Look for Sturdy, Durable Materials
Consider Folding vs Stationary Designs
Choose the Right Size for Your Needs
Pick a Rebounder With Adjustable Angles
Find One With a Quality Net
Make Sure It’s Weather Resistant
Check for Smooth Rebound Action
Consider Ease of Transport and Storage
Choose Between Single or Double Sided
Read Reviews of Top Brands
Compare Prices and Warranties
Look for Versatility for Other Sports
Pick Rebound Speed and Ball Return
Consider Backboard Design and Materials
Choose a Model That Fits Your Budget
Look for Sturdy, Durable Materials
When shopping for a lacrosse rebounder, pay close attention to the frame and construction materials. Higher quality rebounders will use weather-resistant steel or aluminum frames for maximum durability. Look for powder-coated or galvanized finishes to prevent rusting. The backboard material is also important – acrylic, polyethylene, or polycarbonate backboards hold up better to heavy lacrosse ball impacts over time.
Consider Folding vs Stationary Designs
Folding lacrosse rebounders offer the benefit of portability and compact storage, while stationary rebounders tend to be more heavy-duty. If you plan to leave your rebounder set up in one spot, a stationary model is fine. But for shooters who need to transport their rebounder or stow it away between practices, a folding design is ideal.
Choose the Right Size for Your Needs
Lacrosse rebounders come in a range of sizes, with 3’x3’ on the smaller end up to 6’x6’ for advanced players. Consider the age and skill level of the player, as well as available space. A 4’x4’ or 5’x5’ rebounder is suitable for most youth and high school players learning passing, catching, scooping and shooting.
Pick a Rebounder With Adjustable Angles
To improve your skills, it helps to practice shots from different angles. Look for a rebounder with several adjustable angle settings, allowing you to fine-tune the ball return. Start at a straight vertical return, then gradually increase the angle as your skills progress. This keeps your practice challenging.
Find One With a Quality Net
A lacrosse rebounder is only effective if the net plays well off the head of the stick. Nets come in various materials, but high-tensile polyester tends to offer the best rebound. Make sure the net attaches securely to the frame and allows for adjustable tensioning.
Consider Folding vs Stationary Designs
When considering a lacrosse rebounder purchase, one of the first decisions is whether you want a folding or stationary model. Folding rebounders collapse down for easy transport to practices or games. They typically have a lightweight metal frame and fold up compactly, making them great for shooters on the go. Just extend the legs, lock into position, and you’re ready for practice anywhere. Stationary rebounders don’t fold up. They have a heavy fixed frame, making them more sturdy and durable. If you have a permanent spot to keep your rebounder set up, a stationary model is a fine choice. But for maximum versatility, a folding rebounder can’t be beat.
Choose the Right Size for Your Needs
When selecting a lacrosse rebounder, it’s crucial to pick the right size based on your age, skill level, and available space. Youth players just starting out should choose a small 3’x3′ rebounder. This compact size is easy to handle and helps develop fundamentals. Intermediate players can move up to a 4’x4′ or 5’x5′ rebounder as skills progress. The larger surface mimics real game rebounding. Advanced high school and college players will benefit most from a regulation size 6’x6′ rebounder. With bigger targets to aim at, these full-sized rebounders reinforce proper shooting technique and power.
Pick a Rebounder With Adjustable Angles
One key feature to look for in a lacrosse rebounder is adjustable angle settings. Having several angle options allows you to gradually increase the difficulty as your skills improve. Start by practicing with the rebounder straight vertical – this returns the ball directly back to you for basic catching and throwing reps. Once you’re consistently snagging vertical rebounds, adjust to a slight 10-15 degree angle. This causes the ball to carom off to the side, forcing you to move and scoop. Dial it up to 30+ degrees as your hand-eye coordination sharpens. Varying the rebound angle keeps your reactions quick and challenges you to make off-center catches.
Find One With a Quality Net
The net is arguably the most important part of a lacrosse rebounder. It needs to cleanly catch lacrosse balls flying in at high speeds, while also providing the right amount of rebound. Nets come in a variety of materials, but high-grade polyester tends to offer the best performance. Polyester nets are durable, weather resistant, and optimized for ball control. The mesh size also matters – smaller interwoven holes provide more accurate returns. Make sure the net secures tightly to the frame and has tension adjustment straps. This prevents sagging over time. A quality net means you can count on solid, consistent ball returns during practice sessions.
