When it comes to protecting your body while playing contact sports, shoulder pads are an essential piece of equipment.
But what’s the difference between hockey and lacrosse shoulder pads? Whether youre a seasoned veteran getting ready for a game or just starting out, its important to understand the differences in purpose, design, protection, and mobility between the two.
In this article, well break down what makes hockey and lacrosse shoulder pads unique and how they support players in different ways.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Hockey shoulder pads are designed to protect the shoulders, arms, clavicle, ribs, and spine from collisions and impacts from sticks and pucks.
They are usually lightweight and flexible, and designed to allow for free range of motion.
Lacrosse shoulder pads, on the other hand, are designed to protect the shoulders, arms, clavicle, and spine.
They are usually heavier and stiffer, and designed to provide more coverage and protection from impacts from players, sticks, and balls.
Purpose of Shoulder Pads
The purpose of shoulder pads is to protect athletes from contact with the playing surface, other players, and equipment.
Shoulder pads are designed to provide cushioning and protection from impacts that could otherwise cause injury, and they can also help to absorb energy from blows and falls.
They also provide stability and support for athletes when they are making contact with other players or playing surfaces.
Hockey shoulder pads are generally larger and offer more coverage of the shoulders, collarbone, and upper arms.
These pads usually feature more padding and protection for the ribs and spine, providing a greater level of protection from dangerous impacts.
Hockey shoulder pads are also designed to reduce the risk of dislocated shoulders and other upper body injuries.
Lacrosse shoulder pads, on the other hand, are designed to offer more mobility and flexibility.
These pads usually have fewer and thinner layers of padding, and are designed to move with the player’s body.
This allows for greater agility and mobility when playing the game.
Lacrosse shoulder pads often also have more venting, allowing for better breathability and temperature control during play.
Hockey Shoulder Pad Design
When it comes to shoulder pad design, hockey and lacrosse have some distinct differences.
Hockey shoulder pads are designed to provide the most coverage and protection for the shoulder, collarbone, and upper arms.
This is achieved through larger shoulder cup designs that offer the greatest protection against slashes and impacts.
Hockey pads also feature more padding than lacrosse pads, with extra layers of protection for the rib cage and spine.
This extra padding helps absorb the energy of a collision, reducing the risk of injury.
Additionally, hockey pads often feature adjustable straps and straps for the upper arms to ensure a snug fit.
This helps keep the pads in place, reducing the risk of them shifting during gameplay.
Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Design
Lacrosse shoulder pads are designed to offer more mobility and flexibility than hockey shoulder pads, making them a popular choice among players who need more agility and speed on the field.
These pads are typically made with fewer and thinner layers of padding than hockey pads, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
Additionally, lacrosse shoulder pads are often designed with more venting for increased airflow and breathability.
This helps to keep the player cool and comfortable during intense games and practices.
Certain lacrosse shoulder pads may also feature adjustable straps, buckles, and other features that allow for a customized fit.
All of these design features make lacrosse pads an ideal choice for players who need extra protection and mobility.
Hockey Shoulder Pad Protection
When it comes to shoulder pads, its important to understand that hockey and lacrosse shoulder pads are designed to provide protection from contact with the playing surface, other players, and equipment.
Hockey shoulder pads provide a higher level of protection than lacrosse shoulder pads due to their larger size and coverage of the shoulders, collarbone, and upper arms.
Hockey shoulder pads are designed to protect the rib cage and spine with more padding and protection.
This additional protection is necessary due to the physical nature of hockey and the fact that players are regularly involved in intense contact.
Hockey shoulder pads are specifically designed to absorb the impact of hits and falls, allowing players to remain safe and uninjured during the game.
Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Protection
When it comes to shoulder protection, lacrosse shoulder pads are designed to provide a different level of protection than hockey shoulder pads.
Lacrosse pads are typically made of lighter, more flexible materials to provide greater mobility and flexibility for the player.
They are also designed to move with the players body, allowing for greater agility and quickness.
In addition to being lighter and more flexible, lacrosse shoulder pads are also designed with fewer and thinner layers of padding.
This allows for more breathability and ventilation, so the player remains cool and comfortable on the field.
The lighter padding also allows for a greater range of motion and agility.
However, it does not provide the same level of protection as hockey shoulder pads, which are typically much thicker and offer more coverage of the collarbone, upper arms, and rib cage.
Hockey Shoulder Pad Mobility
When it comes to hockey shoulder pads, mobility is key.
These pads cover more of the players body than lacrosse pads, offering greater protection from contact with the playing surface, other players, and equipment.
The larger coverage area of hockey shoulder pads generally extends from the collarbone down to the abdomen, as well as across the upper arms and shoulders.
This increased coverage allows for a greater range of motion and better protection from collisions with other players and the playing surface.
Hockey shoulder pads are typically thicker and more heavily padded than lacrosse shoulder pads, providing more cushioning and shock absorption against impacts.
This added padding also helps to protect the rib cage and spine from potential injury.
Additionally, hockey shoulder pads are designed to fit more snugly than lacrosse shoulder pads, allowing for greater freedom of movement without sacrificing the security of the shoulder pads.
Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Mobility
When it comes to lacrosse shoulder pads, mobility is an important factor.
Lacrosse pads are designed to offer more flexibility and mobility than hockey shoulder pads, allowing for greater agility and maneuverability on the field.
They are typically made from lightweight materials such as mesh and foam and feature fewer and thinner layers of padding.
This helps to keep the player’s body cool and comfortable while still providing the necessary protection from contact with the playing surface, other players, and equipment.
Additionally, lacrosse shoulder pads often feature venting that allows for increased airflow, further helping to keep the player cool and comfortable during a game.
The design of lacrosse shoulder pads also allows for a better range of motion, allowing the player to move more freely and quickly on the field.
This is especially important in lacrosse, where agility and speed are paramount.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there are several key differences between hockey and lacrosse shoulder pads, from their size and padding to their mobility and flexibility.
While both types of shoulder pads serve the same purpose, it is clear that the design of each type of pad is tailored to the specific sport.
It is important to be aware of the differences between the two types of shoulder pads and to make sure you are wearing the appropriate type for your chosen sport.
After all, having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to your safety and performance.