The Bottom Line
These are good pads for most park and smaller ramp skating. The padding is sufficient for glancing blows and sliding on the knees. But watch out for direct impact. If you do Vert or Pool skating, you’ll want something with more protection and impact absorption. Priced around $40.00 a set, these pads are also affordable.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Wide straps with heavy Velcro help these pads fit snugly
- Large plastic caps protect from most impact angles
- The knee pads have extra padding around the edges to protect the sides of the knee
- Heavy fabric and stitching help with wear and tear
Cons
- Hard to wash because they float--they start to stink after awhile...
- The caps can’t be replaced
- The elbow pads don’t have much protection above and below the joint
- If you slide too hard, the knee pads can slip down and expose the top of the knee--ouch!
- The padding on the knee pads isn’t molded to the shape of a flexed knee
Description
- Triple 8 Park 2-Pack, includes KP22 and EP55
- Black, packed in lightweight mesh bag
- Available in Jr, M, S or L
Guide Review - Triple 8 Park Elbow and Knee Pads
OK. So why do I say these knee pads aren’t great for absorbing direct impact? Well...one day this summer I tried to transfer over a small hip at the Lakewood WA skatepark and missed it. I wasn’t able to slide out and landed on my left knee. Now the cartilage behind my left knee cap is cracked. Doc says it’ll heal—in about a year. I don’t wish that on anyone!
Also, the padding on the knee pads isn’t molded to the shape of a flexed knee. This causes the padding to be partially compressed when the knees are bent and reduces the ability to absorb impacts. As I said above, these are good pads for the money. Just remember to take the type of skating you do into account before you buy any protective gear.
