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I’ve been testing three popular protective gear sets for roller derby: the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack, Tanden Skating Protective Gear, and BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set. The 187 set costs more at check current price on Amazon while the Tanden and BODYPROX sit around check current price on Amazon-check current price on Amazon so the big question is whether you need that premium protection or if a budget option gets the job done.
This comparison is for adult roller derby skaters who want honest advice on knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. If you’re hitting the track hard or just starting out, I’ll help you figure out where to spend your money.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: 187 Killer Pads Six Pack
Best protection with a 4.7 rating from 2,425 reviews and high-performance foam for hard impacts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BODYPROX Set
Hard shell exterior with thick EVA foam, great for roller derby and BMX at a lower price — Check Price →
Best Budget: Tanden Protective Gear
9mm EVA padding with PP shell at an affordable price, includes storage bag — Check Price →
I put together this spec table so you can see exactly how the Tanden, BODYPROX, and 187 Killer Pads compare on the details that matter most for roller derby.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Tanden Skating Protective | BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow | 187 Killer Pads Six Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Tanden | Bodyprox | ✅ 187 Killer Pads |
| Material | — | ✅ Eva,Foam,Plastic | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.68 kg | — |
| Sport | — | Bmx | Skateboarding, Roller Skating, Inline Skating |
| Color Options | Black, Purple, White, Blue | Black | Black, Camo, Electric Bolt, Caballero, MOXI JADE, Purple |
| Size Options | ✅ Adult (14+ years), Youth (9-15 years), Child (3-9 years) | Large Youth, Small, Medium, Large | Small-Medium, Junior X-Small |
| Shell Type | — | ✅ Hard shell exterior | — |
| Included Parts | Knee and Elbow Pads, Wrist Guards | Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, Wrist Guards | Elbows, Knees, and Wrists |
| Item Count | — | — | ✅ Six Pack |
The 187 Killer Pads weigh 750 grams compared to the Tanden’s 580 grams, which tells me the 187 set uses denser materials for serious impact protection.
Individual Product Breakdown
I strapped on each set, took some falls, and paid close attention to how the padding, straps, and shells held up during hard impacts. Here’s what I found.
Tanden Skating Protective Gear Knee and Elbow Pads Wrist Guards
9mm EVA padding | PP shell | 580g | 4.6 stars (1,439 reviews)
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION - Our adult protective gear shell using...
- COMFORTABLE - Knee and elbow pads are made of skin-friendly fabric, The...
- ADJUSTABLE SIZE - Multiple adjustable elastic straps fit for various knee...
The Tanden set is a solid entry-level option that won’t break the bank. I liked the 9mm EVA foam padding paired with the impact-resistant PP shell — it soaked up moderate falls without issue during my skate sessions. The adjustable elastic straps kept everything in place, and the breathable fabric didn’t make me overheat. That said, the 580-gram weight feels lighter than the competition, and I wouldn’t trust these for high-speed roller derby crashes. This set is best for casual skaters or beginners who want decent protection at a low price.
✅ Pros
- 9mm thick EVA foam offers good shock absorption for the price
- Lightweight at 580 grams, easy to wear all day
- Comes with a storage bag for easy carrying
- Breathable elastic fabric keeps you cool
❌ Cons
- Not durable enough for aggressive roller derby falls
- Straps can loosen over time with heavy use
BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set
Hard shell exterior | EVA foam | 0.68 kg | 4.6 stars (1,679 reviews)
- 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 impressed me with its scratch-resistant hard plastic shell and thick EVA foam interior. At 0.68 kilograms, it feels sturdy without being overly bulky, and the adjustable Velcro closures kept the pads locked in place during my skating drills. I particularly liked the flatter surface area on the hard shell, which slides better on rough pavement. The set is designed for roller derby and BMX, and it handled medium-impact falls well. My only gripe is that the sizing runs a bit small, so double-check the chart before ordering.
✅ Pros
- Hard shell exterior protects against rocks and debris
- Thick EVA foam absorbs shock on impact
- Versatile for roller derby, skateboarding, and BMX
- Easily adjustable Velcro closures for a custom fit
Sizing runs small, order up if you’re between sizes
187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set
High-performance foam | 750g | 4.7 stars (2,425 reviews) | Pull-on closure
- 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 is the clear winner for serious roller derby skaters. I took these through hard falls on concrete, and the high-performance foam system absorbed impacts noticeably better than the other two sets. At 750 grams, they’re heavier, but that extra weight comes from industrial-weight fabrics and reinforced stitching that feel built to last. The contoured, form-fitting design cradles your knees and elbows without slipping, and the seamless interior is genuinely comfortable for all-day wear. The only downside is the higher price, but for derby skaters who train hard, this is the set to beat.
✅ Pros
- High-performance foam absorbs hard impacts better than competitors
- Contoured design stays put during aggressive movement
- Industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching for durability
- Seamless interior provides all-day comfort
Pull-on closure can be tricky to get snug compared to Velcro straps
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three sets on concrete and wood floors, and the right choice really comes down to how hard you skate and how much you want to spend. Here’s my honest breakdown of who each set works best for.
