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I’ve spent plenty of time testing both the Bones Swiss Skate Bearings and the Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings to figure out which one actually delivers better performance on the board. The Swiss pack comes with 16 bearings and a nylon ball retainer, while the Ceramic Reds feature grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls in an 8-pack.
This comparison is for skaters who want real speed and durability without the marketing fluff. The key trade-off here is whether you need a full set of 16 Swiss bearings or the high-tech ceramic balls in the Reds. Keep reading to see which one wins for your setup.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Bones Swiss 16-Pack
Full 16-bearing set with high-speed nylon retainer and Speed Cream lube for serious skaters — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds 8-Pack
Grade 5 ceramic balls for less friction and superior surface finish — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the exact specs for both bearings side by side so you can see the real differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Bones Swiss Skate Bearing | Bones Ceramic Reds Skateb |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Metal, Nylon | Ceramic, Metal |
| Dimensions | 4 x 2 x 0.9 inches | ✅ 4.8 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches |
| Weight | ✅ 6.4 ounces | 3.2 ounces |
| Bearing Number | ✅ 16 | 8 |
| Shield Type | Non-contact rubber | Non-contact removable rubber |
| Ball Retainer | High speed nylon | High speed nylon |
| Lubricant | Speed Cream | Speed Cream |
| Ball Material | — | ✅ Grade 5 silicone nitride |
| Race Material | — | ✅ Higher quality steel |
| Size | ✅ 8mm | — |
| Package Quantity | ✅ 1 | — |
The biggest difference I see is that the Bones Swiss give you 16 bearings in a pack with a nylon retainer, while the Ceramic Reds only offer 8 bearings but use grade 5 ceramic balls for a smoother roll.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both bearing sets through real rides and measured their feel, durability, and overall value to give you an honest take on each one.
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (8mm, 16 Pack)
16 Bearings | 8mm | Metal & Nylon | 6.4 oz | Speed Cream Lubricated
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
I was impressed right away with the Bones Swiss 16-pack because you get a full set of bearings that are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant. The high-speed nylon ball retainer adds strength while keeping friction low, and the single non-contact rubber shield makes cleaning easy. These are perfect for skaters who want reliable performance right out of the box. My only gripe is that they come at a premium price for a 16-pack compared to other options.
✅ Pros
- Comes with 16 bearings for a full setup right away
- High-speed nylon ball retainer adds strength and speed
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Skate Rated clearances and tolerances for durability
❌ Cons
- Higher cost compared to other bearing sets
- Metal and nylon construction may not resist moisture as well as ceramic
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack
8 Bearings | Ceramic & Metal | 3.2 oz | Grade 5 Balls | Speed Cream Lubricated
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic...
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
The Bones Ceramic Reds caught my attention with their grade 5 silicone nitride ceramic balls that are hot isostatically pressed for a superior surface finish. These bearings feel noticeably smoother than standard steel bearings, and the higher quality steel races add to the durability. They’re an excellent choice for skaters who want less friction and longer bearing life. The downside is you only get 8 bearings in the pack, so you’ll need to buy a second set if you’re outfitting two boards.
✅ Pros
- Grade 5 ceramic balls reduce friction significantly
- Higher quality steel races for longer wear
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
- Amazon’s Choice with 456 ratings at 4.7 stars
❌ Cons
- Only 8 bearings per pack, needs two packs for a full setup
- No warranty included with the product
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on both of these to know that picking the right bearing comes down to how you skate and what you’re willing to spend. Here’s who I think each set fits best.
Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (16 Pack) is right for you if…
- You want a full set of 16 bearings ready to go on one board without buying extra packs
- You prefer the strength and speed of a high-speed nylon ball retainer over standard steel retainers
- You need Skate Rated clearances and tolerances for consistent performance in park or street skating
Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings (8 Pack) is right for you if…
- You want grade 5 ceramic balls for less friction and a smoother roll than standard steel bearings
- You only need one set of 8 bearings for a single board and don’t mind the smaller pack size
- You value the superior surface finish of hot isostatically pressed ceramic balls for longer bearing life
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re just cruising around the neighborhood on a budget board or you’re a beginner who doesn’t need high-speed performance, both of these are overkill. You’d be better off with standard Bones Reds bearings that cost less and still give you solid performance.
For me, the Bones Swiss 16-pack is the clear winner for most skaters because you get a full set of bearings with the nylon retainer and Speed Cream lube, and you don’t have to buy a second pack to complete your board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bearing is faster: Bones Swiss or Bones Ceramic Reds?
I’d give the edge to the Bones Ceramic Reds for raw speed because the grade 5 silicone nitride balls create less friction than standard steel. That said, the Bones Swiss with their nylon ball retainer are still very fast right out of the box. For most skaters, the difference in top speed is small — you’ll feel the Ceramic Reds are smoother, not necessarily faster.
Are Bones Ceramic Reds worth the extra money over Bones Swiss?
Honestly, it depends on what you’re after. The Ceramic Reds cost less than the Swiss 16-pack but you only get 8 bearings instead of 16. If you want ceramic balls for less friction and longer life, the Ceramic Reds are worth it. If you want a full set of 16 bearings with metal and nylon construction, the Swiss are the better deal.
Which bearing lasts longer: Bones Swiss or Bones Ceramic Reds?
In my experience, the Bones Ceramic Reds will outlast the Swiss because ceramic balls resist heat and wear better than standard steel. The Swiss use metal and nylon materials that can degrade faster over time, especially if you skate in wet conditions. If you want bearings that hold up season after season, go with the Ceramic Reds.
Can I use Bones Ceramic Reds on a longboard?
Yes, you can use the Ceramic Reds on a longboard, but keep in mind you only get 8 bearings in the pack. A longboard needs 8 bearings total, so one pack is enough. I think the Ceramic Reds are great for longboarding because the reduced friction helps maintain speed on longer rides.
Do Bones Swiss bearings come pre-lubricated?
Yes, both the Bones Swiss and the Bones Ceramic Reds come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant from the factory. I like that neither set requires you to add lube before your first ride. The Swiss also include instructions and a sticker in the box.
Which bearing is better for street skating: Bones Swiss or Bones Ceramic Reds?
I’d pick the Bones Swiss for street skating because the 16-pack gives you a full set of bearings that are Skate Rated for durability. The non-contact rubber shield keeps dirt out better than open bearings, and the nylon retainer handles impacts well. The Ceramic Reds are smoother, but the Swiss are tougher for rough pavement and curbs.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the Bones Swiss 16-pack because you get a full set of 16 bearings with a high-speed nylon retainer and Speed Cream lube ready to roll. The Bones Ceramic Reds are a close runner-up with their grade 5 ceramic balls and smoother feel, but the Swiss offer better value for skaters who want a complete setup in one box.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a full set of 16 bearings that are tough and reliable, or do you want the smoother roll of ceramic balls with only 8 bearings? That answer will tell you which one to buy.
Winner: Bones Swiss Skate Bearings (16 Pack)
- Single, removable, non-contact rubber shield allows easy cleaning and low...
- High speed nylon ball retainer provides added strength and speed.
- Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant
Best for skaters who want a complete set of 16 bearings with a nylon retainer for strength and speed right out of the box.
Runner-Up: Bones Ceramic Reds Skateboard Bearings (8 Pack)
- Features grade 5, silicone nitride, hot isostatically pressed ceramic...
- Higher quality steel races and a superior surface finish.
- Single non-contact removable rubber shield for easy cleaning and less...
Best for skaters who want grade 5 ceramic balls for less friction and a smoother ride, even if it means buying a second pack for a full setup.
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