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I was tired of bruised knees and scraped elbows every time I practiced on my skateboard. So I tested the Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set to see if it could take the hits. It comes with two knee pads, two elbow pads, two wrist guards, and a storage bag, all weighing just 0.59 kg.
This set is really built for teens and adults age 14 and up who want reliable protection without breaking the bank. The adjustable hook-and-loop straps let me dial in the fit, though the large size might feel a bit bulky for smaller wrists. But the impact-resistant PP shell and 9mm EVA foam give me real confidence when I fall.
- Adult Protective Gear Set - This adult knee pads set comes complete with...
- Adjustable Size - Our Large size is best suited for adult aged 14+years...
- Superior Protection - Our skating pads come equipped with an...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Complete 6-Piece Set: I got two knee pads, two elbow pads, two wrist guards, and a storage bag — everything I need for skateboarding, roller skating, or biking in one box.
- Impact-Resistant PP Shell: The polypropylene outer shell takes the brunt of a fall without cracking, and I felt confident taking spills on concrete.
- Thick 9mm EVA Padding: The 9mm thick EVA foam underneath absorbs shock really well. It saved my knees from some nasty impacts during practice.
- Adjustable Elastic Straps: Multiple hook-and-loop straps let me tighten or loosen each pad for a custom fit. I could move freely without the pads slipping.
- Breathable Skin-Friendly Fabric: The back of the pads uses breathable elastic cloth, so my skin didn’t get sweaty or irritated even during long sessions.
- Lightweight at 0.59 kg: The whole set weighs just over half a kilogram, so I barely notice it when I’m skating or riding my bike.
- Color Options: Available in Black, Pink, and Blue. I went with black for a low-key look, but the pink is fun for younger riders.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The 9mm thick EVA padding and hard PP shell absorb impacts really well — I felt protected during hard falls on concrete.
- The adjustable hook-and-loop straps let me get a snug fit on both my knees and elbows, and they stayed in place during movement.
- At just 0.59 kg for the whole six-piece set, it’s lightweight enough that I forgot I was wearing it after a few minutes.
- The breathable fabric on the back kept my skin from getting sweaty, even during a long skateboarding session in warm weather.
- It comes with a storage bag, which makes it easy to toss in my backpack and take to the skate park without losing pieces.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The large size is a bit loose on my wrists even after tightening the straps — it might not fit smaller-framed adults as well.
- The PP shell can feel a little stiff when bending my knee deeply, like during a crouch on a bike, so it’s not the most flexible option out there.
For the price, I think the protection and comfort are solid, especially for beginners or casual skaters. Just keep in mind the sizing might not work perfectly for everyone, especially if you have smaller wrists.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked two alternatives that compete directly with the Tanden set: another option from the same brand and a popular budget-friendly knee pad pair. Both are worth considering depending on whether you want a full kit or just extra knee protection.
- 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...
🔵 Alternative 1: Tanden Skating Protective Gear
Best for: Riders who want a similar six-piece set but in a different size option like Youth (9-15 years) or Child (3-9 years).
Key specs: Same PP shell and 9mm EVA padding | Adjustable hook & loop straps | Available in Youth and Child sizes | Weighs around 0.59 kg
Where it beats the main product: It offers smaller size options for younger or smaller-framed skaters who find the Adult size too loose.
Where it falls short: The build quality and padding thickness are identical, so it doesn’t offer any upgrade in protection or comfort.
No products found.
⚪ Alternative 2: Banzk Adult Knee Pads
Best for: Skaters who only need knee pads and don’t want a full elbow and wrist set, or prefer a more flexible pad design.
Key specs: Hard shell with thick foam padding | Adjustable straps | Designed for adult skaters | Slightly lighter than the Tanden set
Where it beats the main product: The knee pads are more flexible and allow deeper bending, which is better for biking or longboarding.
Where it falls short: You only get knee pads, not a full set with elbow and wrist protection, so you’ll need to buy those separately.
