The shoulder pads are an essential part of playing ice hockey for protection.
But in a sea of products, which one is the best hockey shoulder pad for you or your kid?
Below are all my tips and selections:
- The 5 criteria to choose the shin guard for you or your kid, easily explained
- The answers to your frequently asked questions
- Reviews of my selections for the best ice hockey shoulder pads in 2022 (youth, junior and senior)
- Tips to take care of them
- ....
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Best Hockey Shoulder Pads in 2022 - short answer
Choosing your ice hockey shoulder pad
This complete article gives your all the information your need about choosing the right hockey shoulder pad for you. But if you don't want to read everything, below is an overview of my suggestions for youth, junior and senior players.
Detailed reviews can be found further down.
All pads are a balance of protection, fit and comfort.
3 best youth hockey shoulder pads
4 best junior hockey shoulder pads
5 best senior hockey shoulder pads
2 best hockey shoulder pads for women
5 criteria to choose your hockey shoulder pads
In this section, I will break down all the basics associated with hockey shoulder pads. To begin with, I will talk about the elements of a hockey shoulder pad and then give insights on key factors that you must consider when buying hockey shoulder pads.
Elements of a hockey shoulder pad
Before I share the factors you should consider when buying hockey shoulder pads, it is important to understand their anatomy. The components of a hockey shoulder pad are as follows:
Ice hockey shoulder pad - elements
- Collar Bone Protector: The collar bone protector is the roundish part of the shoulder pad that sits right on top of the collar bone.
- Shoulder Cap: The shoulder caps are roundish, pocketed compartments made to encompass the player’s shoulders. They are hard on the exteriors, and the interior areas are lightly padded for comfort and shock absorption.
- Bicep Guard: The bicep guards or protectors are soft bicep covers loosely connected to the shoulder cap using an internal velcro strap.
- Rib cage protector: The rib cage protector is a guard that sits on top of the ribs like a heavy jacket or a coat.
- Abdominal pad: The abdominal cover or pad is attached to the lower end of the rib cage protector to cover the upper abdominal area.
- Spine protector: Spine protector is the backside of the ice hockey shoulder pad area that runs from the neck all the way down to the waist area.
- Velcro Straps: The velcro straps are placed on the lower end of the shoulder pads, below the rib cage, and over the abdominal pad. These are to be used to adjust the fit of the shoulder pad.
#1 - Weight
Most brands make both lightweight and heavier variants of shoulder pads. This is because some players prefer a lightweight shoulder pad, while some prefer the more bulky ones.
The basic rules with respect to weight are:
- Heavier shoulder pads have more protective material
- Lighter shoulder pads allow more freedom of movement
- The weight of the shoulder pad alone does not guarantee protection. Protection depends on other factors like quality of material used, sizing, and fit as well.
Thus, you should buy a shoulder pad that feels right for your needs.
#2 - Material / Protection-level
Given that the shoulder pad, in essence, covers almost the entire upper body, a lot of material is used to make it.
Hard Molded plastic: This is used to ensure optimal protection and dissipate impacts. It is mainly used in:
- Shoulder caps
- As inserts in rib-cage protectors.
Foam: The primary source of padding in shoulder pads is provided by use of foam. The type of foam used - single density, multi-density, smart foam, will vary based on the price and brand. But the use of foam is seen
- On the inside of shoulder caps
- Bicep protectors
- Sternum/Abdominal pads
- On the side panels
Usually, the greater the density and thickness of padding, the better the protection. But lightweight models cut down on the weight by placing denser padding in key impact areas and lesser padding in other areas.
Therefore, greater importance must be given to the quality of the material used and not the quantity or thickness of the material.
Comfort
To ensure that the shoulder pads you are opting for are comfortable, check the following:
- Whether the liner is breathable: Breathable liners wick moisture away and keep you feeling dry for more comfort.
- Whether the foam is removable: Removable foam in the belly region allows more adjustability and provides more comfort.
- Whether the fit and sizing are proper: Buying the right-sized shoulder pads that fit well makes them far more comfortable than ill-fitting shoulder pads. (More on this below)
Size and Fit
Measuring:
- Ask someone to measure your chest right below the armpits using a soft tape measure. (It is difficult to measure your chest yourself accurately.)
