Choosing the Right Size Shin Guards is Critical for Lacrosse Goalies
When shopping for lacrosse goalie shin guards, one of the most important factors to consider is finding the proper size guards that fit comfortably and provide maximum protection. Ill-fitting shin guards that are too large can shift during play and leave areas of the shins exposed. On the other hand, shin guards that are too small can leave painful pressure points on the shins and limit mobility. Therefore, taking accurate measurements and carefully matching them to size charts is an essential step.
Most lacrosse shin guard sizing is based on shin length and calf circumference measurements. Shin length is measured from the center of the knee to the top of the ankle bone. Calf circumference is measured at the widest part of the calf. Companies provide detailed size charts that list the recommended shin guard size based on these measurements. Goalies should measure both shins and calves to determine their sizes, as there may be slight differences between legs. When in doubt between sizes, it is better to size up for a more comfortable fit.
In addition to measurements, personal fit preferences should also be considered when selecting shin guard size. Some players prefer a tighter fit with less shin guard movement, while others favor a looser fit for more flexibility. Trying on different sizes in person can help goalies find the size range that fits their bodies and comfort levels best. Shin guards should fit snugly but not be painfully tight or dig into the leg. Straps can sometimes be adjusted to tweak the fit as needed.
Taking the time to find properly-sized goalie shin guards results in better protection and comfort during gameplay. Ill-fitting pads are a common source of distraction and frustration. With lacrosse balls capable of traveling at high speeds, goalies need every piece of protective gear to fit correctly and function properly. Prioritizing the right shin guard size as part of the selection process enables goalies to feel confident stepping into the cage.
Properly Fitting Shin Guards are Essential for Lacrosse Goalies
Finding shin guards that fit correctly is one of the most vital aspects lacrosse goalies must consider when selecting protective equipment. The right fit is crucial for stability, mobility, and safety. Loose or improperly secured shin guards can shift out of place during play, leaving areas of the leg exposed and vulnerable. Excessively tight pads can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Taking the time to find shin guards that fit properly will provide goalies with the protection and performance they need in the crease.
When trying on shin guards, goalies should look for a snug, secure fit around the calf and shin. The guards should sit close to the leg without pinching or digging in. Straps should fasten firmly without having to be pulled uncomfortably tight. Most shin guards use adjustable elastic straps with Velcro closures that allow some customization of fit. The knee cap and kneepad should align comfortably over the knee when crouching. Any gaps between the leg and shin guard can allow Bruises or stinging blows from errant shots.
Walking and jogging around while wearing the shin guards tests for mobility and range of motion. Properly fitted shin guards should not severely impede movement or feel excessively bulky and heavy. High-density foam or ventilated padding allows breathability and flexibility. When dropping into a crouch, bending, and extending the legs, the shin guard should move naturally with the leg without shifting out of place. Goalies relying on their quick reflexes need gear that moves with them, not against them.
Lacrosse shin guards are constructed from tough materials like high-impact plastic, carbon fiber, and hardened foam to handle the abuse of the position. But even the sturdiest pads require a proper fit to work effectively. Taking the time to find shin guards that align closely with the legs and fasten securely ensures goalies get the protection they expect. A proper fit empowers goalies to play their best without distracting adjustments and worried glances at their gear.
Breathable Shin Guards are Essential for Lacrosse Goalies
When selecting shin guards, lacrosse goalies should prioritize finding pads with proper ventilation and breathability. The heat and exertion of the position means goalies work up a serious sweat during games and practices. Shin guards constructed with hot, non-breathable materials can quickly become uncomfortable in the cage.
Many high-end lacrosse shin guards now incorporate ventilated foam padding or mesh lining to allow air circulation around the leg. Strategically placed ventilation ports also help cool the leg. Moisture-wicking linings draw perspiration away from the skin to keep legs dryer. Reducing heat and moisture buildup provides a more comfortable wearing experience and helps prevent skin irritation and chafing.
Breathable shin guard materials like perforated neoprene and flexible padded mesh offer protection without sacrificing airflow. Dense foam or plastic padding can trap heat, so strategic ventilation placement is key. Areas around the calf and shin receive ample padding, while ventilation ports under the knee and at the rear of the calf allow air exchange. Advanced polymer materials offer sturdy protection with mesh-like breathability.
