The knee pad remains a vital piece of safety gear for extreme sports enthusiasts. Skateboarders, BMXers and aggressive inline skaters utilize the knee pad for increased protection during freestyle tricks. Throughout the years, the overall design of the knee pad has continued to improve. As of 2011, top-rated knee pads feature a flexible design that does not hinder your movement.
Function
Skateboarders use the knee pads for various functions. When bailing from high altitude tricks, ramp skaters will slide on their knees across the smooth ramp face. The knee pads also help to protect against the metallic edge of the skate ramp known as the coping. BMXers often ride off road trails that feature a rough terrain. Riders don knee pads to prevent serious injuries during BMX crashes. Aggressive inline skaters wear knee pads for protection during grinds across concrete ledges.
Design
Throughout the 1990s, knee pad models featured a bulky design that could hinder your flexibility. According to professional BMX riders Gary Young and Brian Kachinsky, 2011 knee pad models often feature a slimmed down design that can fit comfortably under your pants. Knee pads generally come in a hard or soft shell design. Soft shell models offer increased flexibility and a low profile fit. Hard shell models remain ideal for serious riders who execute high-speed maneuvers.
Features
Knee pads often feature an elastic sleeve that surrounds your knee cap. The pad is then held in place by a series of flexible safety straps. The pad of the hard shell model features a hard ABS plastic construction. According to X Sports Protective, the pads of the soft shell models have been designed with a high-density foam or Kevlar material. Hard knee pads feature a ergonomically molded shell that has been designed to fit snugly against your knee cap.
Size
Choosing the correct knee pad size remains a vital part of the selection process. Stretch a piece of measuring tape across your knee cap and around the back of your leg. Refer to the sizing chart displayed on the knee pads to find the correct size. Knee pads generally come in a small, medium and large size. According to Inline Skates.net, small knee pad models remain ideal for young riders who weigh in at less than 125 lbs.
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