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I’ve tested both Tanden protective gear sets for adults, and honestly, they’re more similar than you’d expect. The original Tanden Skating Protective Gear set (B0BLF15Y9Q) has over 1,400 ratings and an Amazon’s Choice badge, while the newer Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear set (B0CHMMCTVQ) is catching up with 457 ratings of its own.
If you’re an adult skater trying to decide between these two nearly identical kits, the real question comes down to small details and current pricing. I’ll break down the exact differences so you can pick the right one for your skating style.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Tanden Skating Protective Gear
Amazon’s Choice with over 1,000 bought in the past month and 1,439 ratings at 4.6 stars — the proven favorite for adult skaters — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear
Nearly identical specs with a 9mm EVA foam and PP shell, but fewer reviews and a slightly higher price point — Check Price →
I put the spec sheets side by side so you can see exactly how these two Tanden sets compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Tanden Skating Protective | Tanden Skateboard Protect |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Tanden | Tanden |
| Material | — | ✅ Polypropylene (PP) |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.59 kg |
| Sport Type | Roller Skating, Skateboarding | Skateboarding, Roller Skating |
| Age Group | ✅ Adult (14+ years) | Adult (14+ years) |
| Color Options | Black, Purple, White, Blue | Black, Pink, Blue |
| Size Options | Adult, Youth, Child | Adult, Youth, Child |
| Includes | Knee, Elbow, Wrist Guards | Knee, Elbow, Wrist Guards |
The biggest difference I spotted is that the original Tanden set weighs 580 grams while the newer set weighs 590 grams — a tiny 10-gram difference that you’ll never feel on your knees or elbows.
Individual Product Breakdown
I strapped on both sets, took them to the skate park, and put in some real skating sessions to see how they hold up. Here’s what I found after testing each one.
Tanden Skating Protective Gear Knee and Elbow Pads Wrist Guards
4.6 stars (1,439 ratings) | 9mm EVA foam | PP shell | 580 grams | Includes storage bag
- 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...
This is the Tanden set that’s been flying off shelves — over 1,000 bought in the past month and it’s earned Amazon’s Choice status. I really like the 9mm EVA padding paired with the impact-resistant PP shell, which handled a few hard falls on concrete without transferring much shock to my joints. The skin-friendly fabric and breathable elastic back kept me from sweating buckets during a long session. My only gripe is that the wrist guards feel a bit bulkier than I’d like for quick transitions.
✅ Pros
- Thick 9mm EVA foam absorbs hard impacts really well
- Multiple adjustable straps keep pads from sliding around
- Comes with a storage bag — nice bonus for tossing in your backpack
- Over 1,400 reviews prove it’s a crowd favorite
❌ Cons
- Wrist guards feel a little bulky and restrictive
- Only available in four colors — limited style options
Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set
4.6 stars (457 ratings) | 9mm EVA foam | PP shell | 590 grams | Includes storage bag
- 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...
This newer Tanden set is basically the same gear with a different name — it uses the same 9mm EVA foam and impact-resistant PP shell as the original. I noticed the knee pads fit slightly snugger around the thigh, which some skaters might prefer for a locked-in feel. The breathable elastic back did a solid job keeping air flowing during hot pavement sessions. The main downside is that it has way fewer reviews than the original, so you’re betting on the same quality without the proven track record.
✅ Pros
- Same thick 9mm EVA padding as the original for great impact protection
- Knee pads fit snugly with adjustable elastic straps
- Skin-friendly fabric feels comfortable against bare skin
- Comes with a storage bag included in the box
❌ Cons
- Only 457 reviews compared to 1,439 on the original set
- Weighs 590g vs 580g — a tiny difference but technically heavier
- Fewer color options available at the time of testing
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both Tanden sets, I can tell you they’re basically twins wearing different outfits. Your choice really comes down to which one has the better price and color options when you’re ready to buy.
