Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for skateboarding — BODYPROX or Tanden?

I’d give the edge to BODYPROX for skateboarding specifically because its hard-shell plastic exterior is scratch-resistant and handles rough pavement better than the PP shell on the Tanden. The flat surface area on the BODYPROX pads also slides during falls rather than catching on pebbles, which is exactly what you want when you’re skating on asphalt. That said, if you’re skating smooth surfaces like a skate park or roller rink, the Tanden’s thicker 9mm EVA foam padding gives you plusher shock absorption.

Which set has better padding for hard falls?

The Tanden set wins this one hands down with its 9mm EVA foam padding that’s noticeably thicker than what you get in the BODYPROX pads. When I took hard falls on concrete, I felt the Tanden’s foam compressing and absorbing more of the impact. The BODYPROX relies more on its hard plastic shell to distribute force, which works fine, but the Tanden just feels plusher and more forgiving on big slams.

Are these knee pads comfortable to wear for long sessions?

Both are comfortable, but they handle it differently. The BODYPROX set at 0.68 kg is lighter and I forgot I was wearing it after a few minutes, though the one-size-fits-all sleeves can feel a bit loose on smaller legs. The Tanden uses breathable elastic fabric on the back of the pads that kept me cooler during a hot afternoon session, and the multiple adjustable straps let me dial in the fit better. If you sweat a lot, go with Tanden — if you want lighter gear, go with BODYPROX.

Which one is more durable — BODYPROX or Tanden?

Based on my testing, the BODYPROX set feels more durable for outdoor skating because the hard-shell plastic exterior is designed to be scratch-resistant against pebbles, rocks, and debris. The Tanden’s PP shell is impact-resistant but I noticed it scuffed up a bit faster when I skated on rough pavement. For indoor or smooth-surface skating, both will last you a long time, but BODYPROX takes the durability crown for street skating.

Do these sets include wrist guards, or just knee and elbow pads?

Both the BODYPROX and Tanden sets include wrist guards along with the knee and elbow pads, so you get full protection in one package. The BODYPROX set comes with a one-size-fits-all design for the wrist guards, while the Tanden set includes two wrist pads plus a storage bag to keep everything organized. Neither set is lacking in that department.

Which one is a better value for the money?

Both sets are similarly priced and both have earned Amazon’s Choice badges with over 1,000 purchases in the past month, so you’re getting good value either way. I think the BODYPROX offers slightly better value for street skaters who need that hard-shell durability, while the Tanden is a better value if you prioritize thicker 9mm padding, breathable fabric, and the included storage bag. Check the current prices on Amazon to see which one fits your budget better today.