REF · 6440R-BK
American football protective gear
Beyond the helmet and shoulder pads, American football protection covers the areas the rest of your kit leaves exposed. A football girdle protects the hips, thighs and tailbone, a rib protector covers the flank below the shoulder pads, a mouthguard protects teeth and jaw, and elbow and knee pads take the knocks when you hit the ground. This section brings together models from Shock Doctor, Makura, McDavid, VICIS and Schutt, with the sizes, technologies and certifications each manufacturer declares. Where a brand states no standard, we say so rather than assume one. Prices come from European retailers, in euros and dated. These items cost less than a helmet, but a poor choice makes itself felt at every session, so read on before you buy.
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Products
REF · 6500
REF · MD7932-01-32
Girdles
REF · 22140R-BK/GR
REF · N1013624-010
REF · N1013625-010
REF · 810803400
REF · 850803400
REF · 4100-BLU-AD
REF · 3000
Mouthguards
REF · 6901-CA-AD
REF · 350102
REF · 5100.1-CLR-YTR
REF · 8901-BK-AD
REF · SD4000-BK-AD
REF · 01-20617
REF · 89940302
REF · 89970306
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Buying guides Football gear list: what a full kit really costs
The rulebook lists nine compulsory pieces. Here is the price of each one at European retailers, the total for a new kit and where the money really goes.
What protective gear do you need?
Helmet and shoulder pads are only the start. Depending on your position and your league's rules, several other pieces complete a game-day setup.
Football girdle
A football girdle is a pair of compression shorts that holds pads over the hips, thighs and tailbone. Some come with integrated pads, others have pockets for your own. Choose one from your waist measurement and the manufacturer's chart: it should stay in place without slipping or squeezing too hard. Check that it works with your game pants, too.
Football mouthguard
A football mouthguard absorbs part of the impact on the jaw and protects the teeth. Most shop-bought models are moulded using the boil-and-bite method: you soften them in hot water, then bite down to take an impression. Many can be tethered to the facemask with a strap, so they are harder to lose. Manufacturers offer youth and adult sizes by age, and some declare CE marking, which we flag on the product page when it applies. A custom mouthguard made by a dentist is another option.
Football rib protector
A rib protector attaches beneath the shoulder pads to cover the flank and lower ribcage, an area quarterbacks in particular like to protect. Check compatibility, as some models are designed for one specific range of pads.
Knee and elbow pads
Football knee pads usually slot into pockets in the game pants, while elbow pads guard against falls and contact on artificial turf, especially for players on the line.
Sizing and fit
Every brand publishes its own guide: waist size for girdles, age for mouthguards, compatibility for rib protectors. Try your whole setup together, girdle, pants and shoulder pads, to make sure nothing overlaps or gets in the way when you run.
Care
Wash girdles according to the label, without fabric softener, and let them air-dry. Rinse your mouthguard after every use, keep it in a ventilated case and replace it as soon as it is misshapen or torn.
Frequently asked questions
What is a football girdle for?
It is a pair of compression shorts that holds pads over the hips, thighs and tailbone. Some have built-in pads, others have pockets for your own.
How do I fit a boil-and-bite mouthguard?
Soften it briefly in hot water, then bite down so it takes the shape of your teeth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely, as timings vary between models.
Will a rib protector fit any shoulder pads?
No. Some models are designed for a specific range of shoulder pads, so check the compatibility stated by the manufacturer.
Which mouthguard size should I choose?
Most brands offer a youth and an adult size with an age limit given on the product page. Go by the guidance for the model you choose.