Consider Impact Resistance When Selecting a Lacrosse Helmet Shield
When choosing a lacrosse helmet shield, impact resistance should be one of the most important factors you consider. After all, the main purpose of a lacrosse face shield is to protect your face from high-speed shots and checks. The best lacrosse visors use high-quality polycarbonate or similar materials that can withstand the force of a ball or stick without cracking or shattering. Look for visors with thicknesses of 3mm or more for optimal impact absorption. Some brands tout advanced plastics that provide even better protection against fracture.
Testing data on a shield’s ability to block lacrosse ball impacts at regulated speeds is useful. For example, the NCAA requires men’s lacrosse face masks to withstand a 6 ounce ball launched at 60 mph. Women’s masks must handle a slightly slower shot. Checking if your visor meets or exceeds these benchmarks gives you confidence it won’t fail in game situations. NOCSAE standards are another helpful gauge of impact resistance.
Don’t forget sturdiness matters too. A lacrosse helmet shield needs to stand up to errant slashes and cross-checks as well as shots. Polycarbonate has natural flexibility to absorb these blows without major damage. Some brands apply scratch-resistant coatings to further enhance durability. And multiple anchor points distributing force on a well-fitted visor improves its resilience. With a properly impact-resistant visor, you can play aggressively with one less thing to worry about.
Determine the Right Visor Size for Your Lacrosse Helmet
Getting the proper visor size for your particular lacrosse helmet model is crucial for maximizing protection and visibility. Lacrosse helmet shields come in a range of sizes, usually based on the width of the opening they are designed to fit. Common width measurements are 6, 7, 8, and 9 inches. You’ll want to consult your helmet’s specifications to identify the correct width in inches for the face mask area.
Some brands may use size names like small, medium, large instead of inch measurements, in which case you’ll need to cross-reference a size chart. The helmet’s packaging or manual should indicate what size range or names apply to that model. If not, check the manufacturer’s website for a sizing guide.
Trying to eyeball the right visor size without accurately measuring can lead to selecting one that’s too loose or snug. An undersized shield likely won’t attach properly or offer full facial protection. But going too big leaves problematic gaps at the edges for shots or checks to get through.
Take the time to carefully measure across the widest portion of your stick mask horizontally with a soft measuring tape. Repeat a couple times to ensure an accurate reading. This measurement directly corresponds to the size visor you need. Also consider the helmet brand when sizing, as some designs may need a size up or down versus the mask width.
With the proper visor size for your lacrosse lid, you’ll get maximum coverage without obstruction. Take the guesswork out by precisely determining sizing needs beforehand.
Choose Between Clear and Tinted Lacrosse Visors
When selecting a lacrosse helmet shield, one key decision is whether to go with a clear or tinted visor. Both have their advantages and disadvantages to weigh based on your needs and preferences.
Clear lacrosse face shields provide maximum visibility of the field and ball without any color distortion. This can help with picking up the ball off of sticks and out of the air. Clear shields also make it easier to make eye contact and connect with teammates. The downside is glare on sunny days, which can be mitigated somewhat by applying an anti-glare spray treatment.
Tinted visors reduce glare and eye strain from the sun’s brightness. Popular tint shades for lacrosse are smoke, amber, and yellow. A dark tint like smoke does the most to cut down glare but also further limits visibility versus a lighter amber or yellow. Mirror coatings on tinted shields also combat sunlight reflection. Just check that your program or league allows tinted eye shields, as some restrict them.
Consider when you primarily play games – day or night. Lots of day games may make a tinted shield more appealing, while clear is ideal for mostly night contests. The position you play factors in too, as midfield and attack players who constantly track the ball may favor clear, while defenders more concerned about sun in their eyes while looking downfield may prefer a tint.
Also think about changing light conditions if you transition from day to night games with the same shield. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right visor tint and clarity balance for your needs.
