Essential Box Lacrosse Goalie Gear and Equipment Guide

Essential Box Lacrosse Goalie Gear and Equipment Guide

Finding the Right Fit – Getting Properly Sized Goalie Pads

When it comes to box lacrosse goalie gear, nothing is more important than finding pads that fit you correctly. Ill-fitting pads can severely hinder your mobility in the crease, leading to holes in your defense. So how do you determine your ideal pad sizing?

First, measure the length from the center of your knee to the top of your skates when you are in your crouched goalie stance. This length, give or take an inch depending on preference, is the thigh rise measurement you should look for when shopping for pads. A proper thigh rise ensures maximum five-hole coverage when you drop down into the butterfly.

Next, consider the width of your butterfly and the amount of coverage you need at the top corners of your knees. Wider butterfly styles require larger knee blocks and more pad flare. If mobility is a priority, lean toward narrower blocks and a straighter pad design. You can always add additional knee protection later.

Don’t neglect lower leg sizing either. Measure from your knee to the top of your skate for an accurate calf measurement. Pads should extend two to three inches past the skate tongue without bulging or constricting.

Finally, physically try on different pad brands and styles when possible. Designs vary, so one brand’s medium may fit differently than another’s. Pay attention to areas of looseness or tightness when test wearing.

With accurate sizing measurements and an understanding of your ideal coverage, mobility, and playing style needs, you’ll be equipped to select goalie pads that truly fit like a glove. Proper pad fitting is the crucial first step to building a complete set of customized box lacrosse goalie gear.

Choosing the Correct Chest Protector – Protection and Mobility

After finding properly fitted leg pads, the next vital piece of box lacrosse goalie gear to get right is your chest and arm protector. With players able to wind up from in close, shots to your upper body can come in hot, so having a chesty that provides ample protection is key.

Look for a unit with thick, high-density foam or plastic padding covering the entire chest area. Multiple large blocks across the front rather than small segmented pads allow for better impact dispersion and reduced sting on saves. Integrated belly padding is also essential for defending shots along the ice.

Make sure to get accurate arm length and chest sizing measurements when selecting a chest protector. A unit that is too small will leave gaps in coverage, while excessively large pads can restrict mobility. Try different brands on to find the right cut for your body type.

While protection is paramount, don’t neglect mobility either. Look for chest protectors with articulated shoulder caps that won’t impede your ability to shrug shots past the net. A flexible sternum area allows you to easily rotate your upper body and track rebounds.

For ultimate comfort and movement, consider a pro-level custom chest protector. Custom units are molded to your body for a contoured fit and strategically placed padding to match your style of play. Multiple adjustable straps let you tweak the fit.

With the right chest and arm protector, you’ll have the confidence to challenge shooters knowing your upper body is safely guarded. Balancing ample protection and optimal mobility is key to choosing the correct chesty for your box lacrosse goalie needs.

Selecting Your Preferred Goalie Glove Style

When putting together your box lacrosse goalie gear, the glove you choose is another piece of equipment that comes down to personal preference. Goalie gloves come in a variety of styles, so take the time to select the one that best matches your needs in the crease.

For starters, consider grip and control. Traditional gloves have a single internal palm for holding your stick, while double internal palms add extra grip at the expense of some dexterity. Opt for extra palm padding if you like a little cushion when catching hot shots.

Finger protection is another factor. Roll finger designs separate your fingers for more mobility, while straight fingers offer more blocking surface area. Make sure to try gloves on and open and close your hand to ensure a comfortable fit through the fingers.

You’ll also want to decide between a cuff-less glove for maximum wrist mobility or a cuffed glove for added protection from high shots. Cuffed options may use adjustable straps or elastic bands to tweak the level of wrist support.

The closure is also key. Traditional lacings allow you to really fine-tune the tightness across the back of your hand, while Velcro closures are quick and easy for getting gloves on and off. Considering mixing closure styles for both adjustability and convenience.

With many variables to consider, your best bet is to demo a variety of goalie glove styles in person to get a feel for different options. This will help you zero in on the features that suit your saving style and provide the fit, feel and functionality you need in a lacrosse goalie glove.

Investing in a High-Quality Goalie Helmet for Safety

When playing the most dangerous position in lacrosse, having proper head protection is non-negotiable. Investing in a high-quality goalie helmet should be at the top of your box lacrosse gear priorities.

Look for a helmet constructed from durable, high-impact plastic shell materials. Polycarbonate alloy shells offer an optimal balance of sturdiness and lightweight feel. The helmet should fully encase the head while allowing for ample vision through an expanded eye opening.

