Whether you use skates, skateboards or scooters, protective gear is very important. They do not only keep you from getting injured but also enable you to enjoy practising your favourite sport more intensely.

Types of protective gear for skates, skateboards, and scooters

In Inercia we carry many different models and types of protective gear, each for a specific purpose. Below, we are going to show you the most common types and the purpose they were designed for.

Helmets

Most people agree that the helmet is the most important protective gear for all skaters, skateboarders, and scooter users. Here we are not talking about getting a scratch or a minor injury, but about saving a life, which is why helmets are so important. Not all helmets are the same. There are certified and uncertified helmets. They have different levels of protection and ventilation. Some have a sophisticated system for closing and adjusting the helmet and others are more basic. All these details have an impact on the price.

Here are the main helmet types for skates, skateboards, and scooters:

Helmets for fitness or speed skating

Helmets for fitness or speed skating are similar to bicycle helmets, in that they have the typical oval “melon” form. They usually have good ventilation and are very light as you typically skate in them many kilometres at a certain intensity. You need to ensure that they give particularly good protection at the lower part of the back of the helmet as it is more common to fall backwards when skating than when cycling.

Helmets for aggressive skating, longboards, scooters, and general skating

Helmets for aggressive or freestyle skating are usually rounder and have less ventilation than the helmets for fitness skating. The outer plastic is also normally harder and they protect the back of the skull better. With this type of helmet you can skate in the city or even ride your bike but you will notice the lack of ventilation on hotter days.

Helmets for downhill skating

Helmets for downhill skating are full-face helmets, similar to motorcycle helmets but lighter and less padded. Downhill skaters reach very high speeds and therefore need a helmet that protects really well.

Helmets for roller derby

Roller derby is a very dynamic sport in which falls and collisions are usual. Typically, helmets for aggressive skating or hockey are used although some models can be seen more often than others. Some of the helmets come with an integrated visor.

Kids’ helmets

In very broad terms, one could say that kids’ skating helmets are the same helmets as described above just smaller in size. There are models that are better ventilated like the ones for fitness skating and models that are more enclosed and have better protection, like the ones for aggressive skating. Most helmets, however, have designs that are clearly intended for kids with animal and super hero pictures, and other motifs. 

Knee pads

Knee pads are also very important to avoid unnecessary injuries. They are usually made of a foam padding that absorbs shocks and a hard plastic shell or cap which distributes the impact evenly. There are different types of knee pads for skating.

Knee pads for aggressive skating, longboards, or freestyle scooters

Knee pads for aggressive skating or ramps are heavily padded, big, and very tough. The main advantage is clearly that they provide good protection. Their main disadvantages are poor ventilation, weight, and the big size.

Knee pads for fitness skating

Knee pads for fitness skating are also for protection, but they aim to allow for maximum freedom of movement. They are therefore well ventilated with good protection but less padded and less tough than for aggressive skating.

Knee pads for roller derby

For roller derby the same or very similar knee pads are used as for aggressive skating. They are therefore heavily padded with a hard plastic cap. There are of course some models that are better suited for roller derby due to their anatomical fit.

Knee pad sleeves

Speed skaters usually do not wear knee pads at all, as they try to be as light and freely moving as possible. However, beginners, kids, and during trainings, knee pads specific for speed skating are now used more often. These knee pads are like a sleeve reinforced with kevlar at the most sensitive areas. They do not protect against impact but against grazes as this is the most typical injury when falling while speed skating.

Knee pads for speed skating

Speed skaters usually do not wear knee pads at all, as they try to be as light and freely moving as possible. However, beginners, kids, and during trainings, knee pads specific for speed skating are now used more often. These knee pads are like a sleeve reinforced with kevlar at the most sensitive areas. They do not protect against impact but against grazes as this is the most typical injury when falling while speed skating.

Elbow pads

In principle, elbow pads are designed similarly to the knee pads, described above. They are, however, more compact as arms are slimmer than legs.

Elbow pads are often overlooked but they are of great importance. When you fall backwards, for example, you often fall on your elbows.

