Choosing The Right Size Lacrosse Glove For Your Child’s Hand
When shopping for youth lacrosse gloves, one of the most important considerations is finding the right size glove that properly fits your child’s hand. Lacrosse gloves that are too large can hinder ball control and handling, while gloves that are too small will be uncomfortable and restrict movement.
Most lacrosse glove sizing is based on age ranges, but can vary between brands and models. Measure your child’s hand size in inches from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm to find their general glove size. Compare their hand measurements against the manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine the ideal glove size.
Pay attention to palm width as an indicator of proper fit. There should be no bulging or puckering of material around the palm. Also ensure there is enough room for the fingers to move freely when closed in a fist inside the glove. Around a half-inch of space from the tip of the finger to the end of the glove finger stall is ideal.
Consider adjustable wrist straps and velcro closures that allow a more customizable fit if your child’s hand size falls between glove sizes. This helps dial in the right balance of snugness around the wrist while providing sufficient mobility.
Trying on lacrosse gloves in person can give the best sense of size and comfort before purchasing. If buying online, carefully check sizing charts and read product reviews that mention issues with sizing or fit.
Getting youth lacrosse gloves in the perfect size match for your child’s growing hand will let them grip the stick properly for better ball control, passing, catching and shooting skills. Take the time to get the sizing right, and it will pay dividends in your child’s performance on the lacrosse field.
Top Youth Lacrosse Glove Brands To Consider
When shopping for the best youth lacrosse gloves, one of the top factors to consider is the brand. Lacrosse glove brands are not all created equal in terms of quality, fit, protection levels and durability. Doing your research to find reputable lacrosse brands known for making high-performance gloves designed specifically for youth players is key.
Here are some of the top youth lacrosse glove brands to consider:
- Maverik – One of the most popular lacrosse equipment brands, Maverik is well-known for their Charger and Rome gloves lines engineered for elite-level youth play. Their gloves feature flexible and lightweight construction with added foam for maximum protection.
- STX – STX offers several excellent youth glove models like the Cell 5 and K18 gloves. These feature an emphasis on maximum mobility and top-notch durability from premium materials. The Cell 5 glove is a great value for an entry-level glove.
- Warrior – Warrior uses advanced technologies in their youth lacrosse gloves, including Poron XRD foam padding for superior impact absorption. The Burn and Rabil models provide lightweight flexibility and breathability.
- Brine – Brine lacrosse gears their glove technologies for aggressive players. The Clutch Rise glove provides flexibility and range of motion while the King IV Maxim glove has maximum padding for added protection.
- Nike – The Nike Vapor Jet gloves are engineered for speed and quick handling with tapered synthetic leather palms. The Nike Infantry glove offers lightweight durability with ventilated Lycra backs.
Additional top youth lacrosse glove brands to consider are Under Armour, Epoch, Gait and Adidas. While pricing, features and technologies may vary between brands, prioritize proper fit and protection levels first when selecting gloves for youth players. Read online reviews about sizing issues, comfort, durability and padding protection levels from real customers.
With youth players being new to lacrosse, injuries from errant checks and hits are a real possibility. Ensuring their gloves provide excellent dexterity plus ample padding and protection from a leading, trusted brand in the lacrosse gear industry gives young players an advantage. Investing in quality gloves designed specifically for youth levels of play from the start helps maximize their performance and safety.
Key Features To Look For In Youth Lacrosse Gloves
Lacrosse gloves have several important features to look for when selecting the right pair for your young lacrosse player. Knowing the key features helps choose gloves that match your child’s playing style, provide sufficient protection and maximize performance.
Here are some vital features to consider when choosing youth lacrosse gloves:
- Palm Padding – Extra foam or padding across the palm protects against checks from opponents’ sticks. Palm sliders also help the gloves withstand abrasion from scooping ground balls.
- Finger Protection – Added foam or padding on the fingers safeguards against jammed fingers during pokes and handles. Look for gloves with full finger stalls for more coverage.
- Ventilation – Mesh panels, perforations or Lycra material on the glove backs allow airflow to keep hands cool. Moisture-wicking liner materials also help with breathability.
- Cuff Style – Fixed cuffs provide more wrist support while adjustable cuffs with Velcro straps enable a custom fit dialed in.
- Grip – Smooth leather or tacky gripping materials across the palm and fingers improve overall stick control.
Consider the amount of padding protection versus mobility your child needs based on their playing position. Defensive players benefit from maximum padding for checks, while offensive players need more dexterity for stick handling.
