Pads - they don't look cool but they do a cracking job of keeping your blood inside your skin and (occasionally) stopping you becoming a vegetable. If you're going to skate fast - get some. We find a bare minimum for going fast and sliding is a Helmet, Kneepads and Slide Gloves. You'll thank us next time you find yourself skidding headfirst towards an armco barrier on your hands and knees.