Letting your son or daughter play football without youth shoulder pads is like kicking a beehive in broad daylight. Football involves some heavy tackles and hits that can greatly injure your youngster. They can dislocate your kid’s shoulders, thereby, ending their season prematurely. The situation can get even worse should the injury and bruises instill fear on your young one, making him quit football completely.
It is because of such reasons that make a youth shoulder pad a must-have. They are well constructed and have adequate padding to protect your youngster from injuries as a result of collisions, impacts, and hits. If you are reading this with the hopes of finding the best one, you are in the right place.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let the reading begin!
Our piece starts with a buyer’s guide on how to find the best youth shoulder pads. These are the factors to consider.
- Weight: As much as you want your boy to be well protected when playing football, the last thing you want to see as his number one fan is him struggling to be fast either with the ball or when going to make a tackle. That’s why when buying a shoulder pad for youth, be sure to choose the one that is lightweight.
- Construction: Although it is highly recommended to choose a shoulder pad that is light in weight, this should not sacrifice the sturdiness of the pad. After all, the best pad for American football is sturdy and at the same time lightweight. So, when choosing a shoulder pad, make sure it is well built and has enough padding to absorb impact from collisions, hits, and heavy tackles.
- Moisture Transfer Technology: Before buying a youth shoulder pad, make sure it has moisture transfer technology. This is a very important feature that helps keep the body cool by wicking away moisture. By so doing, the moisture transfer technology improves comfort. In other words, this feature contributes greatly to the performance of a player by creating an ample environment.
The next section of this piece is about the top 10 best youth shoulder pads reviews.
Table of Contents
- 10. WARRIOR Rabil Next Shoulder Pads, Royal Blue – Youth Medium
- 9. Riddell Sports Surge Youth Football Shoulder Pad
- 8. NIKE Youth Pro Short Sleeve Football Top White/Camo
- 7. TAG ALT II 844 Youth Football Shoulder Pad
- 6. Xenith Youth Xflexion Flyte Shoulder Pads – Preferred
- 5. CHAMPRO Youth Scorpion Football Shoulder Pads – Preferred
- 4. Sports Unlimited Prospect Youth Football Shoulder Pads – Preferred
- 3. Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Youth/JV Shoulder Pads
- 2. Schutt Sports Y-Flex 4.0 All-Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads – Preferred
- 1. Gear 2000 Youth Intimidator Junior Shoulder Pad
10. WARRIOR Rabil Next Shoulder Pads, Royal Blue – Youth Medium
These shoulder pads are designed to provide you with top-quality protection. They keep you safe while playing, and this will give you peace of mind. They are made with an FLX mesh material that enables them to provide you with a snug fit, which moves with your body as well as promoting natural movement. These shoulder pads also feature preformed floating shoulder caps that offer protection from impacts while remaining nonrestrictive. Plus they have integrated rib protection and external sternum plate to protect key areas.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has lots of great features | None so far |
| The royal blue color looks great | |
| The price is reasonable | |
| The seller ships it fast | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
9. Riddell Sports Surge Youth Football Shoulder Pad
It is obvious that you will buy the best riddell youth shoulder pads anytime, anywhere. That’s why we are bringing you this shoulder pad. It has an integrated back plate that helps protect the back. It also has a flat’s pad design, which sits low across your shoulder in order to reduce interference with the rotational range of the helmet. Besides, this shoulder pad is made with comfort in mind, and this is proven by the velvet collar.
| PROS | CONS |
| Light in weight and provides good protection | None at the moment |
| Makes a great birthday gift for young football payers | |
| The pad has PVC adjustable belts | |
| Comfortable to wear for endless protection | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
8. NIKE Youth Pro Short Sleeve Football Top White/Camo
If you are looking for added protection in the field, then the NIKE Youth Pro Short Sleeve Football Top White/Camo should be a frontier for you. The tough, integrated padding at the ribcage and shoulders make this youth shoulder pad the ultimate protector. In addition to being greatly built, the pad maintains the moisture-wicking construction to keep athletes performing at their best. This youth short sleeve football top also has a Dri-FIT fabric that will keep you comfortable.
| PROS | CONS |
| The price range is okay | None yet |
| Durable and fits true to size | |
| Great for players who do not sacrifice mobility | |
| Available in a variety of colors and sizes | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
7. TAG ALT II 844 Youth Football Shoulder Pad
TAG has used only the latest technologies to design this shoulder pad. This means the shoulder pad is lightweight yet strong enough to provide maximum protection. Moreover, the manufacturer has equipped this shoulder pad with an Aegis Antimicrobial mesh lining Treatment. The treatment is a well-thought-out lining, which offers unrivaled protection against fungus and bacteria which cause staining, deterioration, and odor in other pads. This shoulder pad is durable and built to provide players with comfort.
