Choosing the Right Lacrosse Bag to Store Equipment
Having the proper lacrosse bag is essential for carrying all of your gear to and from practices and games. With so much protective equipment like helmets, pads, and cleats, you’ll need a bag that’s spacious enough to hold everything. Look for bags with multiple large compartments and pockets to keep items organized and prevent damage.
Bags designed specifically for lacrosse often have features like vented pockets to store sweaty gear and removable laundry bags. Durable materials are key as well since the bag will be hauled around and tossed around a lot. Backpack-style bags allow you to evenly distribute weight across both shoulders.
Consider the length of your stick to ensure it will fit comfortably in the lacrosse bag without sticking out. Measure how much room you need for your pads, gloves, shoes, and other accessories too. Read online reviews to hear feedback from other lacrosse players about the storage capacity, durability, and convenience of different bag options.
With lacrosse bags ranging widely in price, set a budget but don’t sacrifice quality and longevity by going too cheap. This investment will get tons of use for years, so ensure it provides adequate space for all equipment with compartments to keep everything organized, and sturdy construction that will hold up to frequent carrying and rough handling. Choosing the best lacrosse bag will make transporting your gear much easier.
Comparing Shorty and Regular Lacrosse Stick Sizes
When shopping for a new lacrosse stick, one of the key factors to consider is the length. Lacrosse sticks come in standard or “regular” sizes, typically 40-42 inches for offensive players and 52-72 inches for defensemen. There are also “shorty” sticks, which are 26-35 inches long and used by both offensive and defensive players.
Shorty sticks are often preferred by younger players, normally under age 13, since these compact sticks are lighter and easier to handle. The short length allows for quicker cradleing and tighter stick work in traffic. Shorty sticks help build fundamentals by keeping both hands close together. An angled head promotes proper throwing mechanics too.
Despite the benefits for youth players, some short sticks are also popular with advanced high school and college midfielders. The moderate length provides excellent control for stick handling and passing. The lightweight feel offers fast footwork and quick shots on goal after dodging defenders. The shorter stick is easy to tuck in close while scrimmaging for ground balls too.
Most players eventually transition to a regular length stick for optimal reach on poke checks, outside shooting, and increased throwing velocity. But shorty sticks retain a niche role due to their unique quickness and dexterity. Trying out different lengths will help determine your ideal stick size for playing style and position.
Consider the pros and cons of maneuverability vs. expanded range before choosing shorty or regular stick length. Consult coaches for size recommendations as well, especially for youth players learning proper mechanics. With the right length lacrosse stick, you’ll be able to handle, pass, catch, cradle, and shoot the ball with confidence.
Finding Durable Lacrosse Gloves for Protection
Lacrosse gloves are essential for protecting your hands and wrists when facing stiff checks from opponents’ sticks. With the speed and physicality of the sport, gloves help prevent injuries during play.
Most lacrosse gloves have padded areas across the back of the hand and fingers along with additional padding on the thumb and wrist. This extra cushioning helps absorb the impact from checks, passes, and shots to reduce sting and bruising.
Look for gloves made from durable synthetic materials that won’t rip or tear easily when confronted with slashing sticks. Leather and vinyl palms provide good grip on your stick so you don’t lose control of the ball during crashes and contact.
A secure velcro wrist closure keeps the gloves firmly in place. Gloves should fit snugly but allow enough flexibility to cradle and pass smoothly. Fingers crafted in a curved shape enhance gripping ability around the stick.
Youth players can use softer, flexible gloves with minimal padding since kids tend to face lighter checks. As you advance to high school and college lacrosse, look for thicker padded gloves with reinforced thumb joints and wrists for additional protection. Goalies need heavily padded mitt-style gloves to withstand point blank shots.
Choosing lacrosse gloves with ample padding and sturdy construction provides vital protection. Consult reviews and ask teammates for glove recommendations before purchasing, so you can safely handle checks while maintaining top stick skills.
Getting Cleats for Traction and Ankle Support
The right lacrosse cleats provide the traction and support needed for quick cuts, acceleration, and change of direction during competition. With lateral motion and pivoting integral to lacrosse, cleats play an important role.
Look for lacrosse cleats with a durable yet flexible sole to provide grip on turf or grass surfaces. Nylon and synthetic uppers deliver stability while allowing enough freedom of movement. A lightweight design improves speed and agility on the field.
Mid-cut and high-top cleats offer more ankle support than low tops, helpful for preventing rolled ankles when jockeying for ground balls or dodging defenders. Integrated ankle wraps add supplemental stability too. Studs or spikes on the soles must meet sport-specific regulations for length.
Consider removable cleats with interchangeable studs to adapt traction for different field conditions. Wider cleats perform well on grass, while shorter studs work for hard artificial turf.
When trying on lacrosse cleats, focus on overall fit and comfort around the toes, arch, and heel. Proper sizing and lockdown prevents cleat slippage that could lead to blisters or loss of traction. Wear the same sock type you’ll use for games and practices when sizing.
Break in cleats gradually before full-speed competitive play. Proper lacrosse cleats equip you with versatile, stable footing essential for changing direction to elude defenders and hustling all over the field.
