Friday, February 7, 2014

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Shoulder Pads

By Jayne Rutledge


Shoulder pads are very useful to players or athletes. For them to function well, they should fit well and perform effectively. The market is full of these products of different styles and fit. While many people consider protection as the priority, comfort level is also necessary. Explored in this piece are the guidelines for buying 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.

Check between flat and cantilever pad constructions. For footballers who play a quarter of the field, flat-constructed pads can be suitable for them. This is because they are not always active in the field. Cantilever ones are suitable for players who act as blockers since they encounter a lot of impact with other players, and they must have fully protected themselves.

Another important thing to look at is the internal foam. Different brands have their own foam designs. You may come across dual-density foam protectors. Such pads use both open and closed cell foam. This is actually to increase protection. The outer layer is actually denser foam while the inner one is softer and is for cushioning against the body.

It does not matter which type of foams contained in your chosen protectors. This is because there are extras that also increase the comfort level. Pads with ventilation slats can be a good choice. This may help keep the core temperature lower when playing warm games. Also, a moisture-absorbing pad lining can absorb sweat and make you stay cool. Others are treated with anti-microbial properties.

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.

Make sure that you go for the appropriate size and fitting. These products come in different sizes. Since people are not the same in terms of size, taking time to shop around for your right size is important. It is good to take the measurement the diameter around your shoulders in order to determine the right fit 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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