Rector 4100-8-00-0 Fat Boy Elbow Pad, Nylon Fabric, Large, Black (Pack of 2)

I finally replaced my elbow pads and got the Rector Fat boys. Instantly, I felt the comfort! Rector pads were the supreme skateboarding pad in the 1980's. I have tried/experimented with various companies and nothing compares. The design works and fits comfortable. 2o minutes after the delivery, I was at the park skating in my new elbow pads! So worth it!!

This review covers the Rector Fat Boy knee and elbow pads. Rector practically invented action sports protection. They've been around since the early days of skateboarding and BMX. I remember them from the late 70's when I was just starting out skateboarding as a kid. (I gravitated toward BMX after a few years of skating.)Although there are lots of options out there today, ALMOST ALL OF THEM COPY RECTOR'S DESIGN in some way. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. I'm a long time user of Rector pads and the Fat Boys (knee and elbow) probably offer some of the best protection you can get. I've been riding BMX ramp and park since the early 80's and I've owned about 4 sets of Rector pads over the years. Only about 4 because they have lasted me that long. They wear well and are machine washable - I recommend laying them out in the sun to dry after washing and after use as it cuts down on sweat odor. Anyway, for protection, these pads have saved me from countless injuries (pads can't prevent them all) over the years. I'm currently 48 and still ride quite hard at the local parks and I even have a giant backyard half-pipe. I'm in a professional occupation, and I recognize the need for limiting exposure to preventable injuries. Aside from protecting your head and face, the knees and elbows probably take the most abuse in action sports falls. Falling is a part of participating, and Rector Fat Boys have played a crucial role in my ability to continue riding into middle age (OK, perhaps old age to the younger folks reading this).The bottom line is that if you want good protection for your knees or elbows, you can't go wrong with Rector Fat Boys. The knee pads are open back meaning you don't have to remove your shoes to put them on or take them off. They have neoprene with velcro around the thigh and calf, with an outer butterfly and elastic velcro straps for added security. I have never had any issues with these pads moving around on me while riding. They are quick on and off to cool down on hot days and they provide plenty of protection.The elbow pads slide on and have neoprene backing to go around your lower bicep and upper forearm areas. There are elastic straps that go around your arms and are secured with velcro fasteners to keep the fit good. They don't slide around at all on me - even when they are protecting me during a fall. The padding is thick without feeling cumbersome. The plastic caps are very sturdy and are held in place by heavy duty rivets. I haven't had a problem with the caps getting caught on anything or separating from the pad. (Years ago Rector sold replacement caps that you could just stick on over the original caps when you wore holes in them - it took a lot of sliding to put a hole in the caps.) The plastic caps distribute the force of impact over a larger area and allow you to slide easily which further distributes the force of impact. Of course the point of all of this is to prevent or at least minimize injuries.As I said earlier, I've been at it a long time and I probably owe the fact that I can still ride today to Rector for making such great pads. When these wear out, I'll definitely buy more. Get them, you won't be disappointed.