The Best Hockey Elbow Pads for 2024 (with reviews)
Hockey elbow pads offer protection from falls on the ice, shot pucks and contact with other players. In order to get the best ice hockey elbow pads, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while shopping.
Read on, as we provide a comprehensive guide on what to look for when choosing new hockey elbow pads. We’ll also make some recommendations on the best hockey elbow pads for different types of players.
To see more options, check out our full selection of ice hockey elbow pads.
In this article, we’re covering:
| Rank | Name | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Hockey Elbow Pads |  |  |
| 2 | CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 3 | Warrior Alpha LX Pro Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 4 | Bauer Vapor 2X Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 5 | True XC9 Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 6 | CCM Jetspeed FT4 Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 7 | Warrior Alpha LX 30 Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 8 | Bauer X Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 9 | Warrior Alpha DX3 Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
| 10 | CCM JetSpeed 9550 Hockey Elbow Pads |  | |
Overview: Designed to be comfortable and protective, Bauer Supreme M5 Pro hockey elbow pads are crafted with a deep fit that allows for the best secure fit. CURV Composite in the forearm and molded inserts in the bicep keep you protected without sacrificing mobility. A THERMO MAX+liner is infused with an anti-microbial and anti-odor sweat management system to keep you dry.
Key Features:
- Deep fit that allows for the best secure fit
- THERMOMAX+ Liner whisks away moisture to prevent bacteria growth
- CURV Composite Forearm protection
CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Youth Hockey Elbow Pads$27.98 Original Price $39.99 You Save 30% Original Price $39.99 You Save
Overview: The CCMTacks AS-V Pro hockey elbow pads utilize amax coverage anatomical shield design and a 2-piece flexmotion construction. JDP reinforced elbow cap with D30 inside and outside is designed to disperse impact force away from the elbow while D30 absorbs shock and impact both inside and outside the pad. A slash shield with D30 smart material offers premium protection.
Key Features:
- Pro level protection and superior comfort and fit
- D30 offers max impact and shock absorption all the way down to the cuff of your glove
- Adaptfit+ straps with dual pull middle lock strap plus a 360 degree wraparound forearm strap
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Warrior Alpha LX Pro Senior Hockey Elbow Pads$125.98 Original Price $139.99 You Save 10% Original Price $139.99 You Save
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Warrior Alpha LX Pro Junior Hockey Elbow Pads$107.98 Original Price $119.99 You Save 10% Original Price $119.99 You Save
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Warrior Alpha LX Pro Youth Hockey Elbow Pads$35.98 Original Price $39.99 You Save 10% Original Price $39.99 You Save
Overview: Warrior has designed the Alpha LX Pro elbow pads to move more naturally with your arm and elbow while offering maximum protection. A 3-piece design feels less bulky and allows for natural arm movements and elbow dexterity. Warrior's Shell Skin Texture has been added into high-impact areas, like the forearms, to help disperse the force of direct impacts such as stick checks and pucks.
Key Features:
- Molded plastic inserts in the forearm and bicep guards
- Three-piece design
- WarTech FNC Stretch Sleeve
Overview: The Bauer Vapor 2X hockey elbow pads are a three-piece elbow pad crafted from lightweight materials designed for increased flexibility throughout. A comfort anchor strap system has been constructed out of high-quality materials to stay locked in place and resist wear and tear over time. The Thermo Max+ liner keeps players cool on the ice and adds to their comfortable fit.
Key Features:
- HyperWeight HD foam molds to players arms
- PR forearm insert for improved protection
- Molded MD foam elbow cap
Overview: CCM Jetspeed FT4 elbow pads use an amplified mobility 3-piece design tp better follow the elbow’s natural movements. An injection molded PE cap insert in the forearm offers high level protection. Tough EVA foams in the biceps and a molded PE elbow cap with JDP construction disperses impacts.
Key Features:
- Moisture wicking interior liner
- A soft laminated liner will absorb less sweat to keep the pads lightweight
- Customizable fit locking straps
Overview: The interior of the Sher-Wood Rekker Element 1 secures elbows in a soft-cushioned cradle. Ventilated forearm and biceps guards are constructed with anatomical PE inserts to disperse impacts from sticks and pucks. Molded MD foams provide protection and the PE end cap protects elbows from impacts with ice surfaces and the boards.
