187 Killer Pads vs Pro-Tec: Which Skate Knee Pad Wins?

If you only have 30 seconds: skaters who bail hard and often, in bowls, on vert or across a concrete park, should default to the 187 Killer Pads Pro for its dual-density foam and removable Lock-In cap. Skaters who want a simpler, lower-cost hard-cap pad should default to the Pro-Tec Open Back Street Knee, with its full-coverage PE cap over EVA cup foam. Both are open-back pads that go on without taking your shoes off. The difference is how much pad you want and how much you want to spend.

Both come from long-standing skate brands — Pro-Tec says it was founded in 1973. The differences below come from what each brand lists for these pads.

The quick verdict

187 Killer Pads Pro: V-22 dual-density foam under a removable Lock-In cap, in a three-panel open-back build with industrial-weight stitching and a seamless, fast-drying lining. Sized by knee circumference from Junior to X-Large. The more protective, more expensive pad. Check Price on Amazon

Pro-Tec Open Back Street Knee: High-density PE full-coverage cap over EVA cup foam, in durable fabrics, with an open back. Sized by rider weight (Medium 125–150 lbs, Large 150–180 lbs). The simpler, lower-cost pad. Check Price on Amazon

Key differences

Cap and padding

Winner: 187 Killer Pads Pro. 187 lists V-22 dual-density foam built to handle multiple hard impacts, and a Lock-In cap that is removable and designed to stay aligned. Pro-Tec lists a high-density PE full-coverage cap over EVA cup foam. Neither brand publishes a cap thickness.

For a skater who bails often, the dual-density foam and replaceable cap are the stronger package. For occasional falls, the Pro-Tec’s full-coverage cap covers the basics.

Fit and closure

Tie. Both are open-back designs, so both go on and off without removing your shoes. 187 adds a three-panel construction and a seamless, fast-drying inner lining; Pro-Tec doesn’t list its strap layout in detail.

Sizing

Winner: 187 Killer Pads Pro. 187 sizes by knee circumference across six sizes, from Junior (9–11 in) to X-Large (17–20 in), which makes it easier to get a close fit. Pro-Tec sizes this pad by rider weight (Medium 125–150 lbs, Large 150–180 lbs), which can miss if your build doesn’t match your weight.

Construction and durability

Winner: 187 Killer Pads Pro. 187 lists industrial-weight stitching and rugged materials. Pro-Tec lists high-grade durable fabrics. Neither gives a service life, so inspect either pad regularly.

Price

Winner: Pro-Tec. The Pro-Tec is the much cheaper pad, which makes it the better value for skaters who don’t fall often. Check the live prices on Amazon.

Weight and bulk

Not listed. Neither brand publishes a weight. The 187’s dual-density foam and three-panel build suggest more pad overall; if bulk matters, try both on.

Buy the 187 Killer Pads Pro if…

• You skate vert, bowl or concrete park features and bail regularly
• You want dual-density foam and a removable cap
• You want sizing by knee circumference, including junior sizes
• You want the more heavily built pad

Buy the Pro-Tec Open Back Street Knee if…

• You fall occasionally and want a solid hard-cap pad for less money
• You want a full-coverage PE cap over EVA foam
• Your weight falls in Pro-Tec’s Medium (125–150 lbs) or Large (150–180 lbs) range
• You want an open-back pad that goes on with your shoes on

Frequently asked questions

Are 187 and Pro-Tec interchangeable for street skating?

For casual street skating, yes — both are hard-cap, open-back skate pads. The 187 is the more heavily built of the two; the Pro-Tec is the cheaper option.

Which pad is easier to put on quickly?

Both are open-back designs, so both can go on without taking your shoes off.

Can either pad be worn under jeans?

Generally no — hard-cap skate pads are too bulky for standard jeans. Skaters who want something under jeans should look at a slim padded sleeve such as the G-Form Pro-X3 in our skateboarding guide.

Does cap thickness decide which pad is better?

Neither brand lists a cap thickness, so it can’t be compared directly. Look at the padding (dual-density foam vs EVA cup foam), the cap design and the fit.

How do I know when to replace them?

For either pad, check the cap edges for cracks and the foam for compression that doesn’t recover, and replace the pads when you see either.

Can I wear different pads on each leg?

You can, but it’s simpler to buy a matched pair in the right size so both knees get the same protection.

Final verdict

For skaters who bail hard and often, the 187 Killer Pads Pro is the better pad. Dual-density foam, a removable Lock-In cap, sturdy three-panel construction and knee-circumference sizing make it the more protective choice.

For skaters who fall occasionally and want to spend less, the Pro-Tec Open Back Street Knee is the better buy. Its full-coverage PE cap over EVA cup foam covers the basics, and the open back makes it quick to fit.

For a broader view of the skate pad category — including the S1 Park set and Triple Eight’s Saver Series — see the best knee pads for skateboarding full ranking.