Bones Bearings: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to skateboard bearings, Bones Bearings are pretty much the gold standard, the cream of the crop, the bees knees. Their red-capped metal donuts are known for handling street, vert, park, DIY, curbs, pump tracks, dusty alleys and muddy lanes. They’ll keep you rolling smoother, faster, and for longer even if you take a leaf out of Brian Anderson’s book and pop the shields.

With a lineup ranging from the best-selling Bones REDS to the precision of Bones Swiss, there’s a set for every skater and every budget but it’s not always the easiest to figure out what’s the difference between the ball-bearing beasts on the roster. That’s where we come in.

If you’re looking to upgrade your setup or just figure out which Bones Bearings are right for you, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Bones Bearings?

Bones Bearings are designed specifically for skateboarding, which sets them apart from the ABEC-rated bearings you’ll find elsewhere. The ABEC rating system is for industrial machinery, not for the unpredictable, high-impact world of skating. That’s why Bones developed their own Skate Rated system, ensuring their bearings can handle side loads, rough landings, and all the grit and grime that comes with real-world skating.

Each set comes pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream, a high-performance lubricant that reduces friction and helps bearings last longer. They also feature non-contact rubber shields, making them easier to clean while reducing drag. And thanks to their high-speed nylon ball retainers, Bones Bearings deliver better acceleration and durability.

Now, let’s break down the different Bones Bearings available at NOTE Skate Shop.

Bones REDS

Bones REDS are the best-selling skateboard bearings in the world (according to google), and for good reason. Manufactured in China but held to Bones’ strict quality control (including two levels of checks before reaching skaters), they offer arguably the perfect balance of speed, durability, and affordability. If you’re looking for a reliable set of bearings that won’t break the bank, these are no doubt the ones. 

Bones Super REDS

A step up from standard REDS, Bones Super REDS are designed for skaters who want something smoother and longer-lasting. While they look similar, they use higher-quality steel and a superior surface finish, making them quieter, faster, and more durable. A real improvement under the hood so to speak.

Unlike standard REDS, Super REDS have laser-engraved black shields, giving them a slicker look to match their improved performance - we're big fans. 

Bones Big Balls REDS

Bones Big Balls REDS take a different approach to bearing design, using six larger balls instead of the usual seven. The idea behind this is simple: larger balls mean less overall friction, allowing for a higher top speed and a longer lifespan. They also tend to power through dirt and debris more effectively, making them a solid choice for street skating and rougher terrain – a real ATV. And just look at those powder blue shields! 

Bones Ceramic Super REDS

If you’re looking for the top-tier option within the REDS range, Ceramic Super REDS are it. These bearings replace traditional steel balls with lightweight ceramic ones, which not only reduce overall weight but also create less friction, pretty useful traits in the bearing realm. The result? Faster acceleration and a longer lifespan. 

The ceramic balls are also self-healing, meaning they polish the steel races as they roll, keeping them smooth over time. Since they don’t rust, they’re also ideal if you occasionally get caught out in the rain – something you’ll no doubt encounter in Manchester. 

And, you guessed it these too have their own signature shield. Each set is identifiable by a distinctive bone-coloured shield and laser-engraved outer races, signifying you’ve got the best.

Bones Swiss

Bones Swiss Bearings are the benchmark by which all others are measured. Made in Switzerland with precision engineering, these are faster, smoother, and more durable than anything in the REDS lineup. They’ve been the go-to choice for pro skaters for decades, thanks to their unrivalled speed and longevity. If you’re after a set of bearings that will keep rolling year after year, Bones Swiss are the way to go.

Bones Super Swiss 6

Bones Super Swiss 6 take the Swiss design and push it even further by using six larger balls instead of seven. This reduces friction, allowing for greater acceleration and a smoother ride. The larger balls also help the bearings hold up better under heavy impact, making them a favourite for pool, vert, and transition skaters. They offer everything that makes standard Bones Swiss great but with added speed and durability.

Bones Swiss Ceramics

Bones Swiss Ceramics are the pinnacle of skateboard bearings, offering unmatched speed, durability, and performance – arguably the best bearings in the Bones Universe. They use ultra-lightweight, high-strength ceramic balls that accelerate faster, roll smoother, and resist dirt and moisture better than steel.  These bearings deliver the best combination of strength, speed, and longevity. If you want the absolute best bearing from arguably the best bearing company - this is that bearing.

Bearing Maintenance and Care

No matter which set of Bones Bearings you choose, keeping them clean and lubricated will help them last longer and perform at their best. The Bones Bearings Cleaning Unit makes it easy to remove built-up dirt and grime, while Bones Speed Cream is the perfect lubricant to keep them running smoothly. If you need to swap out your bearings, the Bones Bearing Tool is a simple and effective way to remove and install them without damaging your wheels.

To clean your bearings, remove them from your wheels and pop off the shields. Place them in the cleaning unit with a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol or acetone, shake them well, and let them soak. Once dry, apply a small amount of Speed Cream before putting them back together. Regular cleaning will extend their lifespan and keep your whole set up feeling silky smooth - magic.

Which Bones Bearings Should You Get?

If you’re after a great all-rounder at an affordable price, go for Bones REDS. If you want something smoother and longer-lasting, Super REDS are a solid upgrade. Big Balls REDS are ideal if you’re after extra speed and durability and are liked by many transition skaters. While, Ceramic Super REDS are the best choice if you want lightweight, rust resistant, self-healing bearings.

If you’re looking for absolute top performance, Bones Swiss are the best you can get, and Super Swiss 6 offers even greater acceleration and impact resistance while the Bones Swiss Ceramics give you the best that a bearing company can offer – decades of swiss engineering, waterproof and self-healing qualities and a timeless design.

Ultimately, all of the Bones bearings are pretty damn good – so whether you pick a set for the performance or for the colour of the shields you’ll be in good stead.

Whatever your style of skating, Bones Bearings have got you covered. Find the full range of Bones Bearings at NOTE Skate Shop and experience the difference for yourself.