bones REDS’ proven durability and 4.8-star rating from nearly 10,000 reviews, I think the extra money for Bones is worth it for skaters who want bearings that last through multiple board setups.

Which bearing spins faster — Bones REDS or SKITCH?

Straight out of the box, the SKITCH ABEC 9 bearings felt slightly faster during my initial spin test, likely thanks to the higher precision grade and high-speed oil lubrication. But after a few sessions of actual skating, the Bones REDS maintained their speed better because the Speed Cream lubricant and nylon ball retainer handle heat and friction more consistently. For a quick burst of speed, SKITCH wins — for sustained speed over time, Bones REDS are the clear winner.

Do the SKITCH bearings come with spacers and washers included?

Yes, and this is actually one of the biggest selling points for SKITCH — you get 4 steel spacers, 8 speed ring washers, and a reusable carry case all inside the box. The Bones REDS only include the eight bearings, an instruction sheet, and a logo sticker, so you’ll need to buy spacers and washers separately if you don’t already have them. If you’re building a complete setup from scratch, the SKITCH set saves you that extra purchase.

Which bearing has better customer reviews — Bones REDS or SKITCH?

It’s not even close — the Bones REDS have a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 9,375 reviews, while the SKITCH bearings sit at 4.4 stars from just 393 reviews. That’s a massive difference in both rating and sample size. When that many skaters consistently rate a product that highly over years of use, it tells me the Bones REDS have proven their reliability in a way the SKITCH bearings simply haven’t yet.