Football pad’s life span depends upon their material quality and how we use the Pads. Before we purchase a football pad, we should check the product’s quality and durability.
It is also important to know, how long are the football pads good for?. With this information, You can be aware of it. If needed, you need to replace the product. Neither it may put you in danger.
In this blog post, we discussed the football pad’s lifespan and how long can be used. Let’s learn more about how to maintain and when to replace the pad.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Football Pads
There are a number of factors depending on how long the football pads last for. It also varies from player to player and depends on the level of the player, equipment quality, and care given to the pads.
Quality of the Pads:
No 1 factor is the quality of the pads, it has a significant role in safety and durability. High-quality pads are likely; to last longer than the cheaper and low-quality alternatives. Always try to invest in a high-quality product that protects you from injuries during the game.
Frequency of Use:
Some player use their pads in practice time as well as in-game, This kind of use can also directly impact the lifespan of the pads. Occasionally used pads are more durable than regular-use pads.
if you are a professional player, you should buy two sets of pads to play one set in practice time and other in the the professional game. you can save the lifespan of the pads and be able to wear hygienic pads. Because you will get time to wash and dry the pads.
Level of Play:
It also depends on which level of player you are adult, high school, college, or professional. Adult-level games have low collision and the breaking of the pads are low But professional players have a high chance of breaking pads.
So, there is no need to wear high-quality pads for youth and amateur players. On the other hand, professional players need high-quality well-cushioned pads. They also change their pads frequently for safety.
Maintenance and Care:
if you do not take care of the pads, it may damage the pads and reduce the lifespan of the pads Most of the time these are cracked by bacteria, sweat, and dirt.
Humid conditions can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage and not work effectively.
Age of the pads:
if you have used these pads for several years, they may damage automatically, Because each pad has some specific lifespan. The plastic shells become brittle, and Straps become torn and frayed. Hard materials like rivets and buckles become rust and corrode.
Therefore, older pads lose their effectiveness and become less safe to use.
Impact Force:
Excessive impact on the pad is also a factor in shortening the life of the pad, Frequently hits can break, compress, and tear the pads more quickly.
Environmental Conditions::
UV rays, Extreme cold, humidity, moisture, and salt are the environmental factors that damage the pads easily. Extreme heat causes for pade the pads and extreme cold causes them to stiffen.
How Long Do Football Pads Last?
There are no specific rules for replacing pads within a certain period of time. But the time period mentioned below is according to the manufacturer’s guarantee. You can replace the pads anytime according to your comfort and damage of the products.
Helmets: You should replace the helmet every 10 years even if it is in good condition. Some internal damage may not seen to you, and this may put you in danger. Apart from this, if you get torn straps, loose pads, and the absence of parts. you need to replace the parts even the helmet.
Shoulder Pads: it should be replaced every 5-7 years. Sometimes, you can change it soon, if you get any damage like loose straps, absence of nuts, buckles, and compressed pads.
Hip, Thigh, and Knee Pads: You should change them every 2 years.Most of the time these pads are not easily damaged. Regular use may shorten their lifespan.
Mouthguards: you can change these annually. Mouthguards will not fit your mouth over the years, Continious use may make uncomfortable your mouth and can be reduced in size.
Another reason for replacement is if your bite has changed due to orthodontic treatment or other issues.
Cleats and shoes: these can be replaced, when the cleats break down, shoes become holes and it makes you feel uncomfortable. Its lifespan varies according to the quality of the shoes and frequency of use.
Protective Gear Accessories: These can be replaced when you notice any damage to them or if these do not provide adequate support.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Football Pads
if you get any damage signs, you should replace the pads. You can also ask your senior player or coach to ensure the pad’s safety. Here are some signs that indicate you to replace the pads.
Visible Damage: if you getting any cracks, tears, or other damage on the pads, then the pads will not provide you minimum protection.
Loss of Padding Integrity: if your pads in the helmet and the shoulder pads start to lose and damage their shape, thickness, or resilience, you should replace the pads as soon as possible.
Not Fit: if your pads no longer fit properly or do not give you comfort, these do not stay in their place during the game. then need to change those particular parts.
Strap and Fastener Issues: Straps, buckles, and fasteners have a very important role in the football pads to tighten and loosen your pads, if any one of the components breaks down or is no longer working properly, it is time to replace them.
Loss of Shock Absorption: it is a common thing that pads lose their cushioning over time, the cushion can become compressed. if your pads are no longer able to absorb the impacts properly, it is a sign of replacement of the pads.
Conclusion
Different brands guarantee that their football pads will last for a minimum of 5-6 years. But it also depends on how you take care of these pads. if the pads become damaged it is time to replace them to avoid injury and continue performance and comfort. Safety should be the first priority for all kinds of sports.