Find a Lightweight Lacrosse Helmet Face Shield for Speed
One aspect to consider when picking a lacrosse helmet shield is weight, as a lighter visor can provide performance advantages in terms of speed and quickness.
Most lacrosse visors today are constructed from polycarbonate, a durable yet lightweight plastic. However, there can still be small differences in the weight of shields from various brands. An ounce here or there may not seem like much, but over the course of a full game running up and down the field those ounces add up.
A lighter lacrosse face shield also helps you turn your head faster to track balls or opponents. The reduced strain on your neck muscles means less fatigue late in games. Brands use manufacturing techniques like air vents and thinned outer edges to shave precious grams off traditional designs.
When comparing lacrosse visors, look up the exact weight specifications which are typically listed in product details. Also pay attention to customer reviews regarding the feel and comfort of wearing different models, as real world feedback on weight and balance can be telling.
The lightest options on the market today weigh in around 9 ounces, whereas heavier visors can be over 12 ounces. That 25-30% weight reduction even at the margins can provide a quickness advantage worth considering if speed is a priority for your game.
While impact protection shouldn’t be sacrificed in the name of weight savings, a lighter yet properly protective shield can give you that split second edge to beat your opponent to a loose ball or better defend a dodging attackman. A lightweight lacrosse lid visor keeps you light on your feet without leaving you exposed.
Get an Anti-Fog Lacrosse Face Shield for Optimal Vision
Having clear vision at all times on the field is critical in lacrosse, making an anti-fog lacrosse visor an important equipment choice to maximize visibility.
The aggressive physical exertion of lacrosse combined with a fully enclosed helmet and face mask leads to significant fogging issues. Your warm, moist breath condenses on the interior surface of a standard visor, obstructing your field of vision. This can happen gradually over the course of a game or practice as moisture accumulates, or instantly when you go to the bench after running off then head back onto the field.
Fogged vision slows reaction time as you struggle to track the ball. It also inhibits communication and awareness of cutters in your peripheral sights. An anti-fog lacrosse helmet shield combats these problems through venting systems and built-in anti-fog coatings on the inner side of the polycarbonate shield.
Vents allow airflow to dissipate the warm air contacting the shield and reduce condensation build up. Fog-resistant interior lens treatments enhance this by speeding evaporation. Top brands use advanced anti-fog tech to actively prevent moisture adhesion and wicked away any sweat. This keeps your sightlines crystal clear at all times.
Before purchasing a new lacrosse visor, check product specs to confirm if it has anti-fog properties. User reviews can also attest to how well a given model resists fogging in real game use. With an anti-fog shield, you’ll avoid the hassle and impaired performance of foggy vision ruining your game.
Look for Durable and Scratch-Resistant Lacrosse Visors
When evaluating lacrosse helmet shields, durability and scratch resistance are important criteria to ensure a long-lasting visor that maintains visibility.
Lacrosse is a high impact sport, so shields take a lot of abuse from checks, slashes, and errant balls. Lower quality polycarbonate plastic can crack or shatter under this repetitive contact. Top brands use advanced thermoplastics that better withstand impacts and temperature changes.
Scratches are another issue, as the rough play of lacrosse can quickly damage and cloud conventional visors. Abrasion resistant coatings help prevent scratching and scuffing. Brands like Cascade apply a silicone QUANTUM coating that creates a slick, non-stick surface allowing dirt and debris to easily wipe away without marring the shield.
Look for shields touting unbreakable, high impact resistance if maximum durability is your priority. And confirm scratch-proofing treatments are applied. User reviews can also attest to the longevity and scratch resistance of different visors in real game use.
While no lacrosse helmet shield lasts forever, choosing options optimized for durability and scratch protection extends usable life significantly. You’ll spend less time replacing cloudy, worn out shields, and more time playing with clear eye protection that stands the test of time and hard hits.
Pick a Visor Made Specifically for Your Helmet Model
When selecting a new lacrosse helmet shield, it’s important to choose one engineered specifically to fit your particular helmet make and model for optimal protection and performance.
