How to Measure for Shoulder Pads
Getting the right shoulder pad size starts with one key measurement: shoulder width. Here's how to measure:
Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides.
Have someone place a flexible tape measure on the outer edge of one shoulder joint (the bony point at the top of your arm).
Measure straight across your back to the same point on the opposite shoulder.
Round up to the nearest half inch (or full centimetre).
Tip: If your measurement falls between two sizes, go with the larger size. Shoulder pads must fully cover both shoulders and the collarbone for proper protection. An undersized pad leaves you exposed.
Riddell Shoulder Pads
Riddell uses a consistent sizing system across most of their lineup, based on shoulder width in inches.
Riddell Varsity Size Chart (Shoulder Width)
Size | Shoulder Width |
XS | 16″–17″ |
S | 17″–18″ |
M | 18″–19″ |
L | 19″–20″ |
XL | 20″–21″ |
2XL | 21″–22″ |
3XL | 22″–23″ |
Riddell Models We Carry
Model | Position Type | Available Sizes |
Riddell SPK+ SK | Skill (QB, WR, DB, K) | XS – XL |
Riddell Smoke SK | Skill (QB, WR, DB) | XS – L |
Riddell Phenom Skill | Skill (QB, WR, DB, K) | S – XXL |
Riddell Phenom AP | All-Purpose (RB, LB, TE, FB) | S – XXL |
Riddell SPK+ AP | All-Purpose (RB, LB, TE) | L – 2XL |
Riddell Power PMX AP | All-Purpose (RB, LB, TE, FB) | M – 2XL |
Riddell Power PMX Linemen | OL / DL | M – 3XL |
Riddell Rival Varsity | All-Purpose / Budget | M – XXL |
Which Riddell model should I pick?
Skill pads (SPK+ SK, Smoke SK, Phenom Skill) — Lighter, smaller shoulder caps, maximum range of motion. Best for quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs, and kickers.
All-Purpose pads (Phenom AP, SPK+ AP, PMX AP) — Mid-level coverage. Good for running backs, linebackers, tight ends, and players who need both mobility and protection.
Linemen pads (PMX Linemen) — Maximum coverage and protection. Larger shoulder caps, extended body padding. Built for OL/DL contact.
Xtech Shoulder Pads
Xtech uses shoulder width as the primary measurement. Their X2 system comes in three configurations — Standard, Skill, and Super Skill — all sharing the same size chart.
Xtech X2 Size Chart (Shoulder Width)
Size | Shoulder Width |
XS | 16″–17″ |
S | 17″–18″ |
M | 18″–19″ |
L | 19″–20″ |
XL | 20″–21″ |
XXL | 21″–22″ |
XXXL | 22″–23″ |
Xtech Configurations
Configuration | Best For | Key Features |
X2 Standard | OL, DL, TE, LB, FB | Larger shoulder caps and flaps, maximum coverage |
X2 Skill | QB, WR, RB, DB, OLB | Narrower arch, full sternum coverage, lighter feel |
X2 Super Skill | WR, DB, CB | Smallest cut, maximum range of motion |
Xtech pads feature XRD foam technology and a dual-hinge system. If you have a muscular build, consider sizing up one size for a more comfortable fit.
2IN1 Shoulder Pads
2IN1 is a European brand known for making some of the lightest shoulder pads on the market. They use a two-piece system — a compression vest and a separate shell — that can be mixed and matched. Sizing is based on shoulder width in centimetres.
2IN1 Adult Size Chart
Size | Shoulder Width (cm) |
S | 40–43 cm |
M | 43–46 cm |
L | 46–48 cm |
XL | 48–51 cm |
2IN1 Youth Size Chart
Size | Shoulder Width (cm) |
S | 30–33 cm |
M | 33–35 cm |
L | 35–38 cm |
XL | 38–40 cm |
2IN1 Models
2IN1 Poly — Available S–3XL. Durable polycarbonate shell, great all-around option.
2IN1 Carbon — Available S–XL. Ultra-lightweight carbon shell, premium option for players who want the absolute lightest pads.
