How To Choose The Best Shoulder Pads

By Jayne Rutledge


Shoulder pads are designed to offer protection against direct impact of your body and other external forces. They are mostly used by hockey players, footballers, or athletes. You can find different designs of these items in the market. Choosing the right one for you can be challenging. Outlined in this article are some of the aspects to look at when looking for the best shoulder pads.

First, you need to consider the padding construction. Basically, all shoulder protectors contain a very strong plastic shell that has a lining of impact-absorbing foam. They are usually made to protect breastbone, collarbone, and the chest muscles. They extend all the way to the outside of your shoulders. Make sure you go for well-constructed protectors that can offer both protection and comfort.

Compare between a flat and cantilever constructions. If you are a skill or quarterback football player, you may go for a standard flat shoulder pad system. These ones are built for mobility and provide less protection compared to the cantilever style. Cantilevered ones have a support that extends between the pads and the plates. The extension supports the outer arch and shell which is above the shoulder muscles. This reduces the amount of impact you feel on the shoulders. This is a good style for very active players in the field.

You should also look at the internal foam used. Different foams are used in different types of shoulder protectors. Some use dual-density foams that offer maximum protection. The dual-density type uses open and close cells. These ones are meant to increase protection. The outer layer of the foam is actually thicker than the inner one. The inner cell is usually very soft since it is in direct contact with the body.

It does not matter which type of foams contained in your chosen protectors. This is because there are extras that also increase the comfort level. Pads with ventilation slats can be a good choice. This may help keep the core temperature lower when playing warm games. Also, a moisture-absorbing pad lining can absorb sweat and make you stay cool. Others are treated with anti-microbial properties.

Consider looking for should protectors with good fasteners. There are commonly two types of fasteners used in these protective gadgets. These are vinyl buckles and elastic straps. Elastic ones are easy to adjust while playing. This is because they can expand and contract to give enough room for breathing. On the other hand, vinyl buckles are very strong and long lasting. Although they are not stretchable like the elastic ones, they can serve you for a long time.

Consider going for the correct size. These items come in different sizes and people can choose their desired fits. You should spare your time to look around for your desired size. It is good to know the measurements of your shoulders to ensure that you are choosing a pad that is neither small nor big for you.

Consider also other add-on materials when shopping around for the best shoulder pads. For instance, if you had an injury, you may want to add a restriction material to your pad system. Neck rolls are actually the common add-on materials you can find around. Be sure that the add-on you go for will not limit your freedom of movement.




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