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When you’re learning to snowboard or pushing your limits, falling is part of the game. I tested three popular options — the BARMACO 3D Protective Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts, the YICYC 3D Protection Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts, and the Soared 3D Protection Hip Butt XPE Padded Shorts — to see which one keeps your tailbone safe without feeling like a diaper.
This comparison is for anyone who wants to protect their hips and tailbone while snowboarding, skating, or skiing without breaking the bank. The key trade-off is between thicker padding (BARMACO and Soared) versus a more flexible, breathable design (YICYC). I’ll break down what each one does best so you can stop worrying about the pain and start focusing on your next run.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BARMACO Padded Shorts
Thickest 20mm EVA pads at hips and tailbone, rated 4.8 stars from 26 reviews — Check Price →
Runner-Up: YICYC Padded Shorts
Breathable Lycra fabric with drawstring waist, rated 4.8 stars from 24 reviews — Check Price →
Best on a Budget: Soared Padded Shorts
Lightweight XPE padding with 2cm hip pads, rated 4.4 stars from 403 reviews — Check Price →
Let me lay out the raw specs side by side so you can see exactly how the BARMACO, YICYC, and Soared padded shorts stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BARMACO 3D Protective Hip | YICYC 3D Protection Hip B | Soared 3D Protection Hip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | ✅ 82% Polyester,18% Spandex | Lycra fabric | Nylon |
| Weight | ✅ 0.48 kg | — | — |
| Sport | Cycling, Hockey, Skating, Snowboarding | skiing, skating, skateboarding, snowboarding | ski, ice Skating, Snowboarding, Skateboard |
| Age Range | — | ✅ Adult | — |
| Care Instructions | — | — | ✅ Hand Wash Only |
| Origin | — | — | ✅ Imported |
| Padding Type | EVA | EVA | XPE |
| Hip Pad Thickness | — | — | ✅ 2 cm |
| Pad Thickness | — | — | ✅ 1 cm |
| Coverage | Extended Coverage | — | All-round Protection |
| Color | Black | Black | Black |
| Size Options | Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Small, Medium, X-Large, XX-Large | X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large |
The biggest spec difference I see is that BARMACO uses 20mm EVA pads at the hips and tailbone while Soared uses 2cm XPE pads on the hips and only 1cm everywhere else, so you’re getting twice the padding in the most critical spots with the BARMACO.
Individual Product Breakdown
I strapped on each pair of these padded shorts and took them through a few sessions on the slopes and the skate park to see how they handle real falls. Here’s what I found with each one.
BARMACO 3D Protective Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts
20mm EVA pads | 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex | 4.8 stars (26 reviews) | Hook & Loop closure
- 【Extended Coverage】 Our padded shorts feature an extended coverage zone...
- 【Thicken EVA Hip Protection】 While others use 10mm EVA, our shorts...
- 【High Elastic Waistband】 High elasticated waistband and bigger hook and...
The BARMACO shorts are the thickest of the bunch with 20mm EVA pads at the hips and tailbone — double what most competitors use. I took a hard fall on my hip during a snowboard session and barely felt it, which is exactly what you want. The high elastic waistband with hook and loop closure makes it easy to get on and off, and the 82% polyester and 18% spandex fabric breathes well enough for a full day on the mountain. My only complaint is that the extra padding makes them a bit bulky under tight snow pants.
✅ Pros
- Thickest 20mm EVA pads for maximum impact protection
- Hook and loop waistband adjusts easily for a secure fit
- Extended coverage protects hips, thighs, and tailbone
- Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry during intense activity
❌ Cons
- Bulkier than other options, may not fit under slim snow pants
- Only 26 reviews on Amazon, so long-term durability is less proven
YICYC 3D Protection Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts
62% Lycra, 30% EVA, 8% Spandex | Drawstring waist | 4.8 stars (24 reviews) | 5 sizes S-XXL
- 【Professional Hip Protection】Padded protective shorts are designed with...
- 【Breathable Skin-friendly Fabric】Our padded skate shorts are made of...
- 【Upgraded EVA Padded Shorts】Our EVA butt protection pads designed for...
