Best Skill Position Football Shoulder Pads
From Quarterback to Tight End, our list of best-selling skill position shoulder pads has something for everyone. We work with players and gear experts to review shoulder pads for protection (how well they protect against impacts), mobility (the pad’s freedom of movement), and comfort/fit (how well they fit a variety of body types). We update our rankings weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
Meet Our Experts
The Xenith Flyte football shoulder pads are designed to deliver optimal protection without sacrificing mobility. Featuring a sleek, low-profile design and high-performance impact foam, these pads offer superior comfort and confidence on the field. The Flyte's versatile fit accommodates multiple positions, making it a great choice for young athletes looking to elevate their game. With a focus on both safety and performance, the Flyte provides protection while allowing players to move freely and make plays with ease.
The Xenith Flyte is a total game-changer for skill positions. It's insanely light but packs a serious protective punch. What sets it apart is how it fits like a glove without restricting movement. The ShockShield tech does a fantastic job of absorbing hits and distributing impact. You'll stay cool and comfortable even in the thick of things.
Devon Murray
Schutt Y Flex Football Shoulder Pads are designed to provide varsity-level protection for youth athletes. The increased chest width accommodates larger players, while the T-Hook strap ensures a secure fit. The lightweight arch design enhances range of motion around the shoulders, facilitating catching and blocking. The wider neck opening allows for better pre-snap head positioning and improved line calls, making the Y Flex a top choice for young athletes seeking performance and protection.
The weight on the Y Flex is perfect. Not too heavy but still sturdy enough for tough games and hard hits. They are easy to adjust and provide a wider neck opening that allows a better pre-snap head position. Highly recommend these pads for all positions on the field.
Devon Murray
The Riddell Power SPX football shoulder pads offer protection and performance. Featuring the innovative Stac-Shoulder System, these pads provide a customized fit for optimal comfort and impact absorption. The low-profile, flat pad design maximizes coverage while allowing for unrestricted mobility, making the Power SPX ideal for players at all positions. With advanced features like an Air Management Liner System for cooling and swivel fronts for enhanced range of motion, these shoulder pads deliver performance on the field.
The Power SPX is a classic choice for a reason. It's tough, reliable, and offers great protection. The Shock Absorption System is a standout feature, soaking up big hits and keeping players safe. While it might be a bit bulkier than some newer options, it's a tried-and-true pad perfect for players prioritizing protection over pure mobility.
Devon Murray
Riddell Pursuit Shoulder Pads offer a lightweight and comfortable option for young athletes. The flat pad design and integrated deltoid pads provide essential protection without compromising mobility. The Z-Fit belting system ensures a secure and easy-to-adjust fit, while the removable/adjustable bodies allow for customization. With its blend of comfort, protection, and versatility, the Riddell Pursuit is a great choice for aspiring young football players.
The Riddell Pursuits are easy to get on and off and extra breathable. They have pulls for tightening the sides which helps youth players adjust the fit on the fly. If you're a competitive youth player who needs protection and mobility, the Pursuit is well worth it.
Devon Murray