Roller Derby Gear Details

Roller derby is a contact sport that involves a significant amount of physical activity and potential for falls. As such, participants are required to wear protective gear to ensure their safety on the track.

When selecting roller derby gear, it's important to choose items that meet safety standards and regulations set by relevant roller derby organizations. Additionally, gear should fit properly to provide effective protection. Skaters often invest in high-quality gear to ensure durability and optimal performance on the track.

Required Equipment

  • Quad Skates

    • Four wheels; no inline skates

    • We suggest, if possible, avoiding the pink (sometimes purple) and white “Roller Derby” skates available at stores like Kohl’s, Walmart, Sports Authority, Sears, etc.; though these skates are inexpensive, they are very stiff, unwieldy, and make it difficult and frustrating for skaters to learn how to skate. Using the resources noted here and finding a good pair of skates, whether used or new, will go a long way in making sure your skater has a fun and rewarding experience.

  • Protective gear:

    • Properly fitted helmet. Look for roller derby, multi-sport, hockey, or skateboarding helmets that have a sticker inside indicating that the helmet has been rated for safety standards. Some ratings to look for include ASTM and CPSC, among others (if you’re not sure, ask a salesperson). Two popular brands of roller derby helmets are S1 and Triple 8. 

      **Helmets should fit snugly and low on the forehead, and won’t move when you shake your head side to side or up and down.  The helmet strap should be worn snugly under the chin, with the excess tucked under and not dangling from the head.**

    • Knee Pads. Make sure that the knee pad fits tight enough so that it will not slide off. Knee pads will compress over time and wear out. You should inspect them regularly for cracks, rips, and exposed rivets. Check with your local roller skate shop for recommendations

    • Elbow Pads. Elbow pads should fit snuggly just like knee pads. You should treat your elbow pads just as you would knee pads. Inspection, care, and maintenance are essential for long-lasting protection.

    • Wrist Guards. Wrist guards are designed to protect your hands and wrist, they absorb impacts to the hand and give support to your wrists. Some guards have splints on the top or bottom and some have splints on both sides. Like all protective gear, your wrist guards need to be sized correctly for optimum support, keep in mind that you will replace the wrist guards often so inspect frequently.

    • Mouth Guard. – SDB skaters prefer SISU remoldable mouth guards. Mouthguards protect against concussions, the inside of your mouth, and teeth. There are a couple of different styles to choose from, most skaters use the boil and mold mouth guards, you may have a custom one made by a dentist or buy a non-molding type typically used by people with braces, this style comes in two options: protection on the top teeth or top and bottom. Nightguards are not acceptable. How to mold a mouth guard with braces.

  • Reusable Water Bottle. No metal or glass straws, please!

WHERE TO BUY EQUIPMENT

  • Buy local! Get Your Bearings Skate Shop has everything you need AND they will help make sure your gear fits properly. They often have reduced-cost used skates on consignment.

  • Buy online! There are several good online roller derby retailers.

  • Sign up for roller derby gear swaps or second-hand gear groups on Facebook.

How to Clean Your Gear