The Viking protective pad set comes with knee pads and elbow pads, and is available in small, medium and large sizes. The pads are black, with gold rivets holding the large plastic shields in place. Traditional Velcro straps hold the pads on. Basically, the Viking pad set has everything you would expect
Why Wear Pads?
I'm a big fan of wearing pads. Part of that is that I hate getting hurt, but I'm also a lot more likely to try something fun and / or stupid while wearing pads.
This combo set is only really useful if you skate on a vert ramp, or at a park. Most street skaters don't need elbow and knee pads, but they won't hurt if you want them.
Knee pads are important on ramps, because when you fall you can drop to your knees and slide down the ramp to a stop. As an added bonus, while doing this, if you hit a screw that isn't put in tight you will lose your knee pad instead of your knee! I've seen it happen in competition, so take my advice - if you are on big ramps, knee pads are a good idea.
Viking Pad Set
But what about Viking pads? Viking is a smaller brand with Rock On Distribution. Viking pads are entry level, price point gear, meaning that they aren't the top of the line, but they are lower priced to make up for it. Most skaters out there don't really need fancy pads, they just need to have something that works, keeps them safe, and doesn't get in the way of skateboarding.
The Viking Pad set comes with elbow and knee pads. They are made with thick, flexible foam covered with plastic shields riveted in. They are designed along the same ideas as most other skateboarding knee and elbow pads out there.
Viking pads do need to be broken in, however. While testing them out, I found that the elbow pads were tight, and bit into my arms a little. At first I thought that I was losing circulation! But, after just an hour or so, they relaxed. The knee pads felt fine right away.
Pad Versatility
As far as the protection these pads give, I would say they do their job. But, it all depends on what you want them for. If all you plan on using your pads for it skating ramps and parks, this set will work great for you. If, however, you want to also be able to use these pads for other things (paintball, snowsports, etc.), you will likely want pads with more lateral protection. TSG knee pads are larger, wrap more around the knee, and double as brace sleeves. I've had knee surgery and been knocked off my skateboard for an entire year before (don't tear your ACL!), so I like having the extra bracing and support of larger, fuller knee pads. Of course, Viking knee pads do provide some protection in this way, just not as much as other, more expensive pads.
The Bottom Line
All that to say, however, that for most of you out there you don't need it! If you don't want to wear your knee pads out doing other stuff, and if you haven't hurt your knees before, then by all means save your money and get what you really need. A pad set like the Viking protective pad set should be more than enough. Just remember to take the time to break them in, and they should work just fine for you.
