Known for its leadership in mouthguards, Shock Doctor’s neck guard shirt is built more like a general compression base layer, than a purpose-built piece of protective equipment.
Their hockey neck guard compression shirt is designed more as a general-purpose base layer with a sewn-in neck guard, not a purpose-built piece of protective equipment – and that’s a critical distinction.
Shock Doctor’s shirt is priced at just $69.99 and offers A2 cut resistance, far below the A6 threshold recommended by experts and Titan’s A9 (the highest level available) neck guard shirts. For players, parents, and coaches prioritizing real protection, that rating alone should raise concern.
In this comparison, we break down how Titan BattleGear stacks up to Shock Doctor across the most important dimensions: cut resistance, coverage, comfort, performance, customization, and price – so you can make an informed decision about what you want protecting your neck.
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: cut resistance level
Titan offers ANSI A9 cut resistance at the collar – the highest rating available. Titan also offers A7 cut resistance at the wrists in every shirt.
Shock Doctor’s compression shirt with a neck guard is rated ANSI A2, the lowest rating of any shirt in this comparison series. That means it’s better than a basic base layer, but nowhere near protective enough to stop a direct or glancing blade, especially during high-speed play. While it includes a neck guard, the shirt was not purpose-built for cut protection, and it shows. This neck guard offers basic compliance, but it doesn’t deliver the same level of performance as purpose-built cut-resistance shirts.
At Titan, we do not recommend buying anything under A6 cut resistance.
Winner: Titan – the highest levels of protection on both neck and wrists, in all models available
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: neck coverage
Titan’s Stretch ProCurve™ Collar is engineered for full coverage protection and total mobility. It’s contoured, stretch-fit design moves with the player and offers protection over the carotid artery and jugular vein. The collar stays in place during play and doesn’t move, shift, or gap. Combined with triple-layer wrist protection that runs from glove to elbow pad, Titan’s coverage is both comprehensive and high-performing.
Shock Doctor, by contract, takes a more traditional approach with a hook-and-loop neck guard sewn into a compression shirt. The collar is tight and stiff, and a reviewer on its own website reports, “it ruffles under the jersey and requires in-game adjustments.” The neck guard offers the lowest level of cut protection and doesn’t conform closely to the body, which can create gaps. One reviewer noted, “The arms are baggy. The neck is too tight for me.” Others cite snug shoulders and inconsistent sizing, which can lead to restricted movement or improper fit.
Winner: Titan – Dynamic neck coverage while Shock Doctor is one-size-fits-all. No one needs to be fidgeting while playing.
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: colors & design
Titan breaks the mold with dozens of bold colors, limited edition drops, and eye-catching patterns like bright neons, drips, novelty prints, and team customizations. Whether you’re looking to match team colors or make a personal statement, Titan offers hundreds of options.
Shock Doctor keeps things simple. Their neck guard compression shirt is available in one coloor – black. There is no customization option for teams. It’s a purely functional piece.
Winner: Titan – More personality, more customization and options for teams
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: customization for teams
Titan was built with teams in mind. Teams shopping Titan can choose from 10 bold stock team colors or go fully-custom with team logos, team colors, player names and numbers, as well as entirely bespoke designs. You can get professional-grade gear that looks as sharp as it performs.
Shock Doctor offers no customization options. The shirt comes in one standard black design with no ability to add branding, colors, or personalization.
Winner: Titan – offers a ton of options and nearly endless possibilities
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: performance, comfort, fit, and styles
Titan is built for high-performance athletes. Using lightweight, premium fabrics originally developed for pro cycling – Titan’s shirts offer moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and stretch with the body like a second skin. The athletic cut tapers at the waist and offers a true anatomical sleeve fit without restriction. Titan is available in both long and short sleeve styles, with your choice of a patented Stretch ProCurve™ collar (velcro-free) or traditional velcro closure. Available in 11 sizes, including youth XS through senior 3XL, Titan ensures fit for players of all sizes. Additionally, every design is field-tested by elite players and at its R&D lab in Michigan, by the Ironwood Lumberjacks, a SIJHL team.
Shock Doctor uses a 4-way stretch compression fabric with a mesh back panel, offering solid breathability and moisture control. But performance stops there. The shirt’s hook-and-loop neck guard is stiff and tight, drawing frequent complaints about comfort and bunching. It is available in short and long sleeve options, and in men’s and women’s fit. However, Shock Doctor only goes up to senior XL, leaving bigger athletes without a suitable option.
Winner: Titan – Superior fabrics, more sizes, and a truer fit
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: production, fabrics, manufacturing, and sustainability
Titan’s product line is made proudly in the USA, with a supply chain built for sustainability and transparency. Every shirt features Titan’s own Titanotex™ cut-resistant material, made from advanced yarns spun in North Carolina and knit into technical textiles in California. Final assembly happens in St. Paul, Minnesota, the state of hockey, with secondary partners in Colombia, a US free trade ally. Titan pays no tariffs, maintains tight control over labor and environmental standards, and enforces rigorous sustainability requirements across partners.
Titan shirts are engineered using:
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Titan body and sleeve: 87% Poly, 13% Lycra, 4.16oz
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Titan back and mesh: 90% Poly, 10% Lycra, 3.24 oz
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Wrist protection powered by Titanotex™ cut resistant material
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4-way stretch
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Quick-dry technology
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Thermo-regulated
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Mesh back & underarm panel
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Anti-bacterial
Shock Doctor provides no publicly available information on its manufacturing processes, supply chain transparency, or sustainability efforts. Material composition isn’t listed on the product pages, and there’s no clarity about where the shirt is made or how the materials are sourced. For customers who care about sustainability, product origin, or ethical production, this lack of transparency may be a red flag.
Winner: Titan – Transparent and American-made
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: customer experience and support
Titan offers free domestic shipping on orders over $50 (within the USA), free returns for 30 days, and a full one-year warranty on manufacturing defects – giving customers plenty of time to ensure its neck guard shirts perform on the ice. For team and retail orders, Titan provides personalized support and bulk order coordination.
Shock Doctor provides free shipping on orders over $45 and free returns for up to 60 days, which is slightly more flexible than Titan’s return window. However, the process requires proof of purchase and may involve submitting photos or mailing products. Additionally, there is no explicit warranty beyond the 60-day return window.
Winner: Titan – while Shock Doctor has a longer return window, Titan offers a longer warranty
Titan vs. Shock Doctor: price
Titan
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$149 youth short sleeve
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$159 youth long sleeve
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$159 senior short sleeve
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$169 senior long sleeve
Shop Titan BattleGear neck guard shirts here
Shock Doctor
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$69.99 long sleeve neck guard for men & women
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$64.99 short sleeve neck guard for men & women
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$59.99 compression shirt (no neck guard)
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$19.99 standalone neck guard
Shop Shock Doctor neck protection here
Shock Doctor’s lower prices come with a steep tradeoff – the shirt is rated only A2 for cut resistance and offers no wrist protection. It’s a compression base layer with a neck guard stitched in – not a hockey-first product. While it’s more affordable, the trade-offs in protection, sizing, and materials may not meet the needs of competitive or high-contact players.
Winner: Titan – While Shock Doctor is cheaper, Titan delivers a higher-quality product and significantly outperforms on safety.
The product comparisons presented on this page are based on publicly available specifications, customer reviews, and Titan BattleGear’s internal analysis as of June 2025. All brand names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for comparative and informational purposes only. Titan BattleGear is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.
We strive to ensure all information is accurate and up to date, but product specifications may change over time. If you are a brand representative and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us here for review and correction.
