There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right knee pads for your skating or biking activities. One of the most important considerations is the type of surface you’ll be skating or riding on. But what about the knee pads themselves?
Why knee pads are important for biking and skating
Knee pads are an essential piece of safety gear for anyone who rides a bike or skateboard. They help protect your knees from the impact of a fall and can prevent serious injuries.
There are a few things to consider when choosing knee pads. First, you need to decide whether you want pads that will protect your entire knee or just the front of your knee. Second, you need to decide how much padding you want. Lastly, you need to choose a pad that will stay in place while you’re riding.
Pads that protect your entire knee are usually made of foam or gel, and they have hard plastic caps on the outside. These types of pads are best for applications where you’re likely to fall, such as downhill mountain biking or skateboarding in the street. Pads that only cover the front of your knee are less bulky and more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, but they offer less protection in a fall.
The amount of padding in a knee pad is measured in millimeters (mm). Pads with more padding (10-15mm) offer better protection, but they can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Pads with less padding (5-10mm) are more comfortable and less likely to interfere with your movement, but they don’t offer as much protection.
Knee pads need to stay in place while you’re riding, so they usually have straps that go around your leg above and below the knee. Some pads also have Velcro closures to help keep them in place. When trying on knee pads, make sure that the straps are tight enough to keep the pad in place, but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable.
The different types of knee pads available
Here’s a quick guide to the different types of knee pads available, so you can make the best decision for your needs.
- Hard Shell Knee Pads – These knee pads have a hard shell on the outside, often made of plastic or Kevlar. They’re designed to protect your knees from impact in case of a fall. They’re also good at protecting against abrasion if you happen to slide on your knees. Hard shell knee pads tend to be thicker and bulkier than other types, so they’re not always the best choice for activities where you need a lot of mobility. They’re best for downhill biking and skateboarding.
- Soft Shell Knee Pads – Soft shell knee pads have a softer exterior, usually made of foam or fabric. They’re more flexible than hard shell knee pads, so they won’t restrict your movement as much. They don’t offer as much protection against impact as hard shell knee pads, but they can still help cushion your fall. Soft shell knee pads are a good choice for activities like BMX biking and skating where you need more mobility than protection.
- Splint Knee Pads – Splint knee pads have a hard shell on the outside and a soft interior, usually foam or fabric. They offer more protection than soft shell knee pads but are still more flexible than hard shells. Splint knee pads are a good choice for mountain biking and indoor skate park riding where you need some protection without sacrificing mobility.
- Knee Sleeves – Knee sleeves are made of stretchy fabric and fit snugly around your leg just above the knee. They don’t have any padding, so they don’t offer much protection against falls or impacts. However, they can help prevent injuries by providing support and stability to the joints and muscles around the knee. This can be helpful if you already have an injury or if you’re susceptible to them (for example, if you have weak knees). Knee sleeves are also helpful in keeping your joints warm when it’s cold out – this can prevent injuries and help with joint pain relief
How to choose the right knee pads for biking and skating
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, knee pads are an essential piece of safety gear when biking and skating. But with so many different types and brands on the market, how do you choose the right ones for you? Here are a few things to consider when choosing knee pads for biking and skating:
- Activity: The first thing to consider is what activity you’ll be using them for. There are different types of knee pads designed for different activities, so if you plan on using them for both biking and skating, make sure to get ones that are meant for both.
- Fit: Knee pads should fit snugly but not too tight. They should also stay in place while you’re moving around.
- Protection: Knee pads come in different levels of protection, from basic foam padding to more heavy-duty hardshell construction. Consider how much protection you need based on the intensity of your activity and your own personal risk tolerance.
The benefits of biking and skating with knee pads
Most people think of knee pads as something that is only necessary for skateboarding or BMX biking. However, there are many benefits to wearing knee pads while participating in either of these activities.
Skating and biking are both excellent forms of exercise, but they can also be dangerous if you do not take the proper precautions. Wearing knee pads is one of the best ways to protect yourself from injuries while skating or biking. Knee pads can absorb impact and help to prevent scrapes and bruises. They can also provide support for your knees and help to prevent more serious injuries such as broken bones or torn ligaments.
The drawbacks of biking and skating without knee pads
There are many reasons to wear knee pads when participating in outdoor activities such as biking and skating. Though often seen as cumbersome, they can save you from a lot of pain and even more serious injury in the event of a fall.
One of the main reasons to wear knee pads is to protect your joints from impact. Without knee pads, the impact of a fall can easily damage the delicate cartilage in your knees, leading to joint pain and stiffness. Knee pads can help cushion the blow and reduce the risk of serious injury.
Another reason to wear knee pads is to avoid road rash. Road rash is a condition caused by scrapes and grazes that occur when you fall skin comes into contact with the ground. Wearing knee pads can help you avoid this painful condition by providing a barrier between your skin and the ground.
In short, there are many good reasons to wear knee pads when participating in activities like biking and skating. Knee pads can protect your joints from impact, reduce the risk of road rash, and make falls less painful overall. So next time you head out for a ride or a skate, be sure to strap on some knee pads for added protection.