Lacrosse goalies must remain agile and quick on their feet to react to lighting-fast shots. Heavy, suffocating shin guards impact mobility and stamina. Proper ventilation enables extends comfortable wear time. Shin guards with sufficient airflow allow goalies to focus on the game rather than their gear. With balls rocketing in at over 100mph, the last thing goalies need is a distraction like sweat-soaked shin guards. Seeking out thoughtfully designed, breathable shin pads keeps goalies cool under pressure.
Secure Shin Guard Strapping is Vital for Lacrosse Goalies
Lacrosse goalies rely on properly strapped shin guards to stay protected during intense gameplay. Shin guards secured by flimsy, inadequate straps can shift and slide, leaving vulnerable spots exposed. Finding shin guards with sturdy, well-designed straps should be a priority for goalies.
Most lacrosse shin guards utilize adjustable elastic straps with Velcro closures to dial in a tight fit. Higher-end pads may also incorporate additional features like silicone grippers to prevent slippage. Straps should crisscross over the calf and shin to keep the pads locked in place from multiple angles. The plastic or velcro closure should fasten tightly and not loosen during play. Some goalies also wear soccer shinguards underneath for extra stability.
Properly strapped shin guards should move seamlessly with the leg when running and crouching without shifting out of alignment. Straps distribute pressure evenly for a stable, comfortable fit. Shin guards attached by flimsy Velcro are susceptible to gradually loosening over time. Quick bursts of acceleration can also cause insufficiently strapped pads to spin or fall. Fidgeting with straps during a game wastes precious seconds.
Taking shots off the knee or shin is inevitable for lacrosse goalies. Well-secured shin guards absorb blows properly and stay in place to continue protecting the leg. Sturdy strapping also prevents the pads from becoming projectiles if hit with major force. Goalies can step into the cage with confidence knowing their protective gear won’t let them down. Dialing in shin guard straps takes some trial and error, but the resulting security and performance are worth the effort.
Durable Shin Guard Materials are Key for Lacrosse Goalies
The fast-paced, high-impact nature of lacrosse means goalies require shin guards constructed from the most durable materials available. Repeated shots from close range can degrade cheaper or weaker pads over time. Selecting shin guards with sturdy, resilient outer shells and interior padding provides better longevity and protection over a season and career.
Many high-end lacrosse shin guards feature shells made from ultra-strong thermoplastic materials like polyethylene or polycarbonate plastic. These advanced plastics flex to absorb impacts but will not crack or shatter. Interior padding typically utilizes dense foam or compression molded plastic. Multiple foam layers of varying stiffness manage impacts while keeping weight reasonable.
Carbon fiber shin guards provide an incredibly strong yet lightweight option. The rigid carbon fiber shell distributes and diffuses impacts to prevent injuries. Cushioning foam lining improves comfort and fit. While carbon fiber shin pads are pricier, their durability and protection make them a worthwhile investment.
Repeated ball impacts from point blank range are an occupational hazard for lacrosse goalies. Shin guards made from flimsy materials will show dents, cracks, and degrading performance after one hard season. Lacrosse goalies should view their shin guard purchase as a long-term investment and seek out equipment engineered from the most durable, advanced materials available. Quality gear withstands the abuse and continues effectively protecting goalies game after game.
Mobility is Key for Lacrosse Goalie Shin Guards
Lacrosse goalies rely heavily on their agility and quick reflexes to defend the net. The explosive starts, stops, and direction changes required in the crease demand shin guards that prioritize flexibility and mobility. Restrictive, stiff shin pads slow goalies down and impede performance.
When evaluating shin guards, goalies should focus on models constructed from flexible materials that avoid heavily restricting natural movement. Lightweight or low-profile designs with strategic placement of protective padding avoid unnecessary bulk. Perforations and ventilation ports also enhance maneuverability.
High-end shin guards use padded compression sleeves or flexible plastic shells that move seamlessly with the leg during activity. Advanced polymers disperse impacts but maintain pliability to avoid limiting mobility. Interior cushioning strategies target protection at high-impact zones while minimizing range of motion constraints.
