Youth football is an incredibly popular sport, and much like regular American football, it involves two teams that struggle to control an oval-shaped football in order to score field goals.
As with most major sports, this one is extremely competitive, and this is why players are required to wear special equipment designed to ensure their protection.
Today we’re going to present a top containing the best youth football shoulder pads, as this is one of the most important pieces of football gear.
All of these products were manufactured by reputable brands such as Riddell or Schutt, which is why you can pick your favorite without worrying about quality or reliability.
Contents
- 1. Xenith Flyte
- 2. Champro Youth Scorpion Shoulder Pad
- 3. Schutt Sports Y-Flex 4.0 All-Purpose
- 4. Schutt Sports T-Flex Youth Shoulder Pad
- 5. Schutt O-Seven Multi-Sport
- 6. Schutt Sports Mid Fles 4.0
- 7. Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pad with Back Plate
- Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool
- Schutt Y Flex 2.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Football America Ultimate Series Youth Shoulder Pads
- Schutt Mid Flex 2.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Adams ASP II Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Riddell Rival Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Wilson TDY RushShoulder Pads
- Riddell Power Phantom SK JV/Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Bike Rattler BYSH12 Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Schutt AiR Maxx Flex All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Rawlings SRG Momentum Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Schutt Mid Flex 4.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Douglas JP 36 Series Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- EvoShield EvoAlpha Youth Football Shoulder Pads
- Champro Airtech 3.2 Youth Football Shoulder Pads
1. Xenith Flyte
The Xenith Flyte Youth Football Shoulder Pads protect every inch of the body it covers.
The shoulder pads are a good fit for both youth and intermediate-level athletes. Their incorporated Xflex Shock technology uses multi-layer protection, meaning two additional walls on the inside. This advanced feature effectively reduces the impact forces.
The high-impact foam padding together with the low-profile design work together to dissipate shocks equally. They offer good durability of the pads, but also a good performance.
These shoulder pads do not limit the range of motion at all and they are lightweight. They also have a floating sternum plate for more coverage, but also connected shock cords that promote even more freedom of movement.
Some consider them to be the best youth shoulder pads for wide receivers, but Xenith places these pads as suitable for all positions.
2. Champro Youth Scorpion Shoulder Pad
The Champro Scorpion youth shoulder pads are very durable and well-padded. They feature a low-profile cantilever design that helps absorb the impact of a fall or contact.
The padding made of high-impact polyethylene foam also reduces the impact and disperses the shock, ensuring optimal protection for the athlete.
The interior of these youth shoulder pads has a mesh lining that brilliantly manages the temperature even when the physical activity is intense. It ensures good air ventilation and even absorbs sweat, but does not weigh down the pads.
Besides the lining, they also have an easy-release system that helps to put it on and take it off, as well as some pre-drilled holes. These holes are present for customizing the pads with other accessories such as neck collars or backplates.
3. Schutt Sports Y-Flex 4.0 All-Purpose
The Schutt Sports Y-Flex 4.0 Youth Football Shoulder Pads were designed to meet all positions’ needs. These pads are lightweight, which makes them feel natural on the body. The light weight helps the athlete to move freely and be very agile on the field.
The length of these shoulder pads is longer and offers more extensive protection on the body.
For a personalized fixation, those from Schutt have added an adjustable elastic belt linked to the arches. In addition to all these, they also boast dual-density padding that is not very bulky but can offer good shock absorption.
To manage sweat, they include breathable mesh in the design as well as vent holes that increase air circulation.
4. Schutt Sports T-Flex Youth Shoulder Pad
The next shoulder pads on the list are again from Schutt. The Schutt Sports T-Flex Youth Shoulder Pad has a special design that is created to contour the natural shape of the body.
They come with an upgraded padding type that does not offer the usual protection like other shoulder pads but reduces the risk of injury in cases of very strong hits.
The materials of these pads have moisture-wicking properties that keep the body cool and dry, but also an integrated compression system that keeps the pads in place.
The correct position is ensured by a three-point belt system that also ensures a tight, secure fit.
The holes in the cushioning area ventilate the air inside, while the antimicrobial treatment keeps bacteria and odor at bay.