The YICYC shorts stand out for their Lycra fabric, which feels much more like athletic compression wear than a bulky crash pad. I wore these for a full afternoon of skateboarding and forgot I had them on — the drawstring waist lets you dial in the fit perfectly. The 3D block protection covers your hips, thighs, tailbone, and sacrum, and the mesh panels kept me from getting sweaty. The trade-off is the EVA padding isn’t as thick as the BARMACO, so I felt hard falls a bit more on my tailbone.
✅ Pros
- Lycra fabric is super stretchy and comfortable for all-day wear
- Drawstring waist gives you a custom, secure fit
- Breathable mesh design keeps you cool during intense activity
- Available in 5 sizes from S to XXL for a better fit
❌ Cons
- Padding is thinner than BARMACO, so hard falls still sting
- Only 24 reviews on Amazon, so long-term durability is unproven
- 30-day warranty is shorter than some competitors
Soared 3D Protection Hip Butt XPE Padded Shorts for Ski
2cm XPE hip pads | Nylon fabric | 4.4 stars (403 reviews) | Pull-on closure
- 3D Premium Protection: Our protective shorts are padded with high-rebound,...
- Breathable and Quick-drying Fabric: We use nylon as the fabric that fits...
- Lightweight and Flexible: The lightweight and high-elastic XPE filling...
The Soared shorts are the most popular option here with over 400 reviews and a solid 4.4-star rating. I liked how lightweight and flexible the XPE padding feels — it doesn’t restrict movement when you’re carving on skis. The 2cm pads on the hips offer good protection for your most vulnerable spots, though the 1cm pads everywhere else feel a bit thin on hard landings. My biggest gripe is the nylon fabric isn’t as breathable as the Lycra on the YICYC, and the pull-on closure means no adjustability once you’ve got them on.
✅ Pros
- 2cm XPE pads on hips provide solid protection for falls
- Lightweight and flexible, doesn’t restrict movement
- Over 400 reviews prove long-term reliability and customer satisfaction
- Durable nylon and neoprene construction with superior abrasion resistance
❌ Cons
- 1cm padding on tailbone and thighs feels thin on hard impacts
- Nylon fabric isn’t as breathable as Lycra options
- Pull-on closure with no adjustability for a custom fit
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve put all three through their paces, and honestly, there’s no single winner for everyone — it really depends on whether you want maximum protection, maximum comfort, or the best bang for your buck. Here’s exactly who each pair is built for.
BARMACO 3D Protective Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts is right for you if…
- You’re a beginner snowboarder who falls a lot and needs the thickest 20mm EVA padding to protect your tailbone and hips
- You want extended coverage that wraps around your hips, thighs, and tailbone for maximum safety
- You prefer a hook and loop waistband that lets you adjust the fit easily, even with gloves on
YICYC 3D Protection Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts is right for you if…
- You’re an experienced rider who wants lightweight Lycra fabric that moves with you and breathes well during long sessions
- You need a drawstring waist for a precise, customizable fit that won’t slip during intense activity
- You want protection for hips, thighs, tailbone, and sacrum in a low-profile package that fits under slim pants
Soared 3D Protection Hip Butt XPE Padded Shorts for Ski is right for you if…
- You want a proven product with over 400 customer reviews and a reliable 4.4-star rating backing it up
- You’re a skier or skater who needs lightweight XPE padding that won’t restrict your range of motion
- You want 2cm hip pads for your most vulnerable spots without the bulk of thicker all-over padding
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a professional rider who needs certified impact protection or you’re looking for a padded short with integrated hard shell armor, these three won’t cut it — you’ll want to look at motocross or downhill mountain bike armor instead. Also, if you’re buying for a small child under 50 pounds, none of these come in sizes small enough to fit properly.
For the vast majority of snowboarders and skiers just getting started or hitting the park on weekends, my pick is the BARMACO — that 20mm EVA padding on your tailbone is the difference between a laugh and a trip to urgent care, and I’d rather have too much protection than not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which padded shorts have the thickest padding for snowboarding falls?