Looking for Lightweight Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
Lacrosse shoulder pads are vital for protecting the collarbone, chest, back, and shoulders from checks. But while protection is essential, mobility is also key so you can perform at your best.
Look for lightweight shoulder pad models constructed from flexible materials like lightweight polyethylene blends. Thinner foam or removable pad inserts reduce bulk. A contoured, anatomical shape allows dynamic upper body movement.
Adjustable straps and stretch lycra harness systems ensure a customizable, secure fit. Breathable moisture-wicking linings and vented foam promote air circulation to cut down on heat and sweat buildup.
For field players, mobile pads with moderate padding around the shoulders, collarbone, ribs, and back offer sufficient coverage without sacrificing dexterity. Heavier pad models provide enhanced protection for defensemen facing more physical play.
Goalies require full chest and arm protection given the close-range shots faced. But padded abdominal guards and side panels shouldn’t restrict necessary movement in the crease. Arm guards secure to the shoulder pads for total coverage.
The right lacrosse shoulder pads balance protective padding with lightweight mobility. Trying on different pads will help you identify the optimal model for your position and playing style.
Picking a Lacrosse Mouthguard for Injury Prevention
Wearing a mouthguard during lacrosse is vital to protect your teeth, lips, gums, and jaw from damage. With the frequent body contact and high-speed shots using a hard rubber ball, a mouthguard is an essential piece of protective gear.
Lacrosse mouthguards shield your mouth from direct blows that can cause cracked or knocked out teeth, biting injuries to the tongue and lips, and facial bone fractures. They also reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing shock.
Custom-fit mouthguards molded specifically for your teeth provide the most secure and comfortable fit. Boil and bite guards can be easily molded at home for a decent fit at a lower price point. Standard stock mouthguards are the most affordable but won’t fit as precisely.
Look for thick, durable mouthguard material designed for shock absorption and impact dispersion. Full coverage across all upper teeth offers better protection. Some guards have a strap connected to the face mask to prevent loss.
Pick a mouthguard with adequate front and back thickness to protect incisors and molars. Proper mouthguard use keeps it in place over the teeth at all times during live action. Don’t chew or play with it.
A properly fitted lacrosse mouthguard remains vital insurance against serious dental and mouth injuries for all positions. Don’t overlook this crucial piece of protective gear.
Finding Lacrosse Arm Pads for Vital Coverage
Lacrosse arm pads are essential for shielding your elbows, forearms, and biceps from checks, slashes, and errant shots. Taking hits from sticks, balls, and other players in this contact sport can easily cause bruises or fractures without padding.
Arm pad options include lightweight sleeves, slip-on pads, and padded shirt designs. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials along with flexible wraps to allow free arm movement for cradling, throwing, and stick handling.
Target padding zones include the outside and inside of the forearm near the elbow. This protects the vulnerable bony protrusion on each arm. Bicep and deltoid padding adds coverage. Some players also wear padded compression sleeves on the forearm for additional cushioning.
Make sure pads fit snugly without restricting circulation or range of motion. Slip-on pads secure with adjustable straps while sleeve style pads stretch over the arm for compression support. For goalies, full arm and elbow coverage is crucial.
Replace pads immediately if the protective foam or outer material appears cracked or worn down. Well-fitting and maintained lacrosse arm pads reduce your risk of painful arm injuries during play.
Choosing Lacrosse Practice Jerseys for Comfort
Lacrosse practice jerseys need to keep players comfortable during grueling coaching sessions in hot weather. Since practices focus on skill drills and scrimmages rather than live games, optimized ventilation and moisture control take priority.
Look for practice jerseys constructed from lightweight, breathable fabrics like polyester mesh or ventilated knits. These materials wick sweat away from the skin for quicker evaporation. Mesh side panels and underarm gussets boost air flow.
The cut of practice jerseys can enhance comfort and range of motion as well. A loose, relaxed fit allows easy layering over pads and equipment. Extended tail lengths let jerseys slide smoothly when running and dodging. Set-in sleeves prevent restrictive tugging.
Many practice jerseys use durable fabrics that resist snags and retain shape after repeated laundering. This maintains a neat, professional-looking team uniform over the long haul. Vibrant color patterns and prints help identify teammates on the field.
Consider moisture managing technologies that actively pull sweat away from the body. Antimicrobial treatments prevent fabric odors and bacterial buildup. UV protection ingredients block harmful sun exposure.
The best lacrosse practice jerseys combine advanced fabrics and smart design details to keep players cool, dry and unrestricted throughout demanding coaching and drills.
Shopping for Lacrosse Balls for Optimal Handling
Lacrosse balls must have the right blend of hardness and grip to deliver excellent handling, catching, passing, and shot performance. Ball materials and construction quality have a big impact on playability.
Most regulation lacrosse balls have a solid rubber exterior with a small interior hole to reduce weight. Higher quality rubber with a tacky texture provides superior grip and handling. Hand-stitched interiors increase durability and shape retention after repeated contact.
