Best Lacrosse Goalie Pants for Women 2023
Best Lacrosse Goalie Pants for Women 2023
Look for Flexible, Breathable Material in Lacrosse Goalie Pants
When shopping for lacrosse goalie pants, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of material they are made from. The best goalie pants will use lightweight, flexible, and breathable fabrics that allow maximum mobility and comfort in the goal crease.
Many top brands now use high-tech synthetic materials like polyester or nylon blends specifically engineered for athletic gear. Compared to cotton, these synthetic fabrics wick moisture better and dry faster when a goalie sweats or gets wet from rain or damp field conditions. This helps regulate body temperature so you don’t overheat during intense game action.
In addition, quality lacrosse goalie pants will incorporate mesh ventilation zones in heat-prone areas like the inner thighs or behind the knees. This allows for increased air circulation to keep you cool. Some goalie girdles also use specially designed fabrics with builtin stretch and compression. This provides a snug fit that moves with your body while you react to shots.
When trying on goalie pants, focus on maximum comfort and range of motion. Do deep knee bends, squats, lunges, and other moves to ensure the pants offer the flexibility you need without any restrictions or binding. The best goalie pants feel like a second skin that allows you to perform at your athletic peak.
Pay close attention to the waistband as well. It should be comfortable without digging in and include thick elastic or adjustable snaps to customize the fit. The bottom leg openings should have a secure grip to keep the pants from riding up. This allows you to focus on playing without constant adjustments.
With the right combination of technical fabrics and clever design features, today’s lacrosse goalie pants provide the ideal blend of breathability, moisture wicking, stretch, and durability that can enhance any goalie’s game day comfort and performance.
Consider Thigh and Knee Padding in Lacrosse Goalie Pants
One of the key considerations when selecting lacrosse goalie pants is finding the right amount of padding in the thigh and knee areas. Goalies need sufficient protection in these crucial zones, while retaining flexibility and comfort during play.
Most goalie pants incorporate removable foam or plastic pads in the thigh region to protect against bruising from shots. Some models offer full quad guards that wrap around each thigh for comprehensive coverage. Others utilize hard plastic caps sewn into the pant fabric itself.
Consider the types of shots you normally face and your personal preference for padding bulkiness versus lightweight flexibility. Heavier foam quad guards provide more cushioning, but can inhibit mobility. Integrated plastic padding offers sturdier shot blocking with less bulk. Customizable pad sets allow you to adjust the protection level in each thigh as needed.
For the knees, goalie pants typically include doughnut-shaped foam pads housed in interior knee pockets. Some brands offer removable inserts so you can increase padding thickness as desired. Others use adjustable knee stacks secured by velcro straps.
Evaluate the knee pad position and design. Look for pants with ergonomic shaping and segmented padding that mirrors your leg’s natural flex zones. This enhances manueverability in the crease when dropping into butterfly stance or recovering from shots.
Also assess the pad’s shock absorbing abilities. Softer foams disperse impact forces better to reduce bruising. However, firmer polyethylene pads maintain their protective shape after repeated impacts. Consider hybrid designs that combine foam and plastic for the best of both worlds.
No matter what padding you choose, make sure it stays firmly in place and does not shift or slip when you move. Proper thigh and knee protection is crucial for a goalie. But you don’t want to be distracted adjusting pads when the ball is in play.
By finding the right blend of cushioning, stability, and ergonomic design, lacrosse goalie pants with integrated thigh and knee pads provide invaluable protective coverage without restricting your range of motion or comfort in the goal.
Choose the Right Color and Pattern for Lacrosse Goalie Pants
When selecting new lacrosse goalie pants, the color and pattern you choose can be an important decision. While protection and fit should be the top priorities, the design and look of your goalie pants can also impact performance.
Brightly colored pants or girdles instantly identify you as the goalie when on the field. Opting for your team’s main color is always a safe choice. Goalies often wear the same base color as the rest of their squad, with added accents or piping in a contrasting tone.
Some goalies prefer a more intimidating aesthetic by choosing darker colors like black, navy or forest green. This can give you a more imposing presence in the crease. Others go for flashier designs in bold neon hues or with colorful graphics that make them stand out.
When choosing colors and patterns, consider the context where you’ll wear the pants. Youth and high school goalies tend to have more flexibility in terms of flashy colors, wild prints or custom designs. At higher competitive levels, most goalies stick to more traditional team color schemes.
Also think about potential visual distractions. Busy patterns or brightly contrasting colors could hinder your focus during quick shots. Solid color pants allow you to pick up the ball better against background motion and sights.
On the other hand, camouflage prints, psychedelic swirls or digitized designs can frustrate shooters by visually breaking up your shape in the crease. This “dazzle effect” may provide a slight tactical edge during gameplay.
Fabric sheen is another factor. Matte finishes help prevent glare in sunny conditions. Glossy nylon pants tend to repel mud and enhance color vibrancy after washing. Ultimately, choose lacrosse goalie pants in colors and patterns you find appealing while considering potential on-field benefits.
