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Bones Bearings: The Backbone of Skateboarding Performance | Blitz Surf Shop

Bones Skateboard Bearings - For the best ride

When it comes to skateboard bearings, one name stands above the rest—Bones Bearings. Trusted by skaters worldwide, Bones has built a reputation for durability, precision, and speed that’s unmatched in the industry. Whether you’re cruising, street skating, or pushing your limits in the bowl, the right bearings make a difference—and Blitz Surf Shop is proud to stock a full range of Bones bearings and wheels in our online skateboard shop.

Let’s dive into the story behind Bones, the skaters who helped shape its legacy, and why their bearings—especially the iconic Bones Reds—are considered the gold standard in skateboarding.


The History of Bones Bearings

Bones Bearings is a division of Powell Peralta, one of the most influential companies in the history of skateboarding. The company was founded in the late 1970s by George Powell and professional skater Stacy Peralta. While Powell Peralta focused on decks, wheels, and team riders, George Powell soon turned his attention to an often-overlooked part of a skateboard setup—the bearings.

Powell Peralta skateboards logo

In 1981, Powell began developing high-performance skateboard bearings that could withstand the demands of modern skating. The result was Bones Bearings, engineered with superior materials and tighter tolerances than the standard industrial bearings used by most skaters at the time.

Bones quickly became known for two things:

  1. Unparalleled speed and strength

  2. Bearings built specifically for skateboarding, not repurposed from other industries

Since then, Bones Bearings has become the most trusted name in the game—used by professionals, park rats, street legends, and beginners alike.


Bones Bearings and the Skateboarding Elite

Bones Bearings has supported an all-star team of riders over the years. Some of the most legendary skateboarders in history have trusted Bones, including:

  • Rodney Mullen – The godfather of street skating and a longtime Powell Peralta and Bones rider.

    Rodney Mullen Image from redbull.com
  • Rodney Mullen skateboarding from redbull.com

 

In more recent years, skaters like Chris Joslin, Leticia Bufoni, and Aaron "Jaws" Homoki have represented Bones Bearings, continuing the legacy of pushing performance to the edge.


A Quick History of Skateboard Bearings

Originally, skateboarders used standard industrial bearings that weren’t designed for the high-impact, high-speed demands of skating. These generic bearings were prone to damage from dirt, water, and hard landings.

Bones changed all of that by creating bearings designed specifically for skateboarding, with built-in speed washers, removable shields for easy cleaning, and superior lubricants. They also adopted a unique skate-rated™ system, which prioritises real-world skate performance over industrial ABEC ratings.


Spotlight on Bones Bearings: Models That Matter

Blitz Surf Shop stocks a range of Bones Bearings, each designed for different skating styles and levels. Here’s a breakdown of the key models:


🔴 Bones Reds Bearings

The Bones Reds are hands-down the most popular skateboard bearings on the planet. Known for their smooth roll, affordability, and reliability, Reds offer pro-level performance at a price that works for everyone—from beginners to seasoned skaters.

Bones Reds skateboard bearings

Key features:

  • Skate-rated™ clearances for durability and speed

  • High-speed nylon ball retainer

  • Removable rubber shield for easy cleaning

  • Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream™

  • Smooth, consistent performance

If you’re looking for a bearing that performs like a champ and won’t break the bank, Bones Reds are your go-to.


Bones Super Reds Bearings

Stepping it up from the standard Reds, Super Reds are built with higher-quality steel and a superior finish to give you even more speed, longer life, and a smoother ride.

Bones Super Reds skateboard bearings

Why they stand out:

  • Quieter, smoother roll than standard Reds

  • Better resistance to dirt and impact

  • Slightly more expensive, but still great value

Available now in the Blitz Surf Shop skateboarding section—perfect for skaters who want a little more speed and polish.


🔵 Bones Big Balls Bearings

Also in stock at Blitz Surf Shop, Bones Big Balls feature larger balls inside the bearing, reducing friction and allowing them to roll faster, longer, and with more power.

Bones Big Balls skateboard bearings

Best for:

  • Heavier skaters

  • Those who like to go big (stairs, gaps, bowls)

  • Riders who want less maintenance

Features:

  • Fewer balls = less friction

  • Faster acceleration and roll speed

  • More impact-resistant

These bearings are fast, durable, and made to handle some serious shredding.


🟡 Other Notable Bones Bearings Models

While Blitz currently stocks Reds, Super Reds, and Big Balls, here’s a look at other top-tier models in the Bones lineup that we can order for you quickly:

Bones Swiss Bearings

  • Manufactured in Switzerland

  • Legendary speed and performance

  • Long-lasting and ultra-smooth

  • The premium choice for pros

Bones Swiss Ceramics

  • Ceramic balls reduce friction even further

  • Extremely lightweight and fast

  • Self-cleaning and long-lasting

  • Top of the line (and priced accordingly)


Why Choose Bones Bearings?

  • Made specifically for skateboarding

  • Skate-rated™ system, not ABEC-rated

  • Easy to clean and maintain

  • Trusted by top pros for over 40 years

  • Speed Cream™ lubrication ensures optimal roll

Whether you're just starting out or pushing your tricks to the next level, there's a set of Bones Bearings that’ll suit your ride—and your budget.


Shop Bones Bearings and Wheels at Blitz Surf Shop

As your go-to skateboard shop, Blitz Surf Shop is proud to stock:

  • 🛠 Bones Reds

  • Bones Super Reds

  • 💥 Bones Big Balls

We also carry a range of Bones skateboard wheels, perfect for any setup.

Browse the skateboarding section of our online store to check out our full range of Bearings, decks, wheels, and skate accessories from leading brands.

➡️ Visit the Blitz Surf Shop Skateboarding Section Now


Final Thoughts

Bones Bearings has spent over four decades perfecting one of the most vital parts of your skateboard. From the legendary Bones Reds to the high-performance Swiss Ceramics, Bones offers speed, strength, and smoothness that skaters trust.

Next time you're ready to upgrade your setup, remember that your local skateboard shop—Blitz Surf Shop—is stocked and ready to roll.

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