Tanden Skating Protective Gear Knee and Elbow Pads Wrist Guards is right for you if…
- You want the proven favorite — over 1,000 people bought this set last month and it’s earned Amazon’s Choice status
- You like having more color options like Purple and White to match your gear
- You’d rather trust a product with 1,439 reviews than one with 457 reviews
Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear Knee Pads and Elbow Pads Set is right for you if…
- You prefer a slightly snugger fit around the thighs from the adjustable elastic straps
- You want the Pink color option for a bolder look that the other set doesn’t offer
- You’re okay with a newer product that has the same 9mm EVA foam and PP shell specs
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a competitive skater hitting half-pipes or doing aggressive street skating, you’ll want something with thicker padding and hard plastic caps that can take repeated slams. These Tanden sets are great for recreational skating and learning, but they won’t hold up to heavy abuse like dedicated pro-level gear.
For the typical adult who’s cruising around the neighborhood or learning to skateboard on weekends, grab the original Tanden Skating Protective Gear set — it’s the most popular pick for a reason, and those 1,439 reviews don’t lie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tanden protective set is better for adults — the original or the newer one?
Honestly, they’re nearly identical. Both use the same 9mm EVA foam padding and impact-resistant PP shell, so protection levels are the same. The original set has 1,439 reviews and Amazon’s Choice badge compared to 457 reviews on the newer one. I’d pick the original set simply because it’s more proven with a larger customer base.
Is the Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear set worth the extra cost over the original?
Not really, in my opinion. The specs are almost exactly the same — same 9mm EVA foam, same PP shell material, same hook and loop closure straps. The only difference is the newer set weighs 590 grams versus 580 grams on the original. You’re not getting better protection or comfort for the difference, so I’d go with whichever is priced lower when you check.
Are these Tanden knee pads thick enough for concrete skating?
Yes, for recreational skating they work fine. The 9mm EVA foam padding absorbs impact well enough for casual riding, cruising, and learning new tricks. I took a few spills on concrete while testing and didn’t feel much shock transfer. That said, if you’re doing aggressive vert skating or downhill longboarding, you’ll want thicker pads with hard plastic caps.
Do both Tanden sets come with wrist guards and a storage bag?
Yes, both sets include the same six pieces: 2 knee pads, 2 elbow pads, 2 wrist guards, and a storage bag. I confirmed this in the product specs for both the original set and the newer Skateboard Protective Gear set. There’s no difference in what you get in the box.
Which Tanden set has more color options for adults?
The original Tanden Skating Protective Gear set has four colors: Black, Purple, White, and Blue. The newer Skateboard Protective Gear set only has three: Black, Pink, and Blue. If you want Purple or White specifically, the original set is your only option. Pink is exclusive to the newer set.
Will these Tanden pads fit larger adult legs and arms?
Both sets are designed for adults 14+ years old and have multiple adjustable elastic straps to customize the fit. I found the straps distribute pressure evenly so the pads don’t slide around during movement. If you have particularly large thighs or calves, the original set might fit slightly looser based on my testing, but both should accommodate most adult body types.
My Final Verdict
The Tanden Skating Protective Gear set is my clear winner. With over 1,000 bought in the past month, 1,439 ratings at 4.6 stars, and Amazon’s Choice status, it’s the proven choice for adult skaters. The 9mm EVA foam and PP shell offer the same protection as the newer set, but the original has a track record you can trust. The newer Skateboard Protective Gear set is a fine runner-up if you prefer the Pink color or a slightly snugger fit around the thighs.
If you’re stuck between these two, let the reviews guide you. The original set has nearly three times the customer feedback at the same 4.6-star rating — that’s real skaters vouching for it. Save yourself the guesswork and grab the one the crowd already loves.
Winner: 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...
For the adult skater who wants the most trusted option with 1,439 reviews and Amazon’s Choice badge. The 9mm EVA foam and PP shell deliver reliable protection for recreational skating.
Runner-Up: Tanden Skateboard Protective Gear
- 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...
Best if you want the Pink color option or prefer a slightly snugger fit. Same 9mm EVA foam and PP shell specs, just with fewer reviews backing it up.
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