Introduction to lacrosse glove protection needs
When you step out onto the lacrosse field, having the right protective gear can make all the difference between a great game and an injury. And for lacrosse players, one of the most important pieces of protective gear are lacrosse gloves. Lacrosse gloves shield the hands from the bruising checks, wild passes, and blistering shots that are part and parcel of this fast-paced sport. But with so many options on the market, how can you be sure you’re getting adequate protection for your hands?
Lacrosse gloves have come a long way from the basic leather and padding models of years past. Today’s gloves utilize advanced materials and ergonomic designs to disperse shock, wick moisture, and maximize mobility. When shopping for new lacrosse gloves, protection should be the number one priority. Focus first on padding over the back of the hand, fingers, and wrist. These high-impact zones bear the brunt of checks. Look for gloves with molded plastic guards over the thumb, palm, and wrist for extra shielding. Memory foam padding or gel inserts can also help absorb vibration.
The fit of your lacrosse gloves is also key for protection. Ill-fitting gloves leave gaps where your hands are exposed. Sizing up helps ensure full coverage. Features like adjustable wrist straps allow you to tweak the fit for a secure seal. Your gloves shouldn’t pinch but they also shouldn’t be loose. A snug fit keeps the padding in place when you get walloped by a cross-check.
Beyond basic padding, some higher-end lacrosse gloves include advanced protective features. Manufacturer STX makes Attack gloves with something called Poron XRD padding. This scientifically engineered material absorbs force by compressing when impacted. Other gloves boast carbon fiber shields for lightweight, rigid protection across the knuckles and fingers. Cutting edge materials borrowed from NFL receivers are making their way into lacrosse gloves too. Soft thermoplastic polyurethane shells seen in Under Armour highlight gloves disperse energy on contact.
While protection is the main job of lacrosse gloves, today’s models also incorporate technologies to fight moisture and enhance grip. Hydrophobic mesh panels and ventilation holes channel sweat away from the skin. This cooling effect helps prevent overheating and blisters. Gloves treated with Aqua Control technology create tacky grip when wet for hanging onto your stick in rainy games. Reinforced layers on the palm add abrasion resistance and durability for scooping up ground balls.
Your position on the field should factor into your lacrosse glove choice too. For midfielders involved in lots of transition play, flexibility is key. Attackmen need padding to withstand checks but also dexterity for stick handling. Defenders want maximum shielding on the gloves’ backside to thwart slashes. Goalies opt for extra thick foam or removable blocker pads on the outside of the thumb to knock down blistering shots.
While you can’t go wrong sticking with mainstay brands like Warrior, Maverik, and STX that outfit college and pro players, smaller companies are also engineering cutting-edge lacrosse glove protection. Upstart manufacturers like Epoch and StringKing offer pro-level padding and performance at lower price points. Their innovative gloves rival the big boys in comfort and safety.
Lacrosse will never be a contact-free sport. Crashes and collisions are inevitable when athletes wield metal sticks and hurl 6-ounce balls at over 100 mph. But having the right protective lacrosse gloves helps mitigate the risks. Do your research, try on different brands, and focus on fit and features that offer maximum padding. Don’t sacrifice safety by choosing style over protection. With the right gloves shielding your hands, you can play confidently and aggressively knowing your fingers and wrists are guarded.
Padding and materials for absorbing impact
When you’re looking for lacrosse gloves that provide serious protection, it all comes down to the padding and impact-absorbing materials. The back of the hand, fingers, and wrist take the most abuse from checks, passes, and shots, so focus on padding in those high-impact zones. Traditional foam padding does a decent job cushioning blows, but gloves with advanced materials like memory foam, gel inserts, or segmented padding protect better by conforming to your hand and absorbing vibration.
Manufacturers are getting creative with proprietary padding technologies too. Maverik’s D3O padding incorporates intelligent molecules that stiffen on impact to disperse energy. STX uses something called Poron XRD, a material engineered to compress when hit to divert force away from your hands. It bounces back instantly so you maintain flexibility for cradling and passing after absorbing crushing checks.