Your pants design also allows you to express your personal style. Customize your goalie girdle with your number, name, team logo or other graphics using dye sublimation printing. This allows you to put your own creative stamp on a vital piece of protective gear.
Focus on Mobility and Protection with Lacrosse Goalie Pants
When shopping for women’s lacrosse goalie pants, two of the most important factors to focus on are mobility and protection. The ideal goalie pant provides complete protective coverage without restricting movement or comfort in the crease.
Look for goalie pants made with lightweight, flexible materials that allow for a full range of motion. Stretch fabrics containing spandex or Lycra blended with breathable nylons or polyesters enable excellent maneuverability so you can react quickly to shots.
The pants should have a tailored fit in the hips, thighs and knees without feeling tight or binding. Test different sizing options and adjustments to get a secure grip without excess bulk or bagginess that could hinder your agility.
In terms of protection, women’s lacrosse goalie pants should integrate padding in the thigh and knee areas. Hard caps in the thighs and soft foam inserts in the knees absorb impact from high-velocity shots to prevent bruises.
The protective padding should utilize segmented or perforated components that follow the natural contours and flex points of your legs. This enables full extension and flexion as you move in the goal crease without gaps in coverage.
Also inspect the waist, hips, tailbone and lower spine for padded shields or plastic inserts. These reinforce vulnerable areas when you dive or crouch down to block shots. Anatomically contoured padding enhances comfort while protecting your body.
When trying on pants, make sure the protective padding stays secured in place as you twist, run and transition between positions. Bindings, adjustable straps and compression fit work together to prevent slipping.
Breathable interior lining wicks away sweat and allows air circulation to keep you cool and focused. Antimicrobial treatments prevent odor buildup in the girdle as well. Look for goalie pants optimized for lasting comfort, flexibility and comprehensive protective coverage from top brands.
Check the Girdle Strap System on Lacrosse Goalie Pants
One important but often overlooked factor when selecting women’s lacrosse goalie pants is inspecting the girdle strap system. The jock-style straps play a crucial role in providing secure comfort and customized fit.
Higher end goalie pants utilize wide straps made of stretchy elastic or flexible neoprene. These soft, smooth materials avoid chafing or irritation compared to basic nylon straps. Breathable mesh fabric may also be integrated for ventilation.
Make sure the leg straps are thick enough to stay in place without digging in. Straps should be at least 1.5 inches wide or wider for optimal comfort. Narrow straps tend to cut and rub during dynamic movements.
The design and positioning of the straps also affects overall performance. Some goalie pants have a traditional jock strap style with two leg bands extending from the waistband. Others utilize a compression short design with four integrated straps.
Look for straps that are contoured to wrap around each thigh’s natural shape. This custom fit keeps everything securely contained without pinching. The leg bands should connect at multiple anchor points on the waist/hip band to distribute tension evenly.
Check that the straps adjust both vertically and horizontally to accommodate different body types and give a customized fit. This fine tuning capability ensures the goalie pants move naturally with your body. Sliders, loops, buckles and velcro fasteners allow micro-adjustments.
Trying goalie pants on and simulating game movements is the best test. Walk, run, squat, dive and stretch to ensure the girdle offers full secure comfort. Properly designed straps are crucial for confidence and peak performance in women’s lacrosse goalie pants.
Compare Different Brands and Models of Lacrosse Goalie Pants
With so many options available, it’s important to compare different brands and models when shopping for women’s lacrosse goalie pants. Taking the time to research and test products will help you find the best pair tailored for your needs and preferences.
Major manufacturers like STX, Maverik, Warrior, Brine, and Gait all offer goalie pant models at varying price points. Look for key differences in fit, padding, materials, straps and customizable features offered.
Entry level pants focus more on affordability, while pro and elite tier goalie girdles emphasize maximum protection and performance. High-end pants also tend to have more sizing adjustments for an ideal dialed-in fit.
Evaluate the placement, type and level of padding in each brand. Some offer full removable quad guards and tailbone inserts, while others integrate non-removable plastic caps for more streamlined padding. Try pants on to assess padding differences.
Compare the breathability and flexibility of different pants by squatting, lunging and simulating goalie movements. Technical fabrics can vary greatly in terms of stretch, ventilation, moisture wicking and ease of mobility.
Also examine customizable features like sublimated graphic printing, removable padding sections, and adjustable straps and belts. These allow you to modify the pants’ look and function.
Check sizing charts to get the appropriate waist, hip and inseam range. Try both men’s and women’s goalie pant fits to determine the optimal coverage and room in the thighs, hips and crotch.
Reading players’ and coaches’ reviews can provide helpful insight into real-world performance and durability. Weigh all factors along with pricing to select the best value lacrosse goalie pants for your needs and budget.
Find the Right Balance of Padding in Lacrosse Goalie Pants
When selecting women’s lacrosse goalie pants, one of the key factors is finding the right amount of protective padding. The ideal goalie pant offers ample cushioning against bruising impacts while maintaining flexibility for top performance.