Also ensure the gloves fit properly with no restrictive areas, but snug enough for support. Testing out different lacrosse gloves allows players to find the right blend of fit, weight, padding and ventilation for their needs.
Advanced glove technologies to look for include Poron XRD foam for superior shock absorption, Thermolite moisture-wicking liners, and PowerLock straps for adjustable secure fit. Premium gloves from top brands utilize these technologies for optimal lightweight protection, fit, durability and performance.
Taking the time to understand the available features allows you to choose lacrosse gloves tailored for your child’s position, playing style and comfort preferences. Prioritizing proper fit, padding levels and ventilation helps maximize their performance and safety on the lacrosse field.
Why Palm Protection Is Vital In Lacrosse Gloves
When selecting the ideal pair of youth lacrosse gloves, one of the most critical areas to focus on is palm protection. The palm area of lacrosse gloves takes a beating during play, so ensuring this high-impact zone has ample padding is vital.
Here are some key reasons why proper palm protection is so important in lacrosse gloves:
- Checking – The palms absorb the brunt of stick checks. Thick padding helps dampen blows to prevent bruising or injury.
- Ball Control – Heavily padded palms allow for tight cradling control when running with the ball.
- Scooping – Palm sliders withstand abrasion when scooping up ground balls aggressively.
- Durability – Foam or plastic palms withstand abrasion on artificial turf fields during play.
- Grip – Smooth leather or tacky palm materials provide excellent stick handle control.
Palm padding also serves to stiffen the glove for better control when passing and shooting. Thin gloves with minimal padding collapse in the palm area on impact.
Look for youth lacrosse gloves with ventilation holes strategically placed between palm padding sections. This prevents excess moisture build-up in the padding from hand sweat that can soften padding over time.
The pliable nature of children’s hands also requires ample palm security. Using lacrosse gloves with substantial padding across the entire palm protects growing hands from injury.
Testing out different lacrosse glove palm styles allows players to find the ideal thickness based on their position. Defensive players tend to favor maximum thickness for frequent hard checks, while offensive players need a better feel for cradling and passing.
Prioritizing lacrosse gloves engineered with optimized palm padding technologies delivers the protection growing youth players need at this critical contact point during play. Your child’s performance and safety on the lacrosse field depends heavily on securing their palms.
Padding Placement And Protection Levels
The ideal lacrosse glove has strategic padding placement to protect key areas of the hand and wrist without restricting mobility. Determining the right protection levels based on your child’s position and playing style is an important factor when selecting youth lacrosse gloves.
Here are some key padding placement zones to evaluate:
- Palm – Thick padding across the entire palm is ideal for maximum protection when checking and scooping.
- Fingers – Foam padding on the fingers shields from jammed fingers during pokes or handling.
- Knuckles – Added padding on the back of the hand protects the knuckles from checks.
- Thumb – Extra foam around the thumb crotch reinforces this commonly jammed area.
- Wrist – Padding on the inner wrist provides protection when pressing gloves together in cradling.
Determine if your child would benefit more from gloves with full finger stalls versus open-backed finger constructions. Stalls give more finger protection but less ventilation. Youth players new to lacrosse often favor more padding.
Consider glove weight as well. Heavier gloves from thick padding can cause hand fatigue. Newer technologies utilize lightweight, high-density foams for better protection without bulky weight.
Let your child test out different glove padding levels to find the ideal amount of protection and dexterity. Offensive players need more mobility while defensive players benefit from maximum padding. Finding the right balance is key.
Reading lacrosse glove reviews also provides insight into padding effectiveness, flexibility and comfort from a player’s perspective. This helps determine if certain padding placements negatively impact performance or feel.
Ensuring proper padding coverage in the most vulnerable hand zones gives developing youth players confidence as they hone their stick skills. Prioritizing lacrosse gloves with smart padding technologies provides active protection without sacrificing dexterity.
Breathable Materials To Keep Hands Cool
One often overlooked aspect when selecting youth lacrosse gloves is breathability. The backsides of lacrosse gloves take a beating from constant flexing during play. Ensuring the materials provide proper airflow is key to keeping hands cool and dry.
Here are some features to look for in lacrosse glove backs for proper ventilation:
- Mesh Panels – Strategically placed mesh sections on the back of fingers and hand provide maximum airflow.
- Perforations – Small holes punctured into glove materials allow enhanced breathability.
- Lycra Fabric – Stretchy Lycra material offers lightweight flexibility and moisture-wicking.
