A good fit is essential for any sports equipment, particularly with hockey shoulder pads. Having the right measurements that suit your body type and position on the ice can make a huge difference when it comes to performance and safety. So, how should hockey shoulder pads fit?
How should hockey shoulder pads fit? How to perform the correct measurement of hockey shoulder pads?
Don’t worry, today Adam Matter is going to discuss how to perform the correct measurement of hockey shoulder pads in order to find the perfect shoulder pad size, while also covering why a tight but comfortable fit is so important. Let’s dive into it!
How should hockey shoulder pads fit?
How should hockey shoulder pads fit?
Shoulder pads for hockey should have a snug fit, with the tips of the shoulders sitting squarely under the shoulder caps. Shoulder pads shouldn’t stop you from moving or get in the way of elbow pads. The area around the collarbone should be covered, and the straps around the middle should fit snugly but not too tightly.
Here are 2 cases that you should rightly fit:
When shoulders pads are too small
Hockey shoulder pads that are too small may leave gaps between the edge of the pad and your body. This can expose you to damage and exhaustion from frequently adjusting your pads.
When shoulder pads are too big
Shoulder pads that are too big will often slide around, getting in the way of shooting and passing. They can also restrict mobility, making it more difficult to make quick plays.
In order for hockey players to be safe and perform at their highest level, they need shoulder pads that fit correctly. It’s important to try on multiple sets of pads before you buy them and make sure that they fit comfortably.
By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your shoulder pads are the right size and fit properly. Safely playing hockey is paramount to having a fun and successful experience on the ice, so make sure you have the right equipment!
For the past 20 years ice hockey has been the biggest attended indoor sport in the UK, and is the third most regularly attended sport in terms of spectators.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/
6 reasons why you need shoulder pads for hockey
6 reasons why you need shoulder pads for hockey
Shoulder pads are used for several different things. They work on your shoulder, collarbone, spine, sternum, ribcage, and bicep, which are all important parts of your upper body. They do this by using a mix of medium- and high-density foams, as well as plastics in some key areas.
The combination of these materials will help disperse and absorb impacts while keeping you safe in a variety of scenarios.
Safety
Hockey shoulder pads protect players from boards, pucks, other players, and the rink surface. Without shoulder pads, you would be at risk of severe injuries to your upper body, such as broken collarbones and concussions.
Comfort
Padding helps to cushion the impact of falls and collisions so that you stay comfortable throughout practice or a game. It also helps to protect against any abrasions from the ice surface when you are sliding around the rink.
Mobility
Hockey shoulder pads are designed to give you full range of motion while playing the sport. This allows you to move quickly and effectively on the ice without feeling restricted in your movements.
Protection
Shoulder pads can help prevent injury from pucks or sticks that may come in contact with your body during play. The pads absorb some of the impacts to help protect your body from potential damage.
Improved play
Padding can also make practice and games more comfortable, letting you focus on playing. With protection in place, you are less likely to be distracted and can give your best performance throughout the game.
Appearance
Even though hockey is a great sport, wearing shoulder pads adds to the overall look of the team and individual players. For players looking to make an impression, having a nice set of shoulder pads can help you stand out from the rest.
Basic things you need to know about shoulder pads for hockey
Basic things you need to know about shoulder pads for hockey
Shoulder pads brands
Graf, STX, Winnwell, Powertek, Tron, DR, Sher-Wood, CCM and so on are the most popular brands of shoulder pads. Each brand may have different sizes, fits, and padding levels to meet individual preferences and needs.
Size/fit
No matter which brand you choose, it is important that your shoulder pads fit correctly. Shoulder pads should be snug but not tight – too loose will impede movement while too tight can be uncomfortable. To protect your shoulders, the shoulder straps should span over the chest and the shoulder caps should fit snugly.
Padding levels
How much padding you need will depend on where you play on the ice and how you play. Forwards prefer lighter pads for movement, while defensemen prefer heavier pads for protection. The sporting goods store near you will be able to tell you what kind and how much padding you need.
Price
Price should always be a factor when buying shoulder pads, but it is not the only consideration. Cheaper models might not protect or comfort you as well, so it’s important to find the right balance between quality and price. It’s usually best to shop around for the best deal on the most suitable style.
Hockey shoulder pads’s elements
The elements of hockey shoulder pads consist of:
- Shoulder Caps
- Bicep Cushions
- Chest Guard
- Back Guard
- Rib Guards
- Abdominal Pad
Having the right shoulder pads is important in order to protect yourself and play confidently. The proper fit will ensure that you are protected while still being able to move freely on the ice.