Look for precision molded shells with minimal seam allowance and a smooth, bonded finish for straight flight paths and reduced wobble. High grade adhesives prevent exterior separation over time.
Synthetic materials like thermoplastic urethane (TPU) offer consistent rebounds off lacrosse sticks along with all-weather grip. But many players still prefer traditional rubber models.
While hard balls are mandatory for men’s lacrosse, intermediate and youth levels often use soft “junior” balls made of rubber, foam or other materials. Soft balls help develop fundamentals by making catching easier.
Investing in quality lacrosse balls ensures confident possession and accurate passing critical to executing offensive schemes successfully. Don’t settle for cheap balls that compromise grip, flight and durability.
Getting Lacrosse Accessories to Upgrade Gear
Beyond the basic lacrosse equipment like sticks, pads, and cleats, specialty accessories can help players upgrade their game and gear bag. Useful add-ons provide benefits ranging from protection to convenience.
Consider protective items like padded shooter shirts to shield arms and ribs from checks. Lightweight elbow caps add cushioning without restricting mobility. Helmet visors limit glare while protecting the face.
Glove accessories include padded palms for wrist protection and non-slip gripping surfaces to enhance ball handling. Sideline items like helmet fans can keep gear dry between shifts.
For convenience, backpack straps make hauling bags simpler. Expandable bags accommodate growing gear needs. Cleat wrenches tighten studs properly before games. Deodorizing sprays keep sweaty pads and shoes fresher.
On the training side, rebound nets return passed and shot balls back to players solo practicing. Wraparound passing targets hone accuracy. Agility ladders and cones set up drills.
Taking advantage of lacrosse’s many protective, performance-boosting, and convenient accessory options enables players to customize their setup for success on the field.
Reading Lacrosse Bag Reviews Before Buying
With the wide variety of lacrosse bags available from different brands, reading online customer reviews can provide valuable insight into real-world performance, quality, and features before purchasing.
Look for bags with reviews indicating durability after rough transportation and handling. Sturdy zippers, reinforced stitching, and rip-resistant fabrics prevent tears and breakdowns over time. The highest quality bags should last for years.
Check that reviews confirm adequate storage capacity for all equipment, with well-designed interior compartments to keep items securely organized and separated. Make sure carrying comfort and adjustable straps are reviewed positively.
Look for feedback on convenient design elements like external pockets, laundry bags, ventilation, and drainage holes. Reviews highlighting ease of access and specialized details for lacrosse are ideal.
Be aware of any reviewer complaints about zipper failures, uncomfortable strap dig-in, poor compartmentalization, insufficient padding, or bags notliving up to claims. No product will satisfy every user, but look for consistent praise.
Reading lacrosse gear bag reviews helps you invest wisely based on actual user experiences rather than marketing hype. Prioritize bags with outstanding feedback on durability, storage, comfort, and convenience.
Checking Warranties on Lacrosse Gear Purchases
Given the price of most lacrosse equipment and possibility of damage during rigorous use, it pays to check manufacturers’ warranties before buying new gear. Quality guarantees provide peace of mind with your investment.
Many lacrosse stick makers offer at least limited warranties against defects in materials and construction. This covers breakage issues not caused by misuse. Some warranties require registering your stick online after buying for coverage.
With sticks having plastic, composite, or metal components, look for guarantees exceeding 1-2 years for extended protection. Unlimited breakage warranties on high-end sticks demonstrate confidence.
Padding and protective gear should carry warranties as well. Coverage varies based on materials and brand. Look for at least a 1-year guarantee against defects. Helmet warranties typically meet safety certification periods.
Footwear, gloves, bags, uniforms, and other equipment may come with more limited warranties against manufacturing flaws. Check terms regarding wear and tear exclusions.
Understanding warranty coverage for your lacrosse gear provides fallback protection if unforeseen issues arise.extended guarantees indicate manufacturers who stand behind their products’ quality and durability.
Comparing Lacrosse Stick Materials: Alloy vs Composite
When shopping for lacrosse sticks, key construction choices include traditional alloy handles or modern composite materials. Comparing the pros and cons helps determine the best option.
Alloy handles like titanium and aluminum offer exceptional stiffness for precise control. This responsive feel provides great feedback when passing and shooting. Alloys stand up to damage while retaining their shape over time. Their natural vibration dampening reduces sting.
Advanced composite materials like carbon fiber mix lightweight flexibility with power. Composite handles accelerate faster while retaining accuracy. Their durability resists dents and chips better than alloys. Minimal vibration increases comfort and endurance.
For shafts, alloy’s stiffness gives an extremely rigid and durable platform for excellent checking. Composites have more flex to prevent breakage against hard slashes. Their strength-to-weight ratio aids maneuverability.
In heads, alloys throw smooth, consistent passes thanks to their balanced feel. Brittle composites must have heavier sidewalls to prevent warping. But composites allow intricate head designs not possible with metal alloys.
Consider your position and preferences before choosing alloy or composite lacrosse sticks. Alloy provides classic precision and control, while innovative composites offer advanced performance. Know the trade-offs to make the best choice.