Best Hockey Elbow Pads to Handle Every Impact
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Reebok Kinetic Fit 20K Pro Hockey Elbow Pads -
Easton Mako Hockey Elbow Pads -
Bauer Supreme TotalOne Hockey Elbow Pads -
CCM Quicklite 230 Youth Hockey Elbow Pads -
Warrior Dynasty AX1 Elbow Pad -
Buyer's Guide
Elbow pads are in integral piece of a hockey player’s uniform. They are designed to protect the elbow from painful injuries that may occur from a fall to the ice or a crash to the boards. Elbow pads should be able to handle all types of impacts, but they should not be inhibitive to a player’s motion. They must be sturdy and agile at the same time. The best hockey elbow pads on 2022 are ranked based on each pad’s weight, level of protection, freedom of movement for the player, comfort, and sizing options.
Detailing the Best Hockey Elbow Pad of 2022
Reebok Kinetic Fit 20K Pro Hockey Elbow Pads - Best Hockey Elbow Pads Overall
As expected, Reebok’s latest line of pads continues to improve on the very few problems of previous versions. The latest elbow pads have improved over last year’s model by not sliding near as much and comfortably sitting a little more snug against your skin and not getting too hot, due to the great liner. Another wildly important feature that has helped to define Reebok’s pads is the ability to bend very easily. This helps them to feel fitted against your arm, and also allows you to keep your focus on the game, instead of trying to reposition your pads.
Easton Mako Hockey Elbow Pads - Runner Up
A lot of players are initially skeptical of Easton’s Mako line because of the fold system, which replaces the traditional straps that most are accustomed to. Yes, it does take a little getting used to. But there are plenty of things to like about it. It adds protection to the inside of the arm, and also stays secure and will not get caught on a jersey, like almost all other straps do so often. It also allows for quicker adjustments and feels a lot tougher than most pads.
Bauer Supreme TotalOne Hockey Elbow Pads - Honorable Mention
These pads have a very traditional feel to them that players will feel very comfortable with. The traditional straps have covers to keep them from getting snagged on jerseys, which makes a huge difference in a player’s comfort and focus on the game. The liner actually breathes very well too and allows your arms to stay relatively dry, unlike the majority of pads that don’t breathe and wear out quickly as a result. Bauer has also made the stitching a lot stronger, which is a huge improvement over older models.
CCM Quicklite 230 Youth Hockey Elbow Pads - Consider
Like the name indicates, these pads are extremely light. In fact, they’re made with a specially designed foam and liner that is water resistant to ensure that they don’t get heavier throughout a game and wear down because of moisture damage. Like the majority of modern pads, it features a three piece system that bends very easily with a player’s movements. While CCM equipment has a reputation of wearing out rather quickly, these pads seem to made very well and with the right treatment, they’ll last as long as any other pad out there.
Warrior Dynasty AX1 Elbow Pad - Best Hockey Elbow Pads
Warrior made these pads to be as durable as they are tough. They incorporated new technology to stop the buildup of mold overtime, which is the number one killer of pads. It has the feel of more traditional pads of the 90's that a lot of older players will love, and a simple and straightforward strap system to match. There is, however, a smaller strap that covers the inner elbow crease that will really help to stop the pads from slipping over the course of a game.
Buyer's Guide
Hockey elbow pads are a commonly overlooked piece of equipment but they protect a very fragile part of the body. Truth is when it comes to a sport like hockey, elbows, and forearms are definitely prone to injuries. So elbow pads are necessary to shield you during a fall. However, choosing the best hockey elbow pads can be a bit complicated because of the different types of design and functions. This is where we come in. With this buying guide and with our list of the best hockey elbow pads, you are sure to make the right selection very easily.
What should I consider when buying hockey elbow pads?
We give you all the information you need to choose the best hockey elbow pads for you. The right hockey elbow pad will be suitable in terms of protection, comfort and morbidity.
What type of hockey elbow pads should I buy?
There are 3 different types of hockey elbow pads. They are classified according to design: Soft shell elbow pad, two-piece elbow pad, three-piece elbow pad. We will be discussing them and their peculiarities below.
