Our intention is, for you the football equipment buyer, to answer questions you may have
regarding what is one of the most important pieces of football equipment you will buy.
If we've missed something, left your question unanswered or made it to confusing please feel
free to call us, our knowledgeable Customer Service staff will be happy to assist you. If we
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Buyers Guide Information Links
Todays Football Shoulder Pads
Determing Proper Size By Position
Determining The Proper Size Shoulder Pads
Youth and Adult Size Charts
Shoulder Pad Lingo
Shoulder Pad Pricing
Future of Football Shoulder Pads
Shoulder Pad Links
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TODAY'S FOOTBALL SHOULDER PADS
Today's football shoulder pads have evolved into high tech pads made to optimize protection
for the powerful fast hitting game played by bigger, quicker, stronger faster players than
at any time in the history of the game. Important aspects when looking at purchasing a pair of
shoulder pads are the position the wearer plays, properly sizing the pads, other available
features such as hookups and breathability all play a role in deciding the right set of
shoulder pads.
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DETERMINING PROPER SIZE BY POSITION
Quarterback:
Playing quarterback requires the ability to rapidly scan the field and maintain an excellent
field of vision. As a quarterback you want lightweight pads that won't ride up high and hinder
your movements. If you as a quarterback do any amount of running you might consider shoulder pads designed for running backs or defensive backs which offer more protection and will absorb tough hits better.
Running Back, Wide Receiver, Defensive Back:
If you play one of these positions you will want a pad that's lightweight, won't slow you down
provide flexibility and unrestricted movement yet absorb the hard hits you will take.
Fullbacks, Tight-ends and Linebackers:
You might want to consider pads that use a plated front rather than laces. The reason for this
is laces typically require consistently more adjustment than plated fronts. Another option
you'll find in these pads is some come with vinyl buckles instead of elasticized straps to more
securely fasten the pad under the arm. If you decide on the vinyl buckles this places even a
greater premium on a "perfect" fit as their is some latitude with elasticized straps.
Linemen:
For all the grunts who play in the trenches you will want a streamlined pad with as few flaps
and epaulets (these are the flaps that extend over the shoulder) as possible in order to
prevent the opposition from grabbing and pulling on your pads. Again, as with fullback,
linebacker pads you have the option of vinyl buckles or elastic straps, more a matter of
personal preference than anything else. Vinly buckles tend to keep the pads more securely
fastened with fewer adjustments than elastic straps. However you may find elastic more
comfortable as it will expand and contract more readily than vinyl buckles.
Punters, Plackickers:
Most players in this group tend to use quarterback pads because they are lighter and offer
the best freedom of movement.
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DETERMINING THE PROPER SIZE SHOULDER PADS:
To determine the proper size shoulder pads stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
Using a soft cloth tape have someone measure across your back from shoulder blade to shoulder
blade and round up this measurement by one half an inch. When determining the proper size youth
pads you will also need to know the players chest circumference by measuring (with a soft cloth
tape) around the nipple line additionally you will need to know the players weight.
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To see the youth and adult size charts, click the appropriate link below:
For Schutt football shoulder pads size charts click the appropriate link below:
For Adams football shoulder pads click the link below:
For Wilson football shoulder pads click the link below:
For Rawlings football shoulder pads click the link below:
CHECKING FOR PROPER FITTING SHOULDER PADS BEFORE USING
- Make sure collarbone is adequately covered by top portion of arch area
- Check to be sure neck opening is adequate
- Check to see shoulder joint is covered by top portion of arch area
- Make certain deltoid padding extends to outside edge of shoulder
- Make sure front of shoulder (anterior deltoid) is covered by extension of arch padding
- Be sure pads cannot shift when underarm strap it tightly secured
- No more than a two finger width exsists between strap and body when eslastic underarm strap
is secured
- Check to be sure shoulder blade (scapula) is covered by arch and lateral extension of
padding
- Be certain arch padding extends below the shoulder blade (scapula)
- Check to be sure there is enough clearance on either side of the neck roll when players
hands are raised normally
- With pad centered and firmly secured be sure there is no excessive room at juncture of
sternum and clavicle
- Do a final check with both helmet and jersey on the player
- Properly fit jersey will help hold down shoulder pads in proper position
- This is a generalized set of instructions - different size torso's may require some modification.
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SHOULDER PAD LINGO:
Hook-Ups:
How the fasteners on the end of the elastic straps attach to the plastic shell.
Keyhole - a fastener constructed with a hole that attaches to a metal post located on the front
of the shoulder pad shell.
T-hook - a fastener constructed in the shape of a T. The T shape fits into a slot on the front of the shoulder pad. Slots reinforced with metal are more durable.
Padding:
Foam covered by nylon.
Dual Density Foam - open and closed cell foam. Outside foam is denser to disperse the impact. Inside foam is softer for cushioning.
Pre-Drilled For Accessory Attachment:
Shoulder pads that are equipped with holes to attach neck rolls, rib combo, back and sternum plates
Shell - the outer covering of the shoulder pad that gives it shape and helps to disperse impact. Constructed from high density polyethylene plastic.
Arch - the main piece of the shoulder pad that is a curved structure used as support
Maintenance
Like any piece of equipment shoulder pads require periodic maintenance to maintain the optimumperformance they were designed to provide. Depending on usage you should on an "at least" monthly basis check the accessory attachments, condition of the underarm straps, laces and
arch padding. Replace any worn parts immediately, prior to the next practice or game.
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SHOULDER PAD PRICING
A wide range of prices exists for Football Shoulder Pads. On the low end you can expect to pay $59.00 and up for youth shoulder pads with the up extending into the $150.00 area. Adult shoulder pads typically start around 89.00 and extend up to around $349.00. As with most things
you get what you pay for but there is no need to overpay on the premise the more you spend the better it must be. Before you buy be certain of what the need is then match that need to the various options available.
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FUTURE OF FOOTBALL SHOULDER PADS:
Air-conditioned shoulder pads latest hot thing for football players.
By Ryan Spass, USA TODAY
Researchers at the University of Florida's College of Medicine have developed a way to air
condition shoulder pads that is designed to regulate players' body temperatures during games
and practices.
Nikolaus Gravenstein, co-developer of the system, says players at Jacksonville University, who
tested the pads this past season, were pleased with the temperature and the pressure of the air
that emanated from beneath their uniforms...
Michael Gilmore ? a former free safety at the University of Florida and a resident in orthopedics and rehabilitation at the school who's worked on the pads as an advisor... says he understands the need for pads to do their cooling job without hindering the players' abilities
to run, jump and tackle. He tested the pads in simulated sprints and says they don't add any weight to the uniform.
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LINKS TO Football Shoulder Pads at HIT! RUN! SCORE!
For your convenience we've included links to the football shoulder pads we carry at Hit! Run!
Score!.
For the latest in football shoulder pads click the appropriate link below:
For all Schutt football shoulder pads click the appropriate link below:
For all Adams football shoulder pads click the link below:
For Wilson football shoulder pads click the link below:
For all Rawlings football shoulder pads click the appropriate link below:
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