- Moisture-Wicking Liners – Inner liner materials draw sweat off the skin to keep hands dry.
- Vent Holes – Foam or padding with ventilation holes prevents heat and moisture build-up inside.
Proper airflow is vital to prevent hands from overheating, especially for youth players in warmer climates. Sweaty hands inside gloves loses critical feel and stick handling.
Ventilated backs also speed up drying time after games or practices. Less moisture inside gloves extends the glove’s life span and prevents premature breakdown of materials.
Look for mesh or perforated panels placed between key padding sections rather than completely removing foam padding. This maintains protection while still allowing airflow.
Testing out different glove backs allows players to determine ideal breathability levels. Too much ventilation results in less padding. Finding the right balance maximizes airflow while still providing ample protection.
Prioritizing lacrosse gloves engineered with cooling and drying technologies allows developing youth players to perform their best. Keeping hands cool, flexible and dry through strategic ventilation gives young players a competitive edge.
Adjustable Wrists For A Secure Customizable Fit
Achieving the ideal wrist fit is critical for maximizing youth lacrosse glove performance. Adjustable wrist straps allow for a customized snug fit for better security and control. They also accommodate growing hands over longer periods of usage.
Here are some key benefits of adjustable wrist straps on lacrosse gloves:
- Custom Fit – Players can dial in the perfect tightness around their wrist for ideal support.
- Growth Flexibility – Straps extend glove life as hands grow bigger over a season.
- Secure Feel – Snug wrist area provides stability for checking, scooping and passing.
- Moisture Prevention – Tight wrist prevents debris and moisture from penetrating into gloves.
- Easy On/Off – Straps make taking gloves on and off quicker between plays or practices.
Look for lacrosse gloves with wide Velcro wrist straps to distribute tension evenly and prevent pinching or discomfort. Padded straps also enhance comfort, protection and flexibility.
Test wrist tightness during sprints or drills to ensure flexibility isn’t restricted, but still feels secure. For goalies, maximize wrist snugness for protecting against high-velocity shots.
Consider youth lacrosse gloves with an inner neoprene or stretch mesh sleeve under the wrist adjustment. This provides a tight underlayer seal to prevent dirt or debris from entering the gloves.
Replace Velcro wrist straps over time as they lose their sticking capabilities from lint buildup. New straps restore the custom adjustable fit as hands grow.
Choosing lacrosse gloves with adjustable wrist straps gives developing youth players a personalized secure fit. Ensuring a tight but comfortable wrist area improves performance through enhanced ball control, protection and flexibility.
Considering Price, Quality And Value For Money
When selecting youth lacrosse gloves, it’s important to balance price, quality and overall value for money. Cheaper gloves may save on cost upfront, but sacrifice long-term durability, protection and performance.
Here are some tips on finding the right glove value:
- Set a Budget – Determine a reasonable price range to focus your search for gloves.
- Comparison Shop – Check prices from different retailers online for the same gloves.
- Prioritize Protection – More protective padding merits added cost.
- Consider Materials – Premium leathers, fabrics and foams justify higher pricing.
- Read Reviews – Check feedback on durability and design flaws.
- Factor In Discounts – Take advantage of off-season sales, team deals and coupons.
High-end gloves from top brands like Maverik and STX range from $80-$150. These utilize premium materials and technologies for elite-level performance and durability.
Mid-range gloves from Warrior, Brine and Nike span $50-$100. These gloves offer excellent protection and quality with modest design frills.
Value gloves under $50 appeal to budget-focused buyers. Look for enhanced padding and materials versus basic vinyl or foam gloves.
Avoid the cheapest gloves that lack adequate padding density, breathable materials and adjustable secure wrist closures. Pay a little more upfront for proper protection and construction quality that enhances play and lasts longer term.
Finding the lacrosse gloves with the ideal blend of fit, features and quality for the price gives developing youth players an advantage. Investing in the right gloves improves performance and safety without overspending.
Stylish Glove Colors And Designs To Suit Personal Style
Beyond just performance and protection, finding lacrosse gloves in colors and designs that mesh with your child’s personal style adds an extra element of motivation and self-expression on the field.
Here are some tips for choosing stylish lacrosse gloves:
- Favorite Colors – Let your child pick their preferred color options based on what they like best.
- Team Colors – Match glove colors to team jersey and helmet colors for a coordinated look.
- Patterns – Bold prints and graphic designs showcase creativity and personality.