Make Sure It’s Weather Resistant
Since lacrosse is played rain or shine, your rebounder needs to hold up in all conditions. Look for weatherproof features like powder-coated steel tubing, UV-resistant polyethylene backboards, and polyester netting. Avoid any wood or particle board components, which will deteriorate quickly. Make sure hardware is stainless steel, not standard steel. The frame finish is also important – some coatings like galvanization or thermoplastic polyester resin provide excellent corrosion resistance. If you’ll be leaving your rebounder outside, a waterproof ballast bag keeps it grounded in windy conditions. With the right weatherproofing, your rebounder will deliver season after season of high-quality practice.
Check for Smooth Rebound Action
An important feature to evaluate when shopping lacrosse rebounders is the quality of the ball return. You want rebounds that come off the net smoothly and consistently. Test different areas of the net to make sure the ball doesn’t get stuck or take unpredictable bounces. The tensioning system also affects rebound – look for models that let you adjust net tightness. Proper tension provides lively returns across the entire catching surface. Sturdy yet flexible net materials like polyester blend the right combination of control and liveliness. ultimately, the rebounding sweet spot should feel like catching passes from a teammate – natural and responsive.
Consider Ease of Transport and Storage
An important consideration when shopping for a lacrosse rebounder is how easy it will be to move around and store. Folding rebounders with lightweight frames are the most portable, collapsing down for transport in a car or storage in a garage or shed. Wheels are another nice feature for maneuverability. For stationary rebounders, make sure your yard or practice space can accommodate it year-round. Some disassembly may be required for off-season storage. The rebounder’s dimensions and weight will also impact portability. Prioritize compact, lightweight models if you need to set up and break down your rebounder for practices or games.
Choose Between Single or Double Sided
Lacrosse rebounders come in single or double sided models. Single sided have one rebounding surface and are generally more affordable and compact. Double sided feature two angled rebound nets, allowing for additional practice versatility. With two sides to shoot at, you can work on quick transitions moving side to side. Double sided rebounders take up more space but offer twice the rebounding area. Consider if you’ll mostly practice alone or with a partner – doubles are great for two players. For solo shooters, a single sided rebounder will meet your needs and save on cost. Either way, choose the configuration that aligns with your practice style and goals.
Read Reviews of Top Brands
When researching lacrosse rebounders, look into reviews and feedback on top brands like Brine, Bullet, Guardian, SKLZ, and STX. Experienced players can provide insights on build quality, rebound consistency, ease of assembly, and durability over years of use. Check lacrosse gear forums and websites to see what brands get recommended most. Compare consumer reviews on sites like Amazon to see actual customer experiences with different rebounder models. Well-reviewed brands tend to use better construction methods and weatherproofing. They also back products with longer warranties. Customer reviews help narrow down which manufacturers reliably produce high-performing, long-lasting rebounders suited for your needs.
Compare Prices and Warranties
When evaluating lacrosse rebounders, price and warranty coverage are key factors. Compare prices on models with similar sizes, materials and features to find the best value. Look for sales around season changes or holidays. More expensive rebounders typically use heavier-gauge steel tubing but consider your needs. Also check the warranty length – quality rebounders often come with multi-year warranties on defects. Make sure the warranty adequately covers parts like the frame, net, and backboard. A lifetime warranty on hardware shows the brand stands behind its construction quality. Weigh cost, warranty coverage, and reviews together to get the optimal rebounder for your budget.
Look for Versatility for Other Sports
While shopping for a lacrosse rebounder, consider if you want one with versatility for other sports. Many models work for multiple sports like soccer, field hockey, and softball. Look for adjustments that vary rebound speed and angles to fine-tune practice for different balls. Some rebounders come with multi-sport nets to accommodate various ball sizes. Portable folding designs with adjustable legs allow you to use the rebounder at varying heights. The stability and weight capacity also come into play if older kids or adults will use it. Getting a rebounder adaptable for the whole family can maximize value and usage. Just make sure the core design still optimizes for your main sport of lacrosse.
Pick Rebound Speed and Ball Return
When practicing with a lacrosse rebounder, you want a liveliness similar to catching passes. The rebound speed and ball return trajectory depend on factors like net tension, angle settings, and construction quality. Test different areas of the net to ensure consistent rebounding action. The best rebounds come off the head cleanly without clinging or erratic bounces. High-quality polyester netting provides just the right liveliness. Make sure to pick a rebounder that lets you adjust tension as the net wears in. Dialing in the proper rebound liveliness and return angles allows you to simulate passes and refine your catching skills.