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Best Hockey Elbow Pads

for Elite, Performance and Recreational Hockey Players
Updated August 2023
Best Hockey Elbow Pads header graphic

Here at IW Hockey, we are dedicated to helping you find the best elbow pad that suits your level of play! From the seasoned veteran to the player stepping on the ice for the first time, we've got you covered. In each category, we have one elbow pad that is the best at 'Overall Performance', which is chosen purely on tech and spec. The other winner considers price as one of the main factors, giving players an elbow pad that has the 'Best Value'.

Best Elite-Level Elbow Pads
Overall Performance CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro
Best Value Sherwood Rekker Legend 1
Best Performance-Level Elbow Pads
Overall Performance CCM JetSpeed FT680
Best Value Sherwood Rekker Legend 2
Best Recreational-Level Elbow Pads
Overall Performance Warrior Alpha LX 40
Best Value CCM Next

Best Elbow Pads
For Elite-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Elbow Pad

CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro elbow pad image
CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro elbow pad image

$139.99 MSRP for Junior (MD, LG)
$159.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

CCM has implemented the best air circulation that any elbow pad has ever seen, ultimately delivering game-changing body thermoregulation. Called their AER-TEC Thermoregulation System, a suspended mesh liner paired with ventilation ports enhances air circulation, sweat evaporation, and regulation of body heat, which all work together to keep the body's temperature cool throughout intense gameplay. It comes with featherlight, and elite-level protection to boot, giving the quick and agile player a lightweight fit but with protection to keep them safe during puck battles.

Pros Cons
Body temperature regulation Expensive
Perfect for the quick and agile player Not designed for shot blockers and heavy hitters
DryFoam liner resists sweat absorption
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For Best Value,
Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro Elbow Pad

Sherwood Rekker Legend 1 Elbow Pad graphic
Sherwood Rekker Legend 1 Elbow Pad graphic

$99.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$109.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Sherwood Rekker Legend 1 Elbow Pad can literally do it all! A low profile and three-piece design best suits the quick and agile player, yet, the Legend 1 is built with truly elite-level impact protection so players can confidently battle in the hard areas and weave their way through a gauntlet of sticks.

It's loaded with technologies that include VIP and CIP from years past, and now features Sherwood's innovative AIZ. Standing for Anatomical Isolated Zone, the Legend 1's forearm protection wraps around the arm better than ever, giving players an incredible fit out of the box, 360-degree impact protection, and the ultimate arm mobility for dangles and snipes. With elite-level protection, game-ready comfort, and ultimate mobility in an affordable package, the Legend 1 Elbow Pad is easily the best value for 2023.

Pros Cons
Viconic Impact Protection in the elbow and bicep Would have loved to see Viconic Impact Protection on the forearm
AIZ delivers 360-degree protection without sacrificing mobility
Customizable bicep protection
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Honorable Mentions,
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite & Warrior Alpha LX Pro

Clearance  -35%
Warrior Alpha LX Pro
Hockey Elbow Pads
$77.97 - $90.97
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The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Elbow Pad is a close runner-up showcasing a mixture of foams that produce a truly featherlight construction and elite-level protection package. Designed with a three-piece construction as well, this should be on the quick and agile player's radar.

As for the Warrior Alpha LX Pro, it has one of the most comfortable liners on the market thanks to its sleeve construction. Along with its protection package, the LX Pro also has some of the best mobility on the market.

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Best Elbow Pads
For Performance-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
CCM JetSpeed FT680 Elbow Pad

CCM JetSpeed FT680 Elbow Pad Graphic
CCM JetSpeed FT680 Elbow Pad Graphic

$69.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$89.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

Without breaking the bank, the CCM JetSpeed FT680 Elbow Pad caters to the quick and agile player looking for an efficient range of motion and a lightweight design. Boasting an amazing fit, the FT680 comes with compress-molded EVA foam and plastic for the elbow and forearm, providing the competitive player with fantastic protection at a very reasonable price.

Pros Cons
Great forearm protection Would like to see the sublimated liner extended into the bicep portion
Comfortable strapping system
Lightweight
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For Best Value,
Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 Elbow Pad

Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 Elbow Pad graphic
Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 Elbow Pad graphic

$69.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$79.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

Almost identical to the Legend 1, the Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 Elbow Pad is a standout choice for the competitive player who is seeking top-level performance but in a more affordable package. It features all of the same great features that are included in the Legend 1 aside from the Viconic Impact Protection. With molded Hex foam swapping it out, the Legend 2 still delivers incredible protection but allows it to be more affordable for the competitive player. Everything else remains like the AIZ, CIP, and premium COP-r29 liner!

Pros Cons
AIZ in the forearm for 360-degree protection and premium mobility Not for blocking shots or heavy hitters
CIP Technology in the bicep for customizable coverage
COP-r29 liner provides elite-level moisture and odor management
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Honorable Mentions,
Bauer Vapor 3X & True AX7

Clearance  -30%
True AX7
Hockey Elbow Pads
$ 62.97
Video

The competitive player who relies on their quick stick handling but looking for affordable protection can seek refuge in the Bauer Vapor 3X. It has a three-piece design for maximum mobility and 360-degree forearm protection for premium coverage. A close runner-up is the True AX7 which really gives a great balance between protection, mobility, and price. The AX7 features Absor Foam, which is great at absorbing impact energy before it reaches the elbow joint.

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Best Elbow Pads
For Recreational-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Warrior Alpha LX 40 Elbow Pad

Warrior Alpha LX 40 Elbow Pad Graphic
Warrior Alpha LX 40 Elbow Pad Graphic

$39.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$49.99 MSRP for Senior (XS, SM, MD, LG)

Warrior makes the list with their Alpha LX 40 Elbow Pad. At this price, the entry-level player can save money while still knowing they get protection and comfort. With a hard molded plastic elbow cap and standard foam for the bicep and forearm, the LX 40 offers great value for the casual, recreational player.

Pros Cons
Excellent price Basic Liner
Lightweight No plastic protection in the forearm or bicep
Great for casual hockey
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For Best Value,
CCM Next Elbow Pad

CCM Next Elbow Pad Graphic
CCM Next Elbow Pad Graphic

$34.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$44.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The CCM Next Elbow Pads are the perfect choice for any recreational or entry-level player who is seeking a comfortable fit and great protection. CCM used a compressed EVA foam and PE insert in one of the most prone areas to slashes, the forearm. Its low-profile design feels great on the arm and it comes with a convenient strapping system that includes a sleeve fit on the bicep for optimal comfort.

Pros Cons
Great protection for the casual hockey player Bicep comfort sleeve has no adjustability
Anatomical design offers a great fit
Comfortable liner
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Honorable Mentions,
CCM Tacks 9550 & Sherwood 5030 HOF Soft Cap

Comfort and style can be found in the CCM Tacks 9550 while it provides molded plastic protection for both the elbow and forearm, making this a great choice for players in recreational leagues. The best choice for players who truly want the lowest profile and minimal bulk is the Sherwood 5030 HOF Soft Cap Elbow Pads. It provides just the right amount of protection that a player requires for very casual hockey like pick-up games or the outdoor rink.

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Hockey Elbow Pad Sizing and Selecting

Learn how to fit and choose the elbow pad that's right for you

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!