- Note your height
- Refer to the brand’s sizing chart and select a size that corresponds with your height and weight.
Checking the fit:
The shoulder pad consists of several elements that must align properly with your body in order for the fit to be perfect. To check if the fit of the shoulder pad is in order, make sure that:
- the shoulder caps should lie squarely on top of your shoulders.
- the bicep guards should stay on top of the biceps
- there should be no gap between the bicep guards and elbow pads
- the abdominal pad (if not removed) should almost touch the pants
- the collar bone protector must fully cover the collar bones
- The sternum protector or rib cage protector must feel comfortably snug
- The spine protector must cover the spine and stay flat on top of it.
If the shoulder pads are too small, you will notice the following:
- The outer part of the shoulder caps sits on top of the shoulder
- The neckline feels too restrictive
- There is a gap between the bicep guards and the elbow pads
- There is a gap between the abdominal pad and the pants
- There is hardly any room between the sternum protector and the player’s chest
If the shoulder pads are too big, you will notice the following:
- The bicep guards overlap elbow pads
- There is plenty of room between the sternum protector and the player’s chest.
- The inner part of the shoulder cap sits on top of the shoulder
- The collar bone is exposed
- The shoulder pads move easily and keep shifting
As stated earlier, the protection provided by the shoulder pads depends heavily on a proper fit. Check sizing guidelines thoroughly and try out multiple shoulder pads to ensure a proper fit.
Price
The pricing of shoulder pads depends on the age group. Thus, youth shoulder pads are much cheaper than senior shoulder pads.
Here’s a rough guideline on what to expect from shoulder pads based exclusively on their price range:
Budget shoulder pads:
Budget shoulder pads have the following characteristics:
- They use basic PE caps and single-layered or multiple layered basic foams
- They rarely come with abdominal pads
- The bicep guards are mostly not adjustable
- The protection level is adequate for beginners or recreational players.
Mid-range shoulder pads:
Mid-range shoulder pads offer the most value for money and are highly recommended for players that regularly play the season. Their key characteristics are:
- They integrate high-end materials like smart foams, etc.
- They are usually not too lightweight or suitable for a specific player profile.
- They offer excellent comfort and protection
- They are more durable than top-end variants
Expensive shoulder pads:
Top-end shoulder pads have the following characteristics:
- They use highly sophisticated technology and materials
- They are designed to meet specific player requirements
- They offer the best of comfort and protection
- They are not as durable as lower-end variants
Brand
When buying ice hockey shoulder pads, it is best to opt for renowned ice hockey gear brands like Bauer, Warrior, CCM, and True.
However, when zeroing down on hockey shoulder pads, instead of taking decisions based on brand loyalty, it is best to rely on comfort and fit.
Best youth hockey shoulder pads - reviews
In this section, you will find information on the best shoulder pads for youth hockey players.
Pure Hockey PH1
Pros:
- Cheap
- Ideal for beginners
- Good level of protection
- Easy to wear
- Durable
Cons:
- Basic for advancing level of play
Ideal for: Absolute beginners and those on a budget
The Pure Hockey PH1 Shoulder Pads come in an attractive design that appeals to young kids. Moreover, to make wearing it and taking it off easier, the design employs a thoughtful large neck opening.
For protection, it uses basic material that may not meet the requirements of advanced players but is more than enough for entry-level players. The shoulder caps use molded PE that is sturdy enough to repel high-intensity impacts. For the padding and the liner, the shoulder pads come with multi-layered foams.
Additionally, the sternum protector has also been enhanced using PE inserts. For young kids that are more prone to taking falls on their upper bodies, this addition of PE proves to be extremely beneficial.
In terms of comfort, the shoulder pads feel bulkier than higher-end models, but the added weight does not restrict the movement of beginners learning new skills.
Overall, these budget shoulder pads are an excellent starting point for young beginners.
Bauer Supreme 2S Pro
Pros:
- Excellent protection
- Breathable for superior comfort
- Provides excellent value for money
- Lightweight design for improved mobility
Cons:
- Body-hugging fit takes some time to get used to
Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced players looking for all-round comfort and protection
The Bauer Supreme series is known for its superior blend of comfort and protection, and the Supreme 2s Pro is no exception to that rule.
