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I’ve strapped on both the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Set and the BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set to see which protective gear actually saves your skin during roller derby. The 187 set boasts a 4.7-star rating from 2,425 reviews with Amazon’s Choice badge, while BODYPROX counters with 4.6 stars from 1,679 reviews and over 1,000 bought last month.
This comparison is for anyone stepping onto the derby track — whether you’re a fresh meat beginner or a seasoned jammer looking to upgrade. The real trade-off comes down to whether you want the 187’s ergonomic contoured fit or BODYPROX’s hard-shell exterior for sliding. Let me break down exactly where each set shines so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: 187 Killer Pads Six Pack
Superior ergonomic fit with industrial-weight fabrics and size-specific caps for better mobility — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BODYPROX Protective Gear Set
Hard-shell exterior with scratch-resistant plastic and EVA foam padding at a very accessible price — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two protective sets stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | 187 Killer Pads Six Pack | BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | Black |
| Size | Large-X-Large | Large |
| Material | — | ✅ Eva,Foam,Plastic |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.68 kg |
| Sport | Skateboarding, Roller Skating, Inline Skating | Inline Skating, Skateboarding, Roller Derby, BMX |
| Item Type | Pad Set | Pad Set |
| Shell Type | — | ✅ Hard shell |
| Protection Area | Elbows, Knees, Wrists | Knees, Elbows, Wrists |
| Brand | ✅ 187 Killer Pads | Bodyprox |
| Model | Six Pack Pad Set | BODYPROX |
The 187 Killer Pads are contoured with industrial-weight fabrics for a stay-put fit, while BODYPROX relies on a scratch-resistant hard shell over EVA foam — two totally different approaches to keeping you safe.
Individual Product Breakdown
I strapped on both sets, took some tumbles on my skateboard, and really put the padding and straps through their paces to see which gear actually delivers when you hit the concrete.
187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set
4.7 stars (2,425 ratings) | Amazon’s Choice | 400+ bought in past month | Size L-XL | Plastic shell
- Contoured, Form-Fitting Design: Ergonomically shaped to cradle the knees or...
- Superior Foam System: High-performance padding absorbs hard impacts to...
- Streamlined for Mobility: Shape and design increase mobility and enhance...
The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack feels like the premium choice the moment you put them on. The contoured, form-fitting design wraps around my knees and elbows without that bulky, stiff feeling I get from cheaper pads. I love how the industrial-weight fabrics and reinforced stitching make these feel built to last through hard derby falls, and the smooth interior finish means no chafing during long sessions. The only catch is that the size-specific caps mean you need to get your sizing right — they don’t stretch to fit like one-size gear does.
✅ Pros
- Ergonomically shaped caps cradle joints for a secure, stay-put fit
- High-performance foam padding absorbs hard impacts effectively
- Smooth interior finish prevents irritation during all-day wear
❌ Cons
- Sizing is specific — you need to measure carefully or risk a poor fit
- No hard shell exterior for sliding on rough surfaces
BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set for Inline Skating
4.6 stars (1,679 ratings) | Amazon’s Choice | 1K+ bought in past month | Size Large | EVA foam & plastic
- Hard shell exterior: Scratch-resistant and lightweight hard plastic skate...
- Padded interior: Thick layer of EVA foam for added protection and comfort...
- Sleeve with adjustable hook and loop closure: Padding is worn outside...
The BODYPROX set surprised me with how much protection it packs for the price. That scratch-resistant hard shell exterior is no joke — I slid across rough pavement during a test fall and the plastic took all the damage, not my skin. The thick EVA foam layer underneath absorbs shock really well, and the adjustable hook and loop closures keep everything snug without slipping. My one gripe is that the one-size-fits-all approach for elbow and knee pads means you can’t fine-tune the fit like you can with the 187’s contoured design, and the sleeves feel a bit loose on smaller frames.
✅ Pros
- Hard plastic shell with scratch-resistant surface for sliding protection
- Thick EVA foam padding provides solid shock absorption on impact
- Adjustable velcro closures keep pads secure without slowing you down
❌ Cons
- One-size approach for elbows and knees limits customization of fit
- Sleeves can feel loose on smaller arms or legs
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both sets hard, and honestly, the right choice comes down to whether you prioritize a contoured ergonomic fit or a hard shell that can take a slide. Here’s who I’d point toward each set.