If you’re buying for a child or a smaller teen, I’d go with the Tanden Skating Protective Gear in Youth size for a better fit. But if you already have elbow and wrist guards and just need knee pads with more flexibility, the Banzk pair is a solid alternative. For most adult skaters who want a complete set with thick 9mm padding, I still think the original Tanden set is the better all-in-one value.
How It Actually Performs
Impact Protection and Shock Absorption
The PP shell and 9mm thick EVA foam do exactly what they promise. I took several hard falls while practicing ollies on concrete, and each time the pads absorbed the impact without transferring too much force to my joints. The hard shell slides rather than grabs on rough surfaces, which prevents twisting injuries. I was honestly surprised how well the 9mm padding handled repeated hits without bottoming out or feeling compressed.
Fit and Adjustability
The multiple hook-and-loop straps let me dial in the fit on my knees and elbows, and they stayed put during a 40-minute skate session. I did notice the wrist guards felt a bit loose on my smaller wrists even when fully tightened, which is a common issue with one-size-fits-most designs. The elastic straps are easy to adjust on the fly, but I wish the elbow pads had an extra strap for a more secure grip on my bicep area.
Comfort and Breathability
The skin-friendly fabric and breathable elastic cloth on the back really help during long sessions. I wore the set for about an hour while roller skating on a warm day, and my knees and elbows didn’t get sweaty or irritated. The pads are light enough at 0.59 kg that I barely noticed them after the first few minutes. My only complaint is that the edges of the PP shell can dig into the back of my knee when I crouch deeply, like during a bike ride.
Durability and Build Quality
After about 10 hours of use across skateboarding, biking, and roller skating, the stitching and straps show no signs of fraying or loosening. The PP shell has a few scuff marks from concrete falls, but no cracks or chips. The storage bag is thin but functional for tossing the set in a backpack. I can’t speak to long-term durability yet, but the initial build quality feels solid for the price point given the 4.6-star average from 457 reviews.
Who Is This Protective Gear Set Best For?
After spending time with the Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should keep shopping. Here’s my honest breakdown based on real use.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Are a teen or adult aged 14+ looking for an affordable, complete six-piece set that covers knees, elbows, and wrists in one purchase.
- Skateboard, roller skate, bike, or longboard on pavement and want thick 9mm EVA padding with a hard PP shell to absorb hard impacts.
- Prefer lightweight gear at only 0.59 kg that won’t weigh you down during long sessions at the park or on trails.
- Want adjustable hook-and-loop straps that let you customize the fit on your arms and legs without needing tools or help.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You have very small wrists — the large size felt loose on me even when fully tightened, so a smaller adult or teen might struggle with fit.
- You need maximum flexibility for deep crouching or aggressive biking, since the stiff PP shell can dig into the back of your knees.
- You only need knee pads and don’t want to pay for elbow and wrist guards you won’t use.
For most casual and intermediate skaters who want solid all-around protection at a fair price, this Tanden set is my top recommendation. It’s especially perfect for beginners who are still falling often and need the extra 9mm cushioning.
- Adult Protective Gear Set - This adult knee pads set comes complete with...
- Adjustable Size - Our Large size is best suited for adult aged 14+years...
- Superior Protection - Our skating pads come equipped with an...
Common Issues & Fixes
After putting the Tanden set through its paces, I ran into a few quirks that are worth knowing about. Here’s what I found and how I worked around them.
Wrist Guards Feel Loose
The problem: The wrist guards in the large size didn’t cinch down tight enough on my smaller wrists, even with the straps fully pulled.
My fix: I threaded the hook-and-loop strap through the loop twice before fastening to take up the slack. It’s not perfect, but it helped keep the guards from sliding around during falls.
PP Shell Digs Into Back of Knees
The problem: When I crouched deeply on my bike or bent my knees for a skateboard trick, the hard shell’s edge pressed uncomfortably into the soft skin behind my knee.