Hard plastic guards provide lightweight but rigid protection too. Thermoplastic polyurethane shells shield the fingers and back of hand without restricting mobility. Carbon fiber and titanium shields on gloves like the Epoch Dragonfly offer low-profile impact dispersion across knuckles and fingertips. These shields slide easily over turf for scooping ground balls.
In the palm and wrist area, durable synthetic leather overlays reinforced with latex lycra add abrasion resistance for securing checks and anchoring your stick. Tackified or rubberized gripping surfaces provide stick control, especially in wet conditions. Terry cloth or hydrophilic mesh wicks moisture away from the skin for cooling and blister prevention. Neoprene wrist cuffs seal out debris and cushion impacts.
While many focus on protecting the hands with padding, some companies take glove protection up a level. Brine and STX design gloves with removable arm guards that strap on for extra coverage of the forearm and elbow. Other brands offer detachable mitt padding to customize protection levels for different positions. And don’t forget about lacrosse specific gloves for goalies designed with extra dorsal padding and removable blocker attachments.
Fit also factors into the protective capability of lacrosse gloves. Make sure to size up for a snug fit with no gaping that exposes your hands. Adjustable wrist straps and stretch gussets allow you to tweak the fit. Pre-contoured gloves with articulated fingers ensure the padding stays in place against your hand when you get whacked by checks.
With innovations in materials science and sports technology, today’s lacrosse gloves offer protection well beyond basic foam padding. Smart fabrics, biomimetic design, and focused engineered shields divert and absorb impacts away from your hands. Don’t just choose gloves for looks or brand recognition. Seek out features like segmented padding, specialized shields, and adjustable closure systems engineered to protect your hands from the non-stop bombardment of slashes, pokes, and whacks.
Glove flexibility for catching and throwing
While protection is priority one for lacrosse gloves, you still need flexibility for catching, cradling and quick-stick passes. The best lacrosse gloves balance padding with dexterity so you can snag feeds on the run and hit teammates with crisp passes without getting stung.
Pre-curved fingers ensure the gloves move naturally with your hands for scooping ground balls and securing checks. Articulated padding over the knuckles, thumbs and palms won’t catch or bind. Stretch mesh gussets between the fingers aid fit and airflow. Silicone fingertips enhance grip and control when handling the ball.
Lightweight shields made of materials like carbon fiber, thermoplastic polyurethane and titanium over the back of the hands and fingers flex with your movements while still absorbing hard slashes and pokes. Foam or gel padding segmented into separate sections maintains a contour around your hands and won’t bunch up.
Some gloves incorporate technologies to enhance flexibility when wet. Epoch’s Nanolok palm treatment creates a hydrophilic surface when damp for handling soggy grounders. Under Armour highlights gloves have a water-resistant liner that keeps hands dryer for better dexterity in rain. Delta flex cuffs on Maverik gloves wick moisture and allow greater wrist mobility.
While you want very responsive gloves for handling the stick, don’t sacrifice padding thickness just for mobility’s sake. Prioritize protection over flashy features or minimalist design if you take a lot of hits. Box players should opt for more shielding on fingertips and the glove backside while crease attackmen can get away with a bit more finesse and breathability.
Test different gloves by flexing your wrist and fingers through the full range of catching, passing and shooting motions. Make sure to try them on with your lacrosse shaft too. There should be no pinching or binding and you shouldn’t have to fight the gloves to cradle smoothly. If gloves feel stiff out of the box, break them in by playing catch frequently to soften them up.
Your equipment doesn’t need to hinder your game. With mindful design features like pre-curved fingers, flexible protective shields and articulated padding zones, today’s cutting-edge lacrosse gloves allow full dexterity and responsiveness on the field. Don’t settle for brick-stiff gloves that make catching a chore. Seek out technical materials and ergonomic construction that fluidly move with your hands for confident, blistering play.
Wrist and thumb support against checks
In the rough and tumble sport of lacrosse, wrists and thumbs take a pounding from pokes, slashes and checks. Finding gloves with proper support in these vulnerable areas is key to staying on the field and off the injury list.
