How Quarterback and Skill Position Pads Differ
Football shoulder pads built for skill positions are designed differently from lineman pads, with less bulk where passers and receivers need greater mobility. Expect a shorter arch, smaller cups, and a low-profile design that provides maximum protection while allowing players to move more freely.
What Skill Pads Do Differently: A quarterback needs enough freedom for a natural throwing motion, while a receiver needs to reach overhead without restriction. Smaller epaulets and a shorter arch support that range of motion, making this style of pad suitable for a variety of skill positions, including defensive back and running back.
Who These Fit: Skill pads run in adult sizes for high school athletes and up. Position coverage varies by model, so check the recommended positions on the product page before ordering.
XTECH Skill and Super Skill
XTECH sits at the top of the price range, and its skill pads are among the lightest protective equipment options available.
XTECH Super Skill: The Super Skill is designed for receivers, running backs, and defensive backs, with XRD foam cushioning throughout. A shorter front arch and no front deltoid pads help provide maximum mobility.
XTECH Skill: The Skill is also designed for quarterbacks, with added coverage around the sternum and shoulders while still allowing plenty of freedom of movement.
Which XTECH Is the Best Option: A receiver or defensive back may prefer the Super Skill for its lighter, less restrictive feel. For a quarterback, the Skill may be the best option when added sternum coverage is the priority.
Riddell Power SPK+ and Smoke
Riddell offers lightweight pad options across multiple price points.
Power SPK+ Skilled: The Power SPK+ uses the STAC Shoulder System, pairing a cap and epaulet for AC joint coverage. A screw-on back plate adds lower-back coverage.
Riddell Smoke Skill Position: The Smoke sits at the affordable end of the range and runs a low-profile, flat pad design with swim cut arches and an attached back plate. It is a lightweight pad for an athlete who wants solid protection at a lower price point.
Adjustability: The Power SPK+ features removable clavicle pads that can be adjusted as an athlete grows.
Douglas and Gear Pro-Tec
Douglas and Gear Pro-Tec round out the available options with lightweight, low-profile pads built for skill positions.
Douglas SP FF17 CANT: The SP FF17 CANT features shaved SC-18 epaulets and junior reverse cups. Like other Douglas shoulder pads, it uses an air management system with open cell foam to help disperse impact.
Douglas Zena PM: The PZPM Women's Zena PM is anatomically designed for women athletes. Its breast plate adjusts up and down, while the size and band can be selected separately for a more precise fit.
Gear Pro-Tec Razor RZ7: The Razor RZ7 is recommended for quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs. SAS-TEC foam and stretch zone fabric give this lower-profile shoulder pad added flexibility.
How to Size Skill Position Shoulder Pads
The right fit helps shoulder pads stay secure without limiting movement.
Measuring for Size: A low profile pad only works if it fits correctly. Measure around the chest just under the arms and measure across the shoulders between the AC joints. Compare those measurements with the size chart for the specific pad before ordering.
Checking the Fit: A low-profile shoulder pad should sit securely without pinching the neck. Raise the arms overhead and test a full throwing motion or reach to make sure the pads stay in place and do not restrict movement.
Add a Back Plate: Some pads, including the XTECH Super Skill and Power SPK+, come with a back plate. When one is not included, a compatible football back plate can provide additional protection for the lower back.
Shop Quarterback Shoulder Pads at Sports Unlimited
Sports Unlimited carries skill position pads from XTECH, Riddell, Douglas, and Gear Pro-Tec.
Shipping and Returns: In-stock orders placed before 3 p.m. ET ship the same day, and most orders over $49 ship free. Returns are accepted up to 30 days after delivery with no authorization required.
Questions on Sizing: Call 610-825-6368 or use the live chat on our site for help matching a player to the right size before ordering.
Round Out the Kit: Pair a skill pad with a football helmet, rib guards, or football gloves.