5. Schutt O-Seven Multi-Sport
The Schutt Adults’ O-Seven Soft Shoulder Pads help your child to stay safe during football practices and games.
The superior and high-density EVA foam offers a great amount of padding, while the hole vents present in the foam encourage air circulation to prevent sweat from collecting inside.
The interior of these pads is treated with an antimicrobial treatment that prevents the development of bacteria and the smell. If the pads are properly cleaned after use, then they will certainly not smell.
In terms of coverage, these shoulder pads for youth offer optimal coverage so that the little athlete is protected all the time.
6. Schutt Sports Mid Fles 4.0
The Schutt Sports Mid Fles 4.0 Shoulder Pads are created to suit perfectly any football player no matter the position played.
They have, like other Schutt pads, a high-impact, dual-density padding that offers superior cushioning and impact resistance. The padding is placed in such a way as to cover all vulnerable areas.
The arch design ensures that the athlete’s freedom of movement is not altered at all. The belt system is developed to offer a perfect fit but also safety. It helps the shoulder pads stay still throughout the training.
Of course, being a Schutt product, it benefits from antimicrobial treatment that discourages the appearance of odor and bacteria.
7. Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pad with Back Plate
Recommended for quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, and running backs, the Riddell JPK+ Shoulder Pads offer a great balance of protection and comfort. They are designed with RipKord technology that allows the pads to be removed very quickly in case of emergencies.
Unlike other options, the T-Flex shoulder pads have a dual-density foam that is a bit bulkier. This padding protects the body of the athlete from extremely strong impacts. At the back, these shoulder pads have an included backplate that offers extra protection and support.
The adjustable fit system ensures a secure and safe fit and the vent hole’s breathability.
With all these features included, the Riddell JPK+ shoulder pads feel lightweight on the body and do not interfere with free movement.
Below you can find the old list from 2016
Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool
We’ll start off with the Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Junior Varsity Football Shoulder Pads – All Purpose – a lightweight yet durable pair of pads that feature moisture-wicking technologies as well as great breathability. This makes them ideal for youth players in any position, which gives them an impressive amount of versatility. The moisture-wicking part is taken care of by Z-COOL padding, which pulls cool air into the system while pushing hot air out. Other details include a plastic inner arch design, an AC joint notch-out with AC cradle pads, as well as adjustable deltoid and cap pads.
Schutt Y Flex 2.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
The Schutt Y Flex 2.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads are just as versatile, all thanks to their extended body length that provides protection for rookies and veterans alike. This product was designed with safety in mind, and so it boasts raised corrugations as well as a double-layered EVA foam padding system. As for ventilation, it is ensured by a series of 7mm vent holes that were implemented throughout the arch. These pads are perfect for positions such as Running Back, Quarterback, Defensive Back, Wide Receiver, Defensive Linemen, Offensive Linemen and others.
Football America Ultimate Series Youth Shoulder Pads
The all-position Football America Ultimate Series Youth Football Shoulder Pads also deserve a spot on our list, especially since they come with a low profile that guarantees perfect field visibility. Lightweight and comfortable, the Ultimate Series needs just a single elastic body strap, while the removable body itself can be cleaned and maintained without too much effort. The pads are pre-drilled for neck rolls, sternum plate accessories and back plates.
Schutt Mid Flex 2.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Junior high and youth players will find the Schutt Mid Flex 2.0 shoulder pads to be a fantastic choice, not just because of their versatile All Purpose arch but also thanks to their vent holes and perforated foam elements that ensure much-needed breathability and airflow. Other highlights include an elastic strap attachment system, an attached body cushion and raised corrugations on the arch.
Adams ASP II Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Created by a brand named Adams, the ASP II Youth Football Shoulder Pads are just as reliable as everything else that we’ve presented so far, which means that they can ensure coverage for all players across all positions. They were put together using a tough 140 gauge plastic shell and a combination of open and closed cell foam padding. This mix provides exceptional performance and impact protection thus allowing the wearer to enjoy safety and comfort on the field. We should also mention the water resistant nylon cover, the double pivot back and the extended breast and back pads that cover the sternum.
