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Bones Bearings Review – The “legendary leaders”

With more than 28 years of reputation in the skating industry, Bones bearings is a first in mind, a classic choice for skaters worldwide. It is well known for its superior performance and durability. In this Bones bearings review, you will learn more about its product lines and a detailed review of some of its best-selling models.

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In-depth Bones Bearings reviews: 3 different groups

Bones Swiss

With 36 years of serving pro skaters globally, Bones Swiss Bearings are chosen as one of the top choices in the skating community concerning their performance and durability. At the top end of the price range, these Bones bearings worth every penny of your max speed in rolling, accelerating. Moreover, it lasts far longer than any competitor on the market. 

Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones Swiss Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 4 inches; 3.84 ounces
  • Weight: 0,10kg
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

Has been the industry standard since 1983, Bones Swiss bearings are trusted by millions of pro skaters. If you ask me which bearing set works for beginners, or which one is a must-have in a pro’s collection in this Bones bearings review, Bones Swiss is the one. It is the original bearing of the Bones Swiss series, a perfect combination of performance and durability.

First, It surpasses all ABEC-rated bearings for its performance. Compared to Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings, this one is made of chromium steel instead of silicon nitride. This material is harder, heavier, but it lasts longer. These Swiss-made bearings are a fantastic investment for your skating performance.

Furthermore, maintaining skateboard bearings is simple. First, the rubber shields are removable, non-contact so you can clean and lubricate these bearings with no damage. The non-contact construction of those rubber shields also means that it is hard to bend or damage shields. You can move freely with maximum speed with little friction.

Eventually, the movement of internal components and inferior metal-shielded skateboard bearings cannot bend or damage the shields. You can often take care of your Bones bearing it at home with no extra cleaning cost.

Pros
  • Chromium steel material which is harder, heavier, but lasts longer
  • Simple maintenance 
Cons
  • Expensive

Bones Super Swiss 6 Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones Super Swiss 6 Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 4 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches; 3.2 ounces
  • Weight: 0.1kg
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

Super Swiss, as well as others in this Bones bearings review, is Skate Rated. The ABEC rating system is popular in other bearing brands. It is used to calculate the accuracy and tolerance of bearings. Still, it cannot clearly indicate a fine skateboard bearing set. George Powell, a co-founder of Bones and the father of skateboarding, named his bearings ‘Skate Rated’

Bones Super Swiss 6 bearings with Skate Rated are designed for your skating experience with user experience in mind and Bones’ specifications. In other words, any ball set with the ‘Skate Rated’ logo on it is an affirmation of its top-class quality, durability, and safety.

Unlike the original Bones Swiss, Bones Super Swiss bearings have larger diameter balls. These larger bars result in a faster speed, acceleration, and improved strength.

The only drawback of these bearings is that they are 4 times more pricey than regular ones in this Bones bearings review. But if you long for the best gear in life and are willing to pay any price to get them, these bearings won’t put you down!

Pros
  • Skate Rated for great user experience
  • Higher diameter
Cons
  • 4 times pricey than other Bones bearings

Bones Swiss Ceramic Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones Swiss Ceramic Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 2; 3.52 ounces
  • Weight:
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

Stainless steel is a popular material in skateboard bearings. Although it’s economical and easy to break after a few months of regular use. These Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings are made of silicon nitride ceramic – a premium alternative to steel – to enhance your riding performance. 

Silicon nitride ceramic is 40% lighter than its steel alternatives while offering a high hardness and a smooth wear surface. Therefore, Ceramic bearings can withstand hard weather and tough terrains. Eventually, these Ceramic bearings spin a little better than Bones Super Swiss original.

In this package, you get 8 balls pre-lubed with Bones Speed Cream racing lubricant. They originated in Switzerland like Bones Black Swiss bearings or others in the Bones Swiss series.

Pros
  • No lubrication needed
  • More durable
  • 40% lighter than steel bearings
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • More expensive than steel bearings

Bones Swiss Original Skateboard Bearings 8mm

Bones Swiss Original Skateboard Bearings 8mm

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 6.4 x 4 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: 8.78 ounces
  • Quantity: 

This great deal from Bones is trusted by millions of skaters since 1985. This item includes the original Bones Swiss bearings and a skateboard t-tool from one of the most trusted names in skating – CSS. In this toolset, there is a slide in/out screwdriver with Allen & Philip heads. Besides Bones Swiss Original, this toolkit fits all standard skateboard trucks.

Another great thumb up for this original Swiss set is that it includes built-in spacers. Spacers make sure the inner races of the bearing are well-aligned. With spacers on hand, you can avoid common annoying problems such as chattery wheels, loud bearings, bearing explosions, etc.

