How to Select a Hockey Elbow Pad

There are many different hockey elbow pads to choose from and it is important to choose the one that will give you the best experience and appropriate protection shift after shift. While it might sound difficult to figure out which one that might be, we are here to help make that process as easy as possible by separating the elbow pads in three categories: Elite, Performance, and Recreational.

Elbow Pads are categorized into their respective level of play based on three criteria: Protection, Construction, and Liner.

This level of protection is great for the new-to-hockey or recreational level player. They are the most affordable and offer an appropriate amount of protection for casual hockey.

• Protection: The elbow cap utilizes hard molded plastic with foam topping for added comfort and protection. Single-layered foam with plastic reinforcement covers and protects the bicep and lower forearm.
  
  
• Construction: The bicep and forearm are connected into a one-piece design that offers good coverage and mobility. The elbow pad secures to the arm via two straps, one across the bicep and one across the forearm.
  
  
• Liner: Traditional nylon helps to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping the player dry and comfortable throughout the game.

These elbow pads should be the starting point for players involved in contact or competitive hockey. These offer better protection that suits faster and more physical hockey.

• Protection: More protective foams and plastics provide better coverage to slash prone areas such as the forearm and bicep. Some may even include more advanced materials in key impact areas like the elbow doughnut.
  
  
• Construction: Offering a better balance between mobility and protection, performance elbow pads will utilize two and sometimes three-piece construction. Three-piece strapping systems also help to prevent the elbow pad from slipping down the arm while improving comfort too.
  
  
• Liner: Soft microfiber is the standard since it better manages sweat and odor. Some will come with anti-microbial treatments for more advanced odor control.

Specifically designed for the advanced hockey player who plays in full-contact hockey and needs premier protection, coverage, mobility, and comfort.

• Protection: The entire pad features premium impact management by using advanced foams and even sometimes composite materials. These offer complete coverage to eliminate any gaps in protection.
  
  
• Construction: Two or three-piece designs are common and provide maximum mobility. Exceptional strapping systems provide the best comfort and security.
  
  
• Liner: Flagship liners are the softest and the best at managing moisture and odor. Most, if not all will, feature an anti-microbial treatment that helps to prevent odor-causing bacteria from forming.

Different hockey elbow pad fit profiles benefit different playing styles. There is also an element of personal preference but read on below to see the differences between Low Profile and High Profile Elbow Pads.

This style is built for the quick and agile hockey player who is seeking featherlight protection. They have a close-to-the-body feel and have minimum bulk to ensure maximum mobility.

High profile elbow pads are engineered for the powerful, physical, and explosive player that needs maximum protection and coverage to play confidently. These players rely on their protection for checking, battles along the boards, and blocked shots.