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If you’re an advanced skater pushing your limits, you know the difference between gear that saves your joints and gear that just gets in the way. I’ve been testing the Tanden Skating Protective Gear set and the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set to see which one actually holds up to hard falls.
This comparison is for skaters who want real protection without sacrificing mobility. The Tanden set is a budget-friendly option with thick 9mm padding, while the 187 Killer Pads are a premium choice with industrial-strength build and a higher price tag. I’ll break down exactly where each one excels.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: 187 Killer Pads Six Pack
Superior foam system and form-fitting design for advanced skaters who need reliable impact protection — Check Price →
Best Budget: Tanden Protective Gear Set
Thick 9mm EVA padding at a lower price, great for beginners and intermediate skaters — Check Price →
I put all the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Tanden and 187 Killer Pads stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Tanden Skating Protective | 187 Killer Pads Six Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Tanden | ✅ 187 Killer Pads |
| Color Options | Black, Purple, White, Blue | Black, Camo, Electric Bolt, Caballero, MOXI JADE, Purple |
| Size Options | ✅ Adult (14+), Youth (9-15), Child (3-9) | Small-Medium, Junior X-Small |
| Material | — | — |
| Weight | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Age Range | ✅ 3+ years | — |
| Included Items | Knee, Elbow, Wrist Guards | ✅ Elbow, Knee, Wrist Pads (6 pc) |
| Sport Type | Roller Skating, Skateboarding | Skateboarding, Roller Skating, Inline Skating |
| Gender | — | — |
| Care Instructions | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is the 187 Killer Pads weighing 750g with industrial-strength fabrics, while the Tanden set is lighter at 580g and uses 9mm EVA foam instead of the 187’s high-performance padding system.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at the build quality, padding thickness, and overall value of each set to give you an honest take on what it’s like to skate with these pads.
Tanden Skating Protective Gear Knee and Elbow Pads Wrist Guards
9mm EVA padding | PP Shell | 580g | Adult (14+) | 4.6 stars (1,439 ratings)
- 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 surprised me with its thick 9mm EVA foam padding inside an impact-resistant PP shell — that’s solid protection for the price. I like that the back of the knee and elbow pads use breathable elastic cloth, which kept me from overheating during long skating sessions. The multiple adjustable straps held everything in place without slipping, though I noticed the wrist guards feel a bit less premium than the knee and elbow pads. This is a fantastic pick for beginners and intermediate skaters who want a complete set (2 knee pads, 2 elbow pads, 2 wrist guards) with a storage bag included, but advanced skaters taking hard slams might want something with more industrial-grade materials.
✅ Pros
- Thick 9mm EVA padding offers great impact buffering for the price
- Breathable elastic cloth back keeps you cool during long sessions
- Lightweight at only 580g, won’t weigh you down
- Comes with 6 pieces and a storage bag for convenience
❌ Cons
- Wrist guards feel less durable than the knee and elbow pads
- Not as rugged as premium options for high-impact falls
187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set
High-performance foam | Industrial-weight fabric | 750g | L/XL | 4.7 stars (2,425 ratings)
- 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...
This is the set I’d recommend to any advanced skater who’s serious about protection. The 187 Killer Pads feature a contoured, form-fitting design that cradles your knees and elbows, and the high-performance foam system absorbs hard impacts way better than standard padding. I really appreciate the seamless interior comfort and the reinforced stitching on industrial-weight fabrics — this thing is built to last through aggressive skating. The only downside is the higher price tag and the pull-on closure style, which can be a bit snug to get into compared to adjustable straps. If you’re pushing your limits at the skatepark or bombing hills, this set delivers the rugged, size-specific build you need.
✅ Pros
- High-performance foam system absorbs hard impacts effectively
- Contoured design stays put without shifting during falls
- Industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching for durability
- Smooth interior finish for all-day comfort without irritation
❌ Cons
- Pull-on closure can be tight and less adjustable than strap systems
- Significantly more expensive than budget alternatives
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve skated with both sets, and the right choice really comes down to how hard you fall and how much you want to spend. Here’s exactly who I’d recommend each one for.
Tanden Skating Protective Gear Set is right for you if…
- You’re a beginner or intermediate skater who wants a complete 6-piece set with a storage bag at a lower price
- You value lightweight gear at only 580g that won’t tire you out during long skate sessions
- You prefer adjustable hook-and-loop straps over pull-on closures for a custom fit
187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set is right for you if…
- You’re an advanced skater taking hard impacts and need a high-performance foam system that absorbs serious force
- You want industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching that hold up to aggressive park skating
- You value a contoured, form-fitting design that stays locked in place during falls and slides
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re only cruising around the neighborhood casually or skating indoors on smooth surfaces, you might be fine with lighter, cheaper pads or even just wrist guards. These full sets are overkill for very low-impact recreational skating.
For the most common buyer — an advanced skater who wants reliable protection that won’t let them down — I’d grab the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Set every time. The high-performance foam and rugged build are worth the extra investment when you’re pushing your limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for advanced skaters: Tanden or 187 Killer Pads?
The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Set is the clear winner for advanced skaters. The high-performance foam system and industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching are built to handle hard impacts at skateparks, while the Tanden set uses 9mm EVA padding that’s better suited for lighter skating. I wouldn’t trust the Tanden pads for aggressive park skating or big vert ramps.
Is the 187 Killer Pads Six Pack worth the extra money over Tanden?
Yes, if you’re skating hard. The 187 set costs more, but you’re getting a contoured form-fitting design that stays put during falls, seamless interior comfort for all-day wear, and size-specific caps that reduce bulk. The Tanden set is a great budget option at a much lower price, but it lacks the heavy-duty construction that advanced skaters need for repeated hard slams.
Which set has thicker padding for impact protection?
The Tanden set uses 9mm EVA foam padding, which is decent for recreational skating. However, the 187 Killer Pads use a superior foam system that absorbs hard impacts more effectively — and the 187 pads weigh 750g compared to the Tanden’s 580g, which tells you there’s more material and density in the 187 pads. For high-impact protection, go with 187.
Are the Tanden pads comfortable for long skating sessions?
They’re pretty comfortable for the price. The back of the knee and elbow pads use breathable elastic cloth for airflow, and the adjustable straps let you dial in the fit. At 580g, they’re lighter than the 187 pads, which helps with fatigue. But the 187 pads have a seamless interior finish that I found more comfortable for all-day wear without irritation.
Which set is easier to put on and take off?
The Tanden set wins here with its hook-and-loop strap closure that lets you adjust the tightness easily. The 187 Killer Pads use a pull-on closure system, which can be snug and harder to get into, especially with the Large-X-Large size. If you want quick on-and-off convenience, the Tanden straps are much more user-friendly.
Do both sets include knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards?
Yes, both sets include all six pieces — 2 knee pads, 2 elbow pads, and 2 wrist guards. The Tanden set also comes with a storage bag, which is a nice bonus that the 187 set doesn’t include. But the 187 pads are available in more size options including Junior X-Small, Small-Medium, Large-X-Large, and X-Large Pre-K, so you can get a more precise fit.
My Final Verdict
The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set is my clear overall winner for advanced skaters. The high-performance foam system, contoured form-fitting design, and industrial-weight fabrics with reinforced stitching provide the impact protection and durability that aggressive skating demands. The Tanden set is a solid runner-up for beginners and intermediate skaters who want a complete 6-piece set with a storage bag at a lower price, but it’s not built for repeated hard slams.
If you’re on the fence, think about this: the 187 pads weigh 750g with denser padding and a seamless interior, while the Tanden set is 580g with 9mm EVA foam. If you’re taking real falls at the skatepark, invest in the 187s — your knees will thank you later.
Winner: 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set
- 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 best choice for advanced skaters who need real impact protection. The contoured design and high-performance foam make every fall less punishing.
Runner-Up: Tanden Skating Protective Gear Set
- 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...
Perfect for beginners and intermediate skaters on a budget. The 9mm EVA padding and adjustable straps offer good protection for recreational skating.
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