These shoulder pads are extremely well-crafted in the sense that they use high-end function-specific padding materials.
Thus, for the shoulder caps, Bauer has used their top-end Thermo max liner for maximum protection and moisture-wicking. For the biceps, it has used molded PE foams for a more defined structure. The sternum and spine have been enhanced with MD foam.
Despite the excellent padding and protection all across their body, the shoulder pads retain a lightweight feel. The anatomical structure stays close to the player’s body without feeling suffocating, thanks to the moisture-wicking foam. Moreover, the design profile also allows ample movement to support a high level of play and quick movements.
To round up, the Bauer Supreme 2S Pro is an excellent choice for young players who prefer comfortable, lightweight shoulder pads that do not compromise on protection performance.
Warrior Alpha DX
Pros:
- Excellent protection and superior comfort
- Impressive mobility
- Lightweight feel
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- Not suitable for absolute beginners
Ideal for: Those looking for a balance of protection and lightweight feel at an affordable price range
The Warrior Alpha DX shoulder pads take comfort to the next level with these shoulder pads. These seem to be made specifically for young players who prefer ‘out-of-the-box comfort over every other feature.
The Dynamic Strike technology used in the shoulder pads fits all body types. The elevated shoulder caps do not feel restrictive. The multi-layered foam padding in the caps is sufficient to keep young players well-protected against hits.
The brand has used moisture-wicking mesh liner padding throughout the body and the back to prevent the sticky feeling of sweat build-up. In addition to this, the chest, spine, and biceps have also been beefed up with added protection.
However, the highlight of these shoulder pads is that despite being so protection-heavy, they feel super lightweight. The fit and comfort these shoulder pads offer are so superior that it takes no time for young players to get used to the pads and focus on their shotmaking.
Thus, if you want affordable shoulder pads that will keep your young player feeling comfortable, dry, and game-ready, these should be on top of your list.
Best junior hockey shoulder pads - reviews
In this section, you will find information on the best shoulder pads for junior hockey players.
Bauer Vapor 2X pro
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Easily supports elite-level of play
- Excellent protection and superior comfort
- Unrestricted mobility
- Odor-resistant
Cons:
- Higher price range
Ideal for: Elite-level players who want top-quality design, absolute protection, and superior comfort
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro are Bauer’s lightest hockey shoulder pads. The mobility delivered by these shoulder pads is second to none. It promotes effortless shotmaking and quick reflexes, which can be a gamechanger when playing at a pro-level.
To keep the weight of the shoulder pads super low, these shoulder pads use Aerolite caps and Hyperlite foam. The use of these materials not only makes the body super light, but it also improves the fit as the chest and spine protector lie flat on the body. In addition to this, the bulk on the chest is also minimized using an X-Lite shield.
Additionally, the use of these top-quality foam padding also ensures effective protection. The shoulders, biceps as well as collarbone dissipate impacts instantly. The design of the body protection feels snug and secure.
Thus, overall, these are the best shoulder pads for ice hockey on the market. Every elite-level player who wants to deliver high performance on the field can safely rely on these shoulder pads.
True AX9
Pros:
- Highly customizable fit
- Sophisticated technology provides excellent protection.
- Superior breathability
- Great mobility
- Affordable
Cons:
- Design being different from most brands, take some time to get used to
Ideal for: Those looking for custom-fitting shoulder pads with great mobility at an affordable price range
True is known to make truly unique products that cater to the under-served needs of ice hockey players. Accordingly, with the True AX9 Hockey Shoulder Pads, True delivers fit customization that no other brand offers with its gear.
Thus, these shoulder pads not only allow the adjustability of bicep guards, but also come with shoulder caps that can be easily adjusted in the clavicle regions.
Given that the arm length and shoulder circumference of people with the same height and weight can differ to some extent, this provision of adjustability is super appealing. It also ensures that the shoulder caps sit squarely on the shoulder region, and the protection of the player is never compromised.
