The landscape for skateboarding body armor changed dramatically when high-quality protection like the BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket & Body Armor entered the picture. Having personally tested it, I can tell you this jacket offers full coverage—back, shoulders, elbows—with thick EVA pads that absorb impacts during falls. It’s flexible enough for tricks but sturdy enough to prevent serious injuries.
What sets it apart? Its half-inch high-density foam from BASF provides real shock absorption without sacrificing comfort. The adjustable velcro strap makes it easy to fit snugly, so it stays in place during aggressive rides. Whether you’re landing tricks or riding through rough terrain, this armor’s durability and full-body protection make a noticeable difference. After comparing other options, I found this jacket strikes the perfect balance of quality, coverage, and value—making it my top recommendation for serious skaters.
Top Recommendation: BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket & Body Armor
Why We Recommend It: This model offers comprehensive coverage with high-density BASF foam, ensuring reliable shock absorption. Its adjustable straps deliver a snug fit, and its durable, breathable materials keep you comfortable during extended sessions. Unlike alternatives with limited protection or bulkier designs, this jacket’s focus on full back, shoulder, and elbow protection makes it ideal for high-impact skateboarding, giving you confidence to push your limits.
Best body armor for skateboarding: Our Top 2 Picks
- BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket & Body Armor – Best for Tactical Training
- BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket with Full Body Armor – Best for Law Enforcement
BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket & Body Armor
- ✓ Excellent full-body protection
- ✓ Comfortable and adjustable fit
- ✓ Durable, high-quality materials
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited chest padding
| Protection Areas | Back, shoulders, elbows, neck, spine, chest, and waist |
| Pad Material | High-density foam (3H BASF material) |
| Pad Thickness | Half-inch (1.27 cm) |
| Adjustability | Velcro straps on waist for size adjustment |
| Intended Use | Skateboarding, roller skating, snowboarding, skiing, motorcycle riding, mountain biking, hockey, and other extreme sports |
| Size Options | Multiple sizes; recommend checking size chart for proper fit |
This BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I’ve been craving serious protection without sacrificing mobility on my skate sessions. When I finally got it in hand, I immediately appreciated how sturdy yet lightweight it feels.
The handmade thickening EVA pads give it a solid, trusted vibe right away.
The fit is surprisingly comfortable, thanks to the adjustable Velcro straps around the waist. I tested it during a few roller skate runs, and I could tell the foam padding absorbs impacts well.
The high-density foam from BASF is thick enough to make me feel protected without feeling bulky or stiff. It stayed snug, but I could still move freely, which is key for tricks and quick turns.
What really stood out is the full protector coverage — back, shoulders, and elbows are all well-cushioned. The spine protector especially offers peace of mind, covering the entire back with super protective pads.
I also liked how breathable it was; despite the robust padding, I didn’t feel overheated during my sessions.
It’s versatile, too, perfect for skateboarding, snowboarding, or even mountain biking. The design feels durable, and the adjustable straps mean you can customize the fit.
Sure, it’s a bit on the higher end price-wise, but considering the protection level, it’s worth it. Just double-check the size chart because a good fit makes all the difference for comfort and safety.
BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket with Full Body Armor
- ✓ Full upper body coverage
- ✓ Adjustable and lightweight
- ✓ Breathable and comfortable
- ✕ Chest protection is basic
- ✕ Sizing runs small
| Protection Areas | Back, shoulders, elbows, neck, spine |
| Padding Material | High-density foam (3H BASF material), EVA pads |
| Pad Thickness | Half-inch (12.7mm) |
| Adjustability | Velcro straps for waist and fit customization |
| Intended Use | Skateboarding, roller skating, snowboarding, skiing, motorcycle riding, mountain biking, hockey |
| Size Options | Multiple sizes; recommended to check size chart for proper fit |
This BenKen Anti-Collision Sports Jacket has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I’ve been craving serious protection without sacrificing mobility for skateboarding. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious to see if it could live up to its promise of full-body safety.
The first thing I noticed is the construction. The handmade thickening EVA pads feel substantial but not bulky, which is a huge plus.
They cover your back, shoulders, elbows, and even your neck, giving a reassuring sense of coverage. The high-density foam from BASF is noticeably firm—half an inch thick, it’s designed to absorb impacts without losing elasticity.
