Saturday, February 8, 2014

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.

When you go out for shopping, it is good to check how these protectors have been constructed. These items contain a tough shell made of plastic. This shell is lined with foam used to absorb impacts. They are designed to offer protection to collarbone, breastbone, and muscles of the chest. There is also an extension to the shoulders. You need to choose pads that are constructed well to offer maximum protection and comfort.

You should compare between cantilever and flat constructions. Suppose that you play a quarter of the field, you need to choose a flat designed shoulder pad. These ones do not offer a lot of protection, and are suitable for players who do not do a lot of locking in the field. Cantilever pads offer maximum protection. They are constructed in such a way that they support the outer arch shoulders.

The other vital thing to consider is the internal foam. It is true that different brands of these products have different foams. You can find dual-density foam protectors in the market. These pads use closed and open cell. Such cells increase protection. You will find that the outer layer is thicker as compared to the inner soft one.

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.

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.

You should also look at add-on materials when scouting around for the best shoulder pads. For example, if you had an injury before, consider looking for a pad with a restricting layer. A good add-on is a neck roll. There are also others in the market. Make sure that your chosen add-on will not restrict your movement freedom.




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