Gloves and wrist guards

Although they may not seem like it, gloves and wrist guards are also very important parts of the protective gear. This is because when falling you put your hands down first as a reflex. If the fall happens at low speed, you can injure your wrist. If the fall happens at higher speed, you can graze the palm of your hand which is very unpleasant.

There are different types of protection for your hands. Here are a few:

Wrist guards

This is the classic protection where a few plastic pieces keep the wrist more or less fixed in place and at the same time protect the palm of the hand. It is important to look for a model that adjusts well to your hand and has somewhat flexible plastic parts, because otherwise you could injure yourself even more.

Longboard gloves

When cruising relaxed through the city with your longboard you can use regular gloves or wrist guards. When freeriding or downhill longboarding, however, you need to put your hand on the ground for some techniques. For these, you use slide gloves with a puck at the palm which allows you to slide without getting injured.

Speed Skating Gloves

As we mentioned before with the knee pads, in speed skating many protections are not usually used, but apart from the helmet, gloves are tremendously necessary. Very light and breathable gloves are usually used with or without palm protection

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Protective gear packs

Protective gear packs consist of basically two or three of the above mentioned protections sold together in a pack. There are packs with knee pads and elbow pads together or packs with knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves. Buying protective gear in a pack is usually cheaper than buying each part separately.

It is, however, sometimes difficult to find packs where each piece fits well. If you, for example, have big legs and skinny arms, either the knee pads will be too tight or the elbow pads too loose. It is therefore important to try on the protections before buying a pack.

Shin guards

Shin guards are often used for aggressive skating or freestyle scooters. They are used to protect the shins against impact, as it is typical to hurt this part of the body when doing tricks with skates or scooters in skate parks or on rails. They are usually worn underneath the trousers and are quite unnoticeable.

Impact shorts/ Protective shorts

They are not the most widely used protective gear but they are much recommend not only for beginners but also for experienced skaters. Depending on the model, they will have more or less protection and are more or less bulky.  They are usually worn underneath the trousers. Impact shorts protect your lateral hips and tail bone when falling.

Back protectors

This piece of protective gear is mainly used by downhill skaters. They are meant to avoid spine injures and impacts. They exist with more or less reinforcement and ventilation. They are usually worn underneath the clothes whether it is a leather jacket or jumpsuit.

Ankle protectors

Although ankle protectors are not designed to protect against impact, they help a lot against graze and ankle pain in general. They are basically neoprene covers of various thicknesses that are put on like socks. They protect the malleoli and other parts of the foot that suffer with certain skates.

Mouth guards

With sports such as hockey or roller derby it is usual to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. They are made of silicone and come as a solid piece or with little holes which help to expel saliva and are therefore more comfortable.

Foot protectors

Just as there are ankle protectors, there also are protectors for other parts of the foot, such as the heel, the toes, etc.  They are made of materials such as silicone and are very useful to protect suffering feet.

Padded insoles

Occasionally, with some people, the soles of the feet can hurt in certain skates. A good solution is to change the standard insole for one that is more ergonomic and padded.

Maintenance of protective gear

Our clients ask us very often how to keep the protective gear clean and in good condition. In principle you only have to wash the protective gear as they are worn over skin and therefore soak up the sweat when you exercise. Apart from the smell, the sweat also contains salts which can destroy the fabric of the protective gear. The best way to get rid of the odor and salts is to wash them with soapy water. They can even be washed in the machine. It is very important to rinse them well so that no detergent remains and to never use fabric softener as this will make them smell even more afterwards.

If you want to wash the protections with hard plastic parts in the machine you should wrap them in other fabrics to avoid damaging the drum. It is also recommended to close the velcro straps so that they cannot attach themselves to other laundry in the machine.

It is also possible for some parts to be replaced when they are worn out. There are some knee pads where the plastic cap is attached with velcro and can be replaced (they are called Recaps). There are also helmets with a replaceable foam liner. Finally, there are some wrist guards or longboard gloves where the plastic protective parts can be replaced. If you still have question our customer service team will help you resolve them.

