Bones

Bones skateboard wheels, bearings and bushings are developed around the specific demands of skating. The first Bones wheels appeared in 1977, growing from George Powell's engineering-led approach to skateboard manufacturing and the wider Powell Peralta and Skate One story.

Rather than treating every wheel as the same product in a different graphic, Bones develops distinct urethane formulas, shapes and sizes for different terrain. That focus has made the brand a long-running choice for street, park and transition skaters looking to fine-tune how their setup rolls, grips and slides.

From the First Bones Wheels to a Skateboarding Standard

George Powell began experimenting with skateboard equipment during the 1970s, applying an engineering background to decks and urethane wheels. Skate One records the first Bones wheels arriving in 1977, before Powell and Stacy Peralta joined forces the following year.

The early opaque white wheels stood apart from many of the translucent wheels of the era. Their distinctive appearance helped inspire the Bones name, while the company's attention to materials, wheel profiles and manufacturing established a product identity that extended well beyond the logo.

Wheel Formulas for Different Terrain

Bones produces several wheel families rather than relying on one all-purpose compound. Street Tech Formula (STF) wheels are designed around technical street skating, while Skatepark Formula (SPF) wheels target smooth park and transition surfaces. The range also includes all-terrain options and X-Formula wheels intended to combine a smoother roll over rough ground with the slide characteristics skaters expect from a harder wheel.

The right choice depends on where you skate, the amount of grip or slide you prefer and how much vibration you want the wheel to absorb. Diameter, width, contact patch and profile all influence the way a wheel feels, so comparing the full specification is more useful than choosing by graphic alone.

Bones skateboard team rider skating on Bones Wheels

Shapes, Sizes and Durometers

Smaller wheels generally suit quick, technical setups and keep a board lower to the ground, while larger diameters can maintain speed more easily and roll over rougher surfaces with less effort. Harder wheels usually provide a crisp, fast feel on smooth ground; slightly softer options can add comfort and grip when surfaces are less predictable.

Bones also offers different wheel shapes, including narrower and wider profiles. Shape affects weight, stability and the size of the contact patch, making it worth checking the product details against your deck width, trucks and usual terrain.

Bones skateboard wheels product range

Bones Bearings and Bushings

The Bones name also covers skateboard bearings and Hardcore bushings. Bones Bearings grew from George Powell's search for bearings better suited to the combined side and vertical loads created by skateboarding. The range includes Bones Swiss, REDS and skate-rated bearing options, alongside maintenance products such as Speed Cream.

Bones at The Vines Supply Co

Explore our Bones Wheels collection to compare current sizes, shapes and formulas. You can also browse our wider skateboard wheels, Bones bearings and skateboard hardware ranges.

Bones FAQs

When was Bones founded?

The first Bones skateboard wheels were introduced in 1977 as part of George Powell's early skateboard manufacturing work.

Which Bones wheels are best for street skating?

STF and X-Formula options are common starting points for street setups. The best choice depends on the surface, desired slide and preferred balance of speed, grip and comfort.

What size Bones wheels should I choose?

Smaller diameters tend to suit lower, technical street setups, while larger wheels maintain speed and handle rougher surfaces more easily. Always check deck, truck and wheel-clearance compatibility.