Sunday, February 9, 2014

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Shoulder Pads

By Jayne Rutledge


Shoulder pads are actually the best body armors. They need to fit well and perform. These items vary greatly in style, fit, and protection level. While protection need always be your first priority, your personal comfort is also an important consideration. This article gives you tips on how to find the best shoulder pads for your body if you are a player or an athlete.

First, you need to consider the padding construction. Basically, all shoulder protectors contain a very strong plastic shell that has a lining of impact-absorbing foam. They are usually made to protect breastbone, collarbone, and the chest muscles. They extend all the way to the outside of your shoulders. Make sure you go for well-constructed protectors that can offer both 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.

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.

Always go for shoulder protectors that are fitted with good fasteners. The common fasteners are the elastic straps and vinyl buckles. As the names suggests, elastic fasteners are stretchable. They can be adjusted appropriately in order to fit well. They can contract or expand due to their nature of elasticity. Vinyl buckles, on the other hand, are durable and long lasting. These ones are not stretchable but do not wear out easily.

You need also need to consider the size. Since every player is different, one is supposed to go for pads that fit him or her well. There are different sizes available in the market. Take time to explore the market to find your desired size. Let someone take the measurements of your shoulder diameter 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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