After we presented our top best youth football shoulder pads, we thought that it would be a good idea to showcase some adult football shoulder pads as well, particularly those manufactured by reputable companies such as Schutt, and Xenith.
These brands have in their portfolio products for all positions in the game, from shoulder pads for linebackers, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends, to shoulder pads for offensive linemen.
Created using some of the best materials on the market and infused with modern technologies, the top best football shoulder pads will meet and surpass all of your expectations when it comes to reliability and looks, which means that finding a pair that’s just right for you should be a walk in the park.
Contents
- 1. Schutt O2 Maxx Football Shoulder Pads
- 2. Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD Shoulder Pads For Football
- 3. Schutt Varsity FLEX 4.0 Football Shoulder Pads
- 4. Gauntlet III Football Shoulder Pads
- 5. Douglas SP Mr. DZ Football Shoulder Pad
- 6. Douglas Legacy DD Football Shoulder Pad
- 7. Xenith Velocity 2 Football Shoulder Pad
- 8. Barnett VISION II Football Shoulder Pad
- 9. Gear Pro-Tec Razor RZ15 Adult Football Shoulder Pad
- 10. Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool ZC55 Adult Football Shoulder Pad
- Conclusion
1. Schutt O2 Maxx Football Shoulder Pads
The O2 Maxx All-Purpose shoulder pads by Schutt were created specifically for versatile players, and it is ideal for fullbacks, linebackers, and some linemen.
Its design boasts a longer, deeper cut, and it incorporates upgraded padding protection for heavy-hitting players.
There’s also some Redundant padding with Energy Lock technology, as well as an adjustable clavicle channel system that absorbs impact around the AC joint.
The Tactical Arch design is also present, as are the 7mm vent holes and perforated EVA foam.
Below you can find the version of this Schutt O2 Maxx shoulder pad for those who play as quarterback/wide receiver, but also offensive/defensive.
Size chart for Schutt O2 Maxx: Small: 16 – 17” Shoulders, Medium: 17 – 18” Shoulders, Large: 18 – 19” Shoulders, X-Large: 19 – 20” Shoulders, 2X-Large: 20 – 21” Shoulders, 3X-Large: 21 – 22″ Shoulders
Schutt O2 Maxx – Quarterback/Wide Receiver
Schutt O2 Maxx – Offensive/Defensive
2. Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD Shoulder Pads For Football
Just like its name suggests, the Varsity XV HD All-Purpose by Schutt is a jack-of-all-trades that includes a Tactical Arch Design engineered for maximum range of motion.
Lightweight and tough, this product has a Heat Moisture Management system based on a high-density EVA foam, which allows heat to escape and water to evaporate in order to keep the body as cool as possible.
As for the pads, they boast ventilated arches and 7mm vent holes that minimize the risk of overheating, while a clavicle channel system absorbs impact around the AC joint. With all these features, the weight of these shoulder pads reaches only 3 lbs.
This model is available for several playing positions, including quarterback/wide receiver, all-purpose, offensive/defensive, and skills positions.
You can find all this below.
Size chart for Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD: Small: 16 – 17” Shoulders, Medium: 17 – 18” Shoulders, Large: 18 – 19” Shoulders, X-Large: 19 – 20” Shoulders, 2X-Large: 20 – 21” Shoulders, 3X-Large: 21 – 22″ Shoulders
Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD – Quarterback/Wide receiver + Accessories
Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD – All Purpose
Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD – Offensive/Defensive Line
Schutt Sports Varsity XV HD – Skill Positions
3. Schutt Varsity FLEX 4.0 Football Shoulder Pads
The Schutt Sports Varsity FLEX 4.0 offers immense mobility and breathability than the previous Varsity Flex 2.0 line.
This shoulder pad comes in an all-black design with simple details, but outstanding in silver to look great on the field. It is made to meet the needs of several positions such as linebacker, fullback, defensive, and offensive.
Offering comfort without limiting the range of motion, it has a perforated body cushion and arch vents for superior airflow. With it, you will forget about sweat and the high temperature.
Besides all these, it comes with a 2-in-1 biothane belt system that helps keep the shoulder pad in place, as well as a high-density foam construction, which is designed to disperse force away from your body.
Size chart for Schutt Varsity FLEX 4.0: Small: 16 – 17” Shoulders, Medium: 17 – 18” Shoulders, Large: 18 – 19” Shoulders, X-Large: 19 – 20” Shoulders, 2X-Large: 20 – 21” Shoulders
Schutt Varsity FLEX 4.0 – All Purpose
Schutt Varsity FLEX 4.0 – Skill Positions
4. Gauntlet III Football Shoulder Pads
The Gauntlet III by Champro ensures high-quality protection for all positions.
