Hello everybody,
Today I will review a few different options for youth shoulder pads. Pads are a key necessity for any soccer player and are some of the most important safety measures a player can take. There are many things to consider when choosing pads: they need to fit snugly, they need to be tight enough to stay in place, and they need to be strong and durable.
Riddell Youth Rival Pads – When I was growing up, Riddell was the leading manufacturer of pads during my childhood. I have always used Riddell and I firmly believe that they are the highest quality shoulder pads. The Riddell Rivals are stylish, which doesn’t really matter since they’re under the jersey, but they also seem to fit better than any other shoulder pad. Also, with the Riddell Rivals, they have a new Z-pad feature that makes adjusting faster, which was always a problem when I was growing up, the pads took forever to put on. Another great advantage of Rivals is that they are very light, which is a huge advantage for quarterbacks, running backs and receivers who must hit fast bursts of speed.
Rawlings Momentum Youth Shoulder Pads: I really like the design of the Rawling Momentum, they offer extra padding and have a longer torso area to further protect the ribs. These pads also have extra closed cell foam for added protection in the clavicle area, which is a very injury prone area in soccer.
Wilson Youth TDY Rush Pads – These pads are rated the safest pads on the market right now. These pads were created to address the new tackling and blocking techniques that are entering the game today. These cheek pads are lightweight, which is a huge plus, and feature contoured cheek pads for superior protection.
Schutt Sports Youth Flex 2.0 Multipurpose Shoulder Pads – These pads are said to be the best multi-position youth soccer pads available on the market. These pads are of high quality and are often sought after by high school programs. These pads are good for players who are experimenting with new positions and trying to figure out their best fit on the soccer field. They are ideal for experienced players who are very interested in the game and take it very seriously.
Xenith Xflexion Varsity Pads: Xenith pads are very common among college and adult soccer players. They are of the highest quality, with unmatched flexibility. All plates are attached in such a way that they move independently. While Xenith shoulder pads come in a variety of position-specific designs, their multi-position shoulder pads are unrivaled.
Rawling Combat 36L Pads: These football shoulder pads come in sizes from Small to XXXLarge and are made with a low profile design to decrease bulk. The way the padding is designed makes them incredibly lightweight, but they are reinforced to add longevity and defense against heavy blows.
Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD Pads (QB / RB / WR) – These are by far the best youth shoulder pads available for quarterbacks and wide receivers. They are designed to minimize weight and do not sit so low on the torso as to maximize movement and speed. Schutt Sports manufactures the lightest college cheek pads that still guarantee maximum protection and meet safety standards. When it comes to youth quarterback shoulder pads, these are top of the line.
Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD Pads (OL / DL) – It’s pretty much the same story for these lineman’s pads which are designed to minimize weight while offering a bit more cushioning. They extend further down the sternum and are also made with wider shoulders for great protection against collisions.
Schutt Sports Air Maxx Flex 2.0 Shoulder Pads – Another multipurpose model, Schutt Sports Air Maxx Flex 2.0 provides an open-cell foam construction that is essentially made up of tiny air-trapping chambers, making them much more effective at taking hits. They also make a skill stance model that is built with the same protection technology and are the best soccer pads for running and jumping.
TAG Strike Force II 780 Pads – Great for QB and WR too, this is our pick for shoulder pads for defensive backs. Like the other shoulder pads I have reviewed for you, TAG shoulder pads always use the latest technologies to ensure lightness and protection together. The only thing we love about these is the shock absorbing cushioning that does not lose its powerful protection even after numerous heavy shocks. Although we recommend them for defensive backs, this pick is still one of the best shoulder pads for wide receiver as well.
There are also a few other key products that you may want to consider adding to your collection for maximum protection. Some options that I really like and think can be considered essential equipment for maximum safety are back pads and rib protectors. I will give you an option for both that are the best in your market.
Schutt Sports Youth Back Plate – Getting a back plate to add to the pads is a great way to extend protection for players without buying bulkier pads. The Schutt Sports Youth back plate adds back support to any Schutt Youth Shoulder Pad, and they also stick to most competing gear, which is a huge plus if you don’t have Schutt Youth Padding.
Schutt Sports Youth Rib Guard – This breathable accessory helps prevent rib injuries and is commonly used by players who still need mobility but take more hits at the waist than others. These can be worn with a detachable harness or can be attached directly to most youth shoulder pads. I really like adding rib pads to your arsenal because I know that I was constantly taking massive hits to the rib and stomach area and the padding I had was very thin or none at all. These pads can offer the security that I believe is necessary in sports today.
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