The list author says: "I have been on two different roller derby teams and spoken with well over a hundred skaters. This is a compilation of their recommended products for newbies, based on price and protection capabilities."
"These are decent low cost bearings to help you skate more quickly. Just make sure that if you order them, you are getting 16 instead of 8. (They usually sell 8 for skateboarders.)"
"These are life saving knee pads for roller derby. I like the Pro pads versus the others because the velcro is adjustable, which means you can strap it more tightly to your knee."
"If you're skating on a wooden floor, you should definitely upgrade to wheels like this. You would be amazed at the amount of speed they offer while also gripping the floor. You will be able to lean much farther then you could with the wheels that come with the skates."
"You should definitely buy toe guards to protect your skates. When you do knee slides, the ground will rip right through the toe after a while, especially if you have the basic man-made material Riedell R3s. Just duct tape them into place once you have them on, and replace the duct tape occasionally."
"While you can get any helmet, most derby girls LOVE this helmet because of it's Sweatsaver liner. This liner not only really cushions the head when you fall, but it absorbs a massive amount of sweat without stinking your helmet up."
"I know this is a ridiculous price for a mouthguard, but this is the Derby Girl favorite. Not only does it custom fit your teeth, but it allows skaters to talk and drink more clearly than any other mouth guard."
"Personally, I prefer the cheapy mouth guards. They are usually softer and somewhat easy to talk in. Plus, you can buy several to match your outfits, if you are so inclined."
"Neoprene is a derby girl's best friend. Get any of the neoprene wraps, use them in conjunction with Icy Hot for 20 minutes after practice, and your aches will be practically gone by the next day."
