About Bones Swiss Bearings

Bones Swiss Bearings: The Gold Standard of Skateboarding Precision

In the gritty, creative world of skateboarding, few names carry the weight and legacy of Bones Swiss Bearings. Born out of necessity and engineered with obsessive precision, this company didn’t just enter the skate scene—it redefined it.

The Birth of a Revolution

The story begins in the early 1980s, a time when skateboarding was clawing its way out of obscurity. Bearings available then were mostly repurposed industrial parts—clunky, slow, and ill-suited for the demands of skating. Enter George Powell, co-founder of Powell Peralta and a visionary who saw the need for something better. Powell scoured the globe for a solution and found it in Switzerland, where a small manufacturer was producing bearings with unmatched speed and quality.

Together, Powell and the Swiss engineers created what would become the legendary Bones Swiss Bearings. These weren’t just bearings—they were a technological leap. With high-speed precision molded plastic ball retainers, removable shields for easy cleaning, and a custom lubricant known as Speed Cream, Bones Swiss Bearings quickly became the fastest and most durable option on the market.

What Made Them Legendary

Bones Swiss Bearings didn’t just perform—they dominated. Their engineering allowed skaters to push higher on vert ramps, roll farther with less effort, and enjoy a smoother, more consistent ride. They became the benchmark against which all other bearings were measured. While other companies chased trends with flashy packaging and gimmicky names, Bones Swiss focused on performance, longevity, and reliability.

The company later introduced Bones Reds, a more affordable alternative manufactured in China but designed to emulate the performance of the Swiss originals. Reds became a staple for skaters worldwide, offering a balance of quality and cost that was hard to beat.

Sponsorships and Cultural Impact

Bones Bearings didn’t just build products—they built a community. Over the decades, they’ve sponsored a staggering roster of professional skateboarders, including icons like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, and Lizzie Armanto. These partnerships weren’t just marketing moves—they were endorsements from the very best in the sport, validating the brand’s reputation for excellence.

Their influence extended beyond individual skaters. Bones Bearings became synonymous with skateboarding culture itself, appearing in competitions, video parts, and skate shops across the globe. If you were serious about skating, you knew Bones.

What They’re Up to Now

Today, Bones Bearings continues to innovate. Their product line includes not only the original Swiss Bearings and Reds, but also Super Reds, Ceramic Bearings, and Big Balls—all tailored to different styles and preferences. They maintain rigorous testing standards, ensuring every bearing meets the high expectations skaters have come to expect.

Beyond products, Bones Bearings remains deeply embedded in the skateboarding world. Their team includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, and they actively support events, media, and grassroots skate culture. Whether it’s a local contest or a global tour, Bones Bearings is there, rolling strong.

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