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.

Checking different constructions of these items is very important. Most of these products have a very tough shell that is made of plastic. The shell is actually lined with soft foam that is used to absorb any impact. The parts that are protected include breastbone, chest muscles, and the collarbone. Your shoulders are protected by the extensions of these pads. If you are a player or an athlete, you should to go for a construction that will offer maximum protection against external impacts.

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.

The kind of foams used in these items matters less. You can find other additional things that increase the comfort level. The protectors that have ventilation slats can help regulate temperatures, especially when playing warm games. You can also find other extras like moisture-absorbing pad linings. These ones absorb excess sweat and make the player remain cool.

You should also look at the fasteners. The protectors contain mainly two types of fasteners: vinyl buckles and elastic straps. The elastic ones can be adjusted and easily expand or contract to ease your breathing. They can also be stretched out very easily. If you are an active player, it is better not to go for vinyl buckles. Vinyl ones are strong and durable but they may not allow you for flexibility.

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.

It is also good to check on the extras that are likely to increase the comfort level when shopping around for the best shoulder pads. For individuals who were initially injured, a pad with a restriction layer can be of great help. You can also find other add-on in the market if you shop around well. You must ensure that the add-on you choose is not in any way going to affect your freedom to move.




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