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Bones Bearings: The History of the Skateboard Revolution


A bundle of Bones Bearings including super reds and big balls and bones reds
Modern Bones Bearings

Table of contents


The Revolution Begins.

George Powell founded Bones Bearings, the man behind the renowned Powell Peralta, in an innovative skateboarding company during the early 1980s. Surely, this is the time when skating was transforming from an underground subculture to an institutionally recognized sport. Most of the bearings that were then on the market were old, generic industrial bearings; they worked quite badly on skateboards and, with lots of modifications, could deliver at least pretty decent performance, thus falling completely short of the performance criteria called for by skateboarders. Powell's attitude was to design bearings that would not only withstand the rigors of skateboarding but outperform the competition as well. And thus the brand Bones Bearings was born, with it one of the coolest success stories in the history of skateboarding.


A box of Bones Reds skate rated bearings
Bones Reds

Product innovations and early releases.

The first revolutionary product from Bones Bearings would be the precision-grade skate bearing. Unlike the lazier generic predecessors, Bones Bearings were made from the best-of-the-best material and designs, designed to outdo everybody else on the market. The launch of Bones Reds would become revolutionary; very quickly, Reds began to be associated among skaters for the durability, quiet ride, and long-term savings they garnered on the competition.



The Bones Swiss – The History

In 1981, Bones Bearings introduced what is now commonly known as the Bones Swiss Bearings, which turned into a revolution for the whole skateboarding industry. Made in Switzerland and hailed as having the most precision engineering, these bearings set the benchmark against which the quality of manufacturing would be judged. Bones Swiss Bearings were to be the fastest, longest-lived bearings ever made. The reaction to the Bones Swiss Bearings was not an incremental one; it was immediate and unbridled. Literally, they became the gold standard to professional skateboarders and novices alike. And, while Swiss precision took it only so far, the uncompromising demand for the highest quality made sure that it also held its place at the top of the market for years to come.


A box of Bones Swiss Bearings
Bones Swiss Bearings

Diversification of the Product Line

After the success of Bones Swiss, the company did not rest on its laurels but instead continued to innovate and develop more products. By following up the originals, there are now Bones Reds and Bones Swiss Bearings; the Bones product line includes degrees of difficulty to suit a wide range of skaters. The most upcoming addition is possibly the Bones Super Reds, taking the usual Reds to a new height by having better materials and giving better performance, yet within a reasonable price. Other upgrades include the Bones Ceramic Bearings, which, instead of steel, use ceramic balls. These ceramic bearings create even less friction, allowing for faster speeds and therefore even longer lives.



A box of Bones Big Balls
Bones Big Balls



SCIENCE: Bones Bearings

One of the chief reasons behind the success of the Bones Bearings is their accurate engineering and quality control processes. Each bearing is made with the tolerances of exact measurements that cut down the friction, making maximum speeds possible. Hardened steel races, along with better ball grades, guarantee endurance and the best quality. Besides, Bones Bearings are pre-lubricated with a special speed cream permeated with low friction and wear. This lubricant offers the skater a reasonably soft feel, a comfortable ride, and a protective covering of the bearings against dirt and moisture. All these things, coming together, mean precision engineering, quality materials, and long-lasting lubrication.



Individual Bones Reds Bearings
Bones Reds Bearings

Impact on the Skateboarding Culture

Bones Bearings not only set a technical benchmark in the industry but also affected the culture and community with which it resided. The focus made skaters push the envelope of performance. Bones Bearings have sponsored a legion of professional skateboarders as well as the events they are engaged in. This also raised the brand's standing within skateboarding circles. Bones Bearings are THE name in the Skateboarding Community.




Pro Endorsements

Bones Bearings have partnered with the best skateboarders over the years, including legends like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Steve Caballero. Such endorsements have only gone further to propagate the brand and also proved its point on good quality and performance. The Bones Bearings house brand has continued to build its name through collab rounds with different skateboarding teams and brands, producing special products and limited releases. Strengthened collaborations have thus raised visibility and affirmed the brand further before the skateboard culture.



A box of Bones Swiss Ceramics
Bones Swiss Ceramics

Unbroken Innovation and Future Prospects

Bones Bearings has never been one to rest on its laurels. The company keeps developing and researching new materials and technologies on how it can take the level of performance and durability of the products it offers to skateboarders to the next level. Bones Swiss Ceramics celebrate this fact - released for the commitment to stretch all the boundaries of what skateboard bearing technology can do. When the skaters grow in their needs, Bones Bearings is developing potential to be a leader in the formulation of improvements within skateboarding.







A Legacy of Bones Bearings

The legacy of Bones Bearings is quality, innovation, and passion for the sport of skateboarding. Bones Bearings have been at the forefront throughout their history in developing products aimed at bettering the quality of skateboarding. This quality, however, gained the brand a streak of loyal followers and a place in the heart of virtually every skater around the world.



individual Bones Reds Bearings
Bones Reds

Conclusion

The story of Bones Bearings is one of strength based on innovativeness and commitment. It simply knew what the skateboarders wanted, prompting it to create products that would satisfy them. The signature way of life changed the skateboard industry. Bones Bearings set a whole new bar of innovation—the industry standards, from the Bones Swiss Bearings to the bearing products that were being made and improved on a day-by-day basis. As skateboarding lives its life in terms of innovation, the commitment to skaters and the appetite to stretch the limits in the sport stand at the core of what Bones Bearings is. The brand proudly makes certain that its legacy remains on a foundation of quality, performance, and closeness to the skateboarding community. With every innovative product, Bones Bearings prove itself not only as a key player in the history but also in the future of skateboarding.



A Box of Bones Super Swiss Bearings.
Bones Super Swiss Bearings


FAQ


Q. What makes these Bones Bearings so different from all the other brands of skateboard bearings?


Bones Bearings are made especially for skateboards, with supreme quality material for great performance through precision engineering, and some special lubricants to lower friction. Only two things that differentiate single Bones Bearings from all others: quality and innovation in bearings making.


Q. Can a newbie use Bones Bearings?


Bones Bearings are products for all ability levels. Bones Reds bearings are most suitable for beginners who are making their debut in the skating world. Not pricey and very dependable.


Q. How do I care for my Bones Bearings?

Clean bearings on a regular basis and apply Bones Speed Cream lubricant for optimum cleanliness. This will ensure they work smoothly and for a long time.


Q. What Is Bones Swiss Bearings?

The Bearings Swiss Bones are precision bearings made in Switzerland. Since the power, speed, and the extent of the performance of these bearings reach a professional level, many professional skateboarders are using them.


Q. Can ceramic bearings outperform steel bearings?

Bones Ceramic Bearings have lesser friction, therefore more speed. They afre also more wear, and corrosion resistant compared to steel bearings.


Q Where can I buy some Bones Reds?

You can get a set of Bones Reds here: https://www.x-isle.co.uk/product-page/bones-reds




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