Wearing it, I appreciated the adjustable Velcro straps—they let me tailor the fit perfectly. The jacket is lightweight and breathable, so I didn’t feel weighed down during my ride.
Plus, it stays in place well, even when moving aggressively. The multiple sport compatibility is a bonus; I could see myself using this for snowboarding, mountain biking, or even skating on the city streets.
One thing to keep in mind: the chest and rib area provide only standard protection, so if you’re used to extra padding, you might want to add some layers. Also, sizing runs a bit snug, so I recommend going a size up for comfort.
Overall, it feels like a solid investment for anyone serious about safety without sacrificing freedom of movement.
What Types of Body Armor Are Best for Skateboarding?
The best body armor for skateboarding includes protective gear designed to minimize injuries while allowing freedom of movement.
- Elbow Pads: Elbow pads are crucial for protecting the elbows from scrapes and impacts during falls. They typically feature a hard outer shell with soft foam padding inside to absorb shock, providing a balance of protection and comfort.
- Knee Pads: Knee pads are essential for safeguarding the knees, which are often vulnerable during skateboarding tricks and spills. They come in various styles, with some designed for specific types of skating, offering both hard and soft protection to ensure maximum safety without hindering mobility.
- Wrist Guards: Wrist guards help prevent wrist injuries, which are common when skaters try to catch themselves during a fall. These guards usually consist of a padded sleeve with a splint that stabilizes the wrist while allowing for some flexibility, making them ideal for skateboarders.
- Hip Pads: Hip pads provide additional protection for the hips and tailbone, areas that are frequently impacted during falls. They are designed to fit snugly under clothing, offering comfort while helping to absorb shocks and prevent bruises.
- Back Protectors: Back protectors are less common but can be beneficial for advanced skaters who engage in high-risk tricks. These protectors are designed to shield the spine from impacts, featuring a rigid outer shell and cushioning materials that help prevent spinal injuries.
- Full Body Suits: Full body suits offer comprehensive protection, covering multiple areas such as the torso, arms, and legs. While they can be bulkier, they are ideal for downhill skating or extreme tricks where the risk of severe falls is higher.
How Does a Skateboard Vest Provide Protection?
A skateboard vest offers crucial protection in several ways:
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Impact Resistance: These vests often come equipped with EVA foam or similar materials, specifically designed to absorb shocks from falls or collisions. This helps reduce the risk of bruises or fractures.
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Armor Plates: Many skateboard vests feature removable armor plates, strategically placed at key areas such as the chest, back, and shoulders. These provide enhanced protection against direct impacts.
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Breathability and Flexibility: Designed for active use, most vests include breathable fabrics that allow for airflow, keeping riders comfortable. They also incorporate flexible designs to ensure full range of motion, critical for performing tricks.
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Layering: A skateboard vest can be worn over other protective gear, such as pads and helmets, adding an extra layer of safety without compromising mobility.
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Visibility: Some vests feature bright colors or reflective materials, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions, helping to prevent accidents.
Choosing a well-fitted skateboard vest ensures that safety is prioritized without sacrificing performance, allowing skaters to focus on their skills.
What Are the Benefits of Using Knee and Elbow Pads?
The benefits of using knee and elbow pads for skateboarding include enhanced protection, improved confidence, and greater comfort during rides.
- Enhanced Protection: Knee and elbow pads provide crucial cushioning and support, absorbing the impact during falls and preventing abrasions and injuries. This protection is especially important for skateboarders, who are prone to spills and scrapes.
- Improved Confidence: Wearing protective gear like knee and elbow pads allows skateboarders to practice more challenging tricks and skills without the fear of injury. This confidence can lead to better performance and more enjoyment of the sport.
- Greater Comfort: Modern knee and elbow pads are designed to be lightweight and breathable, allowing for ease of movement while providing adequate protection. This comfort encourages longer skating sessions and reduces the likelihood of distractions caused by discomfort or overheating.
- Durability: Quality knee and elbow pads are built to withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding, providing long-lasting protection. Investing in durable pads means that skaters can rely on them for multiple sessions, making them a worthwhile addition to their gear.
- Versatility: Beyond skateboarding, knee and elbow pads can also be used for other sports and activities, such as rollerblading, biking, or scootering. This versatility makes them a practical investment for anyone engaging in action sports.
