Ice hockey can be a fun sport for kids to play, but it can also be an expensive one. Kids need plenty of protective gear along with skates and a stick. Youth hockey shoulder pads are an essential piece of gear, as they deliver protection against collisions and stray pucks in the shoulders, chest and back areas.
Keep your kids safe with help from our buying guide on youth hockey shoulder pads, which has all the information you need, plus a few recommendations at the end. Our favorite model is the STX Stallion 50 Shoulder Pads, which have a high level of protective covering for young players.
Youth hockey shoulder pads fit underneath the sweater, so they’re not visible, and consist of durable plastic and foam. The foam is firm while still delivering some padding. Straps and laces help you tighten the shoulder pads for the proper fit.
Several different pieces make up a set of hockey shoulder pads, although not every set contains every one of these pieces.
Padding thickness is a key component of selecting the best youth hockey shoulder pads. Some players want the thinnest possible padding, which allows for the highest level of freedom of movement. However, when players want extra protection, a thicker style of padding works better. Thicker pads often have more plastic in them than thinner pads.
Although you can slightly adjust the fit of the youth hockey shoulder pads using buckles and straps, you should purchase a size that fits the player well. Shoulder pads that are too big or too small do not give the player the level of comfort they need.
To figure out which size of shoulder pads you need, measure the circumference of your child’s chest. As a general rule, youth hockey shoulder pad manufacturers use three sizing categories, based on the chest circumference measurement.
The least expensive youth shoulder pads for hockey cost between $15-$50 and work for really young players in no-check leagues. Older youth players who want higher-quality pads for checking may spend $50-$200.
A. Nearly all youth hockey leagues require shoulder pads. Even if players cannot check each other, they still inadvertently collide with each other or occasionally go into the boards.
A. You can, but ill-fitting shoulder pads do not adequately protect the player. They could slide out of place if they’re too big.
STX’s Stallion 50 Shoulder Pads
Our take: When kids are a little skittish about being hit with a puck, these pads are popular, because they provide plenty of protective covering.
What we like: They are more durable than you may expect at this price point. They allow for slight size adjustment to deliver maximum comfort.
What you should consider: Sizes tend to run a little small vs. others.
Where to buy: Sold at Amazon
Our take: These inexpensive pads offer extra protection for the chest area.
What we like: These shoulder pads are very lightweight, which makes movement easier.
What you should consider: You sacrifice thickness in the pads to achieve the lighter weight.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods
Warrior’s Junior Alpha DX 4 Hockey Shoulder Pads
Our take: The price is a little higher than some, but these pads provide excellent comfort and protection.
What we like: The design allows for maximum freedom of movement. The use multiple straps to ensure a secure fit.
What you should consider: Sizes are not available for shorter players.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods
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Kyle Schurman writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.