FOOTBALL SHOULDER PADS
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.
DETERMINING PROPER SIZE BY POSITION
Quarterback:
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.
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 is 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.
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
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.
SHOULDER PAD PRICING
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.
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.
To see the youth and adult size charts, click the appropriate link below:
