FOOTBALL PADS BUYING GUIDE

Football is a very physical and dangerous sport. Players need padding to help reduce the risk for serious injury. But Football is dangerous is very dangerous and can result in serious injury and even death. There is no guarantee that any padding or protective gear can prevent such injury.

Collar Pads/Neck Rolls

These pads attach to the shoulder pads to provide additional protection to the collarbone. They are usually available in youth and adult sizes. Back and sternum plates provide additional protection to these areas.

Rib Vests

These pads are used by players who get tackled often or have bruised ribs. They extend the protection from the bottom of the shoulder pads. They are fitted to chest size and can be attached to the shoulder pads or worn seperately with suspenders. In light practices, when not wearing shoulder pads, they can still be worn to prevent injuries to the rib section.

Thigh Pads

These pads benefit players who are getting tackled often. They slide into the pockets of the pants. The two versions are either foam which is light-weight and molds to the body, or vinyl dipped which is thick and offers better protection.

Hip/Tailbone Pads

Even though all players benefit from hip and tailbone pads, they help particularly running backs, receivers and quarterbacks. These pads are often sold in three piece sets. Since football pants do not offer pockets for these pads, a football girdle is also required.

Knee Pads

All players can benefit from knee pads. They are foam-encased, soft pads that slide into pockets of the football pants. The two versions are either foam which is light-weight and molds to the body, or vinyl dipped which is thick and offers better protection.

Pad Sets

These pad sets include pads for hip, tail, thighs and knees. Complete sets reduce the cost compared to buying the pads individually.

Forearm Pads

These pads provide protection from the fingertips to just past the elbows. They are worn primarily by offensive and defensive linemen who use their arms to block and tackle.

Gloves

Different positions require different types of gloves. Linemen prefer gloves that are heavily padded on the top of the hands and wrists for added protection. Receivers and running backs, as well as defensive backs, prefer flexible, soft gloves that have sticky, tacky palms and fingers.

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