
1. Pro-Tec
Best Overall Inline Skate Pads
5/5 Product Rating
The purpose of the pads is to protect the wrists, elbows and knees from getting scraped up or possibly even broken during a fall. They are designed for children ages 5 years to 10 years old.
The knee pads and elbow pads are very form fitting yet are still comfortable despite providing strong protection. The ergonomic wrist guards are designed to provide plenty of wrist and palm support and have full wrap straps.
These protective pads are very easy to put on and take off thanks to their hook and loop straps. The full-coverage caps ensure full protection without making it hard to move. Use this set to protect your child from serious injury when they are skateboarding, bike riding, inline skating, or other activities where a fall is possible.
– Jonathan Maxwell
2. Triple 8
Best Overall Inline Skate Pads – Runner Up
4.8/5 Product Rating
These pads are suitable for many different types of activities including skateboarding, inline skating, motorcross biking, ATV riding, and other sports where a fall can damage unprotected knees, elbows and wrists.
Materials used to create these pads include breathable mesh which reduces sweating under the pads, Hard plastic, soft padding and a nylon cover. These pads are available for children, youth and adults.
– Jonathan Maxwell
3. JBM
Best Budget Inline Skate Pads
4.5/5 Product Rating
The soft padded areas cover hard plastic plates that protect sensitive knees, elbows, and wrists from getting seriously damaged.
We liked how easy they were to put on and to adjust due to the elastic straps and Velcro closures that ensure a proper fit for everyone. These pads are suitable for male or female use and are black in color so they coordinate with whatever you are wearing.
The quality of these pads is good for either amateur or professional. They are appropriate for many kinds of sports including: skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX biking, motorcross riding and much more. Included in this sturdy, well-made set of inline pads is 1 pair of wrist pads, 1 pair of elbow pads and 1 pair of knee pads. You will also receive a 1 year warranty on this set in the event there is a problem with their constructions.
– Jonathan Maxwell
Inline Skate Pads Buying Guide
Things to Think About
Purchasing the proper size pads is very important when it comes to the amount of protection they provide. The right size gear will ensure the maximum amount of protection possible.
Ill-fitting gear really doesn’t do anything to ensure your safety if you were to take a fall. For this reason we have provided sizing guidelines below for wrist, elbow and knee pads so you will understand how to pair the right size with you or your children.
You want the pads to fit snugly without cutting off circulation or otherwise being uncomfortable. The majority of pads are sized by various weights and measurements.
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Knee Pads – Make sure that the knee pads do not restrict any movement of the leg or knee
- Small – for wearers that weigh less than 125 pounds
- Medium – for wearers that weigh between 125 pounds and 150 pounds
- Large – for those who weigh between 150 pounds and 180 pounds
- X-large – for those who weigh over 180 pounds
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Elbow Pads – Do not use elbow pads that restrict movement or that are too tight
- Small – for those who weigh less than 125 pounds
- Medium – for wearers that weigh between 125 and 150 pounds
- Large – for wearers that weigh between 150 and 180 pounds
- X- large – for those who are 180 pounds or more
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Wrist Pads – This is a circumference measurement and is not determined by weight. Measure at the knuckles with the hand flat.
- X-small – 7”
- Small – 7” to 7 ½ ”
- Medium – 7 ½” to 8”
- Large – 8” to 9”
- X-large – 9” to 10”
Different Types of Inline Skate Pads
There are different types of pads for different types of skating:
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Recreational – This type of inline skate pad is lightweight and not cumbersome. They offer plenty of protection in the event of a fall. They are designed to be lightweight and are typically smaller so they do not cause any discomfort or hassle by getting in the way. There are a few features that are good to look for in a quality recreational skate pad.
- Wicks sweat away – The majority of recreational inline skate pads offer moisture wicking of some kind. This is important in preventing the pads from becoming wet while you are skating. This will also keep the pads cleaner.
- Men and Women designs – There is a different between the size pads a man wears and the size a woman wears. Men’s inline skate pads are a little wider and bulkier than women’s pads. The women’s pads tend to be more streamlined and are usually smaller as well.
- Breathability – Finding pads that have mesh fabric that allows air to pass through makes the pads much more comfortable. If there is fabric on the pad that is perforated, this is considered breathable fabric and you can be certain that air flow will be much better.
- Shock Absorption – Some types of inline skate pads have gel or hard foam that is between the padding and the cover that acts as a shock absorber. This lessens the impact the wearer feels in the event of a fall and helps to minimize bruises or injuries that can occur when the proper gear is not used.
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Aggressive – The pads for aggressive skating offer even more protection than recreational pads. They are bulkier and much bigger but provide more safeguards against injuries. The reason the pads are heavier duty is because aggressive skating is much riskier than recreational skating.
- Wicks away sweat/breathability – When engaging in aggressive skating you want the pads to offer more sweat wicking properties and breathability than with recreational pads. Aggressive skating makes skaters sweatier and hotter than traditional skating. If the padding does not properly and efficiently wick away sweat and keep you dry the result can be chafing, rashes, odor and an overall uncomfortable feeling.
- Shock Absorption – Protective pads that are used for aggressive skating offer the wearer super-thick padding that significantly reduces impact and shock. Plenty of shock absorption is the utmost of importance in preventing serious injury.
Quality is Important
Not all inline skate pads are created equally. If you look for the cheapest price, you will likely get the cheapest quality as well. Just as with anything you buy that is cheaply made, cheaply made inline skate pads can breakdown and fall apart easily, especially if they get wet from sweating while wearing them.
This doesn’t mean you must purchase the most expensive pads but it does mean that you want to be mindful of the quality of construction, reputation of the company, and pay attention to what customers are saying rather than just looking at the price tag.
Conclusion
Inline skate pads are a crucial part of inline skating, skateboarding and other extreme sports. They provide protection from serious injuries that can turn into permanent injuries. With the proper set of wrist, elbow, and knee pads you will be able to practice the kind of activities you want with a reduced chance of hurting yourself.
The pads won’t make you stop having spills, but when you do fall the pads are designed to protect those sensitive and commonly damaged areas that usually take the brunt of a fall. The information in this buyer’s guide is designed to explain the ins and outs of purchasing the right set of inline skate pads so you feel confident about what you purchase.
With so many different brands and kinds of inline skate pads and protective pads on the market you may feel it’s too difficult to do more than guess at which ones are the best but this is not the case. Use the information in this guide to sort through the choices so you can eliminate the products that won’t meet your needs or preferences.
The right safety gear is necessary to participate in extreme sports. It is never wise to participate in these sports without wearing the appropriate gear. With this buyer’s guide, you will be able to confidently choose the right set of pads that will work to keep your protected, even if you take a fall.
Resources
- JBM – http://www.jbmgear.com/
- PRO-Tec – http://www.protechelmet.com/