Even small delays in reaction time caused by rigid, awkward shin guards can mean the difference between saving a shot and fishing the ball out of the goal. Every movement counts for lacrosse goalies, so optimized mobility is a key factor when selecting protective equipment. Unencumbered legs empower goalies to utilize their specialized positioning and reaction skills to their full potential.
Lacrosse-Specific Shin Guards are Ideal for Goalies
For optimal protection and performance in the crease, lacrosse goalies should choose shin guards designed specifically for the sport. Lacrosse-specific pads provide tailored coverage and features not found on shin guards for other sports.
Lacrosse shin guards extend protection from the knee to the top of the foot to handle point blank shots. Soccer shin guards cover far less area and leave the knees and parts of the lower leg exposed. The removable kneepad on lacrosse pads shields the vulnerable joint as goalies crouch and dive.
The exterior shells of lacrosse shin guards are made from extremely rigid, durable plastics to withstand bruising shots. Interior cushioning involves multiple layers of compressed padding. Soccer shin guard foam is less dense since shots have farther to travel. Lacrosse pads also incorporate ventilation ports, moisture wicking liners, and secure strapping systems tuned for lacrosse movements.
General-use shin guards lack specialized features for facing the unique demands of lacrosse goaltending. Goalies spend the entire game on their feet maneuvering in the crease under a barrage of shots. Their protective gear must hold up to the onslaught. Lacrosse-specific shin guards give goalies the best chance to stay protected and successfully do their job.
Comparing Lacrosse Shin Guard Styles and Configurations
Lacrosse goalies have a variety of shin guard styles and configurations to consider when selecting protective equipment. Comparing the pros and cons of different pad shapes, sizes, and components helps determine the ideal choice.
Shin guards come in different lengths, with some covering most of the calf and others ending just below the knee. Longer pads protect more area, but shorter pads provide greater mobility. Bulkier, wide guards offer enhanced coverage, while low-profile designs maximize flexibility. Shin guard thickness also varies based on padding materials used.
Strapping systems affect stability and how securely the guards stay positioned. Basic elastic straps must be manually tightened, while integrated compression sleeves keep pads in place. Some shin guards incorporate wraparound knee pads, while others use removable caps for customization.
Ventilation and moisture wicking capacities depend on materials and fabric technologies utilized. Goalies should also compare weight between pads, as lighter shin guards reduce fatigue over a game. Considering all these variations helps identify the ideal shin guard configuration for comfort, protection and performance needs.
Comparing Hard and Soft Shell Lacrosse Shin Guards
Lacrosse goalies must decide between shin guards with hard outer shells or soft padded shells when selecting protective equipment. Understanding the trade-offs between these two main styles helps determine the best option.
Hard shell shin guards use rigid, molded plastic plates over the shin and knee areas to disperse impacts. This rugged outer layer provides superior impact resistance compared to soft padding alone. Hard shells are also more puncture and abrasion resistant. However, these firm guards can feel bulky and restrict mobility.
Soft shell shin guards rely on dense foam padding or soft, flexible plastics to cushion blows. Multiple layers of padding absorb and dissipate impacts. Soft shells offer better flexibility and range of motion than their rigid counterparts. But soft materials compress more over time and provide less sheer protection.
Many goalies choose hard shell shin guards for games when facing heavy shots, and soft shell pads for comfortable practices. Hybrid designs also exist, with hard shielding over vulnerable impact zones but soft materials around joints and the calf. Considering shell type and padding placement lets goalies find their ideal balance of protection and performance.
Understanding Lacrosse Shin Guard Sizing
With multiple brands offering lacrosse shin guards, goalies must take care to understand the sizing standards and best fit for each company’s gear. Shin guard sizes are not universal across manufacturers, so carefully consulting individual sizing charts is crucial.
Most brands size shin guards based on calf circumference and shin length measurements. But the calf sizes and length ranges that correspond to size small, medium, large, etc. vary from brand to brand. For example, a size medium in Nike shin guards may fit calves 13″-15″ in circumference, while Warrior’s mediums are sized for 14″-16″.
Trying guards on in person provides the best gauge of fit, as sizing charts are only guidelines. If that’s not possible, measuring calf and shins accurately and matching to brand-specific charts helps narrow down the ideal size. Where available, reviews can also give insight on how certain shin guards fit compared to others.
