187 Fly Knee Pads are made with the same high-quality craftsmanship as the
187 Pro Knee Pads, but in a design that is a slimmer, smaller fit.
The Fly Series knee pads have a lower profile with a superior foam pad for excellent performance. The contoured shape and slide-on gasket style makes them fit snug and close to your knee for lots of movement.
187 Fly pads are absolutely recommended for outdoor street skating!
| Fill style | Superior foam padding |
| Open back or Slide on | Slide on, gasket style |
| Closure style | Elastic/Velcro on top strap. Nylon cinch strap on bottom strap for snug adjustments |
| Replaceable Caps | No, caps are riveted on |
| Recommended Use | Street skating, recreational skating, Roller Derby |
Should I get the 187 Pro series or the 187 Fly series knee pads if I'm playing roller derby?
187 Fly knee pads are not built up the same way as the 187 Pro knee pads. For some skaters, this means they feel they have less protection, and if that is the case, then the 187 Pro is the way to go. No knee pad will protect against every possible injury, but the 187 Pro pads will provide that extra protection against some of the most gnarly, hard crashes. But 187 Fly pads are still designed to handle the regular impacts that come with roller derby action, and will still give you superior protection. And some skaters prefer the smaller fit and the flexibility of the Fly over the added protection of the Pro.
Moment of Rage: It would not be accurate to say that the Pro Knee Pads are better for beginners, and the Fly are better for advanced skaters. No skater is immune to knee injuries, no matter how long she's been in the sport. But the 187 Pro knee pads are definitely recommended for beginners, anyone who has had knee injuries, and anyone skating ramps -- at least until you know what your protection needs are, and are willing to reduce coverage for the sake of a little extra maneuverability. Fly knee pads are also a top pad, and my personal favorite as a skater. But after sustaining a long-term knee injury that lingered for months, I switched to the 187 Pro, and I was finally able to heal up. The impact difference is noticeable. It's just a matter of whether you feel you need it or not. Skaters prone to knee injuries, or who have had past knee injuries, should probably skate in the Pro pads. And I'm 5'5"/130lbs/size 7 and I got the XS size, and they don't feel but slightly larger than my XS 187 Fly pads. The trick is to make sure you get the smallest size you can fit in!
Sizing
All knee pads will stretch out as you use them! General use combined with the salt and sweat from skating will stretch the elastic quite a bit within the first few weeks or month, depending on use. Protect your investment by buying the smallest knee pads you can possibly squeeze into, and they will break in nicely. Knee pads that are sized "just right" when they are brand new, will stretch out and quickly become too big.
187 Fly pads go on with a slide-on gasket, and that gasket will take a little time to break in. It should be a bit of a fight to get them on for the first few weeks, but trust me, it's better than slippy sliding knee pads after only a month or two of use!