Ensure the helmet is equipped with a steel facemask for deflecting point blank shots off the cage. A chin cup adds critical protection to the vulnerable under-chin region. Dual adjustable rear snaps allow you to customize the helmet fit.

Don’t neglect the liner padding too. Multi-layer foam and comfortable, moisture-wicking liner materials provide crucial impact absorption and dissipation. Removable liners make it easy to keep gear fresh.

For total head protection, pair your helmet with a fitted mouthguard to protect teeth and lips from shots. A wraparound goalie throat protector secures to the chin cup and shields the vulnerable neck area.

While pricier than field helmets, goalie lids are specially engineered to handle the extreme impacts that box lacrosse goaltending demands. Your health and safety depend on having proper head protection, so invest in a top-tier goalie helmet you can rely on game after game.

Understanding Different Goalie Leg Pad Styles

One of the most noticeable pieces of box lacrosse goalie gear is the leg pads. With the constant evolution of goalie styles and preferences, leg pads now come in a variety of designs to suit different needs in the crease.

Traditional stand-up pads offer maximal coverage with thick, rigid thigh rises and large knee blocks. The stiff boot breaks allow for solid rotations and pushes. While bulky, stand-up pads excel at sealing holes along the ice.

At the other end of the spectrum lie lightweight, flexible butterfly-style pads. The truncated thigh rises and contoured knee rolls favor mobility over maximizing coverage. Low-profile boot breaks further enhance butterfly slides.

For those seeking a balance, hybrid pads merge attributes of both styles. Moderate thigh rises and knee blocks enhance butterfly mobility while still providing ample coverage. These versatile pads work for both stand-up and butterfly goalies.

Consider your individual style when selecting pad type. Do you stay mostly upright or rely on frequent butterfly drops? Is mobility or optimal coverage more important? Testing different pad styles directly can help determine your ideal design.

You can also customize and tweak pads to your needs with added accessories. Knee and thigh protectors augment coverage, while boot straps restrict flexibility. Landings straps change rotational resistance.

With the right pad type and customizations for your game, you gain the specialized leg pad setup required to overcome the unique demands faced by box lacrosse goaltenders.

Customizing Your Goalie Gear for Maximum Comfort

As a box lacrosse goaltender, you need gear that performs at the highest level every time you take the floor. An often overlooked component is ensuring your equipment fits comfortably and allows you to play at your best.

Consider working with a vendor to create fully customized goalie gear. Custom pads use 3D scanning and printing technologies to match the exact contours of your legs, providing unmatched fit and flexibility. Custom gloves are molded precisely to your hand shape for ideal responsiveness.

Another option is choosing gear with extensive adjustment capabilities. Pads with removable knee blocks, multiple straps, and replaceable parts give you control to tweak the setup. Gloves with adjustable cuff tightness, palm padding, and finger protection allow you to dial in fit.

Don’t neglect comfort inside the gear either. Seek out pads and gloves using high-end materials such as soft synthetic leathers, anti-microbial linings, and perforated padding that breathes. Comfort directly correlates to concentration and performance.

Work closely with vendors to identify high-wear areas that may require extra padding for your playing style. Are your knees taking a pounding? Add thicker landing pads. Do your inner elbows get battered? Reinforce that section.

Avoid bulky pads that limit your motion. Precisely placed protection using high-tech foams and lightweight plastics maximize safety without sacrificing flexibility. Comfort breeds confidence to make that crucial save.

A customized goaltender setup tailored specifically to you gives the ideal blend of fit, feel, and flexibility needed to excel in the crease. Don’t settle for generic gear – get equipment made just for you.

Goalie Throat Protectors for Crucial Neck Coverage

When facing blistering shots from top box lacrosse scorers, goalies need ample protection, especially in vulnerable areas like the neck and throat. A proper throat protector is a must-have piece of protective gear.

Look for a molded foam design that wraps fully around the neck for complete coverage. The protector should integrate securely to the chin cup of your helmet using sturdy nylon straps or attachment clips.

Ensure the unit extends far enough down the chest to shield the collarbones and sternum. Padding across the shoulders adds protection when shrugging high shots.

Consider potential impediments to your head mobility based on throat protector size and shape. Avoid bulky, oversized units that make it hard to track loose balls or glance behind you.

Advanced protectors allow you to detach and reattach the yoke portion for putting on or taking off your helmet. This enables a custom fit while providing full neck protection when in use.

Some units feature segmented padding over key impact zones for optimized shot dampening. Anti-bacterial liner materials keep gear fresher between uses.