Key Features:
- Improved construction better follows the elbow’s natural movements
- Three-strap locking closure system
- Refined padded middle lock strap and a nylon forearm strap
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Warrior Alpha LX 30 Senior Hockey Elbow Pads$71.98 Original Price $79.99 You Save 10% Original Price $79.99 You Save
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Warrior Alpha LX 30 Junior Hockey Elbow Pads$62.98 Original Price $69.99 You Save 10% Original Price $69.99 You Save
Overview: The Warrior LX 30 elbow pads feature a 3-piece design which allows for natural movements and maximum dexterity of the elbow. Dual density foams built into slash and bicep guards to provide additional levels of protection where it is needed the most
Key Features:
- Less bulky and more anatomical feel
- STRIKE yellow liner
- Easy to use lay flat straps
Overview: Bauer’s X hockey elbow pads feature a molded elbow cap with an MD cover that absorbs impacts on the ice and against the boards. The bicep guard features a molded PE insert and independent construction for range of motion when shooting or stickhandling, and injection molded materials guard the forearm from slashes and shot pucks.
Key Features:
- Two-piece tapered fit
- Hydrophobic mesh liner
- Elastic strapping system
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Warrior Alpha DX3 Senior Hockey Elbow Pads$44.98 Original Price $69.99 You Save 36% Original Price $69.99 You Save
Overview: A three-piece design gives players wearing Warrior Alpha DX3 hockey elbow pads freedom of movement with the protection they need. Ergonomically molded plastic inserts in the forearm and bicep offer superior protection without a reduction in mobility. A versatile strap locking system gives players a snug fit without sacrificing comfort.
Key Features:
- Shell Skin Texture for shock dispersal
- Three-piece construction
- Anatomical fit
Overview: The construction and design of the CCM JetSpeed 9550 hockey elbow pads help give hockey players protection without forcing them to give up mobility and comfort. A JDP reinforced elbow cap and lightweight foams help provide protection without weighing you down. A three strap system helps better customize your fit to the shape of your arm.
Key Features:
- Reliable and functional one-piece design
- Lightweight construction
- Simplified three strap system
How To Measure for Hockey Elbow Pads
Properly fitted ice hockey elbow pads should fit snugly without sliding back and forth or rotating around your arm when in use.
An elbow pad that’s too large will be constantly in motion, creating performance issues and exposing players’ elbows to potential contact with the ice, pucks, sticks and the boards.
Elbow pads that are too small may be too tight and restrict motion. They’ll provide inadequate coverage over the lower bicep and upper forearm.
Looking for a step-by-step process on how to size hockey elbow pads? Follow this simple three-step guide:
Step 1: Extend your arm downwards towards the floor.
Step 2: Measure the distance between the center of your bicep and center of your forearm.
Step 3: Use this measurement to determine your elbow pad length.
You can use the length you’ve measured and this hockey elbow pad size chart to determine the appropriately sized elbow pads.
Once you've found your size, it’s a good idea to put on your shoulder pads and gloves to ensure the size you’re going with will protect your lower bicep and upper forearm. If you're in between sizes, go with the size that provides the best adequate coverage without being too loose.
Types of Elbow Pad Design and Construction
When it comes to ice hockey elbow pads, choosing the best option comes down to making a few choices based on budget, skill level and comfort. There are different types of shell designs, strap systems, liners and bicep and forearm coverage. Before you purchase your next hockey elbow pads, look closely into these different designs.
Exterior Soft Shell:
There are three different ways that hockey elbow pad soft shells are constructed. They can either be one intact piece, consist of two pieces for increased flexibility or they can be composed of three separate parts that are attached for the best responsiveness and movement.
- One-Piece: One-piece elbow pads are exactly as described, one continuous pad from the forearm guard all the way to the end of the bicep protector. These pads don't offer high-level mobility, but they are heavily relied on by casual players and a smart choice for youth hockey elbow pads.
- Two-Piece: Two-piece elbow pads are solid from the forearm through the elbow, but the bicep guard includes a separate, extended component. This offers more flexibility between the elbow and upper arm and longer bicep protection.
- Three-Piece: The three-piece ice hockey elbow pad provides the most protection and flexibility, but is heavier than the two-piece design. These high-end elbow pads offer more protection at the bottom of the elbow pad when blocking shots or engaging in contact against the boards.
Strap System
Most ice hockey elbow pads have a two or three strap system for keeping the elbow pad secure. Beginners and younger hockey players use a two-strap system, with one strap on the bicep guard and one securing the forearm. The slower speed and reduced contact during play help limit the potential for pads shifting during game play.