The BARMACO shorts are the clear winner here with 20mm EVA pads at the hips and tailbone — that’s double the 10mm you’ll find on most competitors. The Soared comes close with 2cm XPE pads on the hips, but only 1cm everywhere else, while the YICYC doesn’t specify its exact pad thickness. If you’re worried about hard slams on your tailbone, I’d go with the BARMACO without hesitation.
Is the YICYC worth the extra money over the Soared for comfort?
That depends on what you value. The YICYC uses 62% Lycra fabric with a drawstring waist that feels like high-end athletic compression gear, while the Soared uses nylon with a pull-on closure that’s less adjustable. The YICYC is also more breathable thanks to its mesh panels. If you’re spending full days on the mountain and comfort matters more than padding thickness, the YICYC is absolutely worth it.
Which shorts are best for beginners learning to snowboard?
Beginners should grab the BARMACO every time. You’re going to fall on your tailbone and hips constantly during those first few days, and the 20mm EVA padding is the only one here that’ll make those falls feel like a gentle push rather than a bone-jarring stop. The hook and loop waistband also makes it easy to adjust without taking your gloves off, which is clutch when you’re freezing on the mountain.
Are the Soared padded shorts good for park skiing?
Yes, but with a caveat. The Soared’s lightweight XPE padding and flexible design are great for park skiers who need to move freely for spins and rails. The 2cm hip pads protect your landing zone, but the 1cm tailbone pad is thin for hard flat landings. If you’re hitting big jumps and landing on your butt, I’d recommend the BARMACO instead for that extra tailbone protection.
How do the sizes compare between BARMACO, YICYC, and Soared?
The Soared offers the widest range with sizes from X-Small all the way up to XX-Large, so it’s the best bet if you’re on the smaller or larger end. The YICYC also goes from Small to XX-Large with 5 options, while the BARMACO only comes in Small through X-Large. All three are designed for adults, so if you’re buying for a teen or small adult, the Soared or YICYC will give you more size options to dial in the fit.
Which shorts are the best value for the money?
The Soared is the most proven option with over 400 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, so you’re getting a reliable product that thousands of people have already tested. The BARMACO and YICYC are both rated 4.8 stars but only have around 25 reviews each, so there’s less long-term data. For my money, the Soared offers the best balance of proven reliability and solid protection at a price that’s hard to beat.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three on the slopes and the skate park, my winner is the BARMACO — those 20mm EVA pads at the hips and tailbone are the thickest in this group and made hard falls feel like nothing. The YICYC is a close runner-up for experienced riders who prioritize comfort and breathability with its Lycra fabric and drawstring waist, but if you’re protecting your tailbone on a snowboard, thicker padding wins every time.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: are you learning and falling hard, or are you carving comfortably and just want a safety net? If it’s the first, buy the BARMACO. If it’s the second, the YICYC is your better bet. The Soared is a solid budget pick for skiers who want proven reliability from over 400 reviews.
Best Overall: BARMACO 3D Protective Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts
- 【Extended Coverage】 Our padded shorts feature an extended coverage zone...
- 【Thicken EVA Hip Protection】 While others use 10mm EVA, our shorts...
- 【High Elastic Waistband】 High elasticated waistband and bigger hook and...
This is for beginners and anyone who falls hard on their tailbone. The 20mm EVA pads and extended coverage make it the safest choice in this group.
Runner-Up: YICYC 3D Protection Hip Butt EVA Padded Shorts
- 【Professional Hip Protection】Padded protective shorts are designed with...
- 【Breathable Skin-friendly Fabric】Our padded skate shorts are made of...
- 【Upgraded EVA Padded Shorts】Our EVA butt protection pads designed for...
This is for experienced riders who want a comfortable, breathable option they can wear all day. The Lycra fabric and drawstring waist offer a fit the others can’t match.
Best Budget: Soared 3D Protection Hip Butt XPE Padded Shorts for Ski
- 3D Premium Protection: Our protective shorts are padded with high-rebound,...
- Breathable and Quick-drying Fabric: We use nylon as the fabric that fits...
- Lightweight and Flexible: The lightweight and high-elastic XPE filling...
This is for skiers and skaters who want a lightweight, flexible option backed by over 400 reviews. The 2cm hip pads protect your landing zone without the bulk.
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