How to determine my roller skates size

Every roller skate brand or model may differ which means that our size may change between brands and models. The best way to determine your size is to measure your foot by using the following tutorial:

After measuring you should add between 0.5 cm and 1 cm, depending on whether you want to wear more or less adjusted the skates. Also, keep in mind that the liners tend to expand half cm over time, again depending on the brand and model. It is important to bear in mind that this procedure is not exact and its main goal is to help you determine your size as accurately as possible. We, at Inercia.com, are not responsible for the chosen size. In case of the wrong size, however, we will make it as easy as possible for you to change your product. To learn more about our return and replacement policy, please click here

How to determine my helmet size

The helmet is a very important protection element for any roller skater. Is there anything more important than your head?
In order to determine your helmet size, you should measure your head circumference. Please read the following instructions:

1. Using a measuring tape, measure around your head at forehead level.

2. You can also use a piece of string or cable and then measure it.

3. Find the helmet you like in our website and use this measure to choose your right size.

If it is a gift or you are having problems measuring your head, you can take a measurement from the inside of a hat. However, generally, man’s size is 58 cm and woman’s 54-56 cm. 

If you are interested in a roller helmet, please visit our helmet selection:

- Inline skating or quad helmets 
- Longboarding or skateboarding helmets
- Scooter helmets 

This is not a perfect method, yet still highly accurate. If you still do not know your helmet size, please contact our customer service team.

How to determine my knee pad size

Knee pads are very important protection elements for any roller skater, since falling over and getting hurt is almost part of the sport.

In order to determine your knee pad size, you should measure around your knee. Please read the following instructions:

1. Using a measuring tape, measure your leg completely straight at knee level.

2. You can also use a piece of string or cable and then measure it. 

Use this size to check the following chart and find your knee pad size:

If you are interested in skating knee pads, please visit our knee pad selection: 

- Inline skating or quad knee pads
- Longboarding or skateboarding knee pads
- Scooter knee pads 

This is not a perfect method, yet still highly accurate. If you still do not know your knee pad size, please contact our customer service team.

How to determine my elbow pad size

Elbow pads are very important protection elements for any roller skater. In order to determine your elbow pad size, you should measure around your elbow. Please read the following instructions:

1. Using a measuring tape, measure your arm fully extended at elbow level.

2. You can also use a piece of string or cable and then measure it. 

Use this size to check the following chart and find your elbow pad size: 

If you are interested in skating elbow pads, please visit our elbow pad selection: 

- Inline skating or quad elbow pads
- Longboarding or skateboarding elbow pads
- Scooter elbow pads

This is not a perfect method, yet still highly accurate. If you still do not know your elbow pad size, please contact our customer service team.

How to determine my wristband or glove size

Protective gloves or wristbands are very important protection elements for any roller skater. In order to determine your glove or wristband size, you should measure around your hand. Please read the following instructions:

1. Using a measuring tape, measure your hand fully extended at knuckle level, excluding your thumb.

2. You can also use a piece of string or cable and then measure it. 

Use this size to check the following chart to find your protective glove or wristband size:

 If you are interested in longboarding slide gloves, follow the same procedure but check the following chart:

If you are interested in protective gloves or wristbands, please visit our selection here:

- Inline skating or quad protective gloves or wristguards
- Longboarding or skateboarding protective gloves or wristguards
- Scooter protective gloves or wristguards

This is not a perfect method, yet still highly accurate. If you still do not know your wristband or glove size, please contact our customer service team.

How to determine my protective pad pack size

Protective pads packs are very important protection elements for any skater, since falling over and getting hurt is almost part of the sport.

In order to determine your protective pads packs size, you should measure your high. Please read the following instructions:

If you are interested in skating protective pads packs, please visit our protective pads packs selection: 

- Inline skating or quad protective pads packs
- Longboarding or skateboarding protective pads packs
- Scooter protective pads packs

This is not a perfect method, yet still highly accurate. If you still do not know your protective pads packs size, please contact our customer service team.

How to determine my protective shorts size

Protective shorts are very important protection elements for any roller skater. Their upper leg and butt padding protect your most important and fragile assets.

In order to determine your protective shorts size, you should measure around your waist. Please read the following instructions:

1. Using a measuring tape, measure round your waist at navel level.

2. You can also use a piece of string or cable and then measure it. 

Use this size to check the following chart and find your protective shorts size:

If you are interested in skating protective shorts, please visit our selection here: