How to Select a Hockey Shoulder Pad

While there are many different hockey shoulder pads to choose from, finding the right one can make the playing experience just that much better. While it might sound intimidating, we are here to make it as simple and easy as possible!

The first step is to figure out which level of shoulder pad fits your needs. The professional hockey player has many different needs than the casual pond hockey player. This is why we breakdown our shoulder pad offering into three levels of play: Elite, Performance, and Recreational.

This level of play is a great starting point for the new ice hockey player or the casual pond hockey player. These are the most affordable and offer appropriate, entry-level protection.

• Protection: Standard foam throughout and extra impact management in the more vital parts of the body including the shoulder caps, bicep guards, sternum guard, and spine guard.
  
  
• Construction: The front and rear panels utilize a one-piece design that may not be as conforming as the higher-end pads, but they still fit and feel good.
  
  
• Liner: Traditional nylon manages moisture, helping to keep players dry while preventing moisture absorption into the material. These are still soft and comfortable, and a great fit for the new or casual skater.

These shoulder pads were built for the intermediate to advanced player and should be the bare minimum for anyone playing contact hockey. These offer much better protection and fit than the recreational level. These also offer some of the best value for the price.

• Protection: Multi-density foams are commonly used since they are lighter than plastics but provide better impact-protection for higher-level hockey. Some even feature advanced materials and technologies that would usually be reserved for the elite shoulder pads.
  
  
• Construction: Two and three-piece panels make their appearance at this level which better wrap around the body for mobility. The bicep guards are adjustable so a player can tailor their pads to best fit their body and seal any gap between their elbow pads.
  
  
• Liner: Microfiber is common and is much softer and better at managing moisture than nylon. Lending a helping hand is vented or perforated foams that help cool air to pass through without compromising protection. Some include anti-microbial technologies that better manage odor.

Designed for the intermediate to advanced hockey player that plays contact hockey and is looking for ultimate protection, comfort, and mobility.

• Protection: Premium multi-density foams and advanced materials provide pro-level impact management. Advanced materials include carbon fiber and composites, which are lighter and more protective than plastics. Smart Foams mitigate intense impact energy without compromising comfort.
  
  
• Construction: Two or three-piece panels with floating sternum/spine guards feel like a second skin and extra-segmented foams provide the ultimate mobility and comfort. All bicep guards are adjustable, sometimes even dual-adjustable for an even more custom fit.
  
  
• Liner: Advanced materials and technologies that provide the best comfort, moisture management, and odor control are exclusively found here. Many of the foams are water-resistant and keep the pad lightweight from start to finish. Anti-microbial additives or threads prevent and keep odor under control.

After you have narrowed down which level of shoulder pad you need, let's find out which fit profile suits you best based on your personal preference and style of play. There are two different types to choose from: Low Profile and High Profile.

Low-profile shoulder pads are strategically designed to have featherlight materials, minimum bulk, and maximum mobility throughout the design. These are perfect for the crafty hockey player that thrives on dynamic, quick movements and for players who weave through traffic.

These are a great choice for the physical player who likes to check, battle in the corners, and block shots. They have extra bulk and a higher-profile fit from top to bottom through the means of maximum coverage and protection.