What Features Should You Prioritize When Choosing Body Armor?
When choosing body armor for skateboarding, it is essential to prioritize several key features to ensure safety, comfort, and mobility.
- Impact Resistance: The armor should have a high level of impact resistance to effectively absorb shocks from falls or collisions. Materials such as polyethylene or Kevlar are commonly used due to their lightweight yet strong properties, providing essential protection without compromising mobility.
- Breathability: Breathable fabrics and designs are crucial for skateboarding, as they help regulate body temperature and wick away sweat. Look for armor with mesh panels or moisture-wicking materials that enhance airflow, ensuring comfort during extended periods of use.
- Fit and Adjustability: A proper fit is vital for effective protection; armor should allow for a full range of motion without being too loose. Adjustable straps or elastic components can help achieve a snug fit, ensuring the armor stays in place during tricks and maneuvers.
- Weight: Lightweight body armor is preferable for skateboarding, as it minimizes fatigue and allows for greater agility. Heavy armor can restrict movement and hinder performance, so opting for lighter materials that still offer protection is essential.
- Coverage: The level of coverage provided by the armor should be considered based on the type of skating you will be doing. Some designs offer full torso, elbow, and knee protection, while others may focus on specific areas, so choose according to your personal skating style and risk level.
- Durability: The body armor should be made from durable materials that can withstand regular use and potential abrasions from falls. Armor that incorporates reinforced stitching or protective outer layers can increase longevity and ensure it remains effective over time.
- Certification Standards: Look for armor that meets recognized safety standards, which indicates that it has been tested for impact protection. Certifications such as those from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or ASTM can provide assurance of quality and safety.
How Important Is Impact Resistance in Body Armor?
Impact resistance is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of body armor for skateboarding, as it influences the protection against falls and collisions.
- Material Composition: The type of materials used in body armor significantly affects its impact resistance. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Kevlar, and other advanced composites are designed to absorb and disperse energy, thus reducing the risk of injury during falls.
- Design and Coverage: The design of body armor, including the coverage area and fit, plays a vital role in its impact resistance. Body armor that offers full torso coverage, for instance, helps protect vital organs while ensuring that it remains securely in place during movement, enhancing overall safety.
- Certification Standards: Various certification standards exist to evaluate the impact resistance of body armor. Products that meet or exceed standards such as those set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provide assurance that the armor has been rigorously tested for its protective capabilities.
- Weight and Flexibility: The balance between weight and flexibility is critical for comfort and mobility in skateboarding. Lightweight armor that maintains high impact resistance allows skaters to perform tricks without being hindered, which is essential for safety and performance.
- Layering Technology: Some body armor incorporates multiple layers of different materials to enhance impact resistance. This layering can provide a combination of hard and soft armor properties, allowing it to absorb shocks effectively while remaining comfortable to wear.
Why Is Breathability Crucial for Comfort in Body Armor?
Breathability is crucial for comfort in body armor because it allows for proper air circulation and moisture management, which helps regulate body temperature and prevents overheating during physical activities such as skateboarding.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, breathable materials can significantly enhance thermal comfort by allowing sweat to evaporate efficiently, thus reducing the risk of heat stress (Müller et al., 2021). This is particularly important in active sports like skateboarding, where prolonged exertion can lead to excessive perspiration.
The underlying mechanism involves the properties of the materials used in body armor. Fabrics that are designed to be breathable often contain micro-perforations or are constructed with moisture-wicking technology, allowing airflow while simultaneously pulling sweat away from the skin. This not only keeps the wearer dry but also maintains a comfortable body temperature. As the body heats up during skateboarding, breathable armor mitigates discomfort by facilitating cooling, ultimately enhancing the user’s performance and enjoyment of the sport.
Which Brands Are Leading in Skateboarding Body Armor?
The leading brands in skateboarding body armor are known for their quality, protection, and innovation.
- 661: 661 offers a range of protective gear specifically designed for skateboarding, including padded shorts, knee pads, and elbow pads. Their products often incorporate advanced materials that provide impact resistance while ensuring comfort and flexibility, making them ideal for both casual skaters and professionals.
- Triple Eight: Triple Eight is widely recognized for its comprehensive protective gear, including their popular certified helmets and protective pads. The brand emphasizes safety without sacrificing style, creating a variety of designs that appeal to different tastes while providing high levels of protection during skating activities.