Soft Shell Design
They are also known as one-piece elbow pads because they are usually made of a single piece. They have a padded exterior and then a plastic interior. These types of hockey elbow pads are worn commonly by entry-level hockey players. They do not offer much protection but they offer great mobility while playing.
Two Piece Design
This is the most common type you can find on the market. It consists of a strong and durable molded piece of plastic that serves as the elbow and forearm guard with an additional upper piece as the bicep guard. The additional bicep guard provides more protection than the soft shell design.
Three Piece Design
These are the more premium pads on the market and are subsequently the priciest. They are like the two-piece elbow pads but have an additional segment between the bicep and the bottom of the pad. They are usually used by pros. They offer more protection and also more mobility than the soft shell and two-piece designs.
What forearm protection does the hockey elbow pad have?
The forearm guard of your hockey elbow pad is also important to note so as to prevent injuries while playing. The level of forearm protection you get depends on the type of hockey elbow pad you choose. Soft shell elbow pads have a single layer of plastic with foam and they might not always cover the entire forearm. The single layer of foam is also not very protective during impact. Two piece elbow pads have plastic inserts that provide increased protection. Three piece elbow pads come with thicker plastic, high-quality foam materials that wrap around the forearm properly.
Defensive players usually need more protection so should go for three piece hockey elbow pads. Attacking players do not necessarily need the same level of protection and so can go for two piece or soft shell hockey elbow pads.
What bicep protection does the hockey elbow pad have?
Only two piece or three piece hockey elbow pads provide proper bicep protection. Mid-range two piece elbow pads have plastic inserts that properly protect the bicep. Three piece elbow pads have denser plastic with high-quality foam that offers even more protection.
What kind of strapping system does the hockey elbow pad have?
The strapping system of a hockey elbow pad is also a crucial consideration. Just because an elbow pad is expensive and high end does not mean its strapping system is appropriate and secure. Having a simple and secure strapping system is necessary to prevent your elbow pads from sleeping around your arms or worse, even falling off. Soft shell entry-level elbow pads for beginners usually have a two or three strap velcro system. For mid-range two piece elbow pads, they usually have straps made of nylon that are more comfortable. Three piece elbow guards should be made from high quality elastic such as neoprene and they are the most comfortable option.
What type of elbow liner is used with the hockey elbow pad?
Elbow liners are the main contributory factor when it comes to comfort. Soft shell designs usually come with a nylon liner which is soft and comfortable. However, this is still a basic level of comfort and those liners do not contribute any form of protection. Mid-range and high-end elbow pads have more comfortable materials used. Some of their liners are also breathable and so reduce odors.
Frequently asked questions on hockey elbow pads
Q: How do I wear hockey elbow pads properly?
A: Hockey elbow pads should give you good mobility and also be comfortable. If you do not wear them properly, no matter how good they are, they will not serve their purpose appropriately. Make sure you have the elbow pads on the correct arms. Your elbow should fit comfortably in the centre of the forearm piece. Also, the straps should be in the inner part of your arms and fit securely so that there is more protection on the outer part of your arm.
Q: How do I get the right size for my hockey elbow pads?
A: Sizing charts may seem a bit confusing but figuring out your size really is simple. All you have to do is use a tape ruler to measure the length from the mid-bicep to mid-forearm. Youth sizes range from 7 to 9 inches. Junior sizes range from 9 to 12 inches. Senior sizes range from 12 to 16 inches. It is also a good idea to take into account the circumference of your arms. If you have really wide arms you should size up. If you are confused about the sizing of a particular model, you can always reach out to the seller or do a little research.
Q: How tight should hockey elbow pads be?
A: They should be tight enough to not move around at all while you are in motion but loose enough to still give you full mobility.
Q: How do hockey elbow pads protect me?
A: In high impact sports like hockey, it is important to have as much protection as possible to prevent injuries. Hockey elbow pads protect your elbows from trauma by cushioning your elbows and absorbing impact.