- Color Combos – Mix and match palm and backhand colors for more unique looks.
- Custom Options – Some brands offer full custom glove color and number personalization.
While traditional black, brown and white lacrosse gloves are classic, all brands now offer dynamic bright colors and bold prints for self-expression.
Consider matching glove colors with a new stick to create a complete eye-catching customized setup. Coordinating your child’s entire gear look builds team spirit and pride.
Browsing lacrosse gear sites and magazines shows the latest glove styles and colorways so you can find options your child will be excited to wear. Surprise them with gloves in their favorite colors.
Letting your child provide input on selecting gear designs and colors they naturally gravitate towards makes them more invested in the gear.confidence and motivation.
Choosing fun, fashionable lacrosse gloves in your child’s colors of choice injects personality into their game. Bold, vibrant gloves make playing lacrosse even more fun.
Care And Maintenance Tips For Lacrosse Gloves
Taking proper care of youth lacrosse gloves ensures they last longer and perform at their best. Simple glove maintenance routines keep gloves protected, clean and game ready for the entire season.
Here are some vital lacrosse glove care tips:
- Hand Wash – Use gentle soap and warm water to regularly wash gloves, avoiding harsh detergents.
- Air Dry – Re-shape and air dry gloves away from direct heat to prevent material damage.
- Spot Clean – Use a small brush and mild soap to clean isolated dirty spots.
- Leather Conditioner – Applying leather conditioner preserves palm materials.
- Storage – Keep gloves in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use.
- Mesh Bag – Store and wash gloves in a mesh laundry bag to protect against rips or tears.
Before games or practices, do a glove inspection looking for damage or worn padding. Catch issues early before they worsen or affect performance.
Sanitize glove liners and finger stalls periodically with an antimicrobial spray to eliminate bacteria and odors, especially during hot weather.
Replace Velcro wrist straps once they lose stickiness from lint and debris buildup. Keep straps clean using a stiff brush or sticky roller.
Consider gloves shields applied to the palms for added abrasion resistance when frequently playing on artificial turf fields.
With proper care between games, youth lacrosse gloves easily last an entire season or more. Simple glove cleaning and inspection extends glove life, saving on replacement costs.
When To Replace Old Or Worn Out Lacrosse Gloves
Knowing when it’s time to replace your child’s lacrosse gloves helps ensure they’re always performing safely with maximum dexterity. Old gloves with significant wear compromise protection and feel.
Consider replacing youth lacrosse gloves when you notice these issues:
- No Palm Padding – Palms are worn smooth with no padding thickness remaining.
- Stretched Fingers – Fingers are loose with added wiggle room inside.
- Damaged Straps – Frayed, torn or non-adhering Velcro wrist straps.
- Material Holes – Backs have holes, tears or rips exposing skin underneath.
- Improper Fit – Previously snug gloves are now loose around hands and fingers.
- Padding Cracks – Foam or plastic padding is cracked or breaking into pieces.
Test glove padding thickness and feel in the palms to determine if protection and stiffness are compromised versus new gloves. Thin, soft padding no longer absorbs checks or retains shape.
Press down on glove backs to check for collapsing or less rebound versus when newer. Backs should feel taut and spring back into form.
Compare glove finger lengths to your child’s current finger size, being sure their fingertips still extend to the end of each stall.
Consider replacing gloves at least every two seasons based on usage frequency and growth. Goalie gloves wear faster than field gloves.
Ensuring your child has the right lacrosse glove fit maximizes safety and performance. Replace gloves immediately at the first signs of insufficient palm padding, tears or poor fit issues.
Shopping Online vs In Stores For Lacrosse Gear
When buying youth lacrosse gloves and gear, you can shop online or visit physical sporting goods stores. Each option has its own pros and cons to weigh when deciding where to purchase your child’s equipment.
Benefits of shopping online for lacrosse gear:
- Convenience – Easy at home shopping saves time versus driving to stores.
- Selection – Wider range of gloves, colors and sizing from multiple brands.
- Price – Online pricing is often cheaper compared to in-store.
- Reviews – Read feedback from other buyers on sizing, fit and quality.
- Discounts – Online promo codes and coupons can yield savings.
Benefits of shopping in-store for lacrosse gear:
- Try Before Buying – Your child can try on gloves for optimal fit and feel.
- Expert Advice – Store associates can provide helpful personalized fitting guidance.
- Easy Returns – Returning or exchanging ill-fitting gloves purchased in-store is simpler.
- Instant Gratification – Walk out with your gear purchase right away.
