If you are like one of us and like to skate all the year round, chances are bearings in your skates will belong in the bin after this winter season. Want to swap them for something fresh? Fortunately, a shipment of world famous Bones Bearings arrived at our HQ!
Why Bones Bearings?
The brand was established in early 80’s by George Powell, a skateboarder who realized the limitations of skating equipment available at a time and wanted to push beyond them. His search for faster and stronger bearings that wouldn’t cost an arm and leg led him to a cooperation with factory in Switzerland which was making higher spec and faster bearings than anything on the skating market.
They worked to create a bearing that would be ideal for skateboarders and made a huge impact when their first line of products released. The bearings turned out to be so good that rollerskaters have started to pick them up. Naturally, when inline skates arrived on the scene, the brand expanded to this market, too, already having a solid product line-up. Since then, Bones Bearings have worked on providing the best parts for action sports but also for racing – speedskating and even downhill (inline, quad and board!).
Bones Bearings are so good, because they are result of decades of experience in the field and are made specifically for skating. No matter what kind of wheeled device you have attached to/under your feet, you cannot go wrong with Bones.
One can say that there are two main lines of Bones Bearings: Swiss and REDS. Swiss are, as name suggests, made in Switzerland, in the same factory as the very first Bones. These are top tier products in their categories, but cheaper REDS are not far behind them, even though their production has been moved to China. Think of it that way: if REDS line bearings are excellent quality, the Swiss equivalent are simply amazing.
There is no such thing as bad Bones Bearings model. The starting level for cheapest REDS is great and it goes only upwards from here.
What’s in the stash? Bones Bearings delivery!
Swiss made bearings:
Bones Bearings Swiss 608 – these are the bearings that started it all. They are the reference point to which every other bearing in Bones line is compared to, and for many people they serve as such when evaluating the quality of other brands. They are manufactured in Switzerland with high precision and undergo a strict inspection process. Since 1981, they are serving professionals worldwide as competition grade bearings. Their durability makes them last several times longer than regular ABEC rated bearings. Won’t let you down no matter what style of skating you prefer.
Bones Bearings Swiss Ceramic 608 – if you are looking for a step-up from steel bearings, there it is. Best of the best the Bones brand have to offer. The Swiss Ceramic 608 bearings are, to put it simply, better than all their non-ceramic counterparts in every area. The balls are made from ceramic material and as a result, they are lighter, stronger, roll faster, do not rust. Thanks to them, bearings perform excellent even in conditions which can „kill” fully steel bearings in no time. We recommend those for speedskaters and freestyle slalom skaters, where speed and fluidity of movements matters.
China made bearings:
Bones Bearings Reds - the most affordable of Bones bearings, REDS are known for their excellent performance and durability. They are made in China (like all REDS bearings) according to strict Bones Skate Rated specifications and inspected twice before shipping to customers. REDS are almost as good as Bones Bearings Swiss, but cost significantly less. A great choice for aggressive skaters, freeskaters and even speedskaters looking for superb quality and speed without premium price tag.
No matter which type you choose, we can safely say that sticks and stones won’t break your Bones.*
May come in handy – don’t forget to grab these!
Bones Bearings Spacers .400 – wheel spacers made specifically to work with Bones bearings. For frames with 8 mm axles. The width in metric system (the best system there is) is 10,16 mm.
Bones Bearings Spacers .285 – wheel spacers in size used by many rollerskates (7,24 mm). For 8 mm axles.
*Yes, writing all of that was worth it for this single bad pun alone.