Don’t let an exposed neck put you at risk. A properly fitted lacrosse goalie throat protector lets you focus on the game rather than worrying about missing a vital piece of protective equipment.

Goalie Arm Pads for Blocking Powerful Shots

As the last line of defense, box lacrosse goalies must constantly put their bodies on the line. Quality arm pads are essential for fending off the hardest shots from close range.

Look for pads with molded plastic exteriors across the forearm and bicep. High-density foams underneath absorb impact while the outer shell deflects balls away.

Ensure the units integrate well with your chest protector to eliminate any gaps in coverage. Extended cuffs secure to your gloves for full protection from wrist to shoulder.

Consider breathable interior linings such as mesh or microfiber to reduce sweat buildup during intense game action. Moisture-wicking materials keep you cool and dry.

For customized protection, choose arm pads with removable or additional padding that can be placed in high-wear areas. Your inner elbow or tricep region may need extra reinforcement based on your style.

A wraparound design with adjustable straps across the back allows you to tweak the tightness for a secure fit. The pads should be snug but not restrictive of your arm movements.

Don’t underestimate the value of quality lacrosse goalie arm pads. They allow you to fearlessly put your body on the line when the game is on the line, knowing your arms and biceps are well-protected.

Goalie Cups for Vital Lower-Body Protection

Any lacrosse player knows the importance of protecting vulnerable areas like the chest, shoulders and thighs. But one region that can’t be overlooked is the groin. A properly fitted goalie cup is essential gear.

Look for a durable cup constructed from high-impact polycarbonate or similar rigid materials. polyethylene is another sturdy yet lightweight option. The cup should contour to the body without restricting motion.

Ensure the cup integrates well into your pant shell and provides ample coverage when you rotate your hips in the stance. Extended tail designs shield you from lower side impacts.

Breathable interior lining wicks moisture and allows air circulation to keep you cool. Anti-microbial linings prevent odors and bacterial buildup over repeated uses.

Consider larger XL and XXL sizes if you require additional groin and hip flexor padding for your physique and stance. Thicker padding disperses force for enhanced protection.

For ultimate comfort, look into custom molded cups precisely contoured to your body. Though pricier, a custom cup offers an exceptionally secure and low-profile fit.

Don’t leave your most sensitive areas exposed. A properly fitted lacrosse goalie cup allows you to suit up with confidence knowing your groin and lower body are fully protected.

Finding the Right Goalie Stick Based on Position

A goalie’s stick is a crucial piece of equipment, acting as an extension of your hands for making saves. With box lacrosse goalies either playing on their feet or in the butterfly, choosing the right stick is a matter of matching your style.

Stand-up goalies fare better with a longer stick around 60” to help cover more upper corners of the net. The increased length also makes it easier to outlet the ball to transition to offense.

Butterfly goalies generally prefer a shorter paddle length around 50-54” for improved mobility and puck handling in tight on low shots. The compact size allows for quicker stick rotations.

Consider the paddle shape too. A curved blade with more generous belly helps scoop up low bouncing shots, while a straighter shape offers a bit more control.

For the shaft, carbon fiber composite offers an optimal balance of lightweight responsiveness and durability during contact. Foam or wooden shafts provide more affordable options.

Don’t neglect the grip either. Whether you prefer a simple wooden handle or an ergonomic twist design, ensure you get a secure hold during frantic in-game situations.

Testing out sticks of different lengths and curve styles is the best way to hone in on your ideal goalie stick. With the right paddle tailored to your style, you gain a vital on-floor tool specialized for your position.

Maintaining and Caring for Goalie Gear

After investing inSpecialized box lacrosse goalie gear, taking proper care of your equipment ensures peak performance and maximizes longevity between replacements.

Always allow pads and gloves to fully air dry after games and practices to prevent bacterial growth from trapped sweat. Sanitize with anti-microbial sprays designed for equipment.

Periodically use leather conditioners on glove palms, straps, and bindings to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. Avoid excess heat when drying.

Inspect straps, snaps, and closures regularly and replace any missing or damaged pieces immediately so gear functions as intended.

Consider removablepadding upgrades for high-wear areas on leg pads and gloves. Being able to replace only damaged sections is cost-effective.

Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap to gently clean exterior plastic shells and remove marks or scuffs after games. Avoid submerging pads in water.

Proper storage matters too. Keep equipment in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and use breathable bag designs rather than sealing in non-ventilated totes.

With attentive care and maintenance, your lacrosse goalie gear performs at a high level for longer, while protecting both your wallet and your body.