While lacrosse visors generally share similarities, the precise contours and curvature of the face mask area vary across different helmet brands and lines. A Cascade visor won’t necessarily fit a Warrior lid properly. Even visors designed for the same brand may not work across their different helmet models.
Most helmet and visor manufacturers design shields to seamlessly integrate with their gear. This ensures the visor sits flush to the mask for full coverage. Mismatched third party shields often have small gaps or looseness that compromise protection. An ill-fitting shield also has more play, which can be distracting.
Consult your helmet’s manual or website to find the approved visor models for that specific equipment. Top lacrosse retailers also make it easy to shop by helmet make and type. While theoretically you can mix and match, for best results go with a visor made by your helmet’s manufacturer and certified for that model.
With a visor designed specifically for your helmet, you can play with confidence knowing it securely attaches and meets all protective standards. Take the guesswork out and get the right shield for your lid.
Compare Prices Before Buying Your New Lacrosse Face Shield
When looking to purchase a new lacrosse helmet shield, it pays to take some time to compare prices and find the best deal.
Lacrosse visors can range anywhere from $40 up to $100 or more depending on the brand, features, and source. Rather than automatically buying the first one you see, check prices from different retailers online and in stores.
Shopping online tends to offer the widest selection and lowest prices. Large lacrosse specialty shops usually have lots of visor options in stock at discounted pricing. Search engines let you quickly find who has a particular shield in your size at the best price.
Also look for any coupon codes and promotions retailers may be running to further reduce costs. Signing up for email lists can provide access to exclusive discounts. Consider buying two shields at once if the multi-pack savings are significant.
Even between very similar visor models and qualities, pricing can vary. With lacrosse gear, the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best performing. Do some legwork to find that sweet spot of quality and value for your budget.
Read Reviews to Find the Best Lacrosse Helmet Shield for You
With so many lacrosse helmet shield options on the market, reading online customer reviews can help identify the best visor for your needs and budget.
Product reviews from other players provide real world feedback on how different face shields perform. Look for visors with consistently high average ratings across multiple websites. Sort reviews by recency and read the most recent first, as manufacturers update models frequently.
Pay attention to what players highlight as pros and cons for each shield. Impact protection, fog resistance, scratch durability, weight/comfort and ease of attachment are key criteria mentioned. You can get a feel for brands and models best excelling in categories important to you.
Consider your playing position and needs too. For example, midfielders may prioritize lightweight, low profile designs while defenders want max durability. Goalies need wide peripheral vision from their helmet shields.
Reading a range of lacrosse visor reviews helps you make a more informed decision. You can tap into the collective wisdom of the lacrosse community to determine which shield is favored by players with needs similar to yours. Don’t just guess – let reviews lead you to your next visor.
Check for NOCSAE Certification on Lacrosse Visors
When shopping for a new lacrosse helmet shield, an important mark of quality to look for is NOCSAE certification, which signifies meeting key protective standards.
NOCSAE is the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, an independent body that conducts safety testing across multiple sports. For a lacrosse visor to receive NOCSAE certification, it must pass a rigorous impact resistance test.
This involves subjecting samples of the shield to lacrosse ball strikes at different velocities. The visor must prevent the ball from penetrating at speeds up to 60 mph for men’s models, and 50 mph for women’s shields. Surviving these impacts proves it provides sufficient facial protection.
NOCSAE also sets standards for other aspects like vision clarity. Visors displaying the NOCSAE logo have demonstrated their ability to meet established safety benchmarks through independent lab testing.
Most leagues require players to use NOCSAE certified visors. But even for recreational play, choosing a shield validated for impact protection gives peace of mind. Check for the NOCSAE stamp of approval before buying any new lacrosse helmet shield.
Consider How Often You’ll Use Your Visor for Replacement Timing
When selecting a new lacrosse helmet shield, considering how frequently you’ll use it can help determine an ideal replacement schedule to maintain protection.
