Best Maverik Arm Guards Max Protection from Hard Checks in Lacrosse
Best Maverik Arm Guards Max Protection from Hard Checks in Lacrosse
How the Polycarbonate Shell of the Maverik Max Arm Guard Deflects Hard Lacrosse Checks
One of the standout features of the Maverik Max arm guard is the durable polycarbonate shell that covers the exterior padding. This rigid outer layer acts as a shield, protecting your arms from the full brunt force of checks from opponents’ lacrosse sticks. Polycarbonate is an engineered thermoplastic material known for its impact resistance and strength.
During a game, when an adversary winds up to deliver a slashing check to your elbow or forearm, the polycarbonate shell on the Max guard absorbs some of the energy from the blow. Rather than directly striking your arm or elbow pad foam, the stick initially hits the outer shell. This causes the stick to bounce or deflect off at an angle, diffusing the intensity of the check.
Polycarbonate disperses the energy from checks through the process of elastic deformation. When force is applied to the shell, it bends and flexes temporarily to dissipate the kinetic energy. After the hit, polycarbonate regains its original shape thanks to its flexibility and memory retention properties.
In addition to dispersing energy on direct checks, the polycarbonate acts as a shield against glancing blows from all angles. It wraps entirely around the padding, providing 360 degrees of protection. Even if you get hit on the side or back of your arm, the shell shields you from lacrosse stick slashes.
Polycarbonate grades can vary in terms of durability, flexibility, and impact resistance. Maverik uses a high-grade polycarbonate on the Max guard rated for sports protective gear. It maintains its protective qualities even after repeated checks during practices and games throughout a season.
The rigid polycarbonate shell gives the Maverik Max arm guard a bulky, robust appearance. But this exterior armor helps relieve the brunt force of checks to keep your arms, elbows, and forearms safer. For defensemen or midfielders looking for maximal protection, the polycarbonate shell is a essential feature.
Comparing Different Thicknesses of Foam Padding in Maverik Lacrosse Arm Guards

Lacrosse arm guards utilize foam padding to cushion your arms against checks, passes, and contact. But how thick should this foam padding be? The Maverik Max arm guard features extra thick padding for maximum protection.
The thickness of the foam is important for dispersing energy from high-speed lacrosse checks. Thicker padding can better absorb and diffuse the impact before it reaches your elbow or forearm. Thinner, low-density foam has less material to slow down the energy from a slash.
Maverik Lacrosse arm guards come equipped with varying thicknesses of dual-density foam padding. Their entry-level Rome and Rodeo guards have a slimmer profile with thinner padding more suited for beginner youth players. The Maverik Max and Force lines have substantially thicker foam for advanced high school and college players.
The Max padded sleeves contain 0.75” thick high-density foam to protect areas like your biceps and forearms. Smaller cushioned pads on the elbow caps and straps use 0.5” thick padding. The Force model uses 0.5” and 0.25” thick foam pieces respectively. Both represent a significant upgrade over the Rome’s 0.25” foam.
Not only is the Max padding thicker, but it also utilizes softer low-density foam on the interior sides that make contact with your skin. This improves comfort. The high-density foam on the exterior sides provides rigidity to maintain the guard’s protective shape and stand up to repeated impacts.
More foam naturally adds bulkiness and weight. But for close defense, LSM, and some offensive players, the extra thickness is worth it. The Max guard’s robust foam allows it to absorb dozens of routine checks every game without packing out or losing integrity.
For players with a history of bruising or who want to avoid injury, choosing the maximum thickness Maverik padding makes sense. While no padding prevents all pain, the thicker Max foam disseminates energy better to reduce force transmission to your arms. Slimmer guards sacrifice some protection for added mobility.
Why the Maverik Max Arm Guard Provides 360 Degree Protection Around Your Arms

Compared to other lacrosse arm guards, one advantage of Maverik’s Max guard is how it protects your entire arm all the way around. This 360 degree coverage protects you from all angles of checks and contact during gameplay.
Many lacrosse arm pads focus their padding on the interior or exterior areas of the arm that take the brunt of frontal checks. But this leaves the sides and back of your arms vulnerable. The Maverik Max guard is designed for complete wraparound protection thanks to its padded sleeve construction.
The main body of the Max guard is a padded compression sleeve that slips over your arm and covers it from shoulder to wrist. This sleeve contains no gaps on the side or back, using continuous foam padding for 360 degree cushioning.
Extra padded elbow caps provide supplemental protection on one of the most vulnerable joints. Their straps connect and wrap all the way around your arm rather than just on the interior for maximum security and coverage.
The rigid polycarbonate shell follows the contours of the padding beneath it to shield the entirety of your arm. It acts as armor even against off-angle slash checks from behind or the side that catch you unexpectedly.
Many checks come from your defensive matchup directly in front of you. But inlacrosse’s fast-paced setting, the ball and opponents move rapidly around the field. You may get caught off guard by slashes from all directions in scrambled situations. With the Max guard, your arms remain protected no matter which way you’re facing.
For players with a injuries or who want to prevent bruising on all parts of their arms, the 360 degree coverage helps. There are no weak spots or exposed areas. Midfielders and close defenders who battle all over the field especially benefit from padding that wraps fully around their arms for comprehensive protection.
Some lacrosse athletes may choose more minimal or lightweight guards that sacrifice coverage for mobility and quickness. But for maximum security during intense gameplay, the Maverik Max arm guard has you covered from all angles.