Shinguard Security!
Apr 28 '02
The Bottom Line 3 things... Comfort, Durability and Protection!
Shinguards are a major factor of a soccer player's equiptment. It provides them self awareness and protection.
A shinguard is a plastic or fiberglass shelling plate that is neatly strapped around the player's leg so that is covers the center of the shinbone.
I myself have been kicked and tackled in the shin and let me tell you, IT HURTS!
Choosing a shinguard can be quite difficult, considering the fact that you must look for comfort, support, durability and obviously protection!
Read below and I will give you some tips on choosing a protective, let alone, decent shinguard!
An average shinguard would cost around 20-40 dollars.
Those prices are pretty good.
A novice player or child's basic shinguard would hang around the $20 mark.
If you want to spend any of those prices I just told you for a shinguard, you'r in luck!
But a serious player or professional would be willing to spend the price for a $40 guard.
Yet again, a good price.
But I reccomend a $30 shinguard would be a relatively respective price.
So, choose whether you are a serious player or intermediate.
Anyway, what you must look for in shinguard's are protection technologies.
PE Shelling system, Polymide and Carbolite are just some of today's shinguard technology.
Also, try to look for a guard with hardness in the faceplate, this extends protection.
A shinguard with Ankle Padding System ( APS ) is great and adds extra secureness to the ankle. A guard without one is basically worthless. For more protection, find a shinguard with APS.
The ankle padding is located strapped at the base of the guard covered in sockliner and a support strap beneath.
The ankle padding is made out of break-proof, lightweight, EVA foam.
The strapping that you will see is called a
" Support Strap ". It holds the guard on securely and supports the foot so that you don't slip and break you'r ankle.
TPR shells, PE shells etc. are great when it comes to protection, which brings me to what the faceplate is made of. Some are made out of plastic and some are made out of fiberglass. Both are good but it is the player's decision on what faceplate material he/she wants.
Airholes in the guard are important. During matchplay, sweat accumalates throughout the leg and creates a dirty, gooey and sweaty substance.
With airholes, the skin allows itself to breathe and no odor is produced.
A player's shinguard must be comfortable whilst playing.
The sleeve and the materials must be working well and not irritating the player at all.
Makesure the materials behind the faceplate safely and comfortably suit the player.
The velcro can sometimes become an annoying irritation.
Occasionaly, the velcro strapping tangles up and scrapes against the player's leg causing itchiness and uncomfort.
The velcro on the guard should always be satisfactory for playing conditions and should be a nice, clean, flexible velcro.
Durable shinguards is also a topic I will add.
For the price you pay for the shinguard, you should get a break-proof, long lasting guard.
You must take care of you'r shinguards after match play and soothen them out.
Sooner or later, I will write a review on " Taking Care Of Shinguards ".
As I was saying, the shelling system shouldn't crack or break and overall be a durable and supportive guard.
Shinguards must be lightweight and water-proof.
A shinguards average weight would be around 4 oz.
But, when during match play sweat or rain can accumalate through the pad and soak into the materials which can gain weight on the shinguard.
To stop this from happening, the faceplate should be hard and have shock absorption.
Also, cooling foam inserted in the padding for moisture management.
Okay, I have given you a brief detail on what technologies should be in a shinguard and now I am going to give you a list of top reccomendations for shinguards.
( I have done lots of research on what is the best, so take my advice here! )
1. ADIDAS = The Adidas Valor Pro Shinguard
2. NIKE = The Nike Air Shield Shinguard or The Nike Chrome J Shinguard
3. PUMA = The Puma King KSL Shinguard
Okay, I hope I have learnt you something on advice on How To Choose Shinguards.
Thanks!
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Epinions.com ID:
balgownie
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Member: Mitchell Clay
Location: Australia
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
EXTREME Soccer Guru!
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