FAQ

What makes Impact shoulder pads better?

Superior technology and design by utilizing materials that work in combination with each other to protect the athlete in two ways. First, we use state-of-the-art visco-elastic "foam" for protection against injury during collisions. Second, we use breathable foams/materials to help keep the athlete cooler during competition rather than insulate him like the "other" pads do.

The Impact shoulder pad is so thin, how does it protect players?

Thicker is not always better, especially in this case. We use superior materials in the manufacturing process of the Impact shoulder pad, and superior materials mean higher costs. You heard the old saying, "you get what you pay for?" Well, it's so true when it comes to football protective equipment, and superior quality is what sets Impact above the rest. At Impact Protective Equipment, we never compromise quality for profit, period.

Why are "breathable" pads so important for an athlete?

In the automotive world, a cooler engine produces more horsepower. The same holds true for the human body. The lower you can keep an athletes core body temperature, the more productive he/she will be. "Old style" pads use polyurethane foam encapsulated in non-breathable nylon. The combination of these two materials do not allow for internally generated heat to escape the body, in fact, they actually speed up the over heating process! Click here to read facts you should know when it comes to protecting human lives in your care.

Why not just blow cold air on the athlete to keep him cooler?

Good question, simple answer. Because air does not possess the capability of reducing core body temperature as some manufacturers are claiming. Air can keep the little old lady working in her garden in 110°F from possible heat-stroke, it can't keep a fully uniformed football player safe from the possible ill effects of exertional heat-stroke. There is a difference between the two types of heat-stroke!

If air doesn't cool the body, why do players feel cooler when air is blown on them?

Because you are chilling the skin and "tricking" the body into believing it is cooler when, in fact, you have not reduced core body temperature at all! For a more scientific explanation, click here to read all about the benefits of water over air, or go to your local library/bookstore and pick up any book about Physiology of Sport and Exercise. It doesn't matter which one, because they all say the same thing! (You'll be glad you did.)

If air won't keep my players cool, what should I use?

WATER, WATER, AND MORE WATER! Drink the Gatorade®, pour the water. Water has 26 to 32 times greater heat removal capacity from the human body than air. Air is a good thermal insulator and water is an excellent thermal conductor. Just keep wringing out cold water towels over the players head, neck, and back and you should be fine. Of course, this is not the total solution and common sense is still needed when playing in an extremely hostile environment. Consult with your local doctor and athletic trainer, and use your head when it comes to dealing with extreme heat.

Are the Impact shoulder pads lighter in weight than your competitor's pad?

Yes and no. Some models are lighter and some are not. It basically all depends on how you want your pad made, and what size you wear. Also, when you add certain "options" to the pad, of course, it will have added weight. We can make the pad as light as a customer wants, provided it is still considered safe to wear.

With the closed front, how do you remove the pad in case of emergency?

The swivel front/back and belts can be easily cut with the heavy-duty tape cutting scissors found in every football programs inventory. You can also use a facemask removal tool sold by other companies if you desire. Either way, the swivel and/or belts are easily cut and easily replaced. If you experience this situation, give us a call and we'll fix it.

Is Impact available to come to my facility and custom fit my players?

Sure we are, although it does depend on the time of year and quantity of pads to be ordered. The closer you are to your start date means we're already into ours, so please plan in advance if you want someone out there to custom fit your team.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes we do. We have shipped our state-of-the-art shoulder pads all over the world where American rules football is played. Some countries include: Canada, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Australia, and Nigeria. The list keeps growing.