Detailed guides to rightly choose the hockey shoulder pads size chart
Bauer hockey shoulder pad sizes chart
| Senior | Intermediate |
Junior
|
Youth |
| Medium: chest 38″ – 42″
Large: chest 40″ – 44″ XL: chest 42″ – 46″ XXl: chest 44″ + |
Medium: chest 28″ – 32″
Large: chest 32″ – 40″
|
Small: chest 24’’-26’’
Medium: chest 26’’-28’’
|
Small: chest 20’’-22’’
Medium: chest 22’’-23’’ Large: 23’’-25’’
|
CCM hockey shoulder pad size chart
| Senior | Junior | Youth |
| Small: chest 34’’-38’’
Medium: chest 37″ – 41″ Large: chest 40″ – 44″ XL: chest 43″ – 48″
|
Small: chest 24’’-30’’
Medium: chest 26’’-32’’ Large: chest 30’’-35’’ |
Small: chest 23’’
Medium: chest 23’’-25’’ Large: chest 24’’-28’’
|
Warrior hockey shoulder pad size chart
| Senior | Junior | Youth |
| X-small: chest 5’’-5’6’’
Small: chest 5’3’’-5’9’’ Medium: chest 5’6’’-6’’ Large: chest 5’9’’-6’2’’ |
Small: chest 4’3’’-4’9’’
Medium: chest 4’6’’-5’’ Large: chest 4’9’’-5’3’’ |
Small: chest 3’3’’-4’1’’
Large: chest 3’8’’-4’5’’
|
How to perform the correct measurement of hockey shoulder pads?
How to perform the correct measurement of hockey shoulder pads?
Measure around the chest just below the armpits using a soft measuring tape. Avoid inhaling and relax to avoid size changes. Use this size and your height to choose a size.
The shoulder pads should fit snugly and not move when the athlete moves. The straps should be tight to prevent the shoulder pad from slipping down, but not so tight that it restricts movement. Make sure that the shoulder pads do not extend past the end of the arms or shoulders; if they do, go up a size.
Finally, check to see if the shoulder caps cover the clavicle bone and offer protection over the sternum. If they do not, it may be necessary to size up again. In addition, you can refer to how to measure hockey goalie pads to use when needed!
Should buy used shoulder pads and what considerations when buying them?
Should buy used shoulder pads and what considerations when buying them?
- How often should I get new shoulder pads or clean the ones I have?: Ideally, shoulder pads should be replaced every two to three years. This is because the foam inside the padding can get compressed over time, making it less effective at protecting your body from impacts.
- What are the best shoulder pads made? It is recommended to purchase shoulder pads from well-known, trusted brands such as Bauer, CCM, and Reebok. These brands have the best-fitting shoulder pads with the highest level of protection.
- Are the shoulder pads adjustable? Look for a model that can be adjusted for your body type. Adjustable straps allow for flexibility and comfort while playing.
- Does the shoulder pad have good ventilation? Poorly ventilated shoulder pads can quickly become hot and uncomfortable, leading to fatigue. Look for shoulder pads with perforated padding or air vents that will help keep you cool during long games.
FAQs: How should hockey shoulder pads fit?
Should shoulder pads for hockey cover the stomach?
There are several ways to make sure a shoulder pad fits right. It should fit so that the tops of your shoulders rest on the curve of your shoulders and cover your rib cage and collarbone. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover your whole stomach. This would limit your movement and make it hard to play.
Should the laces on hockey skates be tight?
Make sure that your skates are tied tight enough so that your feet don’t move around inside. Still, you shouldn’t tie the laces so tight that they hurt your feet. People often think that tying the skate lace around the ankle will make the skates more stable.
Is it better to have tight skates or loose skates?
In general, the golden rule for fitting skates, no matter what brand or type, is that they should be as tight as possible without being painful or uncomfortable, but the toes should still be able to move up and down.
How should the pants for hockey fit?
The belt on both hockey pants and hockey girdles should go around your waist, not your hips. Hockey pants will be a little longer and will cover about half of the kneecap of your shin guard.
Conclusion
Hockey shoulder pads should fit snugly and feel comfortable when moving around. Keep in mind that shoulder pad sizing depends on each player’s preferences, playing style, size and position. So don’t forget to follow the simple steps described above whenever you decide to get a new set of shoulder hockey protectors!
Do you have any tips on how should hockey shoulder pads fit or how to put on hockey elbow pads? Let hockeyheritage.org know in the comment section below!