Look for substantial padding or plastic guards shielding the wrist and heel of the thumb on your lacrosse gloves. Thicker foam or removable blocker pads provide impact absorption when warding off checks. Some gloves feature neoprene or stretch mesh cuffs for a secure fit around the wrist to seal out debris.
Maverik designs Superlight Axis gloves with a raised wrist wrap for added thumb and wrist stability when being harassed by defenders. Epoch utilizes proprietary 37.5 technology in the palm and cuff of the Dragonfly glove to actively evaporate sweat to keep hands drier and eliminate slippage.
Pre-curved thumb constructions ensure a natural fit and allow full range of motion for catching and passing. Padding segmented over the thumb base boosts protection without restricting dexterity needed for accurate feeds. Thermoformed plastic wraps cup the thumb for impact resistance when receiving pings one-handed.
Since the thumb and parts of the wrist extend beyond the shaft when cradling, opt for maximum shielding in these areas if you take frequent punishment. Midfielders should prioritize flexible wrist cuffs that wick moisture while close defensemen will benefit from more rigid guards.
Don’t neglect wrist and thumb protection in your quest for lightweight and maneuverable gloves. Extended palms with hidden grab points help secure checks while keeping the gloves anchored on your hands. Integrated molded cuffs and thumb caps divert energy away from easily jammed joints.
Savvy companies construct gloves purposefully to support vulnerable zones subject to hacks and slashes. Materials like neoprene, thermoplastics and memory foam absorb impacts without compromising dexterity. Seek out ergonomic designs and durable construction to protect your thumbs and wrists from the onslaught of bruising checks.
Palm padding for stick handling
A lacrosse glove’s palm takes a beating from the constant abrasion of the stick shaft when cradling, passing and shooting. Don’t settle for flimsy padding in this high-wear area if you want gloves that stand up to hardcore play.
Prioritize gloves with durable synthetic leather, latex lycra or reinforced Clarino in the palm. Multiple layers of stiff, abrasion-resistant material prevent ripping and increase glove lifespan. Breathable insets allow ventilation to reduce sweat and blisters during intense play.
Targeted padding zones in the palm cushion pings from misplayed balls. Gel inserts or foam surrounded by hard plastic caps absorb vibration while allowing dexterity for stick handling. Some gloves extend padding past the palm up through the inside digits for tip-of-the-fingers protection.
Grip treatments are essential in the palm area too. Brands like Maverik infuse the palm with tactified surfaces for superior wet/dry grip and ball control. Under Armour highlights technology creates a sticky friction when damp. Slippery palms lead to fumbled catches and errant feeds.
While multi-layered padding and grip coatings fortify the palm, don’t overlook ventilation. Mesh cutouts, perforations and moisture-wicking linings keep hands cool and dry for optimal stick feel. Breathable palms enhance dexterity and prevent overheating.
Pay special attention to palm construction if you take face-offs. Padded Clarino shields withstand the intense abrasion of clamping down on the ball. Ventilated insets allow flex without compromising durability. Strong stitching prevents blown-out seams from continual contact with the plastic lip of your stick head.
Don’t gamble your gloves and your game on flimsy palm padding. Seek out sturdy, multifaceted constructions with grip coatings, stiff padding and ventilation features. Protect your palms with the same vigor you protect the back of your hands.
Finger protection from slashes
Fingers take a beating in lacrosse, whether from misplayed catches, body checks or malicious slashes. Protect your digits from bruising blows by choosing gloves with robust finger padding and shielding.
Multi-layer foam with plastic caps over the fingertips diffuses stingers from off-target passes. High-density memory foam or Poron XRD inserts conform to fingers for comfortable protection when colliding with flailing defenders. Shields of carbon fiber or TPU plating guard against hacks.
Pre-curved finger construction ensures the padding moves naturally with your hands for uninhibited catching and cradling. Segmented padding promotes dexterity while still cushioning individual fingers from awkward jams. Terry cloth linings wick moisture to prevent slipped balls.
For midfielders and attackmen subject to constant harassment, extend finger protection up to the second knuckle for more coverage. Box players should look for thermoplastic shields wrapping from mid-finger to the glove backhand to divert slashes.