Lacrosse visors are designed to withstand years of play, but their performance gradually declines with age and use. Frequent impact from shots and checks degrades the integrity of the polycarbonate over time. Scratches also accumulate, reducing visibility.
For elite high school, college, and pro players who log lots of hours on the field in practices and games, replacing visors annually is ideal. The consistent heavy use takes a toll, so starting each season with a fresh new shield makes sense.
More casual recreational league players or youth who play sporadically may only need a new visor every 2-3 years. Less frequent use lengthens the viable lifespan. Goalies also tend to need new shields less often since fewer direct shots strike their visor.
Set a reminder to check your current face shield for signs of wear before each season starts. Then budget accordingly for a replacement schedule that matches your level of play. Proactively swapping visors maintains protection and lets you see the field clearly.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Tinted vs. Clear Shield
When buying a new lacrosse visor, an important choice is whether to go with a tinted or clear shield. Here’s a rundown of the key pros and cons to help you decide.
Tinted lacrosse visors reduce glare and eye strain from the sun’s brightness. Popular tint shades are smoke, amber, and yellow. A dark tint like smoke does the most to cut down glare but also further limits visibility versus a lighter amber or yellow.
The main advantages of a tinted shield are better contrast for tracking the ball in daylight, and less squinting on sunny fields. Tinted visors also look cool and can intimidate opponents. Just check that your program or league allows them, as some restrict tints.
Clear lacrosse shields provide maximum visibility and light transmission without color distortion. This amplifies the field of view to pick up the ball out of sticks and in the air. Clear visors also facilitate communication through unimpeded eye contact.
Downsides are glare and glare fatigue on bright days. But clear shields are a better choice for mostly night games. Positions like midfield and attack that rely on constantly spotting the ball favor clear, while defenders may prefer tinted.
Consider when and where you primarily play, and make the tinted versus clear lacrosse shield decision accordingly. You can’t go wrong either way.
Determine if You Want an Attached or Interchangeable Shield System
When selecting a new lacrosse helmet shield, you’ll need to decide between an attached or interchangeable visor system based on your preferences.
Attached shields screw directly into the mask and remain fixed. They don’t require extra parts, making them quick and simple to install. Attached visors sit close to the helmet for a low profile. But you’ll need tools to remove them for cleaning or replacement.
Interchangeable shields utilize a base plate anchored to the mask. Different visors then snap into the base plate. This makes swapping shields fast and tool-free. Most enable changing tinted and clear lenses on the fly during games.
Interchangeable systems add versatility at the cost of more parts that can potentially loosen. They also sit slightly farther off the mask, creating more wind resistance at high speeds.
For most players, the quick swap benefit of interchangeable masks outweighs any downsides. But goalies who won’t switch mid-game may favor an attached model. Either delivers protection – go with the one that best matches your preferences.
Think about if you value easy visor swaps or maximum streamlining. Then choose between attached and interchangeable when buying your next lacrosse helmet shield.
Shop Online for the Biggest Selection of Lacrosse Face Shields
When it’s time to purchase a new lacrosse helmet shield, shopping online provides access to the widest range of visor options and latest models.
Top lacrosse retailers like LacrosseMonkey, Lax.com, and Amazon offer hundreds of different shield styles and sizes for every helmet make and model. This extensive selection makes it easy to find the perfect visor for your needs.
Online stores stay on top of the newest gear and regularly stock new releases as brands update designs. You can get your hands on the latest high-tech shields each season before they hit most local shops.
The online buying process is also streamlined, with filters to refine searches by brand, helmet compatibility, and features like anti-fog coatings. Detailed product descriptions and customer reviews help you make informed decisions.
Online lacrosse stores also frequently run discounts and clearance sales you won’t find in brick and mortar shops. Take advantage of coupon codes and bundled pricing to maximize savings.
For convenience, selection and pricing, going online is the best way to get your next lacrosse visor. Peruse the huge array of options and find the perfect shield for you.