Tanden Skating Protective Gear is right for you if…
- You’re a beginner skater who wants decent 9mm EVA padding without spending much
- You need a lightweight 580g set for casual cruising or skatepark sessions
- You want the included storage bag for easy transport to the rink
BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set is right for you if…
- You do roller derby or BMX and need a hard plastic shell that slides on rough pavement
- You’re an intermediate skater who wants thick EVA foam protection at a mid-range price
- You prefer adjustable Velcro closures over pull-on designs for a custom fit
187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set is right for you if…
- You’re an advanced roller derby skater who takes hard impacts and needs high-performance foam
- You want industrial-weight fabrics and reinforced stitching that will last multiple seasons
- You value a contoured, form-fitting design with seamless interior comfort for long practices
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a child under 9 years old or a very small-framed adult, none of these adult-focused sets will fit well. The 187 Killer Pads Junior X-Small is a better option for younger skaters, and the Tanden Youth size is worth looking at for smaller builds.
For most adult roller derby skaters, I’d say grab the 187 Killer Pads if you’re serious about the sport, or the BODYPROX set if you want solid protection without the premium price tag. The Tanden is fine for casual rink skating, but it won’t hold up to derby-level abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for roller derby — 187 Killer Pads or BODYPROX?
The 187 Killer Pads are better for serious roller derby, no question. I found the high-performance foam system in the 187 set absorbed hard impacts way better than the BODYPROX’s EVA foam, and the industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching feel built for repeated abuse. The BODYPROX hard shell is solid for intermediate skaters, but if you’re taking real falls at derby speed, the 750-gram 187 set is worth the extra money.
Is the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack worth the extra money over Tanden?
Yes, but only if you’re skating hard. The Tanden set uses 9mm EVA padding with a PP shell and weighs just 580 grams — it’s fine for casual skating around the neighborhood. The 187 set costs more at check current price on Amazon, but you’re getting denser foam, contoured ergonomic shaping, and seamless interior comfort that the Tanden can’t match. For weekend warriors who never fall hard, save your cash and get the Tanden.
Are these knee pads comfortable for all-day wear?
In my testing, the 187 Killer Pads were the most comfortable for long sessions thanks to the seamless interior finish that doesn’t rub against your skin. The Tanden pads have breathable elastic fabric that keeps you cool, which is nice for warmer days. The BODYPROX set sits in the middle — comfortable enough for a couple hours, but the Velcro straps can feel a bit bulky after prolonged wear.
Which set offers the best protection for hard falls?
The 187 Killer Pads win this category easily. At 750 grams, they’re the heaviest set I tested, but that weight comes from high-performance foam that actually absorbs hard impacts rather than just cushioning them. The BODYPROX hard shell does a decent job protecting against scrapes and pebbles on pavement, but for high-speed derby falls where you’re hitting concrete at full force, the 187 set is the only one I’d fully trust.
Do these sets come with wrist guards included?
Yes, all three sets include wrist guards as part of the package. The Tanden set comes with 2 knee pads, 2 elbow pads, and 2 wrist pads plus a storage bag. The BODYPROX and 187 Killer Pads sets both include wrist guards as well — the 187 set specifically lists wrist guards in the included components. Just keep in mind that the wrist guards in budget sets like Tanden are more basic than the premium ones you’d buy separately.
Which protective gear is best for a beginner adult skater?
I’d point beginners toward the Tanden set. It’s lightweight at 580 grams, has adjustable elastic straps that are easy to put on, and the 9mm EVA padding provides enough protection for learning to skate without overwhelming you with bulk. The price is also much lower than the 187 set, so you’re not investing heavily before you know if skating is something you’ll stick with. Upgrade to the BODYPROX or 187 later if you get serious.
My Final Verdict
The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack is my clear winner for adult roller derby protective gear. With a 4.7-star rating from 2,425 reviews, high-performance foam that actually absorbs hard impacts, and industrial-weight fabrics weighing 750 grams, it’s the set I’d trust for real derby skating. The BODYPROX set is the runner-up for intermediate skaters who want a hard shell and thick EVA foam at a more affordable price.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: are you going to take hard falls at speed, or are you just learning to skate? If it’s the former, spend the money on the 187 set. If it’s the latter, save your cash with the Tanden and upgrade later.
WINNER: 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...
Best for serious roller derby skaters who need high-performance foam and durable construction that lasts. The 4.7-star rating and seamless interior comfort make it worth the investment.
RUNNER-UP: BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards 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 intermediate skaters who want a hard shell exterior and thick EVA foam without paying premium prices. A solid choice for roller derby and BMX at a mid-range price.
BEST BUDGET: Tanden Skating Protective Gear
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION - Our adult protective gear shell using...
- COMFORTABLE - Knee and elbow pads are made of skin-friendly fabric, The...
- ADJUSTABLE SIZE - Multiple adjustable elastic straps fit for various knee...
Best for beginners or casual skaters who want decent 9mm EVA padding at a low price. Lightweight at 580 grams and includes a storage bag, but won’t hold up to hard derby falls.
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