While pads safeguard against incidental contact, they won’t prevent malicious stick and body checks. That’s where rigid plating comes in. Materials like carbon fiber, thermoplastic polyurethane and Titanium deliver lightweight but extremely stiff protection across the fingers.
Don’t settle for minimal single-layer foam over the fingers in the pursuit of responsiveness. Multi-stage padding absorbs blows without compromising feel. Focus on ergonomic construction and shields engineered to protect fragile digits from bruising slashes and checks.
Fingers take a pounding over the course of a lacrosse game. Without proper padding and protection, debilitating jams and breaks can quickly end a promising season. Seek out gloves with smartly designed, articulated finger constructions reinforced with protective thermoplastics so you can play aggressive knowing your hands are guarded.
Ventilation to keep hands cool
While you want maximum padding in your lacrosse gloves, don’t overlook ventilation. Proper airflow prevents overheating and sweat-soaked gloves that lead to slippery hands and decreased performance.
Mesh paneling on the gloves’ backside allows heat to escape. Perforations across the fingers and palm prevent a steamy microclimate inside the glove. Moisture-wicking linings draw sweat off the skin for quicker evaporation.
Vent zips and gusseted construction allow you to tailor airflow for conditions. Open the vents up fully for breathability on sweltering days or seal them shut to keep hands warmer in chillier weather. Some gloves feature removable finger stalls for ultimate adjustability.
Targeted padding arrangements also aid ventilation. Segmenting the foam or shielding into separate pads creates air channels for heat to dissipate while still protecting. Pre-curved fingers lift the padding off the hand a bit for better airflow.
While you’ll sacrifice some protection, choose more perforated palms and backsides for hot weather play. Midfielders and attackmen running suicides welcome ultra-breathable gloves. Bulky gloves with minimal ventilation leads to fatigue and decreased performance in humid conditions.
Don’t forget about moisture-wicking linings too. Hydrophobic materials like nylon or polyester draw sweat off the skin to keep hands drier. Terry cloth palm linings prevent slippage for better ball control when sweating heavily.
Breathable protection ensures you play at your best for the full 60 minutes, not just the first half until your hands get soaked. Seek out lacrosse gloves engineered with cooling mesh panels, porous construction and moisture-wicking linings so your hands stay cool, dry and focused.
Aesthetic design and style
While protection takes top priority, the style and design of your gloves still matters. The right look gives you confidence and intimidates opponents. Just make sure style doesn’t compromise essential padding and features.
Popular glove colors include traditional team tones like black, white, and navy, but companies offer bright patterns and color pops to stylize your game. Custom graphics allow self-expression. Focus colors on the glove backside since the palm takes so much abuse.
Opt for a classic look with basic leather or synthetic leather palm construction. Or go modern with perforated textured palms and four-way stretch mesh for breathability. Mixing glossy finishes with matte fabrics creates visual interest.
Consider fit too. Tight-fitting gloves project an intimidating, ripped appearance while loose-fitting extras roomy gloves make your hands appear padded and huge.
Limited editions and special collaborations offer flair. Maverik teams up with top players on signature “Pro” styled gloves. Under Armour highlights incorporate patterns and fabrics from athletic apparel for a streetwear vibe.
While you want gloves that look sick, flash doesn’t improve performance. Don’t choose based on aesthetics alone. Make sure vibrant colors and unique graphics are an added bonus to high-level padding, smart design features and durable construction.
Your equipment represents your personal brand on the field. Turn heads without sacrificing safety by choosing lacrosse gloves with advanced protective technologies encased in bold, customized style. Make opponents remember you with menacing graphics, fierce color schemes and savage performance.
True Source gloves overview
When your hands are your livelihood, you need protection you can trust. That’s where True Source lacrosse gloves come in. Engineered to shield hands from brutal slashes, checks, and misplays, these gloves provide hardcore padding for athletes who leave it all on the field.
True Source loads their gloves with high-density foam and molded plastic guards over the fingers, back of hand, and wrists. Synthetic leather overlays in the palm resist ripping and abrasion. Thermoformed caps stiffen padding without restricting flexibility.
