Skateboarding isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither is protection. This guide helps you choose the best TSG pads based on how you skate.
When it comes to skateboarding, protection isn’t optional — it’s essential. But not every pad works for every skater. Whether you’re just starting out, riding bowls, or bombing hills at full speed, your gear needs to match how you skate and what you expect from your pads.
At TSG, we design protection that fits your riding style and personal preferences, from easy-entry pads for beginners to pro-level gear trusted by our team riders.
This guide helps you choose the right TSG protection based on how and where you skate.
1. For Beginners: Getting Started Safely
Who is this for?
First-timers, casual skaters, kids, or anyone learning the basics.
Typical falls
Low-speed slips, loss of balance, light wrist and knee impact.
We recommend the following TSG gear:
Basic Sets & Plain Sets
Best for: Complete, budget-friendly starter protection.
Why choose it: Simple, reliable protection with foam padding and plastic caps. Made from durable, high-quality materials — a clear step up from toy store gear. Great for new skaters who want full coverage without overthinking it.
Key difference: The Basic Set includes wrist guards; the Plain Set doesn’t.
All Ground Knee & Elbow Pads
Best for: Beginners who want gear that lasts beyond the basics.
Why choose it: More protection than entry-level sets, with secure straps and more coverage. Ideal if you’re picking up skating quickly or plan to progress fast — especially in ramps or bowls.
Compared to the Basic Set: More coverage, more protection, Easy on and off.
Wristguard Professional
Best for: Skaters focused on wrist safety without bulk.
Why choose it: Ergonomic splint design provides wrist protection and support, while still allowing natural movement — perfect for learning tricks and catching yourself in a fall.
Tip: Choose gear that feels & fits good – you’ll wear it more often, and stay safer longer.
For Park, Bowl & Street Skateboarding: Versatile Protection for Technical skating
Who is this for?
Intermediate riders tackling street spots, bowls, or skateparks.
Typical falls
Trick fails, slides, bowl bails.
Here is our selection for park, bowl and street skateboarders.
All Terrain Kneepad & Elbowpad
Best for: Street and park skaters who want low-profile, secure fitting pads with reliable coverage.
Why choose it: Sleek design with full cap coverage and strong nylon build. The pull-over style keeps it snug without slipping.
All Ground Kneepad & Elbowpad
Best for: Skaters who want easy-on/easy-off pads with similar protection to the All Terrain.
Why choose it: Same materials and coverage, but features an open-back butterfly design – ideal for fast changes between sessions or if you dislike pulling pads over your legs.
Choose All Ground over All Terrain if you prefer open-back straps instead of sleeves.
Wavesk8 Kneepad
Best for: Surf skate and concrete carving.
Why choose it: Built for the unique demands of surf skating, this pad features smart ACF-powered impact protection. Soft while riding, strong on impact. Combined with a full-cover slide cap, lateral padding, and anti-slip liner, it gives you reliable coverage during long slides and carving sessions.
Tip: Park skating demands freedom to move – choose pads that stay put, without holding you back.
For Vert, Ramp & Mega Ramp Skating: Maximum Impact Protection
Who is this for?
Advanced skaters on vert ramps, mega ramps, or going big on transitions.
Typical falls
High-impact slams, deep compressions, coping hits.
We specifically designed the Force Line for vert skateboarders:
Force III Kneepad
Best for: Riders who want pro-level vert protection with a trusted fit.
Why choose it: Our flagship vert pad, trusted since 2005 and continuously improved with team feedback. The multi-layered foam core absorbs heavy impacts, while reinforced sides and a replaceable cap offer full coverage. The Horseshoe Shape keeps it securely in place.
Trusted since 2005, Multi-layer impact protection, Proven team favorite, EN 14120 Level 2 certified
Also Available as Force III A with extra layer of ACF impact foam.
Force V Kneepad
Best for: Skaters who want more coverage above the knee.
Why choose it: Built on the Force III base, but with an extended top section developed with pro skater Jono Schwan. Offers more protection for deep transitions, with the same secure fit and anti-slip design.
More top coverage, Pro-developed design, Secure, wraparound fit, EN 14120 Level 2 certified
Force V A Kneepad
Best for: Vert skaters who want more impact protection with the same trusted fit.
Why choose it: Based on the Force V, but upgraded with ACF foam for even better shock absorption. Same coverage, same secure feel — just more protection where it counts.
ACF foam inside, Same fit but more impact resistance, Pro-level comfort, EN 14120 Level 2 certified
Knee-Gasket Brace AD
Best for: Skaters who want no pad slippage at all.
Why choose it: Worn under your Force pads for added support and a locked-in fit.
Extra security, Prevents pad shifting.
Tip: On vert, your gear has to handle the worst-case scenario. Don’t compromise on fit or coverage.
For Downhill Skating: Full Protection at High Velocity
Who is this for?
Downhill Skatboarders
Typical falls
High-speed slides, abrasions, and direct asphalt impact.
Recommended Gear:
Sk8 DHPs Kneepad
Best for: High-speed downhill and freeride.
Why choose it: Co-developed with Kevin Reimer, these pads offer extended coverage and slide control. The long design, slide extensions, and reinforced PE cap act as a reliable platform during slides. With strong straps and a secure fit, they stay in place even at top speeds.
Built for speed, Slide-ready design, Trusted by downhill pros
No matter how or where you ride, your safety is our top priority. From day-one skaters to downhill daredevils, TSG offers protection that moves with you, stays secure, and lets you focus on what matters: progress, not pain.
What does a skate wonderkid trust for protection?
At just 13 years old, Leonardo Vinicius is already making waves in the global vert scene with huge airs, fearless tricks, and style well beyond his age. In our latest interview, the young TSG team rider talks about growing up on transition, the importance of staying protected, and what makes the right pads essential for progression.