Derby Gear

Before you make it to the track it's important to make sure you have the correct gear. Safety first! It’s incredibly important to have a full set of protective equipment in good condition. Skaters fall A LOT, and it’s crucial that we be able to do it safely. Don't worry, we will teach you how to fall!

Pads

We caution buying bundle pad-packs as sizing for elbows, wrists and knees are typically different sizes and bundle packages will come in one size only. Pads should be snug and not easily moveable (by hand, falling, moving, etc.).

Pads may feel awkward or uncomfortable until your body is used to having extra "stuff" on it. That's normal and you'll get used to it - We promise!

Recommendations:

187 Killer Pads, Triple8

Toe Stops

We use our toe stops ALL. THE. TIME. Larger toe stops are preferred amongst most skaters so this typically means the toe stops that come with your skates won’t be big enough.

Consider swapping them out with one of our favorites. Be sure to get the correct stem length. The longer the stem, the lower the toe stop can be (this is good!). We recommend there being approx. 3 fingers of space between your back wheels and the floor, if standing on your toe stops and two front wheels.

Recommendations:

Bionic Bigfoot Stopper Toe Stops

Bionic Super Stopper Toe Stops

Gumball Superball Toe Stops

Skates

Buy quad skates with adjustable & rubber toe stops. Measure your skater's feet and compare them to the appropriate sizing chart(s). Each brand has their own sizing chart so be sure to refer to it for the correct size. Devaskation has a really great comprehensive page to help with this.

Skates should be snug but not cut off your circulation. Your should be able to wiggle your toes but your feet should not slide. Sliding = friction which causes blisters - Ouch!

If you have the correct size but are noticing some discomfort, try a different lace technique.

Recommendations:

Riedell (R3, Dart) Jackson (Rave, VIP), Bont and Atom (Luigino Q4)

Recommendations:

Triple8

Helmets

You’ll need a helmet made for skating or playing hockey; bike helmets are not appropriate for derby.
Look for a “dual impact certified” helmet that meets CPSC/CE certification standards. These will have hard foam inserts to provide the right amount of protection for your head; a helmet with soft foam only will NOT provide enough protection.
Make sure to pick a helmet that fits your head well. It should rest two finger-widths above your eyebrows, and when you bend down from the waist with the helmet un-buckled, it shouldn’t fall off your head.
Helmets should be replaced after a serious impact, such as a fall where your head hits the pavement, or even having your helmet fall out of your bag and hitting the ground at a decent speed.

Find out why its so important to keep your gear clean and how to wash your gear by clicking below

WASH YOUR GEAR!

Where to buy?

Join the Junior Roller Derby Recyclables & Roller Derby Recyclables Facebook group
Join and ask others in the NCJD Parents & Skaters Facebook group
Precision Skateboards (1622 O St., Lincoln)
Bruised Boutique
Derby Warehouse
Amazon
All About Derby
Devaskation