There are two styles of football shoulder pads: cantilevered and noncantilevered. Cantilevered shoulder pads are typically used by offensive linemen, linebackers, and sometimes defensive linemen. They are bigger to protect the shoulders during blocking and tackling. Noncantilevered shoulder pads are smaller and lighter than cantilevered ones. The padding covers the collarbone to allow for a larger range of motion. Quarterbacks, receivers, and youth players prefer this type of padding.

Properly fitting shoulder pads should sit comfortably on your shoulders and give you roughly 1" of padding on your shoulder. They should completely cover your upper shoulders and sternum and not pinch your collarbone or neck.

If properly cared for, football shoulder pads should easily last anywhere from 2-3 seasons, provided they do not get cracked, damaged, or lose any important padding. New pads may be needed for youth players every season as they often quickly grow out of their old ones.

Buying used gear is a sustainable way to score high-quality items at a fraction of the cost. Not only can you find great deals, but you might also stumble upon rare or discontinued gear that’s no longer available in stores. When buying used shoulder pads, here's what to look for:

✔️ There are no cracks in any of the shell pieces.
✔️ There are no rips or tears in any of the cushion pieces.
✔️ The belt / buckle is attached, securely locked, and in good condition.
✔️ The epaulet and cup are securely attached.
✔️ The elastic of the belt is not stretched.
✔️ There are no rivets that are broken or missing.

A close-up of a football shoulder padsDescription automatically generated

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