{"product_id":"youth-chest-protector-compression-shirt-padded-sternum-guard","title":"Youth Chest Protector Compression Shirt - Padded Sternum Guard","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Youth Chest Protector Compression Shirt is assessed for parents and coaches who want a low-profile, protective layer for young players. The bottom line: this padded compression shirt focuses on protecting the sternum, heart and ribs with professional EVA foam while remaining breathable and comfortable during practices and games. It is best for youth athletes in baseball, softball, football, lacrosse or rugby who need impact coverage without bulky plate protectors, and it balances protection and mobility better than many basic compression shirts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEVA foam padding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Professional foam targets the sternum, heart and ribs to absorb sudden impacts from pitches, balls and collisions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultisport use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for baseball, softball, football, pitching and batting so one garment works across a range of youth team sports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreathable fabric:\u003c\/strong\u003e 88% nylon and 12% spandex with mesh panels across the shoulders, back and sides keeps air flowing during long practices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture wicking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quick-dry technology helps pull sweat away from the skin to keep players cooler and more comfortable on hot days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElastic fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compression stretch improves range of motion while holding the padding close to the chest for consistent protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize-based fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear chest size ranges (Small, Medium, Large) simplify selection for most youth players.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis chest protector is aimed at youth athletes and their caregivers who want extra front-of-torso protection without a full catcher-style harness or rigid plate. It fits well under uniforms or batting jackets and suits players who need mobility for pitching, running and fielding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for adults or players requiring full-coverage chest and back armor; teams needing certified competitive-grade chest plates should look at specialized protective gear instead. Parents should also confirm chest measurements against the stated size ranges before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTargeted EVA foam protects the sternum and ribs while remaining slim under clothing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreathable mesh panels and quick-dry material reduce overheating during activity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElastic compression fit supports mobility while keeping padding in place.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited to front-of-chest protection and not a replacement for full chest\/back armor in high-impact positions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizes are based on chest measurement only, which may require careful measuring for growing kids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePORTEC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e88% nylon, 12% spandex with EVA foam padding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePadding type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProfessional EVA foam for sternum and ribs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVentilation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMesh fabric across shoulders, back and sides\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSizes (chest)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall 25-26.5 in, Medium 26.5-29.5 in, Large 29.5-33 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWash cold, tumble dry low\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Youth Chest Protector Compression Shirt is a practical, value-minded choice for coaches and parents who want discreet, effective front chest protection for young players. It combines targeted EVA foam padding with breathable, quick-dry fabric and a snug compression fit, making it a sensible option for multi-sport youth use where mobility and cooling matter more than full plate coverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes should I buy for a growing child?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeasure chest circumference and use the Small, Medium and Large ranges provided; if the child is between sizes consider the larger size for growth and comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this replace a catcher or umpire chest protector?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. This shirt offers front-of-chest padding and is not a full replacement for dedicated catcher or umpire plate-style protectors designed for high-impact stops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I care for the shirt?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWash with cold water and tumble dry on low to preserve fabric elasticity and padding performance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PORTEC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48685223117019,"sku":"B0DQTZKXWQ","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61DygguekeL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778704889","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/youth-chest-protector-compression-shirt-padded-sternum-guard","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}