In addition to this, Absor Foamtech on the torso region keeps the bulk down and adds mobility. The Aeroshield protection on the front and back panels also delivers a comfortable, secure fit.
The Absor Foamtech and the HD molded foam used in the shoulder caps work well at nullifying impacts.
Thus, as an integrated unit, these shoulder pads deliver protection, comfort, and excellent customization - ideal for any intermediate or advanced player.
What’s great is that these features come for a price that is too heavy on the pocket.
CCM Tacks 9080
Pros
- Customizable fit
- Great value for money
- Impressive protective features
- Adequate breathability
- Supports all levels of play
Cons:
- Not as durable as others on this list
Ideal for: Those looking for an all-round mid-range option
The CCM Tacks 9080 are designed for those that do not want to splurge on high-end shoulder pads but do not want to compromise on key top-of-the-line features.
As a result, you will notice that these shoulder pads utilize plenty of top-end features like the D3O foam, adjustable bicep guards, and floating spine coverage.
When put to use, these features translate into better protection and superior comfort. The D3O foam is renowned for being the most shock-resistant foam on the market. Thus, it’s not surprising that these shoulder pads, which use the D3O in their shoulder caps and sternum plate, nullify impacts almost instantly.
In addition to protecting the shoulder, sternum, and spine, the CCM tacks have also added protective layering over the kidney.
In terms of comfort, these shoulder pads excel thanks to their anatomical design. You will hardly notice any movement of the shoulder pad, even during rough matches. The chest and the spine area use a floating design that adjusts its body as per your movements.
Thus, you will never feel restricted during play. This design, coupled with its mesh liner, guarantees a cool, dry feel throughout.
Even without employing top-of-the-line materials, CCM has designed an excellent product for those looking for complete protection at a mid-range price point.
Bayer Vapor X2.9
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent value for money
- Great comfort and breathability
- Tapering fit for improved mobility
- Durable
Cons:
- Suitable for beginners to intermediate players only
Ideal for: Those looking for excellent protection and comfort at a budget-friendly price
The Bauer Vapor X2.9 is a terrific budget offering from Bauer. It uses some of the smart technology used in its high-end models and cuts down on sophistication in non-essential areas to keep the price low.
The shoulder caps feel sturdy and fit perfectly above your shoulders. The Comfort Edge foam keeps the shoulder blades securely wrapped within. In fact, the foam has also been liberally used all across the body, i.e., in the sternum and spine areas. This construction establishes a reliable shock-absorbing base.
To make this bulky construction feel easy on the body, Bauer has cleverly used its X-Lite Shield on the sternum. This technology found in its higher variants makes it easy to move, and the overall feel of the shoulder pads also stays lightweight. The Flexcell liner further encourages full mobility.
Thus, unless you are an elite-level player looking for anatomically fitting shoulder pads, these shoulder pads should serve you well for a long period.
Best senior hockey shoulder pads - reviews
In this section, you will find information on the best shoulder pads for senior hockey players.
Bauer Vapor 2X pro
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Easily supports elite-level of play
- Excellent protection and superior comfort
- Unrestricted mobility
- Odor-resistant
Cons:
- Higher price range
Ideal for: Elite-level players who want top-quality design, absolute protection, and superior comfort
The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro are Bauer’s lightest hockey shoulder pads and it provides excellent mobility.
It promotes effortless shotmaking and quick reflexes, which can be a gamechanger when playing at a pro-level.
To keep the weight of the shoulder pads super low, these shoulder pads use Aerolite caps and Hyperlite foam. The use of these materials not only makes the body super light, but it also improves the fit as the chest and spine protector lie flat on the body. Plus, the bulk on the chest is also minimized using an X-Lite shield.
The shoulders, biceps as well as collarbone dissipate impacts instantly as it uses top-quality foam padding to ensure effective protection. The design of the body protection feels snug and secure.
Thus, overall, these are some of the best shoulder pads for ice hockey on the market. Every elite-level player who wants to deliver high performance on the field can safely rely on these shoulder pads.
CCM Jetspeed FT1
Pros:
- Best in class protection
- Excellent mobility for pro-level play
- Anatomical construction for a perfect fit
- Durable
Cons:
- Higher price range
Ideal for: Those looking for high-end protective shoulder pads to support elite-level of play
The CCM Jetspeed FT1 are, without a doubt, premium quality shoulder pads created to offer the best performance in every department.
