Football Flak Jackets
Football can be a rough sport, so picking the right gear to prevent injuries can be crucial to a fun playing experience. Flak jackets are a common piece of protective gear that often gets overlooked. Read on to learn more about flak jackets, and why a flak jacket might be a smart investment for you.
What is a Flak Jacket in Football?
Football flak jackets, otherwise known as rib protectors, are pieces of protective equipment that are attached to the shoulder pads and wrapped around the abdomen/rib area. Flak jackets have a hard exterior and a soft, padded interior in order to protect the wearer from hard contact while also preventing any discomfort from wearing an additional piece of equipment. While flak jackets are used by players at various positions, quarterbacks are the most frequent wearers due to the fact that they take consistent hits to their stomach and ribs throughout the course of a game.
Benefits of Wearing a Flak Jacket
While flak jackets are often overlooked relative to other equipment in football (i.e. knee pads, shoulder pads, helmets), they are nonetheless incredibly effective at preventing injury. Without a flak jacket, the stomach/rib area is the one part of the body that is not protected by safety equipment. With helmets and shoulder pads posing a number of injury risks should they contact an exposed part of the player’s body, a flak jacket provides a simple fix. Numerous quarterbacks have been seen wearing flak jackets in recent years, including Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
What are the most popular football flak jackets/rib protectors?
- Xenith XFlexion Core Guard
- Schutt Sports Hard Shell Rib Protector
- Riddell Youth Rib Protector
- Champro Adult Air Tech 3 Rib Vest
- Douglas Rib Combo
- Douglas Junior Rib Combo
- Adams VS500 Blocking Vest Football Rib Protector
- All-Star Football Adjustable Rib Protector Vest
- Barnett Rib Protection and Back Plate
- Schutt Sports Lightweight Rib Protector Vest
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Xenith XFlexion Core Guard |
| See on Amazon |
 | Schutt Sports Hard Shell Rib Protector |
| See on Amazon |
 | Riddell Youth Rib Protector |
| See on Amazon |
 | Champro Adult Air Tech 3 Rib Vest |
| See on Amazon |
 | Douglas Rib Combo |
| See on Amazon |
 | Douglas Junior Rib Combo |
| See on Amazon |
 | Adams VS500 Blocking Vest |
| See on Amazon |
 | All-Star Football Adjustable Rib Protector Vest |
| See on Amazon |
 | Barnett Rib Protection and Back Plate |
| See on Amazon |
 | Schutt Sports Lightweight Rib Protector Vest |
| See on Amazon |
1. Xenith XFlexion Core Guard
Specifications:
- Price: $69.00
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Xenith
Xenith’s XFlexion Core Guard provides excellent protection for your ribs and lower back. It comes in two sizes, small and large, meant to fit both kids and adults. It can be worn without pads thanks to shoulder straps that come included. This product is durable to withstand intense contact while also being lightweight. It is made of polyester and carbonate material, and makes a great option for all football players.
2. Schutt Sports Hard Shell Rib Protector
Specifications:
- Price: $79.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Schutt
The Schutt Hard Shell Rib Protector is a rib protector built to last. This particular style of protector is made with heavy protection in mind. It covers the ribs, as well as the lower back area. There are also straps for adjustments on the lower half of the protector for sizing and comfort. The Schutt Hard Shell Protector fits underneath standard football padding and uniforms.
3. Riddell Youth Rib Protector
Specifications:
- Price: $49.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: Riddell
Riddell offers one of the top choices for youth rib protectors. Their product is durable, high quality, and remains affordable. They are designed to fit most shoulder pads with the necessary attachment equipment included. The straps allow for an adjustable fit to give you maximum comfort. This rib protector measures 30 inches in length and 5.5 inches in height, making a great option for youth players.
4. Champro Adult Air Tech 3 Rib Vest
Specifications:
- Price: $40.65
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Champro
Champro’s Adult Air Tech 3 Rib Vest offers a highly affordable option for anyone on the hunt for a new flak jacket. This model has padded shock plates for extra protection, as well as a breathable and lightweight design for a comfortable fit while wearing standard football pads. The vest carries an overall design focused on mobility and comfort, with a flexible tail pad that allows for an increased range of motion during use.
5. Douglas Rib Combo
Specifications:
- Price: $101.47-$114.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Douglas
Douglas’ Rib Combo provides maximum rib and torso protection on the field throughout multiple uses. This product comes in two sizes, 4 inches or 6 inches. It has extra grommet holes which allow for quick and easy adjustment as well as removal. The protective padding is comfortable, allowing for extra compression while remaining lightweight. It is a durable, USA made product that allows you to play your hardest on the field.
6. Douglas Junior Rib Combo
Specifications:
- Price: $54.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Douglas
The Douglas Rib Combo was such a success with adults, they decided to make a junior size for youth players. This is one of the best options for youth players, as it provides maximum torso protection while also looking cool and stylish. It is designed the same way as the adult version, only slightly smaller. This is a bit more expensive than other youth products, but it is well worth the price.See on Amazon
7. Adams VS500 Blocking Vest Football Rib Protector
Specifications:
- Price: $32.54-$33.75
- Rating: 5/5
- Brand: Adams
The Adams VS500 is a great option when looking for a new flak jacket for football season. This model features body cushions designed with ventilation, to allow the vest to breathe and prevent overheating during use. The vest is also designed to be low profile, and work side by side with standard football pads. With the Adams model, you’re getting a price effective option designed with comfort and safety in mind.
8. All-Star Football Adjustable Rib Protector Vest
Specifications:
- Price: $33.00-$39.50
- Rating: 5/5
- Brand: All-Star
The All-Star Rib Protector Vest comes in three sizes, youth, junior, and adult. It is adjustable and has a low profile, which helps it stay in place around your torso. The closed cell pads are comfortable, compressive, and shock absorbing. The vest also comes with polyethylene inserts you can use for extra protection. This can be an excellent alternative to other more expensive vests.
9. Barnett Rib Protection and Back Plate
Specifications:
- Price: $49.00
- Rating: 5/5
- Brand: Barnett
Barnett’s product provides a focus on the lower ribs and back, built to absorb impact or shock for the player’s benefit. It is made of EV 50 foam and mesh, absorbing sweat along with impact to keep you cool and comfortable on the field. It is designed to feel compressive and comfortable while wearing, while also allowing for easy body movement.
10. Schutt Sports Lightweight Rib Protector Vest
Specifications:
- Price: $24.58-$32.61
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Brand: Schutt
Schutt Sports’ vest is an affordable option for any youth player. It comes in two sizes, medium and large. The product is designed to provide maximum rib protection thanks to a high-impact EVA foam. The outer shield is made of a hard shell which helps minimize the feeling of impact. It is lightweight and comfortable, with perforated fabric to improve airflow and keep you fresh on the field.
FAQ
Why do quarterbacks wear flak jackets?
Flak jackets or rib protectors are often worn by quarterbacks for protection against big hits. This is because their lower torso is exposed when they are in a throwing position.
Can other football players besides quarterbacks wear flak jackets?
Absolutely, quarterbacks are just the position most commonly known to sport a flak jacket during games. Flak jackets have become well regarded across the sport for protecting the ribs of other football players like running backs and wide receivers, in addition to quarterbacks.
Do flak jackets prevent injuries?
Flak jackets absorb shock in your ribs and lower back to help make hard contact more bearable. It may not prevent every injury, but you will feel a difference in impact during hits.