No matter if you play as an offensive, defensive lineman, running back, linebacker, or other, this Champro shoulder pad is made for all.
Weighing only 5 lbs, it is made with a low-profile design that allows the athlete to move freely and comfortably.
The arch plates protect your shoulder from any impact while dispersing the energy evenly.
In addition to the range of motion, this shoulder pad’s removable liner system lets your skin breathe, preventing sweat and discomfort.
The design in black and blue details will make all eyes turn to you on the field.
5. Douglas SP Mr. DZ Football Shoulder Pad
Great for positions that require a bit of contact such as offensive and defensive linemen, the Douglas SP Series MR. DZ shoulder pad features a flat, low-profile design that gives a full range of motion without any restriction.
It feels so natural on the body, that you won’t even feel that you are wearing it.
It also incorporates a built-in top redundant cushion to ensure extra protection and cushioning in the areas that are the most exposed to impacts.
Also, its air management system based on open-cell foam allows sweat to evaporate quickly, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Size chart for Douglas SP Mr. DZ: Small: 18-19 in., Medium: 19-20 in., Large: 20-21 in., X-Large: 21-22 in., 2X-Large: 22-23 in., 3X-Large: 23-24 in., 4X-Large: 24-25 in., 5X-Large: 25-26 in.
6. Douglas Legacy DD Football Shoulder Pad
This shoulder pad from Douglas is extremely lightweight and comfortable.
It is perfect for players looking for light equipment that allows them greater agility on the field. It comes with features that enhance the range of motion like a flat, low-profile design.
Its belt and buckles offer a customizable and secure fit, so you can wear it without worrying about the shoulder pad shifting around when running on the field.
There’s also an air management system of open cell foam that ensures good ventilation to avoid overheating.
7. Xenith Velocity 2 Football Shoulder Pad
Do you want protection without sacrificing your mobility or agility? Then, stop and take a look at these Xenith Velocity 2.0 shoulder pads.
This version weighs only 3.5 lbs, which is much lighter than the previous Velocit version. Plus, with this weight, it manages to obtain the title of the lightest varsity-level shoulder pad.
These shoulder pads are designed with a low profile that still provides the best protection while allowing you to move naturally.
Also for a great range of motion, they feature an optimized neck roll, which lets you move your head in all possible directions. The chest panels are connected by a sturdy shock cord that ensures a snug fit.
The panels remain positioned on the chest without swaying even in the most difficult moments of the game.
Size chart for Xenith Velocity 2:
8. Barnett VISION II Football Shoulder Pad
Promoting comfort and protection, the Vision II football shoulder pads are lightweight and have an eye-catching design in black and white.
They can be worn by athletes who play in positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, or defensive back because they offer superior freedom of movement.
Their construction is made with an ABS shell that provides additional protection to the shoulder, chest, and upper back. Plus, the ABS is a material that is very resistant to cracking and breaking.
Without increased protection, the dual-density PU foam keeps you comfortable while reducing the pressure points.
9. Gear Pro-Tec Razor RZ15 Adult Football Shoulder Pad
Created for multiple positions, the Gear Pro-Tec Razor RZ15 football shoulder pad for adults has flexible sternum and spine protective pads, as well as closed cell foam clavicle channel pads that can be adjusted for a perfect fit.
This product includes the industry’s first pad-lock buckle system, which allows the wearer to attach straps just like seat belts.
The tactical energy dispersion system and compressed HEX foam are always nice to have, but we should also mention the SAS-TEC Visco Elastic Foam system, and the moisture-wicking fabric.
10. Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool ZC55 Adult Football Shoulder Pad
Let’s also have a look at the Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool ZC55, shall we? This product is incredibly lightweight and flexible, and it incorporates 1” adjustable belts with non-cut buckles that provide a custom, comfortable fit.
Moreover, it features Pro Select Pads, which are the lightest and most flexible pads offered by Gear Pro-Tec, while a patented Z-COOL moisture management system forces hot air out while pulling cool air in. The moisture-wicking, anti-microbial fabric is incredibly practical, while the adjustable and removable waterproof Air Release clavicle pad further contributes to a customized fit.
Conclusion
From the best football shoulder pads for linebackers to the best for wide receivers, our list has it all.
Depending on what position you play, you have to choose the type of garment that gives you what you need.
If you play as a lineman or linebacker, then you need maximum protection, while defensive backs and quarterbacks need a shoulder pad that offers mobility.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide with which shoulder pad you feel comfortable.
