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The Best Elbow Pads for Your Next Adventure

rollerskater putting on elbow protector pads on her hand and wearing wrist guards
Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com

If you’re planning to go on an adventure without the right safety precautions, just remember this time-tested adage: “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” Whether you’re skateboarding, mountain biking, lifting weights, or participating in any adrenaline-filled adventure in between, you should consider investing in a high-quality pair of elbow pads. Elbow pads are designed to help you avoid injury, relieve aches and pains, absorb shock from nasty falls, and keep your joints in tip-top shape. They come in a wide variety of styles suitable for different sports and purposes, so you’ll never have trouble finding a pair that fits your needs. Here are some fantastic elbow pads we highly recommend!

Buying Elbow Pads

Here is what you should consider before purchasing a pair of elbow pads:

  • Materials: To ensure you get the most bang for your buck, you need to invest in elbow pads crafted with high-quality materials. One of the most important aspects of a good pair of elbow pads is their cushioning. Look for pads with super thick foam that has been strategically placed to absorb maximum impact. If you’re involved in a sport prone to harsh falls and collisions, consider looking at pads equipped with foam that hardens on impact to redistribute the negative energy that would have impacted your elbows. If you need pads that come with plastic caps, make sure they are crafted with high-impact, abrasion-resistant materials that can withstand rough play.

Best Overall: Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads

a set of black elbow pads on a white background

If you’re looking for elbow pads that can handle all of your adventures, you should check out this pair. They are structured with a strategically placed foam grid to provide protection and relief from all kinds of sports-related injuries. The pads are crafted with abrasion-resistant materials designed to provide reliable and fail-safe support for activities that require strenuous arm movement. They are designed with breathable compression fabric for optimum support that doesn’t restrict your mobility. They are machine-washable and super durable, so you’ll never have to worry about them losing their shape in the laundry. These elbow pads come in three different sizes, so make sure to measure your arms before purchasing the pads to get the right fit.

Best Overall

Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads 1 Pair (Large), Elbow Guard Sleeve

These pads are crafted with breathable compression fabric for optimal support that won't restrict your mobility.

Best for Mountain Biking: G-Form Pro X2 Elbow Pads

close up of a mountain biker using his right hand to grip his left arm that is covered by an armored elbow pad

Mountain biking is an intense sport that requires extremely tough protection. These elbow pads are designed specifically for mountain bikers looking for a comfortable way to make sure that they’ll be completely protected if they take a fall. The pads are constructed with an advanced material composition that hardens on impact to absorb and redistribute energy from a fall or collision. After impact, the pads return to their original, flexible state. Speaking of flexibility, the pads use SmartFlex technology to provide bikers with hinge-like flexibility that allows for uninhibited movement; the SmartFlex process also creates a waterproof seal that protects the pad from water and foam-eroding perspiration. In addition, these pads are lightweight, breathable, and designed to fit like a second skin, making them great for both novices and experienced mountain bikers.

Best for Mountain Biking

G-Form Pro X2 Elbow Pad(1 Pair), Black Logo, Adult Medium

These elbow pads are constructed with an advanced material that hardens on impact to absorb and redistribute the energy from a fall.

Best for Skateboarding: SKATEWIZ Protect-1 Elbow Pads

black and red protective skateboarding pads with a coordinating storage bag that has the text "skatewiz" written on it

Whether you’re the next Tony Hawk or just getting into skateboarding, you will love these elbow pads. They are crafted with high-impact protective caps that feature curved contours that mimic the natural shape of your arm. The caps are equipped with super thick EVAC foam that provides an extended surface area to absorb shock from every angle. The pads feature endless hook and loop straps that allow you to get a super snug yet comfortable fit; the straps are also incredibly flexible and designed to grow with the user to provide long-lasting protection.

Best for Skateboarding

Best for Kids: BOSONER Youth Knee & Elbow Pads

youth skateboarding protection pads for your knees, elbows, and hands lined up

If you have an aspiring adrenaline junkie on your hands, it’s vital to teach them the importance of safety from a young age. This set comes with high-quality elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards to help your child have a safe skating experience. The outsides of the pads are constructed with lightweight yet durable PVC materials that can withstand rough play; the inside of the pads is lined with ventilated EVA foam that provides more airflow and limits perspiration. In addition, the pads are equipped with adjustable elastic straps that provide a snug yet comfortable fit for all-day adventures. This set is a great choice for parents looking to encourage their child’s wild side while still ensuring that they stay safe.

Ellie Miller Ellie Miller
Ellie Miller is a full-time copy editor and writer for LifeSavvy’s articles. With years of experience in substantive and copy editing, proofreading, and publishing, she has edited thousands of online articles, as well as memoirs, scientific essays, book chapters, and workplace training documents. She hopes you’ll find some new favorite products here on LifeSavvy like she has. Read Full Bio »
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