Shoulder Pads vs Padded Shirts

[GrafSk8r12]

I play in a non-contact beer league and I'm thinking about making the switch from shoulder pads to a padded shirt for more mobility. My only concern is that it would offer less protection. Even in non-contact leagues, we all know that things still happen. Does anyone here use a padded shirt instead of shoulder pads? If so, what are some other pros and cons?

 

[Terry Yake]

haven't worn shoulder pads for years but started wearing a padded shirt for games not too long ago

i also play in a non contact beer league and the padded shirt is perfect for just that. it's obviously much lighter than shoulder pads and doesn't limit your mobility. so far i haven't had any issues with it at all

 

[GrafSk8r12]

Thanks for the response. After that plus some additional research, I went ahead and ordered a Reebok 9k padded shirt. Looking forward to using it!

 

[The Tikkanen]

I wear the Sherwood 5030 classic shoulder pads, don't feel safe wearing a padded shirt but also don't need a linebackers pads in non check ice leagues. If you have no history of injury with your upper body there's nothing wrong with wearing a padded shirt.

 

[Rangediddy]

I also play in a non-contact league and I wear shoulder pads, but I cut the hard round shoulder caps off. Leaves me with protection on my chest and back as well as around my biceps below the shoulder.

No issues with mobility and I feel reasonably comfortable in front of the net screening shots (the shoulder caps won't help much there anyways).

Though i might have a look at the padded shirt if it offers similar protection.

 

[Rookie109]

I have a padded shirt for just casual rink time outdoors, but I wear full shoulder pads for beer league not just for protection around the boards but for the upper body protection from sticks and pucks.

I know some guys don't wear shoulder pads at all, they say they have greater mobility but they are also the first guys to get out of the lane when a shot comes in. For guys like me who block shots, shoulder pads are pretty much a necessity just in case a puck gets up high and hits the sternum.

Any shoulder pad with three piece shoulder caps are pretty decent in terms of mobility, I have the Bauer APX2 shoulders and I haven't noticed any mobility issues.

 

[GrafSk8r12]

I have a padded shirt for just casual rink time outdoors, but I wear full shoulder pads for beer league not just for protection around the boards but for the upper body protection from sticks and pucks.

I know some guys don't wear shoulder pads at all, they say they have greater mobility but they are also the first guys to get out of the lane when a shot comes in. For guys like me who block shots, shoulder pads are pretty much a necessity just in case a puck gets up high and hits the sternum.

Any shoulder pad with three piece shoulder caps are pretty decent in terms of mobility, I have the Bauer APX2 shoulders and I haven't noticed any mobility issues.

I also know a few guys who do this and can't believe it. Having absolutely no padding on my upper body would result in focusing more on not getting injured rather than playing the actual game.

 

[AD1066]

I highly recommend Farrell shoulder pads if you can find them. I heard they went out of business though.

It's a light, foamy material and all of the hard plastic pads easily detach. Zero impairment of movement for me, I'd compare it to wearing a hoodie during pond hockey.

 

[knobdy]

I had a pair of these thinking that I could use the shirt for some games and throw the pads on whenever I needed a bit more protection. Turns out that the shirt is hot as hell and wicked short. So I picked up a pair of the Bauer Classic Shoulder Pads at pure hockey and couldn't be happier. It has a bit of a shoulder cap so it protects my shoulders enough (I separated my shoulder going into the boards a couple of years ago without pads) and are so light I forget that I'm wearing them.

 

[Renbarg]

I wouldn't wear shoulder pads if they didn't keep my suspenders up.

 

[MoogMoose]

Do you find that the padded shirts offer enough sternum and spine protection? Being a girl I have probably tried 5 different shoulder pads trying to find protection without shoulder caps that feel like they come up to my eyebrows. Every pair of shoulder pads I have tried I have limited head mobility because my cage is hitting my shoulder caps. I'm about to make my own custom something because it is driving me nuts and hinders my mobility.