For the best of both worlds, research lacrosse gloves online to understand key features and sizing. Then visit a store to try on some gloves before buying online to save money.
Taking advantage of online selection and prices along with in-store try-ons ensures your child gets ideal fitting lacrosse gloves that maximize their performance.
Popular Lacrosse Gloves Like Maverik Chargers Reviewed
When researching the best youth lacrosse gloves, it helps to look at reviews of popular top-rated gloves like the Maverik Chargers. This provides helpful insight into key features, sizing, protection, comfort and overall quality from actual players.
Here are some key Maverik Charger glove review highlights:
- Lightweight and flexible feel right out of the box after a quick break-in period.
- Strategic palm padding pattern provides excellent protection without too much stiffness.
- Mid-level thickness foam pads absorb checks without being overly bulky.
- Mesh panels on fingers and backhand provide great breathability to prevent overheating.
- Smooth and tacky Premium Nash palm leather offers exceptional overall grip and control.
- adjustable Velcro wrist straps secure the gloves without any pinching or chafing.
- Padding extends high on the fingers for extra protection from poke checks.
- Gloves run true to size making online ordering simple based on age sizing charts.
- Excellent overall comfort, performance and protection for the reasonable price.
Reading lacrosse gear reviews provides an inside look at how gloves perform for actual players. This helps set proper expectations around sizing, comfort, protection, quality and value beyond just manufacturer product descriptions.
Focus reviews on your particular child’s needs like fit for small hands, maximum padding for defense or palm feel for faceoff specialists. This narrows choices to ideal gloves.
Leverage lacrosse glove reviews to make the most informed purchasing decision for your young player’s needs. Popular gloves like the Maverik Chargers set the standard in value and performance.
Helping Find The Best Gloves For Your Child’s Needs
Choosing the ideal pair of youth lacrosse gloves involves assessing multiple factors from fit, protection, padding, materials, breathability and adjustability. Keeping your child’s specific needs and playing style at the forefront helps narrow down the best glove options.
Here are some tips for selecting the optimal lacrosse gloves for your young player:
- Know their position – More padding for defenders, more feel for offensive players.
- Measure hand size – Compare with sizing charts to get the right glove fit.
- Determine cuff preference – Fixed for more wrist support or adjustable for a custom fit.
- Assess ventilation needs – More mesh for hot climates, less for colder weather play.
- Try on in-store – Get a feel for sizing, flexibility and protection.
- Read online reviews – Gather feedback from other buyers’ experiences.
- Compare prices – Find the right balance of quality and value.
Factor in your child’s input as well, from preferred colors and designs to comfort and feel preferences. Their gear excitement and pride boosts their lacrosse passion.
Getting the right lacrosse gloves dialed in goes a long way toward building confidence, enhancing skills and preventing injuries as young players develop. Investing time into finding the right gloves pays off in the long run.
Focusing on your child’s needs and playing style narrows the choices down to lacrosse gloves they’ll love playing with from the first practice to the championship game.
Helping Find The Best Gloves For Your Child’s Needs
Selecting the right pair of youth lacrosse gloves involves assessing multiple factors from fit, protection, padding, materials, breathability and adjustability. Keeping your child’s specific position, playing style and hand size at the forefront helps narrow down the best glove options.
For defenders, prioritize gloves with maximum padding across the fingers, backhand and palms. Thicker foam protects against frequent checks while still allowing flexibility. Fully-covered fingers with limited mesh are ideal for added protection.
For offensive players, focus on gloves with superior palm grip and dexterity. Leather palms with slight texturing enhance control while strategic padding maintains protection when cradling or shooting. Added mesh promotes ventilation for hot handed offensive runs.
Measure your child’s hand size and compare with manufacturer sizing charts to get the ideal glove length and palm width. Proper finger stall length and snug palm width are vital for security when handling and passing.
Consider your climate when evaluating glove ventilation. Warmer weather calls for more mesh panels, while colder temperatures require less mesh but retain heat better. Breathable moisture-wicking liners work across all conditions.
Reading online reviews provides helpful insight into optimal glove sizing, so you can order online with confidence. Reviews also give user feedback on padding effectiveness and materials from real game use.
Factor in your budget when choosing gloves. More expensive gloves utilize higher-end materials and construction, but mid-range gloves offer excellent protection and playability.
Your child’s input is also valuable for choosing preferred colors, cuff style and comfort. Gloves they pick and feel confident in boosts performance and enjoyment of the game.