Pros
  • Include the CSS skateboard t-tool
  • Include built-in spacers
Cons
  • A little bit pricey for beginners

Bones Red

On price tag, Bones bearings are costly in exchange for a world-leading skating standard. Bones Red bearings lines are more affordable compared to the premium Bones Swiss as other lines of Bones in this Bones bearings review. Still, it inherits all characteristics of the legendary Bones family. 

Bones Big Balls Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones Big Balls Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 3.94 inches
  • Weight: 0.18 ounces 
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

These Bones Big Ball bearings are 6.17% larger than Super Swiss 6 bearings and slightly oversize than the original Bones Swiss 7 bearings. Their bigger diameter means that they result in a quicker, smoother, and longer rolling. Compared to the original Bones Red, some people said that they are faster and smoother. Moreover, they provide less friction and less heat to your ball. Less heat means that they are longer lasting.

Manufactured in China with Skate Rated standard, these Swiss-made bearings are affordable for all skaters, Bones Big Ball bearings are manufactured in China to lower their price while following the Skate Rated specifications. 

Despite those above advantages, some customers feel disappointed at this Bones bearings. They don’t have the speed or distance as the Swiss 6.

Pros
  • Larger than Super Swiss 6 and Bones Swiss 7
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Don’t have the speed/distance as Bones Swiss 6 bearings

Bones Reds Precision Skate Bearings

Bones Reds Precision Skate Bearings

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 3.84 ounces
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

With an inner diameter of 8mm and an outer diameter of 22mm, these Bones Reds bearings give you a stable and smooth ride.

In this Bones bearings review, Bones Reds Precision is super affordable since it is manufactured in China. This pack includes 8 balls pre-lubricated with Bones Speed Cream. At an irresistible price range, these bearings are rated positively for their performance and longevity.  

Since these bearings offer non-contact, removable rubber shields, cleaning them is quick and easy. You just remove shields and clean them for a few minutes. These shields also reduce friction during rides. However, these bearings are not rust-proof. Thus, please make sure you lubricate and clean them to maintain a smooth rolling. 

What’s more, they have built-in spacers and speed rings made of premium stainless steel. For starters, building a skateboard set from zero costs them a lot of time, effort with many trials and errors. These bearings eliminate that pain.

Because of their precision as their name, you have to clean them regularly to keep them rolling. In the short term, a little dirt or moisture will increase their vibration due to the pack of precision. Furthermore, it will kill the bearings in the long run. If you need Bones ‘Precision’ with higher longevity and lower maintenance effort, look at Bones Swiss Precision bearings.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Built-in spacers
  • Quick & easy clean
Cons
  • Need regular cleaning

Bones Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 4 x 1.9 x 0.5 inches
  • Weight: 3.7 ounces
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

These original bearings inherit all fabulous characteristics of the Bones Reds family. Their price is fairly reasonable, which makes them a marvelous choice for the low-cost range. These balls best suit starters not looking to spend their entire skating journey with a single expensive set but still, have a decent bearing.

On the other hand, these bearings have few disadvantages. First, this pack has no spacers or washers. Thus if you need them, you have to buy them separately. Second, these bearings required regular maintenance. You can clean them with isopropyl alcohol and some bearing lube. If you ride in wet weather conditions like in the rain, clean them ASAP. They will corrode if you don’t care for them. And since that’s irreparable, you should maintain them with more effort. 

Pros
  • Reasonable price
  • Contain all characteristics of Bones Red
Cons
  • No spacers included
  • Need occasional cleaning

Bones Super Red

Super Red is not another Reds with a better finishing though they are nearly at the same price. Super Reds bearings are manufactured of higher quality steel races, high quality, and grade balls, with a premium surface finish. Thus, Bones Super Red are quieter, smoother, and it seems to roll forever. 

One small drawback of Bones Super Red is that they don’t have built-in spacers and washers as Reds. So you have to purchase them separately.

Bones Super Reds Bearings 8mm 16 Pack

Bones Super Reds Bearings 8mm 16 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches
  • Weight: 7.04 ounces
  • Quantity: 16 bearings

When it comes to skateboarding, precision is a must. Superb quality grade balls like Bones Super Reds bearings mean that you can do street tricks, slides, or others with higher care and safety.

Like other models in this Bones bearings review, these bearings are based on Skate Rated standard. From cleaning, tolerating, the Bones’ Skate Rated standard provides the best performance and durability to your riding experience.

Pros
  • High-quality grade balls
  • Follow Skate Rated standard
Cons
  • More expensive than Bones Red bearings

Bones Ceramic Super Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Bones Ceramic Super Reds Skateboard Bearings 8 Pack

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches
  • Weight: 3.52 ounces
  • Quantity: 8 bearings

The top difference between Bones Ceramic Super Reds and Swiss Ceramic bearings are their origins. Ceramic Super Reds are made in China, while one from the Swiss series is made in Switzerland – the Bones’s motherland. Some customers worry if this difference has any effect on their experience. Both 2 models are under the Bones brand and their quality is ensured by the Skate Rated rating. Furthermore, Ceramic Super Reds bearings are cheaper thanks to their lower labor cost. 

