Football girdles have evolved since the mid 1990s, with more styles and features from which to choose. Some girdles are basic, with pockets for specific pads. Others come with pads built into the girdle and are machine washable. Consult your team and association rules before making a purchase to ensure your girdle fits the prescribed guidelines.
Under Armour
Under Armour girdles feature moisture-wicking and compression technology. They also have vents that help your body breathe and stay cool during practice and competition. The Under Armour 5 Pocket Compression Football Girdle includes no pads and sells for between $19.99 and $29.99, as of May 2011. The Men's MPZ Level ll Hip Flex Skill Girdle has hip and tailbone pads built in with pockets for the thigh boards and sells for $24.99 to $49.99. On the high end of its line, Under Armour offers the MPZ 2 Stealth System Girdle, an extended version of the Level II Hip Flex that extends past the thigh and over the knee. It features built-in knee pads for added protection. It costs between $59.99 and $79.99.
Riddell
Riddell is an established football equipment company that markets directly to the majority of youth and high school programs in the United States. It offers a five-pocket girdle called the Shell. It is the economy option with prices ranging from $17.99 to $23.99, as of May 2011. It includes no pads. The 5-Piece 3-Pocket Padded Girdle includes hip and tailbone pads with pockets for the thigh boards and cup. Prices range from $24.99 to $31.99. The 5-Piece Padded Girdle contains all the pads except the knee pads. All five pads use the hex-pad technology that allows them to form fit your body. This girdle sells for between $29.99 and $36.99.
Zoombang
Zoombang offers a unique girdle that uses it patented polymer, which is flexible and soft until impacted. Upon impact, it hardens and provides you with added protection. The 3-Piece Compression Padded Girdle sells for between $39.99 and $59.99, as of May 2011, and the 5-Piece Compression Padded Girdle runs from $49.99 to $69.99.
NIke
Nike offers girdles that use lightweight, moisture-wicking material to provide maximum comfort. Nike's Pro Core 5-Pocket Girdle, which comes without pads, sells for between $19.99 and $24.99, as of May 2011. The Pro Combat Hip & Tail Short retails for $49.99 to $54.99 and includes hip and tailbone pads. The Pro Combat Hyperstrong Football Short has wraparound thigh pads for extra protection from side impact. It sells for between $69.99 and $74.99.
McDavid
McDavid is known for its protective wear and makes a variety of products that combine its HexPad and HydraVent hDc technology. McDavid sells a basic Hexpad Thudd Short, with five built-in pads, for between $59.99 and $64.99, as of May 2011. The HexPad 5 Pad Hardshell Girdle has the same built-in hip and tailbone pads, but includes removable solid core thigh pads. It sells for $59.99 to $64.99. The Dual Density HexPad Thudd Girdle, which has extra-thick thigh pads for added protection, costs between $69.99 and $74.99.
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