Ever watch a football player take a hard hit and wonder what keeps their back safe? That’s where the back plate comes in! It’s a crucial piece of gear, but picking the right one feels like navigating a maze. Do you need more padding? Should it fit snugly? It’s easy to feel lost when trying to protect your spine without slowing you down.
Choosing the wrong back plate means discomfort, poor fit, and maybe even less protection when you need it most. You want gear that works with you, not against you. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most for comfort and safety on the field.
By the end of this post, you will know the secrets to finding your perfect match. Get ready to upgrade your protection and play with confidence. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about selecting the best Back Plate Football gear!
Top Back Plate Football Recommendations
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- VENTILATED PADDING engineered from high Density EVA and BREATHABLE FABRIC
- Provides UNMATCHED COMFORT AND PROTECTION
- Fits all Varsity Schutt shoulder pads and most competitors' shoulder pads
- 5 mm vent holes to help circulate air to keep you cool
- 12 ½ ”(w) x 6 ¼ ”(h); max extension from shoulder pad arch 7 5/8”
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- FULL-BACK PROTECTION -Protection for lower back, kidneys, and spine during football play
- IDEAL COMFORT -Contoured design and foam interior design for ideal comfort and fit to back
- BREAHTABLE -Ventilated for added breathability
- UNIVERSAL FIT - Hardware to connect to shoulder pads included
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- NXT-Foam Technology: The Nxtrnd Football Back Plate is crafted with our ultra-lightweight, custom-molded NXT-Foam, offering superior protection and comfort.
- Ergonomic Curved Design: This football back plate features a curved shape that contours to your lower back, providing maximum comfort and protection compared to traditional flat back plates football players typically use.
- Vented for Cooling Comfort: Strategically placed vents on the football back plate ensure optimal airflow, keeping your lower back cool and reducing the overall weight of your shoulder pads.
- Universal Fit for All Sizes: The B-PLATE football back plate is compatible with all major shoulder pad brands and models. Available in adult size (Width 10", Height 7") for players over 5'4" and 100 lbs, and youth size (Width 8.5" Height 5.5") for players under 5'4" and 100 lbs, making it a great option for both youth football and adult players.
- Complete with Installation Hardware: Each B-PLATE package includes one football back plate and a complete set of installation hardware. Ensuring a secure and easy setup.
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Back Plate Football Gear
Back plate football gear protects your back and spine during hard hits on the field. Finding the right one means balancing protection, comfort, and movement. This guide helps you pick the best back plate for your game.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how well the back plate works for you.
1. Impact Absorption Rating
- Look for plates made with high-density foam. This foam soaks up the shock from big hits.
- Some plates have extra padding over the lower spine area. This spot needs the most protection.
2. Ventilation and Airflow
- Football is hot! Good back plates have holes or vents. These let air flow through.
- Better airflow keeps you cooler and drier during long practices.
3. Attachment System
- How does the plate connect to your shoulder pads? Strong straps are essential.
- Check for durable buckles or heavy-duty Velcro. These parts must hold tight, even when you tumble.
4. Fit and Sizing
- The plate must cover the lower back area without sticking out too far.
- Always check the manufacturer’s size chart against your own measurements. A good fit prevents slipping and rubbing.
Important Materials in Back Plates
The materials used determine the plate’s weight, durability, and protective ability.
Outer Shell Material
- Most quality back plates use **polycarbonate plastic**. This material is tough and light. It resists cracking when hit hard.
- Some entry-level plates might use thinner plastics. These may not last as long.
Padding Material
- **High-density EVA foam** is the standard for good padding. It compresses well on impact but springs back.
- Softer foam feels more comfortable at first, but it might not offer the best long-term protection against repeated hard hits.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all back plates offer the same level of protection or comfort. Quality varies widely.
What Makes a Plate Better?
- **Contoured Shape:** Plates that curve slightly to match your spine offer better coverage.
- **Removable/Washable Liner:** A removable liner helps keep the gear fresh and clean. This feature greatly improves the user experience.
- **Reinforced Edges:** Stronger edges on the plastic shell prevent chipping and cracking over time.
What Lowers the Quality?
- **Excessive Weight:** A plate that is too heavy slows you down and causes fatigue.
- **Poor Strap Quality:** Thin, weak nylon straps can snap or stretch out quickly.
- **Rigid, Flat Design:** A completely flat plate might not sit right on your body, leaving gaps where you could get hurt.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you play the game when making your choice.
For Linemen and Power Players
- These players take the most direct hits. They should prioritize maximum **impact absorption** and **durability**, even if it means a slightly heavier plate.
For Skill Position Players (Running Backs, Receivers)
- These players need speed and mobility. Look for a **lighter, more streamlined** plate that offers protection without hindering quick cuts and running form.
Comfort During Long Games
- If you wear your pads for hours, look for padding that wicks away sweat. The best plates feel like they disappear once you start playing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Back Plate Football Gear
Q: Do I need a back plate for every football position?
A: While not always mandatory, most coaches strongly recommend them for players who face frequent contact, like linemen and linebackers. They provide essential lower back protection.
Q: How do I attach the back plate correctly?
A: The back plate usually straps directly onto the back loops or rings of your shoulder pads. Make sure the straps are snug so the plate does not shift up or down when you move.
Q: Will a back plate slow down my running?
A: A well-fitted, modern back plate should not slow you down much. Choose models labeled as “lightweight” if speed is your main concern.
Q: Are back plates universal, or do I need a specific size?
A: Back plates come in sizes (Youth, Small, Medium, Large). You must match the plate size to your shoulder pad size for proper coverage and fit.
Q: How often should I replace my back plate?
A: If the plastic shell cracks, or if the foam padding feels permanently flattened after a few big hits, it is time for a replacement. Usually, a good plate lasts several seasons.
Q: Can I wear a back plate without shoulder pads?
A: No. Back plates are designed to be secured *to* football shoulder pads. Wearing one alone offers no real protection.
Q: What is the difference between a back plate and a rib protector?
A: A back plate covers the spine and lower back. A rib protector covers the sides and ribs. Many players wear both for full torso protection.
Q: How do I clean my back plate?
A: Wipe down the plastic shell with a damp cloth and mild soap. If the padding liner is removable, take it out and hand wash it. Always let everything air dry completely before storing.
Q: Is there a difference between youth and adult back plates?
A: Yes. Youth plates are smaller, lighter, and often have slightly less rigid materials than adult plates designed for high-impact collisions.
Q: Does the color of the back plate matter?
A: No, the color does not affect protection. It is purely an aesthetic choice, though some leagues might require colors that match team uniforms.