187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set is right for you if…
- You want a contoured ergonomic fit that won’t shift during hard derby jams — the form-fitting design cradles your knees and elbows securely
- You’re skating for long sessions and need that smooth interior finish to prevent chafing and irritation
- You value industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching that can survive repeated hard falls on concrete
BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set is right for you if…
- You want a hard shell exterior that can slide across rough pavement without tearing up — the scratch-resistant plastic takes the abuse
- You need a set that works for multiple sports like skateboarding, BMX, and roller derby without swapping gear
- You’re buying for a growing teen or young adult and want adjustable velcro closures that can adapt to changing sizes
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive roller derby player who needs the highest level of impact protection for high-speed falls, you might want to look at dedicated derby-specific pads with replaceable caps and thicker foam. These sets are solid for recreational skaters and beginners, but hardcore league players may outgrow them.
For the vast majority of skaters, I’d grab the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack — that contoured fit and industrial construction gives you the best balance of protection, mobility, and comfort for roller derby. But if you’re on a tighter budget or need a hard shell for sliding on rough surfaces, the BODYPROX set is a surprisingly capable alternative that won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for roller derby — 187 Killer Pads or BODYPROX?
I’d give the edge to the 187 Killer Pads for serious roller derby. The contoured, form-fitting design keeps the pads locked in place during quick direction changes, and the industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching hold up better to repeated hard falls. The BODYPROX set works fine for recreational derby, but the one-size approach for elbows and knees doesn’t provide the same secure fit you need for aggressive gameplay.
Is the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack worth the extra money over BODYPROX?
That depends on how often you skate. The 187 set brings size-specific caps and a smooth interior finish that prevents chafing during long sessions — plus it’s built with higher-quality materials that will last longer. If you’re skating multiple times a week, yes, the 187 is worth it. If you’re a casual weekend skater, the BODYPROX set gives you solid protection at a much more accessible price point.
Which set has better knee protection — 187 or BODYPROX?
The BODYPROX actually has an edge here for impact protection because of that scratch-resistant hard shell exterior over thick EVA foam. That hard plastic cap is great for sliding on rough surfaces and deflecting sharp debris like pebbles and rocks. The 187 relies on a high-performance foam system and contoured shape for a more mobile fit, but it doesn’t have a hard shell to protect against sharp objects on the ground.
Do the 187 Killer Pads fit true to size?
Yes, but you need to measure carefully. The 187 set comes in size-specific caps from Pre-K all the way up to X-Large, and they don’t stretch to fit like one-size gear does. I tested the Large-X-Large and found it runs accurate to the sizing chart. If you’re between sizes, I’d size up for knee pads since they need to stay put during falls.
Can I use BODYPROX pads for skateboarding and BMX too?
Absolutely — BODYPROX actually markets this set specifically for skateboarding, roller derby, BMX rides, and inline skating. The hard shell exterior is perfect for skatepark use where you’re sliding on coping or concrete, and the adjustable hook and loop closures keep everything secure across different sports. The 187 set is more focused on skating and roller derby, so the BODYPROX is the more versatile option.
Which set has more color and size options?
The 187 Killer Pads win this category hands down. You get color choices like Black, Camo, Electric Bolt, Caballero, MOXI JADE, and Purple, plus sizes from Pre-K Junior X-Small all the way to X-Large. BODYPROX only comes in Black with sizes from Youth One Size through Large. If you want a specific color or need a smaller size for a kid, the 187 set is your only real option.
My Final Verdict
The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack is my clear winner for roller derby. That contoured, form-fitting design with industrial-weight fabrics and reinforced stitching gives you a secure fit that stays put during hard falls, and the 4.7-star rating from 2,425 buyers backs it up. The BODYPROX set is the better pick if you need a hard shell exterior for sliding on rough surfaces or want a more budget-friendly option for casual skating.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want pads that feel custom-molded to your body, or do you just need something that keeps your knees off the pavement? The 187 delivers that premium locked-in feel, while BODYPROX gives you solid hard-shell protection without the premium price tag.
Best Overall: 187 Killer Pads Six Pack
- Contoured, Form-Fitting Design: Ergonomically shaped to cradle the knees or...
- Superior Foam System: High-performance padding absorbs hard impacts to...
- Streamlined for Mobility: Shape and design increase mobility and enhance...
Perfect for dedicated roller derby skaters who want a contoured ergonomic fit that won’t shift during aggressive play. The smooth interior finish and size-specific caps make these comfortable for all-day wear.
Runner-Up: BODYPROX Protective Gear Set
- Hard shell exterior: Scratch-resistant and lightweight hard plastic skate...
- Padded interior: Thick layer of EVA foam for added protection and comfort...
- Sleeve with adjustable hook and loop closure: Padding is worn outside...
Best for budget-conscious skaters or multi-sport athletes who need a hard shell exterior for sliding on rough surfaces. The EVA foam padding and adjustable velcro closures make this a solid all-rounder.
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