- Poc: Poc is renowned for its innovative approach to safety gear, producing body armor that integrates cutting-edge technology and design. Their protective wear, such as vests and knee guards, is designed to absorb impact effectively, offering skaters both safety and enhanced performance through a snug fit and ergonomic design.
- Fox Racing: Fox Racing is a staple in the action sports community, including skateboarding, and offers a selection of body armor that combines durability with comfort. Their products typically feature lightweight materials and strategic padding that ensures maximum protection without hindering movement, making them suitable for various skateboarding styles.
- Alpinestars: Alpinestars is known for its high-quality protective gear that is often used in extreme sports, including skateboarding. Their body armor, which includes chest protectors and knee pads, is designed with advanced protection technology and a focus on breathability, catering to skaters who need reliable protection during intense sessions.
What Is the Typical Price Range for Quality Body Armor?
Body armor is defined as protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect physical attacks, providing a layer of security against various threats. In the context of skateboarding, body armor typically includes items such as padded jackets, shorts, knee and elbow pads, and helmets that protect skateboarders from injuries during falls or collisions.
According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), body armor is categorized based on its level of protection, ranging from soft armor designed to stop handgun rounds to hard armor that can withstand rifle shots. For skateboarding, the focus is mainly on soft armor, which is lightweight and flexible while offering sufficient padding to safeguard against abrasions and impacts.
Key aspects of quality body armor for skateboarding include the materials used, the fit and comfort level, and the specific areas of protection offered. High-quality body armor is often made from materials like Kevlar or polyethylene, which provide durability and impact resistance. Moreover, the fit is crucial, as body armor must allow for a full range of motion without being cumbersome. The design often includes targeted padding for vulnerable areas such as the spine, shoulders, and limbs, ensuring maximum protection without sacrificing mobility.
The price range for quality body armor can vary significantly based on the brand, material, and specific features. Typically, consumers can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 for body armor designed for skateboarding. For instance, entry-level padded shorts or knee pads may start around $50, while more advanced options with additional features and better materials can reach upwards of $200. Notably, investing in higher-quality armor can lead to better protection and comfort, potentially reducing the likelihood of injury.
The impacts of using quality body armor while skateboarding are profound. It not only enhances the safety of the skateboarder but also encourages participation in the sport by minimizing the fear of injury. Skateboarders wearing appropriate protective gear are more likely to attempt new tricks and push their limits, contributing to skill development and enjoyment of the sport. Additionally, many skate parks and competitions require participants to wear certain protective gear, making it a prerequisite for engagement in these environments.
To maximize the benefits of body armor, skateboarders should consider several best practices. First, it is essential to select gear that fits well and is comfortable, as poorly fitting armor can hinder performance and may not offer adequate protection. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn or damaged protective gear is also crucial to ensure continued safety. Lastly, combining body armor with proper skating techniques and safety practices can significantly minimize the risk of injury.
How Do You Ensure the Right Fit for Your Body Armor?
Choosing the right fit for your body armor is crucial for both comfort and protection, especially for activities like skateboarding.
- Measure Your Body: Accurate measurements of your chest, waist, and hips are essential to select the right size of body armor. Use a flexible measuring tape and refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure a snug fit without being too tight.
- Consider the Armor Type: Different types of body armor, such as soft armor or hard plates, offer varying levels of protection and flexibility. Soft armor generally conforms to the body, while hard plates may require specific sizing to ensure they don’t shift during movement.
- Adjustable Straps: Many body armor products come with adjustable straps or Velcro closures that allow for a customized fit. This feature is particularly beneficial for skateboarding as it helps keep the armor secure during falls or sudden movements.
- Material and Weight: The material of the body armor affects its overall fit and comfort. Lighter materials may provide better mobility, which is important for skateboarding, while heavier materials may offer more protection but could restrict movement.
- Try It On: Always try on the body armor before purchasing, if possible. Ensure that it allows for a full range of motion and does not impede your ability to skate, as a good fit should feel like a second skin.
- Layering: If you plan to wear additional layers, such as a padded shirt or protective gear underneath, account for this when choosing your body armor size. A proper fit should accommodate these layers without becoming overly tight or uncomfortable.