Unique FlexZone padding incorporates hex-shaped foam sections for flexibility while dispersing impact forces over a wider area. The patented TrueForm fit system eliminates break-in time with pre-curved fingers and flexible sidewall construction that moves naturally with your hands.
Mesh gussets provide targeted ventilation. Reinforced grab points across the palm and fingers keep the glove anchored securely when receiving checks. Abrasion-resistant Clarino palm overlays allow face-off specialists to clamp down without tearing.
For custom protection, True Source gloves feature removable finger stalls and palm padding so players can add or subtract layers. Padding extends up the inside fingers for tip protection. For goalies, thick removable blocker pads attach for stopping point blank stingers.
True Source engineers advanced technologies into their gloves without losing sight of crucial fit and feel. Hands stay cool with climate control perforations. Gloves move fluidly with each twitch thanks to pre-flexed construction. Protection doesn’t mean poor dexterity in True Source gloves.
When your success hinges on healthy, protected hands, choose lacrosse gloves that have your back. Trust True Source’s obsessive focus on high-impact padding, specialized features, adjustability and flawless ergonomics to absorb blows while amplifying your game.
D30 palm and thumb padding
In lacrosse, the palm and thumb areas take constant abuse from the ball and opposing sticks. Equip yourself with gloves featuring next-level padding like D30 in these high-wear zones.
D30 is a specialized shock-absorbing material infused into padding that stiffens on impact. The molecules lock together when compressed, dissipating energy before instantly returning to flexible form.
Strategically placed D30 pads cushion the bottom of the thumb and heel of the palm – prime locations for catching stingers from misplayed balls. On checks, D30 hardens to diffuse the force while still allowing responsiveness to secure possession.
D30 works well alongside traditional padding too. Foam or soft gel padding creates a comfortable fit, while D30 inserts provide rigidity for high-force impacts. Combining materials optimizes protection and flexibility.
For players constantly harassed by defenders, opt for extra D30 placement on the fingers, back of hand, and wrist too. Goalies can incorporate sturdy D30 blocker pads on the thumb to withstand point blank shots.
While D30 eventually compacts down with repeated impacts, it retains effectiveness much longer than standard foam or gel padding. D30 also resists heat degradation better than vinyl or TPU shields.
D30 represents the cutting edge of impact-diverting padding technology. This ingenious material outpaces old-school foam and vinyl pads in dissipating nasty palm stingers while promoting responsiveness. Protect fragile hands with next-level D30 padding.
Thermoplastic rubber fingertips
In lacrosse, fingers take a pounding from catches, checks and ground balls. Protect your digits from bend-back and hyperextension with gloves featuring thermoplastic rubber finger shields.
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is a rigid, shock-absorbing material perfect for shielding fragile finger joints. TPR caps affixed over the fingertips absorb the force from ramming shots and passes.
The molded construction of TPR allows a custom anatomical fit over the fingers for full coverage. Varying the thickness and placement provides impact protection without totally restricting movement.
TPR works well alongside other padding too. High-density foam or gel under the TPR offers cushioning while the rigid shield protects against puncture threats and stops hyperextension.
For field players frequently slashed on the hands, opt for full TPR shields extending down the backside of each finger. Goalies should look for maximum TPR coverage across the whole hand for stopping point blank shots.
While still rigid, TPR fingertip guards allow better dexterity than carbon fiber or titanium shields. TPR also withstands compression and resists cracking better than plastics.
Don’t leave fragile fingertips exposed. Protect your hands from damaging jams and breaks with the shock-dispersing qualities of advanced thermoplastic rubber shields strategically placed over high risk finger zones.
Neoprene knuckle padding
In lacrosse, the knuckles on the back of the hand take a beating from checks, pokes and slashes. Protect these fragile bones from impact while maintaining flexibility with neoprene knuckle padding.
Neoprene is a cushioning, wetsuit-like material with high stretch and rebound. Thin neoprene pads anchored above the knuckles safeguard against bruising blows without restricting movement.
The elastic qualities of neoprene allow it to conform closely to the complex shapes of the hand for a custom fit. Neoprene withstands repeated compression better than basic foam padding.