These Super Reds skateboard bearings are engineered using Cerbec ceramic material – advanced ceramics made for bearing applications. Cerbec ceramic delivers the ultimate combination of durability, stability, and safety. Second, it requires little or no lubrication. Some of them even come with no lubricant at all. In other words, you can use these bearings for a long time with low maintenance effort. Third, ceramic bearings last 20 times longer than any stainless steel ones, even in harsh weather conditions. Last but not least, ceramic bearings are lighter, because they are less dense than steel ones. 

Pros
  • Cheaper while maintain standard quality of Bones 
  • Made from Cerbec ceramic
  • Require little or no lubrication
  • Last 20 times longer than stainless bearings
Cons
  • Poor shock resistance
  • Easy to crack when it hits hard objects

How to clean bones bearings

  • Step 1

    Gently remove the non-contact rubber shield of the bearing by using the center push-pin. You can also do this by pressing out from the back with a paperclip or pen knife. 

    Wipe them off with a clean cloth or soapy water. If you use soapy water, dry the shield completely before putting them back into the bearing.

  • Step 2 

    Take out the bearings and place them on the axle. Alternate the bearings to gaskets until all 8 bearings are on the axle. To have good results, you should keep the ball side of the bearing facing up. You can use the wing nuts to fasten them down the axle.

  • Step 3

    Pour cleaning solution about 1/3 of the way of the bearing cleaner, then seal the cap. Shake the solution well in the bottle for 30 seconds. Open the lid and spin the bearings to remove any debris, then recap the bottle. 

    Continue shaking the bottle until the bearings are completely cleaned. To ensure they are clean, let’s spin the bearings on the axle.

  • Step 4

    Remove the bearings from the axle and then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. You should blow out the bones bearing with a can of compressed air that you can easily find at any office supplies. When doing this, be careful not to get the solvent on the eyes or the surrounding area.

  • Step 5

    The next step after the bearings are clean and dry is to lubricate them. Apply two drops of lubricant to each bearing. Then, spin the bearing between your fingers to distribute the lubricant throughout the whole bearing. Next, put the rubber shield back in place and install the bearings back to the wheel. 

Cautions when cleaning bones bearings

You should not clean the rubber shields with a solvent because it will blister the rubber and damage the fit of the bearings.

When choosing cleaners and solvents:

  • Recommended cleaners and solvents: Acetol, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, citrus-based cleaner or denatured alcohol. Citrus-based cleaners work fine but usually leave a bit of oily residue on the bearings. Solvents clean better but also more dangerous. Therefore, you should wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated environment. 
  • Unrecommended cleaners and solvents: petroleum-based products such as paint thinner, gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, lacquer thinner, substances containing toluene.

If you clean bones bearings with solvent, make sure to dispose of them properly. Solvents almost always have instructions for use. Make sure to handle your cleaning solution responsibly so that it does not badly affect everyone and the surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Bones Red Bearings?

You can own a set of Bones Red for under $30. Generally, Bones Red bearings are more affordable than the premium Bones Swiss or their brother Super Red.

How long do Bones bearings last?

Bones bearings are quite long-lasting since they are designed for performing in the harshest, rough terrains. 

Their lifespan also depends on how often you use them and how well you maintain them. To keep Bones bearings always in good condition, you should often clean and lubricate them with Bones Speed Cream.

Are ceramic bearings worth it?

Personally, I think ceramic is better than steel when it comes to bearing material. It reduces rolling resistance, increases durability and stiffness, and reduces weight. Even though ceramic bearings aren’t pre-lubed, they are ready to use. So if you are looking for a new bearing set, ceramic is an excellent material to go.

Are Swiss bearings worth it?

All Swiss bearings worth every penny of yours. They are first-rated in the community for more than 25 years for their superior performance and durability. However, Bones Swiss bearings are quite expensive. So make sure you think twice about your budget before getting them home.

Should you oil ceramic bearings?

Unlike steel bearings, ceramic ones require little or no lubrication. They have no heat buildup and no friction. Full ceramic bearings can eventually be used completely dry.

Final Words

Undoubtedly, Bones is a world-class name on the skateboard market for its superior design, performance, and durability. I hope this Bones bearings review has conveyed the necessary information and insights to help you get a bearing set for your skating journey. Depending on your budget, skating style, skating skills, you can pick up a suitable model from the 3 most well-known series – Bones Swiss, Bones Red, and Bones Super Red. 

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