Best Snowboard Padded Shorts - Top 3
Finding the Best Snowboard Padded Shorts for You
There are a lot of different snowboard padded shorts on the market. It's hard to figure out which pair will fit you right and protect you best when you’re on the mountain. Our article on How to Choose: Snowboard Padded Shorts will give you detailed info on what to look for in a pair of snowboard padded shorts. But we narrowed the list down to a "Top 3" below - so read on!
We gathered popular snowboarding padded shorts and compared them based on:
- pad design
- pad placement
- pad construction
- length
- and, of course, price
Naturally, there are some similarities across the list - basic black is the color of the day (with occasional splashes of color in logos or high-tech pads). Most feature a base material of lightweight, breathable stretch fabric. Each model will offer some protection for when you crash. Which impact shorts are right for you comes down to deciding what is most important to you and matching these priorities to the right model of padded shorts. For a handy comparison, check out the table at the bottom of this page
Vigilante Tech Padded Shorts
Vigilante Tech Padded Shorts are super lightweight (8.8 ounces) and low profile. The half-inch pads are shaped, cut, and designed to move along with your body without bending or crushing, while the breathable, wick-able mesh fabric sandwiches the foam padding, moving air and keeping you comfortable. There’s also a flexible 3M plastic tailbone shield sandwiched in-between foam pads for triple-density tailbone protection. Try the Vigilante Tech, one of the best snowboard padded shorts we carry.
PADS: Half-inch pads cover upper quads, hips, glutes, tailbone; shaped and cut to move along with your body without bending or crushing
LENGTH: Mid-thigh
- High-grade breathable, wickable mesh fabric; Quick-Dri gusset
- Boxer-style waistband
- Double-stitching for maximum durability
- Available in men's cuts and women’s cuts
Crash Pads 2500 "Pro Pant" Padded Shorts
Crash Pads 2500 padded shorts are among our top-selling padded shorts, and it’s no wonder. They are designed to provide professional-grade protection for your hips, quads, buttocks, and tailbone and can be used for snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, inline skating, or hockey. They’re comfortable and low-profile enough that you really don’t feel like you’re wearing padding. The Crash Pads 2500 padded shorts are a great upgrade for more advanced snowboarders or when you’re ready for harder tricks or more aggressive riding.
PADS: Articulated, thermal-formed, soft-shell foam padding to protect hips, quads, buttocks, and tailbone
LENGTH: Top of knee- Removable, combination hard/soft-shell triangular insert for additional tailbone protection
- Four-way stretch breathable Lycra material for maximum freedom of movement
- Six-panel design for a perfect fit
- Heavy-duty spandex waistband
Crash Pads 2200 Padded Pants
Crash Pads 2200 Padded Pants are full-length padded snowboard pants constructed with a moisture-wicking thermal fabric that keeps you warm on even the coldest days. You get quality protection for your hips, quads, knees, buttocks, and tailbone. Crash Pads 2200 padded pants preclude the need for knee pads and are warm enough to do double-duty as your base layer. Two things to remember about them: 1) make sure you get the proper size so that all of the pads are properly in place (especially the knee pads). 2)These are meant to fit snugly; roll them on (like stockings) instead of just hoisting them up like pants.
PADS: Half-inch and 5/8-inch semi-articulated, thermal-formed, high-density foam protection for your hips, quads, knees/upper shins, buttocks, and tailbone
LENGTH: Full-length pants
- Four-way stretch, Thermal Powder thermal moisture-wicking fabric for maximum warmth, durability, and comfort
- Six-panel design that form-designed to fit any anatomy
- Heavy-duty spandex waistband to ensure waist-tight fit
Top 3 Snowboard Padded Shorts Comparison
| Pad Design | Pad Placement | Pad Material | Length | Price | |
| Vigilante Tech Padded Shorts | 1/2 inch pads shaped to move with your body | Upper quads, hips, glutes, tailbone | EVA foam/plastic tailbone shield encased in foam | Mid-thigh | $75-$100 |
| Crash Pads 2500 Shorts | Articulated thermal-formed padding | Hips, quads, buttocks, tailbone | EVA foam | Hits just above knee | $75-$100 |
| Crash Pads 2200 Pants | Articulated 1/2-inch pads | Side hip, side leg, front hip pointers, sitz bones, and knees/upper shins | EVA foam | Pant length (insulated) | $75-$10 |
What if I don't like the Choices Above?
There are many choices for snowboard padded shorts. If you don't like the 3 choices described above, then check out Amazon's options - some of which are shown below:
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