2IN1 Youth — Designed for younger players with the same two-piece system.
2IN1 pads work well for any position thanks to their minimal, low-profile design. Popular among European players.
Battle Sports Shoulder Pads
Battle pads use shoulder width as the primary sizing metric. Their pads are designed as versatile, all-position options.
Battle Adult Size Chart (Shoulder Width)
Size | Shoulder Width |
S | 17″–18″ |
M | 18″–19″ |
L | 19″–20″ |
XL | 20″–21″ |
Battle Youth Models We Carry
Model | Type | Best For |
Battle Phantom — Youth | Skill / Lightweight | Younger skill players who want maximum mobility with solid protection |
Battle Defender — Youth | All-Purpose | Youth players at any position who need reliable, full-coverage protection |
Both Battle youth models are designed for easy on/off and a secure fit for younger players. Check each product page for specific size availability.
Vicis Shoulder Pads
Vicis — known for their innovative ZERO2 helmet — also makes the ARC_V1 shoulder pad line, which features CURV™ thermoplastic composite architecture for advanced protection.
Vicis ARC_V1 Size Chart (Shoulder Width)
Size | Shoulder Width |
S | 17″–18″ |
M | 18″–19″ |
L | 19″–20″ |
XL | 20″–21″ |
Vicis Configurations
Configuration | Best For |
ARC_V1 Skill | QB, WR, DB, K/P |
ARC_V1 All-Purpose | RB, LB, TE, FB |
ARC_V1 Trench | OL, DL |
Vicis offers both Varsity and Elite tiers across all three configurations. The Elite version features additional premium cushioning.
Youth Shoulder Pads
Youth pads are sized differently than adult/varsity pads. Weight and age are used alongside shoulder width to find the right fit.
General Youth Size Chart
Size | Shoulder Width | Approx. Weight | Approx. Age |
Y-XS | 9″–10″ | ~60 lbs / ~27 kg | 6–8 |
Y-S | 10″–12″ | ~70 lbs / ~32 kg | 8–10 |
Y-M | 12″–14″ | 80–100 lbs / 36–45 kg | 10–13 |
Y-L | 14″–16″ | 100–130 lbs / 45–59 kg | 13–16 |
Y-XL | 16″–18″ | 130–150+ lbs / 59–68+ kg | 15+ |
Youth Models We Carry
Model | Available Sizes | Shoulder Width |
Riddell Power Surge Youth | S – XXL | 17″–22″ |
Riddell Pursuit Youth | XS – 3XL | Full range |
Battle Phantom — Youth | See product page | Youth sizes |
Battle Defender — Youth | See product page | Youth sizes |
2IN1 Youth | S – XL | 30–40 cm |
Vicis ARC_V1 Youth | All-Purpose | Contact us |
Important for youth players: Never buy pads that are too big to "grow into." Oversized pads shift during play and won't protect properly. The pads should sit firmly on the shoulders with no sliding or rocking.
Quick Position Guide — Which Style Should I Choose?
Position | Recommended Style | Why |
QB | Skill | Maximum arm mobility for throwing |
WR / DB / CB | Skill / Super Skill | Lightweight, full range of motion |
RB / LB / TE / FB | All-Purpose | Balance of protection and mobility |
OL / DL | Linemen / Trench | Maximum coverage and impact protection |
K / P | Skill | Lightest option, doesn't restrict kicking motion |
Fitting Tips
Shoulder caps should extend to the edge of your shoulders but not hang over the arm.
The front arch should sit flat against your chest — no gaps between your body and the pad.
The back plate should cover your entire upper back, including the lower tips of your shoulder blades.
Raise your arms above your head. The pads should stay in place without riding up past your ears.
Practice jersey test: Put on a jersey over the pads. If you can still move comfortably and the pads don't shift, the fit is good.
Still Not Sure?
Send us a message with your shoulder width, weight, height, and position, and we'll recommend the right pad and size for you. You can also email us at info@reyrr.com.