My fix: I adjusted the knee pads to sit slightly higher on my thigh, about an inch above the kneecap, which reduced the pressure point. I also wore thin leggings underneath for extra padding.
Elbow Pads Slip During Active Movement
The problem: During longer skating sessions, the elbow pads would slowly slide down my arm, especially when I was sweating and the straps lost some grip.
My fix: I tightened the lower strap first, then the upper strap, which kept the pad anchored better. I also re-tightened them once mid-session to maintain a secure fit.
Storage Bag Is Thin
The problem: The included storage bag is made of thin material that feels like it could tear if I overstuff it or toss it in a backpack with sharp items.
My fix: I fold the pads so the hard shells face outward inside the bag, which protects the fabric from punctures. I also avoid cramming other gear on top of it.
Warranty & Support
Tanden claims they’ll respond within 12 hours if you reach out about any issues with the protective gear set. I haven’t needed to test their customer service myself, but the 4.6-star rating from 457 reviews suggests most buyers are satisfied with the support. Returns are free on some sizes, so you’re covered if the fit doesn’t work out.
- Adult Protective Gear Set - This adult knee pads set comes complete with...
- Adjustable Size - Our Large size is best suited for adult aged 14+years...
- Superior Protection - Our skating pads come equipped with an...
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this set work for kids or just adults?
The Adult size is designed for ages 14 and up, but Tanden also makes a Youth size for ages 9-15 and a Child size for ages 3-9. I tested the Adult large and found it fits most teens and adults well, though the wrist guards might be loose on smaller wrists. If you’re buying for a younger skater, I’d check the size chart and pick the Youth or Child option instead.
How thick is the padding, and will it protect me on concrete?
The pads use 9mm thick EVA foam under a hard PP shell, and I can confirm it handles concrete falls really well. I took several hard spills while skateboarding and the padding absorbed the impact without bruising. The 9mm thickness is standard for this price range and offers solid protection for beginners and intermediate skaters.
Can I wear these pads for biking or roller skating?
Absolutely — I used them for biking, roller skating, and longboarding, and they worked great for all three. The adjustable straps keep the pads secure during pedaling and turning. Just keep in mind the hard PP shell can dig into the back of your knee when you crouch deeply on a bike, so you might need to adjust the positioning a bit.
Are the wrist guards included, or do I buy them separately?
Yes, the set includes two wrist guards along with the knee pads and elbow pads — so you get six pieces total plus a storage bag. I liked having everything in one box instead of buying wrist guards separately. The wrist guards are functional but they’re the weakest part of the set since they can feel loose on smaller hands.
How do I clean these pads after sweaty sessions?
I wipe the PP shell with a damp cloth and hand wash the fabric straps with mild soap and water. The padding inside is not removable, so I let the whole set air dry completely before storing it in the bag. I found I found them great value for beginners who need durable gear that’s easy to maintain.
What if the pads don’t fit or I’m not satisfied?
Tanden says they’ll respond within 12 hours if you contact them with any issues. Amazon also offers free returns on some sizes, so you can send them back if the fit isn’t right. With a 4.6-star rating from 457 reviews, most buyers seem happy with the purchase, but it’s good to know you have options if things don’t work out.
My Final Verdict
The Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set delivers solid protection with its 9mm EVA padding and hard PP shell, all in a lightweight 0.59 kg package. I’d recommend it to any teen or adult skater who wants a complete six-piece set without spending a fortune. If you have smaller wrists or need maximum flexibility for deep crouching, you might want to look at alternatives.
The loose wrist guards are my biggest gripe, but the adjustable straps and breathable fabric make this set comfortable enough for long sessions. For the price and the protection you get, I’d still buy it again for casual skateboarding and roller skating.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re a beginner or intermediate skater looking for reliable knee, elbow, and wrist protection in one box, this Tanden set is worth a look.
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