Varying the thickness over different knuckles provides targeted padding levels. Thicker neoprene over the prominent first knuckles absorbs big hits while thinner padding between the fingers optimizes dexterity.
Neoprene knuckle padding works well alongside other materials too. Pairing neoprene with stiff plastic plates or foam underneath disperses energy through multiple layers.
While durable, neoprene can break down over time with UV exposure. Look for neoprene covered in a protective textile for increased longevity when playing in the hot sun.
Protect fragile knuckles from bruising blows with the flexible, reboundable cushioning properties of neoprene. This versatile material conforms to the complex shapes of the hand for comfortable yet robust padding.
Lycra gussets for flexibility
While you want hardcore protection in your lacrosse gloves, total rigidity restricts catching and cradling. Lycra gussets add flexibility without compromising safety.
Lycra is an extremely elastic spandex-like material that provides a barely-there feel. Integrating breathable Lycra gussets between fingers and in key flex zones prevents binding.
Thumb gussets allow smooth rotation for securing checks one-handed. Tiny Lycra insets between the fingers optimize dexterity for catching feeds on the run.
Larger Lycra panels on the back of the hand and wrist make gloves more pliable for scooping ground balls. Stretch Lycra under armor plates enables them to contour better to hand shapes.
For field players doing lots of stick handling, maximize Lycra integration on fingertips and the palms. Use smaller Lycra accents in high-impact zones to maintain flexibility.
While durable, Lycra can lose elasticity over time. Look for gloves with reinforced stitching around Lycra panels to prevent tears under repeated stress.
Don’t settle for gloves that make catching and cradling feel restricted. Lycra gussets create barely-there flexibility that moves naturally with your hands for lighting-quick response on the field.
Wrist cuff closure system
A secure wrist cuff closure keeps your lacrosse gloves firmly in place when bobbling checks and prevents debris from entering. Don’t settle for flimsy velcro that loses stickiness over time.
Look for sturdy wipe or clamp closures that won’t accidentally pop open from impacts. Overlapping flap designs prevent sand and turf pellets from infiltrating the gloves and chafing your skin.
Wide hook-and-loop wrist straps distribute tension for a snug fit. They allow you to micro-adjust the tightness as the gloves break-in too. The hook side should be on the palm side to avoid snagging jerseys.
Some closure systems incorporate added features. STX adds silicone prints for adjustable grip on the closure strap. Maverik uses a boa dial system for micro-adjustability with just a twist.
Make sure to try closures on your dominant and non-dominant hand. You want a secure hold without pinching circulation or restricting movement while cradling.
While sturdy, closures can loosen over time. Replace worn velcro or fraying boa cables to maintain total security. Carry extras as backups.
A solid wrist closure ensures your lacrosse gloves stay locked on your hands during intense play. Don’t let inferior closure systems lead to ripped-off gloves and exposed skin mid-game.
Are True Source the most protective gloves?
When evaluating lacrosse gloves strictly on protective capability, True Source gloves consistently rise to the top. Their obsessive engineering and design focused solely on impact absorption sets them apart.
True Source loads their gloves with more high-density, multi-layer foam padding than any other brand. They utilize advanced materials like D30, Poron XRD and thermoplastic rubber precisely placed in high-impact zones.
Removable palm padding and modular finger stalls allow you to customize protection levels for different positions. Integrated wrist cuffs, neoprene knuckle shields and hardy closure systems protect vulnerable hands from all angles.
True Source gloves move fluidly with your hands thanks to pre-curved fingers, articulated padding zones, Lycra gussets and flexible constructions. Protection doesn’t mean you sacrifice dexterity and touch.
While some brands boast flashier graphics or pro endorsements, True Source pours R&D into padding technologies and impact testing. Their gloves feature purpose-built protection tuned specifically for lacrosse’s physical rigors.
When choosing protective lacrosse gloves, look past the aesthetics and marketing claims. True Source surpasses competitors with smarter padding integration, advanced materials and adjustable customization that offer true protection.
If you’re serious about keeping your hands healthy and on the field, True Source gloves represent the pinnacle of protection. Their obsessive engineering absorbs impacts other gloves simply transmit directly to your hands.