What Are Bones REDS and Super REDS?
Bones REDS
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REDS bearings come from the legendary brand Bones Bearings. They’re the entry-level / mid-range bearings in the Bones lineup — affordable, reliable, and widely used.
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They are manufactured in China under Bones’ “Skate Rated™” specifications.
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Despite being more budget-friendly than Swiss-made bearings, REDS deliver surprisingly good performance: decent speed right out of the box, durability, and solid value for their cost.
- Grab the Super REDS at Switch
Bones Super REDS
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Bones Super REDS are the upgraded version of REDS. They’re not just REDS with a few tweaks — they’re re-engineered bearings using higher quality steel races, better grade balls, and finer surface finish.
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They feature a single, non-contact, removable rubber shield, which means easier cleaning and less friction.
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Bearings come pre-lubricated with Bones’ proprietary “Speed Cream™” lubricant, optimized for smoothness and performance.
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Super REDS are designed to roll as fast as REDS, but deliver a quieter, smoother ride and longer lifespan.
- Grab your Bones Super REDS at SWITCH.
Detailed Differences: Performance, Build, and FeHere’s a breakdown of how REDS and Super REDS compare across each other
| Feature / Attribute | REDS | Super REDS |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Build Quality | Standard steel races and balls; skateboard-grade precision | Higher quality steel races, precision-graded balls, superior surface finish |
| Shield & Maintenance | Standard shields, not always easy to clean | Removable rubber shield — easier to clean, less friction |
| Lubrication | Pre-lubed for decent roll | Pre-lubed with optimized “Speed Cream™” — smoother roll |
| Smoothness & Noise | Reliable roll, but can be slightly noisier | Noticeably smoother and quieter ride |
| Longevity & Durability | Good durability — great bang for buck | Better durability — built to last longer under stress |
| Speed & Roll Maintenance | Good initial speed; may slow down faster over time | Maintains speed longer; more consistent roll over time |
| Price Point | More budget-friendly | Slightly more expensive (but value for money) |
Why Super REDS Often Feel “Better” — But Is It Always Worth It?
We like to think of bearings like the wheels on a car: you might not notice small differences until you test-drive both. With Super REDS, the upgrades (better steel, finer finishing, rubber shields) combine to create a ride that feels smoother and quieter. That “buttery glide” can be especially noticeable when you push off hard, cruise long distances, or skate over rougher pavement or terrain.
However — and this is important — the real-world difference isn’t always dramatic. As some riders say:
“I have reds and super reds and the most noticeable difference is they are quieter. Maybe a tad faster, but negligible.” - Reddit
For many, REDS already do the job just fine — especially if you’re budget-conscious, just starting out, or skate casually.
So Super REDS are worth it if you care about:
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A smoother, quieter ride (less rattling or wheel-noise)
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Longevity — you don’t want to change bearings often
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Reliability on tougher terrain or longer rides
If you just cruise around town or pop into the skatepark occasionally, REDS will likely meet your needs.
What This Means for Snowboarding or Ski Gear Shopping with Us
While bearings like REDS/Super REDS are more common for skateboards and longboards, if you’re using sliding-tray setups, snowboards with wheel-based dolly systems, or custom hybrid boards for off-season cross-training, bearings still play a role.
Choosing Super REDS gives you smoother, quieter rolling, which can make transitions and transport more pleasant. But if you just want decent wheels for occasional use or travel, REDS remain solid and cost-effective.
Our Honest Take: When to Choose Which
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Choose REDS if you’re new, budget conscious, or just skate casually. They deliver good performance for the price.
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Choose Super REDS if you value smoothness, silence, longevity, and consistent performance — great for daily riders, longer sessions, commuting, or mixed terrain.
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Want something in between? Consider other Bones options (like Swiss or Big Balls), but if you just care about REDS vs Super REDS, that’s the core difference.
Important Fact Behind the Upgrade: Materials & Precision Matter
The upgrade from Bones REDS to Super REDS isn’t just marketing fluff. It’s about higher-grade steel races, better-toleranced balls, and a superior surface finish — all of which reduce friction, improve durability, and make the bearings more resilient under stress. That holds true whether you’re pushing on pavement or using bearings in snow-transport gear.
This means Super REDS resist wear-and-tear longer and maintain speed and smoothness over time. For riders in Canadian conditions — where moisture, grit, and temperature changes are common — those upgrades can actually translate into longer bearing life and less maintenance.
Final Thoughts on Bones REDS vs Super REDS
Here's what we concluded on Bones Super REDS give you a smoother, quieter ride and stand up better over time. Bones REDS remain a budget-friendly workhorse that’s hard to beat for everyday skating or casual use.
At Switch Skate and Snow, we believe in quality gear that matches the needs of our local riders — whether casual or hardcore. That’s why we’re confident in recommending either, depending on how you ride.
FAQs - Bones REDS vs Super REDS
Q: Are Super REDS just REDS with better finishing?
A: No — Super REDS use higher quality steel races, better-grade balls, and improved surface finishing, not just superficial polishing.
Q: Will I notice a big speed difference between REDS and Super REDS?
A: Probably not a huge jump. The biggest difference tends to be smoother, quieter rolling — speed may improve slightly but not drastically.
Q: Do Super REDS last longer than REDS?
A: Yes — thanks to better materials and construction, Super REDS are generally more durable and hold up better under stress.
Q: Is the upgrade worth it if I skate casually?
A: If you skate only occasionally or just cruise for fun, REDS are usually good enough. The upgrade to Super REDS is more valuable for frequent riders or those who value smoothness and longevity.
Q: Does weather or environment — like Canadian winters or salty roads — affect REDS vs Super REDS differently?
A: Yes. Since Super REDS have higher quality materials and better finishing, they tend to resist rust and wear better under harsher conditions compared to standard REDS.