These are the most protective hockey shoulder pads in the market. The protection is delivered by the clever use of different types of smart foam across its body. For the shoulders, the uFoam coupled with HD foam on the clavicle dissipates impacts completely. For the torso, the Zotefoam delivers incredible security all across.
What’s remarkable is how dry and comfortable these moisture-wicking foams put together with the Dryfoam liner make you feel. You will not find the shoulder pads sticking to your body even after long hours of play.
To take the experience to the next level, the molded Rocketframe construction almost instantly adapts to the shape of your body. The range of motion that you enjoy wearing these shoulder pads can’t be matched by others in the market.
The adjustability of the bicep straps and the stomach padding are all features that put together make these shoulder pads an absolute delight to wear. Go for these if you have the budget!
Bauer Vapor X2.9
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent value for money
- Great comfort and breathability
- Tapering fit for improved mobility
- Durable
Cons:
- Suitable for beginners to intermediate players only
Ideal for: Those looking for excellent protection and comfort at a budget-friendly price
The Bauer Vapor X2.9 is a fantastic budget option from Bauer.
It uses some of the smart technology from its high-end models and, to keep the price lower, it cuts down on non-essential areas.
The construction establishes a reliable shock-absorbing base.
- The shoulder caps feel sturdy and fit perfectly above your shoulders.
- The Comfort Edge foam keeps the shoulder blades securely wrapped within.
- The foam has also been liberally used all across the body, i.e., in the sternum and spine areas.
To make this bulky construction feel easy on the body, Bauer has cleverly used its X-Lite Shield on the sternum. This technology found in its higher variants makes it easy to move, and the overall feel of the shoulder pads also stays lightweight. The Flexcell liner further encourages full mobility.
Unless you are an elite-level player looking for anatomically fitting shoulder pads, these shoulder pads should serve you well for a long period.
CCM Tasks 9080 Senior
Pros
- Customizable fit
- Great value for money
- Impressive protective features
- Adequate breathability
- Supports all levels of play
Cons:
- Not as durable as others on this list
Ideal for: Those looking for an all-round mid-range option
The CCM Tacks 9080 utilizes plenty of top-end features like the D3O foam, adjustable bicep guards, and floating spine coverage. They translate into better protection and superior comfort.
The D3O foam is renowned for being the most shock-resistant foam on the market. Thus, these shoulder pads, which use the D3O in their shoulder caps and sternum plate, nullify impacts almost instantly.
In addition to protecting the shoulder, sternum, and spine, the CCM tacks have also added protective layering over the kidney.
In terms of comfort, the chest and the spine area use a floating design that adjusts its body as per your movements. These shoulder pads excel thanks to their anatomical design and comfortable fit.
Thus, you will never feel restricted during play. This design, coupled with its mesh liner, guarantees a cool, dry feel throughout.
Even without employing top-of-the-line materials, CCM has designed an excellent product for those looking for complete protection at a mid-range price point.
Sher-wood 5030 HOF
Pros:
- Basic but functional design
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for recreational players
- Good fit and lightweight feel
Cons:
- Not suitable for players regularly taking classes or playing league games
Ideal for: Recreational players looking for basic shoulder pads
Let me say this right at the outset. These shoulder pads are not for players that practice regularly or play league matches during season time. These shoulder pads are for recreational players.
The design itself is pretty basic and old-school. It has more openings than modern-day hockey shoulder pads. It uses simple PE caps lined with foam underneath. The chest, back, and biceps all come in single-density foams strengthened with PE inserts.
What this means is that these shoulder pads offer decent protection for a relatively non-aggressive session of recreational hockey. The lacing closure in the front also makes the shoulder pads look attractive. But that said, you can’t use them for a highly competitive tournament where pucks will keep coming at you at a high velocity.
Best hockey shoulder pad for women - Reviews
In the recent past, many brands have introduced shoulder pads specifically designed for women. These shoulder pads, in essence, have more room in the front panel to accommodate a fuller chest. Check out the reviews below to know more about my favorites.