 

[knobdy]

Do you find that the padded shirts offer enough sternum and spine protection? Being a girl I have probably tried 5 different shoulder pads trying to find protection without shoulder caps that feel like they come up to my eyebrows. Every pair of shoulder pads I have tried I have limited head mobility because my cage is hitting my shoulder caps. I'm about to make my own custom something because it is driving me nuts and hinders my mobility.

Have you tried the old school sherwood's/CCM's/Bauer I linked above? My Reebok's were doing the same thing with my cage but I don't have that issue with my Bauer Classics.

 

[The Tikkanen]

Have you tried the old school sherwood's/CCM's/Bauer I linked above? My Reebok's were doing the same thing with my cage but I don't have that issue with my Bauer Classics.

Agreed, that's what I use. There is no neck roll and the shoulder caps are more form fitting so they don't make you look bulky. I've never had an issue with being uncomfortable or gotten injured as a result of using the classics.

 

[MoogMoose]

I tried the 5030's tonight but the flat cap was just too flat. I did pick up a used pair of Bauer classics (older model) for $11 at PIAS. They were dissected this evening. I'm finding one of the problems is the simple fact that the caps don't fit ON my shoulders but rather sit on top. Like my overall shoulder width isn't matching up with the caps. Looks like ridiculous oversized earrings at this point. Anybody else have that issue?

I'm thinking of making an adjustable shoulder cap similar to the adjustable bicep guard. Plus I'm dealing with two more issues most of you guys aren't dealing with. **wink wink. It's time to get Frankenpad in here.

As far as padded shirts, I really like those Down Low hockey shirts, but $160?! That's league fees right there.

 

[Martin Riggs]

My shoulder pads basically look like these. I might be better off with a padded shirt.

 

[RandV]

Can't recall the brand or make, CCM maybe, but my shoulder pads had a bunch of pieces detachable. Not sure if it's the smartest thing since I like the protection, but I found taking off the bicep guards give me that full mobility/comfort with shoulder, front & back protection. Figured the moment I get hit with the puck or take a good crosscheck to the upper arms I'd put them back on, but years later it's never happened.

So basically I'm playing with something like those Farrell pads pictured above.

 

[kilowatt]

I would never wear padded shirts on ice, that seems like a roller thing. Either get the Sherwood 5030 shoulder pads or the CCM U+ Crazy Light shoulder pads if you can find them. Lightweight and comfortable and you still look like a hockey player.

 

[itsjustsurvival]

I highly recommend Farrell shoulder pads if you can find them. I heard they went out of business though.

It's a light, foamy material and all of the hard plastic pads easily detach. Zero impairment of movement for me, I'd compare it to wearing a hoodie during pond hockey.

Always on the look out for a pair. My friends have them and they are awesome. Hope to find them one day.

 

[jazzykat]

I'll second the CCM CL shoulder pads (assuming you can find them they are on clearance and not that expensive anymore).

They weigh nothing, have very good shoulder cap protection (if you care) and a hard sternum plate. The rest is lightweight foam.

 

[jorbjorb]

I wear 5030 but damn i didn't even know that padded shirts exists.

gonna switch

 

[The Tikkanen]

Always on the look out for a pair. My friends have them and they are awesome. Hope to find them one day.

I have a pair in my garage, size small, I'm 6ft, 210 lbs, their sizing was a little bit off. Was thinking about putting them on Ebay since I saw this thread and notice there aren't any for sale.

 

[Guffaw]

CCM CL shoulder pads and I haven't played contact for decades. Why? Cheap shots, the boards don't move, high shots.

2 high speed impacts into the boards, one left me with a bruised shoulder, the other with a shattered collarbone. I'll never go without a decent shoulder pad again. Plus what do they weigh,a pound? I mean is that really impeding you that much?

 

[Guffaw]

Some of it depends on body type and your style of play. Fat, slow, and guys that don't really play that hard don't need as much protection. They have natural padding and aren't moving fast enough to really hurt anything. Bony speedster that plays all out and you may wanna suit up a bit more. Lol

 

[raptor5191]

I have a pair in my garage, size small, I'm 6ft, 210 lbs, their sizing was a little bit off. Was thinking about putting them on Ebay since I saw this thread and notice there aren't any for sale.

Still thinking of parting with them?