| PROS | CONS |
| Improves the performance of the player | Pricey, but you get what you pay for |
| The build quality is great | |
| Has a belt and fits really well | |
| Available in a variety of sizes | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
6. Xenith Youth Xflexion Flyte Shoulder Pads – Preferred
These shoulder pads are insanely light. And that’s what makes them the best football shoulder pads you are yet to come across. Their lightweight injection-molded plates ensure a customized fit by retaining anatomical form. In addition, these shoulder pads have a flexible shock cord that lets plates move independently. Plus they have belt-style chest straps that are durable and have retention loops. The pads offer full protection, including those from impacts; thanks to the floating sternum plate.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to slide on and take off | Available in only one color |
| The build quality is excellent | |
| The price is range is reasonable | |
| Comes in 3 different sizes to choose from | |
| Lightweight for easy use | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
5. CHAMPRO Youth Scorpion Football Shoulder Pads – Preferred
It is important that youth players be protected when playing football. That’s why you need to buy your kid the CHAMPRO Youth Scorpion Football Shoulder Pads. They provide full protection to give your youngster confidence in the field knowing that the likelihood of sustaining an injury is extremely low. The shoulder pads also feature a release system to ensure your boy is able to get them on and off with ease. Moreover, these shoulder pads have high-impact PE arch for durability and protection.
| PROS | CONS |
| Shoulder pads look really nice | None so far |
| The price range is great | |
| Durable enough to be used on a daily basis | |
| Ship fast and fit good | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
4. Sports Unlimited Prospect Youth Football Shoulder Pads – Preferred
All you need this season are premium shoulder pads that will unleash the beast in you and let you play like a pro. The Sports Unlimited Prospect Youth Football Shoulder Pads fit the bill. They have double layer foam that offers extra protection against hits while providing you with a comfortable feel and fit. These shoulder pads also feature an extended body length that extends beyond arches to protect your lower torso and back. Additionally, these shoulder pads have a universal design for convenience.
| PROS | CONS |
| Light and less bulky than traditional pads | None at the moment |
| Great for the price | |
| They are very well padded | |
| Sturdy and easy to adjust | |
| Fit well and are as described | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
3. Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Youth/JV Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads should really be strong but this does not mean they should be uncomfortable. The Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Youth/JV Shoulder Pads are sturdy and comfortable. They have moisture transfer technology, which accelerates sweat evaporation to keep your body cool and help you perform better. They also have the Brock Foam padding that serves two purposes. The first purpose is to enhance evaporation through waterproof foam beads that allow for 3-D air circulation. The second is to lessen the force transferred and absorbed by the body through innumerable tiny foam beads.
| PROS | CONS |
| Light and provides great protection | Not the best for players playing a skill position |
| They feel very durable | |
| The pads have a great look | |
| Kids like the freedom they provide | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
2. Schutt Sports Y-Flex 4.0 All-Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads – Preferred
Youth players looking for varsity style protection should consider these shoulder pads. They have an extended body length that provides extra protection, thereby, making you confident in the field. These shoulder pads also have an adjusting elastic belt that features attachment to the arches at the 3 points for consistent protection and less movement. Moreover, they have dual-density padding that combines with breathable mesh as well as 7mm vent holes that allow maximum airflow.
| PROS | CONS |
| The color is great | Padding could be thicker |
| Light and comfortable to wear | |
| Pads feel sturdy and strong | |
| Well made and exactly as shown | |
| The fit is according to the size chart | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
1. Gear 2000 Youth Intimidator Junior Shoulder Pad
The Gear 2000 Youth Intimidator Junior Shoulder Pad can only be compared with the best douglas shoulder pads. It has low-profile flat pad construction that is ideal for youth players at all positions. The shoulder pad also has moisture management system padding, which has perforations that allow moisture to flow away from your body, thereby, keeping your body cool. The moisture management material allows this youth shoulder pad to dry in just 4 hours.
| PROS | CONS |
| The quick release drawstrings are a plus | The sizing could be better |
| Arrives fast to avoid any inconveniences | |
| The price is great for the quality | |
| Makes a perfect gift for a youth football player | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
Conclusion
Most teams provide youth shoulder pads but most of these pads normally are not as strong as the ones we have reviewed here. So, unless it is a must that your son use the pads provided by the club, the above should be a frontier for you. They work extremely well and have great build quality.