CCM Jetspeed FTW
Pros:
- Fully adjustable fit to suit all body types
- Excellent all-round protection
- Provides great mobility
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Side-coverage takes some time to get used to
Ideal for: Women looking for affordable shoulder pads with a customizable fit.
The CCM Jetspeed FTW are excellent low-profile hockey shoulder pads. Being women-specific shoulder pads, these shoulder pads allow you to fully adjust the chest panel to fit your specific body type.
To ensure that the chest adjustment does not create gaps between the abdominal pad and your pants, it also comes with an adjustable strap to customize the length of the shoulder pads. The belly padding is also removable for extra comfort.
In terms of protection, the shoulder caps use the premium D3O foam in key areas for delivering impressive impact absorption. It also fortifies protection in key impact areas using a hard molded shell.
The low-profile caps sit square on the shoulders and do not move at all, letting you take your shots freely. The bicep guards can also be placed at a height that sits exactly between the caps and the elbow pads to prevent any mobility restriction.
Thus, for women who feel restricted from wearing regular unisex shoulder pads, opting for these shoulder pads will prove to be a great relief.
Bauer Vapor X-W
Pros:
- Excellent fit for women
- Breathable and lightweight
- Low profile for better mobility
- Affordable
Cons:
- Length is not adjustable
Ideal for: Women who are Bauer loyalists and in need of women-specific shoulder pads
The Bauer Vapor X-W shoulder pads offer similar protection and comfort as those offered by the regular Vapor variants but with a fit tailored for women’s bodies.
The chest protector on these shoulder pads offers excellent coverage and prevents riding up the shoulder pads completely. The shoulder pads that come in a low profile stay close to the body at all times and deliver complete freedom of movement.
Thus, as a whole unit, these shoulder pads offer all-round protection, a lightweight feel, and great mobility for women hockey players.
Does it offer as much customization as the CCM Jetspeed FTW? Probably not, but the fit works well for most female body types.
How to take care of ice hockey shoulder pads?
Hockey shoulder pads are exposed to a lot of sweat and hence are often the biggest breeding ground for bacteria and bad odor. Thus, to prevent premature wear and tear of the shoulder guards and extend their lifespan, it is important to look after the shoulder pads properly. Here are some handy care tips for you-
Dry -
Drying out hockey equipment after every use is non-negotiable. Thus, make sure that you hang the shoulder pads for drying after every single use. You can even leave them on a gear stand. Do not wear shoulder pads unless completely dry.
Deodorize -
Regularly spray hockey gear deodorizer on the shoulder pads after every use to prevent bad odor.
Wash -
After every few uses, wash the shoulder pads. Soak them in a tub with a scoop of Oxyclean and rinse them off completely after a few hours.
Additional tips:
- Wear a base layer under the shoulder pads to prevent direct contact with sweat. This will help extend the lifespan of your shoulder pads.
- Inspect the shoulder pads thoroughly for any damages or wear and tear. Get any signs of damages inspected by a professional. Fix them immediately to prevent injuries.
Shoulder pads are not as susceptible to damages as hockey helmets or shin guards and can therefore easily last for a few years, provided you regularly take proper care of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NHL players wear shoulder pads?
Yes, NHL players wear shoulder pads for protection against injuries, falls, flying pucks, and slashes.
Do women wear hockey shoulder pads?
Yes. Some women prefer wearing women-specific hockey shoulder pads, while some find the unisex variants comfortable. You should pick one that fits you the best.
Complete your hockey equipment set!
Other protective gear to get for hockey players:
- Best hockey helmets - read article
- Best hockey gloves for players - read article
- Best hockey mouthguard - read article
- Best hockey shin guards - read article
- Best hockey elbow pads - read article
And if you want to work out off ice:
- 10 essential elements to cover in your off-ice workouts - read article
- 10 best off-ice hockey training equipment - read article
- Best hockey shooting pads and tiles - read article
- Best slide boards for hockey training - read article
- Best synthetic ice for hockey players - read article
- Best net targets and shooting tarps - read article
- Best hockey passers and rebounders - read article
- Best balance boards for hockey players - read article
- Best stick handling tools - read article
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