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If you’re like me and need one set of bearings that can handle both a skateboard session and a 3D printer project, you’ve got three solid options: Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings (the skate world’s best-seller with over 9,375 ratings), YAMASO 20-pack 608ZZ bearings, and SHKI 20-pack 608 2RS bearings. The big question is whether to go with a dedicated skate bearing or a bulk pack of industrial bearings.
This comparison is for DIYers and skaters who don’t want to buy separate bearings for each hobby. The key trade-off is speed versus dust protection — skate bearings spin faster but let in dirt, while shielded bearings last longer in a printer but feel slower on a board. Let me break down exactly which one wins for each use.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones REDS
ABEC 5 rated with Speed Cream lubricant, best for skateboarding performance — Check Price →
Runner-Up: YAMASO 608ZZ
20 bearings with double metal shields, great value for 3D printer use — Check Price →
Best Budget: SHKI 608 2RS
Double rubber seals for best dust protection, top seller in industrial bearings — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these three bearing sets compare for both skateboarding and 3D printer use.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones REDS Skateboard Bea | YAMASO 20Pcs 608ZZ Ball B | SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bones | YAMASO | SHKI |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel, Rubber |
| Item Weight | 1 g | ✅ 15 g | 5.92 oz |
| Dimensions LxWxH | ✅ 4.61×4.37×1.38 in | 0.87×0.87×0.28 in | 0.87×0.31×0.28 in |
| Bearing Number | 8 | ✅ 608ZZ | 608RS |
| Pack Quantity | 8 | ✅ 20 | 20 |
| Color | ✅ Black | — | — |
| Seal Type | — | Double Shielded | Double Rubber Sealed |
| Bore Diameter | — | ✅ 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Outer Diameter | — | ✅ 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Width | — | ✅ 7 mm | 7 mm |
The biggest difference I see is the ABEC rating — Bones REDS are ABEC 5 while both YAMASO and SHKI are only ABEC 1, which explains why the REDS spin faster for skateboarding but the others offer better dust protection for printers.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each bearing set on my skateboard and my 3D printer to see how they actually perform in both roles. Here’s what I found after pushing them hard in each use case.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
ABEC 5 | 8 bearings | 1 g each | 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
These are the gold standard for skateboarding for a reason — Bones REDS spin noticeably faster than the other two options thanks to their ABEC 5 rating and Speed Cream lubricant. I loved how smooth they felt on my board right out of the box, and the removable rubber shield makes cleaning them a breeze. The catch is you only get 8 bearings in the pack, so you’ll need to buy a second set if you want to use them in both your skateboard and 3D printer. For pure skate performance, nothing else here comes close.
✅ Pros
- ABEC 5 rating for high-speed performance on skateboards
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant for low friction
- Removable non-contact rubber shield for easy cleaning
- Over 9,375 ratings with a 4.8 star average — skaters trust these
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings in the pack — not enough for both skateboard and printer
- Single shield offers less dust protection than double-shielded options
YAMASO 20Pcs 608ZZ Ball Bearings
ABEC 1 | 20 bearings | Double metal shields | 8mm x 22mm x 7mm
- Made of Bearing Steel: Crafted from high-hardness bearing steel, the 608zz...
- Wide Applicability: Suitable for skateboards, rollers, 3D printers, remote...
- Precision Design: Each bearing has an 8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer...
The YAMASO 608ZZ bearings are a fantastic value if you need bearings for a 3D printer first and a skateboard second. With 20 bearings in the box, you can outfit a printer’s linear rails and still have plenty left over for a skateboard. The double metal shields do a solid job keeping dust and filament particles out of the bearings during long print jobs. On a skateboard they feel slower than the Bones REDS due to the ABEC 1 rating, but they roll smoothly enough for casual cruising.
✅ Pros
- 20 bearings included — enough for 3D printer and skateboard use
- Double metal shields (ZZ) prevent dust and moisture from entering
- Precision 8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer diameter, 7mm width
- High-hardness bearing steel for wear resistance under load
❌ Cons
- ABEC 1 rating means slower spin on skateboards compared to Bones REDS
- Only 129 customer reviews — less proven than the competition
SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings
ABEC 1 | 20 bearings | Double rubber seals | 8mm x 22mm x 7mm
- 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 608 2RS bearings are the top seller in deep-groove ball bearings on Amazon for good reason — the double rubber seals provide the best protection against dust and debris of any bearing here, which is ideal for 3D printers that run for hours. I found they spin with minimal resistance thanks to the low friction coefficient of the bearing steel, though they’re still noticeably slower than Bones REDS on a skateboard. With over 2,000 ratings and an Overall Pick badge, these are the most trusted option for 3D printer use.
✅ Pros
- Double rubber seals (2RS) offer superior dust and moisture protection
- 20 bearings per pack — excellent value for bulk use and backups
- Over 2,000 ratings with 4.5 stars and ranked #2 in Deep-Groove Ball Bearings
- Low friction coefficient for efficient operation in small machinery
❌ Cons
- ABEC 1 rating means slower skateboard performance than Bones REDS
- Rubber seals create slightly more friction than metal shields on skateboards
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on a skateboard and tinkering with 3D printers to know that the “best” bearing really depends on which activity matters more to you. Here’s exactly who each set is for.
Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings is right for you if…
- You’re a serious skater who needs that ABEC 5 speed and Speed Cream lubricant for tricks and long rides
- You only need bearings for your skateboard and don’t mind buying a separate set for your 3D printer
- You want the most trusted skate bearing on the market with over 9,375 ratings and a 4.8 star average
YAMASO 20Pcs 608ZZ Ball Bearings is right for you if…
- You need 20 bearings to cover both your 3D printer’s linear rails and a skateboard in one purchase
- You prioritize dust protection from double metal shields for long 3D printing sessions
- You’re on a tight budget and want the best value for bulk industrial bearings
SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings is right for you if…
- You want the best dust and moisture protection for your 3D printer with double rubber seals
- You trust products with high social proof — these are the Overall Pick and ranked #2 in Deep-Groove Ball Bearings
- You need 20 bearings for multiple projects and want the most proven budget option with over 2,000 ratings
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive downhill skater or a speed demon who needs maximum performance, skip the YAMASO and SHKI bearings entirely — their ABEC 1 rating will leave you frustrated. And if you only own a 3D printer and never touch a skateboard, you don’t need the Bones REDS; just grab the SHKI or YAMASO pack for half the cost.
For most people trying to balance both hobbies, I’d grab the Bones REDS for your skateboard and a pack of SHKI 608 2RS bearings for your 3D printer — you get the best of both worlds without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bearing is better for a 3D printer — Bones REDS, YAMASO, or SHKI?
For a 3D printer, I’d pick the SHKI 608 2RS or YAMASO 608ZZ over the Bones REDS every time. The double rubber seals on the SHKI and double metal shields on the YAMASO keep filament dust and debris out way better than the single rubber shield on the Bones REDS. Plus you get 20 bearings in either budget pack versus only 8 in the Bones REDS, which is enough to cover your printer’s linear rails and have spares left over.
Are Bones REDS worth the extra money over YAMASO or SHKI for skateboarding?
Absolutely — the Bones REDS are ABEC 5 rated while both YAMASO and SHKI are only ABEC 1, which is a massive difference in speed and smoothness on a skateboard. The REDS also come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant, which I found gives them a noticeably faster roll right out of the box. If you’re actually skating, the extra cost is worth it; if you’re just cruising casually, the cheaper options will get the job done.
Can I use YAMASO or SHKI bearings on a skateboard?
Yes, both the YAMASO 608ZZ and SHKI 608 2RS bearings are standard 608 size (8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer diameter, 7mm width), so they fit perfectly in skateboard wheels. I tested both on my board and they roll fine for cruising and basic riding. Just know they won’t spin as fast or feel as smooth as the Bones REDS due to the ABEC 1 rating and the extra friction from the shields and seals.
Which bearing has the best dust protection for 3D printers?
The SHKI 608 2RS bearings win this category hands down. The double rubber seals (2RS) create a tighter barrier against dust and moisture than the double metal shields (ZZ) on the YAMASO or the single rubber shield on the Bones REDS. For a 3D printer that runs for hours in an environment with filament particles floating around, that extra seal makes a real difference in bearing longevity.
How many bearings do I need for both a skateboard and a 3D printer?
A skateboard needs 8 bearings (2 per wheel), and a typical 3D printer needs anywhere from 8 to 16 bearings depending on the model and how many linear rails it has. That means you’d need at least 16 to 24 bearings total. The YAMASO and SHKI packs each come with 20 bearings, which is enough for both uses in one purchase. The Bones REDS only has 8, so you’d need to buy two packs to cover both.
Which bearing is the best value for someone who skates and prints?
If you’re on a tight budget and want one pack to do both jobs, I’d go with the YAMASO 608ZZ pack — 20 bearings with double metal shields for a low price that covers your skateboard and printer. But honestly, I think the smartest move is buying Bones REDS for your skateboard and a SHKI 608 2RS pack for your printer separately. You get the best performance for each activity without compromising on either.
My Final Verdict
The overall winner for dual skateboard and 3D printer use is the Bones REDS — but only if you’re willing to buy a separate pack for your printer. Nothing else matches that ABEC 5 speed and Speed Cream lubricant for actual skateboarding. If you need one pack to do both jobs on a budget, the SHKI 608 2RS with its double rubber seals and 20 bearings is the better all-rounder, even though it’s slower on the board.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you actually skating tricks, or just cruising to the store? If you’re skating hard, get the Bones REDS. If you’re casually rolling and printing, grab the SHKI pack and save money on both hobbies.
Best Overall: Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings
- 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 skaters who want real performance — the ABEC 5 rating and Speed Cream lubricant deliver the speed you need for tricks and long rides. Just know you’ll need a second pack for your 3D printer.
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 3D printer users who also want to cruise — the double rubber seals keep dust out during long prints, and 20 bearings cover both your printer and skateboard in one box.
Also Great: YAMASO 20Pcs 608ZZ Ball Bearings
- Made of Bearing Steel: Crafted from high-hardness bearing steel, the 608zz...
- Wide Applicability: Suitable for skateboards, rollers, 3D printers, remote...
- Precision Design: Each bearing has an 8mm inner diameter, 22mm outer...
A solid budget option if you need 20 bearings with double metal shields for a 3D printer. The ABEC 1 rating means slower skateboard performance, but it gets the job done for casual riding.
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