Higher-end ice hockey elbow pads generally employ a three strap system with straps on the bicep guard, forearm cover and elbow to give active players a secure fit during athletic and physical play.
Interior Liners
Hockey elbow pads liners will vary from style to style. They’ll also contribute to the cost of your pads. Beginner and budget elbow pads will generally have a nylon liner that’ll be protective, yet comfortable. These liners are designed for a low-contact game and beginner players who are just learning the sport. Higher-end elbow pads contain engineered liners from composite materials. Many of them will whisk away moisture and prevent bacteria growth.
Forearm and Bicep Guards
Ice hockey elbow pads protect much more than just the elbow itself. Hockey elbow pads include forearm and bicep guards to reduce the risk of injury to the lower bicep and the part of the forearm not covered by your gloves.
One-piece elbow pads will offer shorter bicep and forearm protection.
Two-piece elbow pads offer a longer bicep guard.
Best Hockey Elbow Pads by Category
Depending on what brands you prefer and your level of play, you’ll have a few different options when it comes to finding the best ice hockey elbow pads. Below is a list of suggestions for elbow pads in a few different categories.
Best Budget Hockey Elbow Pads (under $100)
CCM Tacks 9550 Hockey Elbow Pads: The one-piece elbow pad is a streamlined and lightweight design allowing players' arms to remain mobile, making the CCM Tacks 9550 our pick for best budget elbow pads. A simplified three strap system helps you to better customize your fit to fit the exact shape of your arm, and JDP reinforcement and foam offer impact protection.
Best Bauer Hockey Elbow Pads
Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Hockey Elbow Pads: The Bauer M5 Pros have all the features elite players look for when searching top-rated hockey elbow pads. A deep fit allows for the best secure fit, and CURV Composite in the forearm and molded inserts in the bicep keep you protected without sacrificing mobility. A THERMOMAX+ Liner wicks moisture away from the arms, keeping players dry and comfortable throughout usage.
Best CCM Hockey Elbow Pads
CCM Super Tacks AS-V Hockey Elbow Pads: Max coverage anatomical shield design and a 2-piece flexmotion construction are engineered to offer a great level of coverage that follows the body’s natural shape while allowing for maximum protection without sacrificing mobility. A JDP reinforced elbow cap with D30 inside and outside is designed to disperse impact force away from the elbow while D30 absorbs shock and impact both inside and outside the pad. Adaptfit+ straps offer a dual pull middle lock strap plus a 360 degree wraparound forearm strap.
Best Warrior Hockey Elbow Pads
Warrior Alpha LX Pro Hockey Elbow Pads: Warrior’s Alpha LX Pro elbow pads feature a three-piece design to give professional protection and comfort. Compression molded IMPAX foam and lightweight molded slash/bicep guards give you maximum protection. The WarTech FNC Stretch Sleeve keeps your elbows pads in place during play.
Best Youth Hockey Elbow Pads
CCM Super Tacks AS1 Youth Hockey Elbow Pads: CCM has crafted their Super Tacks AS1 youth hockey elbow pads with the same engineering as their senior model to give young players enhanced protection and comfort. An adjustable single strap gives the ability to easily adjust snugness to ensure pads stay secured on smaller arms at all times.
Best Junior Hockey Elbow Pads
Bauer Vapor 2X Hockey Elbow Pads: Bauer has adapted their three-piece hockey elbow pad to fit the needs of junior hockey players. HyperLite foams give junior players the same feel as high-end lightweight ice hockey elbow pads, and HD foams, a PE forearm insert and a molded MD cap protects players from slashes, contact with the ice and shot pucks. The Thermo Max+ liner keeps players comfortable and dries quickly after use.
Best Senior Hockey Elbow Pads
True XC9 Hockey Elbow Pads: The True XC9 hockey elbow pads may be a newer entry on the market, but they don't disappoint when it comes to protection and security. Three-piece construction provides added mobility, and strategically placed EVA foams throughout these adult ice hockey elbow pads disperse impacts and shocks. The moisture wicking liner helps reduce weight and keep players dry, even during long games.
Find the Best Selection of Ice Hockey Elbow Pads at HockeyMonkey!
HockeyMonkey offers ice hockey elbow pads for every skill level and budget. Once you've decided what type of elbow pads are perfect for elevating your game, take some time to browse our full selection of ice hockey elbow pads. At HockeyMonkey, you’re sure to find the right comfort, fit and style pad!
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