The thighs are particularly vulnerable to high speed shots. Most goalie pants incorporate removable foam pads or plastic caps to protect this area. Consider your position’s specific needs – do you tend to face more high shots that require extra thigh padding?
Evaluate different pad thicknesses and materials to find the sweet spot between cushioning and manueverability. Heavier padding absorbs force but can limit mobility, while lighter padding enhances movement while providing less shock absorption.
Knee pads are another critical protective zone. Test various pad configurations to ensure they stabilize and support knees without restricting natural bend points. Softer foams disperse impact better but are less durable over time.
Also inspect hip and spine protection like tailbone pads and lower back inserts. Make sure these stay in place when twisting or diving. Some goalies require more padding here than others based on style of play.
Consider removable pad options that allow you to add or reduce thickness as needed. This enables precise levels of protection and flexibility zone by zone. However, removable pads can potentially shift out of place if not properly secured.
Trying out different goalie pants and using them in practice is the best way to gauge padding effectiveness for your body and playing technique. The ideal pant keeps you safe from bruising impacts without limiting your athleticism or comfort.
Make Sure to Get Replaceable Parts for Lacrosse Goalie Pants
When investing in a quality pair of women’s lacrosse goalie pants, make sure to get replaceable parts and accessories. Padding components and other high-wear elements will need to be swapped out periodically for optimal performance.
Most goalie pants come with removable foam thigh and knee pads that can be replaced as they compress and wear over time. Some brands offer pads in varying thicknesses to customize protection and flexibility.
Replacement pads are often available right from the manufacturer, or can be found through lacrosse equipment retailers. Choose replacement pads with the exact same dimensions as the originals for proper fit and coverage.
In addition to pads, replaceable accessories like belt straps, adjustable buckles, and padded girdles are useful for modifying fit or function. These components can stretch out or deteriorate with extensive use.
Consider purchasing a spare girdle strap system or internal compression short liner. Having backup waist straps and leg bands ensures you have redundancies on hand for quick swaps if straps loosen or tear.
Other replaceable parts like side hip plates, tailbone inserts and lower spine protectors should be checked each season as well. Replace any cracked or overly compressed protectors for maximum safety.
Investing in spare laces, fasteners and adjustable hardware can also help extended your goalie pant’s lifespan. Keeping tabs on wear and having replacements ready will save you from unexpected equipment issues during key games or tournaments.
Try Lacrosse Goalie Pants On Before Commiting to Purchase
When shopping for women’s lacrosse goalie pants, it’s highly recommended to try them on in person before commiting to a purchase. Properly testing the fit and function is key to making the right choice.
Ideally, visit a lacrosse specialty store with a wide selection of goalie pant models and brands. Trying on numerous options gives you a better feel for sizing, comfort and mobility compared to ordering blindly online.
Bring any other protective gear you’ll wear with the pants, like calf pads or cleats. This allows you to assess the complete setup and range of motion. If possible, do a full warm-up routine in the pants to gauge how they perform.
Pay attention to the waist and hip fit. Make sure the waistband stays securely in place without sagging or pinching. A proper snug fit in the hips and tailbone is vital for protection.
Evaluate how the interior short or girdle system holds everything locked down through twisting and lunging motions. Proper compression here prevents uncomfortable slipping and chafing.
Test the thigh and knee padding by simulating butterly and crouching movements. Ensure pads stay situated and don’t dig into muscles or joints at extremes of motion.
Trying on lacrosse goalie pants before buying also allows you to inspect crucial details like stitching, fasteners and materials up close. This helps avoid getting stuck with an uncomfortable or ill-fitting pair.
Don’t Sacrifice Quality to Save Money on Lacrosse Goalie Pants
When shopping for women’s lacrosse goalie pants, it can be tempting to sacrifice quality and features to save money. However, investing in a well-made pair designed for your position’s demands is worth the price.
Cheaper goalie pants may seem like a good deal. But low cost often comes at the expense of durability, protection and optimal technical performance. Key materials like stretch fabrics, breathable mesh and moisture wicking linings are often missing.
Less expensive pants also tend to lack high-end features that enhance fit and function. You may miss out on a fully adjustable girdle system, removable modular padding, and anchored straps that stay perfectly in place.
The padding itself in budget goalie pants is frequently subpar. Thinner, lower density foams don’t absorb impacts as effectively. Flat foam sheets lack ergonomic shaping to match body contours and joint flex points.
Buying lacrosse gear is inherently an investment in protecting your body from harm and performing at your best. The consequences of limited padding or restricted mobility directly impact your game play.
When possible, try on budget pants to assess deficiencies firsthand. Notice details like stitching, fasteners and fabrics that affect durability. Then compare to higher end goalie pant models to appreciate key differences.
While saving money is understandable, compromising on lacrosse goalie pants can be risky. Prioritizing quality protection and a precision fit will help maximize your safety and full athletic potential on the field.