With shin guards serving a vital protective purpose, goalies need the proper size for their anatomy, not just the labeled size. Double checking measurements against brand sizing ensures goalies get shin guards tailored to their bodies, not generic approximations. Proper fit means better performance protecting the crease.
Weight Considerations for Lacrosse Goalie Shin Guards
The weight of shin guards affects goalie performance and comfort over the course of a game. Bulkier, heavier pads can fatigue legs faster and reduce mobility in the crease. When selecting lacrosse shin guards, weighing the differences between lighter and heavier models helps identify the optimal balance of protection and maneuverability.
Multi-layer foam padding or thick plastic shielding provides superior impact protection but adds considerable weight. On the lighter end, single-layer foam or lightweight polymer shells with strategic padding placement maximize mobility. Ventilation cutouts and mesh lining also reduce weight.
Heavier shin guards may stay more firmly in place during intense play thanks to the added bulk. But fatigue comes faster with heavier padding, especially on hot days. Lighter pads require more careful strapping but allow quicker starts/stops and offer greater comfort over time.
Considering the shot speed and physicality goalies expect to face at their level helps determine ideal weight. Youth players can opt for lighter guards focused on mobility, while college goalies may prefer sturdier heavy-duty padding. Testing shin guards of different weights gives goalies a feel for the benefits of each in game situations.
Choosing Youth or Adult Lacrosse Shin Guards
Lacrosse goalies must ensure they select shin guards in the appropriate youth or adult size range for proper protection. Youth and adult shin guards differ in aspects like padding thickness, materials used, and protection levels provided.
Youth shin guards offer lightweight padding focused on comfort and mobility for developing players. Foam is minimized to reduce bulk, and plastic shells may be lower density. Strapping tends to be simple with velcro closures. Ventilation and moisture wicking capacities cater to youth athletes.
Adult lacrosse shin guards provide more robust protective padding engineered for college and pro-level play. Multi-layer foam absorbs heavy impacts from elite shooters. Durable high-density plastic shells withstand point blank shots. Secure compression sleeves and straps keep pads in place. Advanced ventilation and moisture management technologies accommodate intense gameplay.
Using adult shin guards too early can hamper mobility in younger players. But undersized youth pads leave older goalies insufficiently protected. Matching Guards to age and skill level ensures goalies get equipment tailored for their needs. Adult pads give more protection for advanced play, while youth pads suit developing goalies.
Examining Lacrosse Shin Guard Warranties
When purchasing lacrosse shin guards, goalies should examine the warranty coverage offered by manufacturers. Good warranties provide peace of mind and cost recuperation if pads fail prematurely or break under normal use.
Many top lacrosse gear brands offer at least a limited 1-year warranty on shin guards covering defects in materials and workmanship. Some extend coverage to 2 years or more. Warranties typically stipulate what damage is covered, length of coverage, claim procedures, and remedy options like replacement or repair.
Longer warranties signal added confidence in a product’s durability and construction quality. Goalies expecting heavy use should look for shin guards backed by multi-year warranties. Clear warranty terms eliminate confusion on what types of damage qualify for a claim if problems develop down the road.
While shin guards are built to withstand heavy impacts, manufacturing and material defects do occur. Good warranties have goalies’ backs if new pads fail prematurely through no fault of their own. Understanding warranty details provides valuable insight during the selection process.
Reviews Help Select Lacrosse Shin Guards
Reading reviews from other lacrosse players provides valuable insight when selecting new shin guards. First-hand accounts of shin guard fit, protection, durability and more help gauge how models stack up in real-world use.
Reviews let goalies know if sizing runs small or large on a particular model based on buyers’ experiences trying them on. This helps determine ideal size when ordering online. Players also give feedback on padding stiffness, breathability, and strap quality from regular use. Any fit issues or defects encountered show up in reviews.
For goalies, reviews offer perspectives on how different shin guards hold up against Lacrosse shots over time. Padding that compresses or cracks after a few games raises durability concerns. Comments on mobility can identify pads that excel or fall short protecting the crease.
While some negative reviews are inevitable, consistent praise or complaints indicate real strengths or weaknesses in shin guard construction. Balancing reviews with product specs and price gives goalies a comprehensive view. Other players’ experiences ultimately help goalies buy shin guards with confidence.