Riddell Rival Youth Football Shoulder Pads
What we have here are the Riddell Rival Youth Football Shoulder Pads, which can be described using the following terms: reliable, tough and lightweight. These pads represent an upgraded version of the company’s Warrior IIx shoulder pads, and they boast certain features that are aimed specifically at youth players. A Z-Fit belt system fits all shapes and sizes securely, while a flat pad design sits low on the shoulders in order to support a wide range of motion. The product is kept away from the neck and head area thanks to a series of extended arches, which offer a deep cut.
Wilson TDY RushShoulder Pads
The modern Wilson TDY Rush Youth Football Shoulder Pads are perfect for players who want to master the new TackleSure and Heads Up techniques. They flaunt more forward facing epaulets than usual, which guarantees better frontal impact dispersion while enhancing the wearer’s range of motion. Since ventilation is also incredibly important, Wilson’s experts have outfitted these pads with a double density perforated foam. This product also comes with a technology named Right-Fit, which is based on a 4-point Velcro strap system.
Riddell Power Phantom SK JV/Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Yet another noteworthy Riddell offering comes in the form of the Power Phantom SK JV/Youth Football Shoulder Pads, which include the brand’s own Air Management Liner System as well as an engineered composite sub-arch. Even though it is packed with these impressive features, the product still retains its low profile for a plus of mobility, which is always a good plus. The pads also impress with layers of open-cell foam inserted around the clavicle and body area, which guarantee breathability and lightness. These pads absorb impact perfectly by releasing air and spreading the force of the impact away from the body.
Bike Rattler BYSH12 Youth Football Shoulder Pads
You should also consider having a look at the Bike Rattler series BYSH12 extended sternum youth football shoulder pads, which boast a storm proof nylon taffeta that keeps moisture away, while an internal air cushion slows and absorbs impact with great efficiency. The body arch padding has been extended at the front and rear in order to ensure better protection for the chest and back areas.
Schutt AiR Maxx Flex All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
There’s one main element that allows the Schutt AiR Maxx Flex All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads to stand out when it comes to similar offerings, and that’s that it incorporates the brand’s renowned TPU cushioning system. This means that we’re talking about a product that delivers exceptional protection by absorbing impact whether the wearer is the one that receives the hit or causes it.
Rawlings SRG Momentum Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Youth players who are just starting to learn the game should definitely consider wearing the Rawlings SRG Momentum Youth Football Shoulder Pads, which come with a low-profile design that guarantees a superb range of motion. The pads were designed specifically to keep youth players at all positions safe, which is why they have built-in clavicle channel protection systems.
Schutt Mid Flex 4.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads
At number 12 on our list are the Mid Flex 4.0 All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads by Schutt, and their main highlights include a heat and moisture management system as well as a breathable mesh. The 7mm vent holes and dual density padding also deserve a mention, and if you’re still not impressed, you should know about the antimicrobial treatment that inhibits the spread of mold and bacteria.
Douglas JP 36 Series Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Even though the Douglas JP36 Junior Series Shoulder Pads were designed for youth football players, they are just as reliable their professional counterparts. Highlights include white plastic elements complemented by a black cushion, as well as double hook-ups and an extended shell design for a plus of protection at the shoulder and torso areas.
EvoShield EvoAlpha Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Aimed at youth players aged between 5 and 12, the EvoShield EvoAlpha Youth Football Shoulder Pads were put together using light perforated foam, and they incorporate a sternum plate at the front for extra protection against direct impact. Their 3-point belt system guarantees a secure fit, while a Flexshell Gel inserted above the clavicle provides protection without sacrificing comfort.
Champro Airtech 3.2 Youth Football Shoulder Pads
Last but not least, we’re going to tell you a few things about the Champro Airtech 3.2 youth football shoulder pads. These pads include dual density padding as well as a Hook & Loop closure attachment system that allows the wearer to adjust each pad in order to achieve a custom fit. Furthermore, high-impact P.E. shells complemented by tempered steel spring reinforced arches provide exceptional protection even during the most intense matches.
I bought these schutt shoulder pads ( Schutt AiR Maxx Flex All Purpose Youth Football Shoulder Pads ) for my nephew as a Christmas gift. Before I buy them I did some research and I found out that these were one of the best rated youth football shoulder pads. My nephew loves them!
Too expensive