Safety Gear

[Blitz]

Just got myself a scrub board to use with my kite and am looking to get some elbow pads etc as no doubt I will enjoy a few rough landings!!!! Any ideas on what makes are particularly good or any that I should stay well clear of? Also any particularly good sites to buy them from?

[gareth]

i use tuff gear but if you go into your local skate shop then they will give you good advice.

[comedown]

I'd only warn you off the packages where you get a dozen pads for about 30 quid, they're so skinny it's not worth it. Build up your kit with quality stuff, your health's worth it.

 

I use Dirt kneepads which have velcro detachable plastic covers... a mixed blessing because they have been ripped off in a fall before, and I've had to change the velcro on the covers once, but the theory is you can change the covers if they wear out (but you won't wear out 3.5mm polyurethane quickly unless you use them at the TT!) In hindsight maybe the good riveted pads may have been better. The Dirt pads do have masses of foam in though and are very secure, I never feel even the hardest of falls (on my knees.)

 

Helmet's first of course, don't ever be tempted to get on wheels without it, the unexpected will happen. Mine's saved my life at least once, and many more headaches and gashes. It's just a standard Stateside skaters helmet, thick but light. Don't leave home without it, clunk click 'n all that.

 

Glad you're interested in staying alive,

 

Andy.

[Blitz]

Should have checked the forum again before heading out for Easter. Bought the Kheo set which okay I knew where cheap but thinking they must be okay as Kheo had stuck their name on them, but low and behold after only two spills the knee pad broke!!!!!!!!!!! refund i think!!

 

Bit of a bad day alround as my mate just bought a new flexifoil board and the binding stinking broke after only a couple of go's.

 

Think after pay day I will pay the price for some more robust safety gear as recommended.

[Tone]

After the weekend just gone i am goign to be getting myself a helmet, i havent hit my head. *yet* but i dont want to.

 

do any of you use wrist protection?

 

Tone

[gareth]

the wrist protection will loosen your grip on the kite handles and you will be more likely too fall.

[brewz]

I use Kheo protection, cheap at about £20odd, but very comfy and do the job( believe me when i say theyve been well tested lol)

 

Brewz

[npeac]

BLITZ

i think everyone coveredit in getting a helmet first, protek are cheap and durable. i use in liners padson me knees and believe me they have paid up many times. i bust my knee just before i got em and have since learned to launch it onto my knees to save other bits. they are well robust and stay oon in long drags. i think extre kite shop carry em.

[JoeSchmoe]

Personally, I use TSG "Force" Kneepads; they're designed for vert skating, and they're even paddier than the inliners. They are expensive though (60 quid).

 

I'd recommend them, or inliners if you're on a tighter budget.

 

For helmets, most skate helmets are pretty similar. I'd recommend the protec ACE, 661 Mullet or TSG lid, as they seem some of the toughest about.

 

Hope all that helps!