How to properly care for your knee pads
To extend the life of your knee pads, it is important to properly care for them. Biking and skating are two popular activities that can put wear and tear on your knee pads. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your knee pads:
- If possible, wash your knee pads after each use. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could cause wear and tear.
- If you can’t wash them after each use, be sure to at least wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Store your knee pads in a cool, dry place when they’re not in use. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the materials to break down over time.
- Inspect your knee pads regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any holes or tears, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.
The different brands of knee pads available
If you’re in the market for kneepads, you’ve probably realized there are a plethora of brands and materials to choose from. Knee pads can be made out of neoprene, Kevlar, polyester, or other materials, and some brands specialize in one material while others use a variety of materials in their products. In the world of knee pads, there are a few big names: Rollerblades, Triple Eight, 187 Killer Pads, and Pro-Tec.
- Rollerblade Knee Pads – Rollerblade is one of the most well-known brands in the skating world, and their knee pads reflect that reputation. Rollerblade knee pads are generally made out of neoprene, which is a soft, stretchy material that conforms to your body and provides good padding. The company offers a variety of knee pad styles, from basic kneepads with just neoprene padding to more deluxe models that also incorporate Kevlar or other materials.
- Triple Eight Knee Pads – Triple Eight is another big name in skating, known for its attention to detail and stylish designs. Like Rollerblade, Triple Eight knee pads are usually made out of neoprene with some models featuring additional padding made out of Kevlar or other materials. Triple Eight focuses on making kneepads that not only look good but also perform well; many of their models come equipped with features like velcro straps or adjustable lacing to ensure a snug fit.
- 187 Killer Pads – 187 Killer Pads is a company that specializes in making protective gear for skateboarding and inline skating. While they don’t have as wide a selection as some of the other brands on this list, they make up for it with the quality of their products. All of their knee pads are made out of high-quality materials like neoprene and Kevlar, and many models feature additional padding in key areas like the shin or thigh for extra protection.
- Pro-Tec Knee Pads – Pro-Tec is another company that specializes in protective gear for skateboarding and inline skating. They offer a wide range of different kneepad styles, from basic models made out of neoprene to more deluxe models with additional padding made out of Kevlar or other materials. Many Pro-Tec knee pads also come equipped with features like velcro straps or adjustable lacing to ensure a snug fit.
The importance of choosing the right size knee pads
Choosing the right size knee pads is important for both comfort and protection. Knee pads come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to extra large. The size you need will depend on the activity you’re participating in, as well as your body size and shape.
Biking knee pads are typically larger and bulkier than skating knee pads. This is because they need to provide more protection from falls and impacts. Skating knee pads, on the other hand, are smaller and more lightweight. They still provide some protection, but they’re mainly designed for comfort and freedom of movement.
Body size is also a factor to consider when choosing knee pads. If you’re on the larger side, you may need to choose a size up in order to get the right fit. Conversely, if you’re on the smaller side, you may be able to get away with a smaller size. It’s always best to try on different sizes before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting the right fit.
How to break in your new knee pads
Knee pads are an essential piece of safety equipment for both biking and skating. But how do you break in your new knee pads so that they’re comfortable to wear? Here are some tips:
1. Start by wearing your knee pads around the house for short periods of time. This will help you get used to the feel of them and will also help to break them in.
2. Once you’re comfortable wearing them around the house, try taking them out on short bike rides or skate sessions. Again, this will help you get used to the feel of them and will also help to break them in.
3. If you find that your knee pads are starting to feel too loose, try tightening them up a bit. This will help to prevent them from slipping down during use.
4. And finally, if you find that your knee pads are starting to feel too tight, try loosening them up a bit. This will help to prevent them from constricting your movement too much and will also help to prevent chafing.
FAQs about knee pads for biking and skating
Q: Do I need knee pads for biking?
A: The simple answer is no, but it depends on what type of biking you’re doing. For casual biking around town or on paved trails, knee pads aren’t necessary. But if you’re doing any off-road biking—mountain biking, BMX, etc.—wearing knee pads can help protect you in the event of a crash.
Q: What about skateboarding? Do I need knee pads for that?
A: Again, it depends on what type of skating you’re doing. For casual skating (think: skating around your neighborhood or at the park), knee pads aren’t necessary. But if you’re doing any aggressive skating—skateboarding, inline skating, etc.—wearing knee pads can help protect you in the event of a fall.
Q: Do I need different knee pads for different activities?
A: It’s not necessary to have different knee pads for different activities, but some people find that certain types of knee pads are better suited for certain activities. For example, some people prefer softer, more flexible knee pads for biking because they allow for a greater range of motion. Others prefer harder, more protective knee pads for skateboarding because they provide better protection in the event of a fall. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of knee pad is best for your needs.
Q: Can I wear my own clothes over my knee pads?
A: Yes! In fact, many people find that wearing their own clothes over their knee pads is more comfortable than wearing dedicated sports gear. Just be sure that whatever you’re wearing doesn’t interfere with the fit or function of the knee pad.
In Closing
There are many different types of knee pads available on the market today. You can choose from pads that offer different levels of protection, support, and comfort. You should always try on a knee pad before you purchase it to make sure that it fits properly and that you are comfortable while wearing it. Remember, knee pads are an important piece of safety equipment, so make sure that you choose a pair that will work well for you.
