Essential Lacrosse Gear for Adult Players in 2023

Essential Lacrosse Gear for Adult Players in 2023

Choose the Right Stick Based on Position for Optimal Performance

As an adult lacrosse player, one of the most important pieces of gear to get right is your lacrosse stick. The stick you choose should be specifically matched to the position you play on the field – attack, midfield, defense, or goalie. Attack players will want a lighter, more maneuverable stick for quick passing and shooting. Midfielders need an all-around balanced stick since they play both offense and defense. Defensive players need a stick with a wider head to intercept passes and checks. Goalies need a wider head and specialized goalie stick with extra protection.

Proper stick sizing is also critical. Measure from the floor to your hip bone and add 2-4 inches for optimal length based on position. Attacks prefer shorter sticks for stickhandling while defenders need longer sticks for further reach. The width and style of the head are also key factors. A tight channel and scoop help contain and control the ball for offensive players. Defenders need a wider head with a flat scoop to easily intercept passes. Pockets range from shallow to deep depending on your style of play. Make sure to get your stick fully strung by a professional to match your preferences.

The materials used in lacrosse stick construction impact performance as well. Hardwood shafts are lightweight but can dent while metal alloy shafts are nearly indestructible yet heavier. Mesh, nylon, and leathers are common pocket materials, each having different degrees of hold, feel, and ball control. Investing in a stick made with high-grade materials from a trusted manufacturer will give you the durability, consistency, and responsiveness you need on the field. With the right lacrosse stick for your position, you’ll have the competitive edge over your opponent every time you step on the field.

Invest in a High-Quality Helmet for Maximum Protection

As an adult playing lacrosse, protecting your head should be a top priority. That’s why investing in a high-quality lacrosse helmet is absolutely essential gear. The helmet is responsible for shielding your head from errant lacrosse balls traveling at speeds over 100 mph, as well as blocking stick checks that can cause concussions. When shopping for a helmet, be sure to get one specifically designed for lacrosse and not hockey or football. Lacrosse helmets have thicker padding on the ear area and jawline for maximum protection.

Fit is one of the most important factors when selecting a helmet. It should sit snugly all around your head without pinching. The chin strap should align cleanly along your jawbone and chin when fastened. There should be no gaps between the padding and your head which could cause the helmet to rattle dangerously on impact. Work with a knowledgeable sporting goods salesperson to find the size and style that fits your head shape properly.

Today’s lacrosse helmets are constructed from incredibly strong polycarbonate alloy shells able to withstand high-speed shots. They utilize thick layers of foam padding on the interior to absorb shock. High-end helmets offer more padding coverage across the head for better protection. Cooling ventilation systems in the shell prevent heat exhaustion on hot playing fields. Consider a helmet with a face mask designed to enhance vision as well.

While more basic lacrosse helmets cost around $50, investing $100-$200 for a helmet from a leading brand like Cascade or Warrior will give you better construction, fit, ventilation, and safety. Protecting your head is too important to cut corners. With the right lacrosse helmet, you can feel confident going all out on the field.

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Lacrosse Gloves

One piece of equipment that is often overlooked but crucial for adult lacrosse players is a good pair of lacrosse gloves. While gloves may not seem as vital as helmets or pads, they actually play several important roles. The gloves protect your hands from both errant balls and stick checks. They also help improve grip, catching, and checking abilities. That’s why investing in high-quality gloves tailored for your position is key.

For attack players who handle the ball frequently, lightweight gloves with maximum dexterity let you cradle and pass with precision. They feature flexible leather or synthetic palms and fingers along withMesh or ventilated backs to prevent overheating. Midfielders need gloves with good all-around grip, protection, and ventilation for transitioning between offense and defense. Defensive players should opt for more rugged gloves with thicker padded palms and cuffs to absorb checks. Goalie gloves have extra foam blocking and widened palms for stopping point-blank shots.

Proper glove sizing is critical for performance. The gloves should fit like a second skin with no slipping or bunching of material when holding your stick. Wrist straps ensure a secure fit. Mitts attached at the cuff offer additional protection. There are many glove styles to provide the right blend of protection, breathability and dexterity based on your position and preferences. With the right lacrosse gloves, you can play confidently and aggressively knowing your hands are protected. Don’t underestimate the importance of gloves for safe and high-level adult lacrosse.

Get Properly Fitted Shoulder Pads for Protection

Shoulder pads are a vital piece of protective lacrosse gear, especially for adult players. The pads shield your shoulders, chest, and back from the bruising hits that are commonplace in lacrosse. When shopping for shoulder pads, get professionally fitted by a sporting goods retailer. There are small, medium, large, and extra large sizes available. The pads should cover your shoulders without limiting mobility.

For attack players, lightweight and low-profile pads offer good protection without sacrificing speed. Defenders need thicker, more rugged pads to withstand constant body checks. Goalies have specialized goalie shoulder pads with extra padding on the shoulders and arms. They usually feature removable center pads to allow more flexibility in the crouch. Chest plates with heart guards also add an extra layer of vital protection.

Lacrosse shoulder pad materials include hardened plastic caps on the shoulders, biceps, and collarbone area for impact resistance. High-density foam backing cushions the blow. Ventilation is important for cooling and comfort during long games. Straps should securely hold the pads in place. Consider removable arm guards or padded compression shirts for customizable protection.

While basic pads cost $30-$50, investing $100-$200 for high-quality, precision fit shoulder pads from top brands ensures you stay protected as an adult playing a rough sport. Don’t wait until you get injured to realize how essential properly fitted pads are. Get your pads before stepping on the lacrosse field to play confidently and aggressively this season.

Find Lacrosse Cleats for Excellent Traction

Having the right footwear as an adult lacrosse player is crucial for top-tier performance. Lacrosse cleats provide unmatched traction for quick cuts, jumps and direction changes during game play. The cleats on the bottom grip the turf like claws to prevent slipping. Cleats also provide ankle stability for lateral movements and absorbing impact. When shopping for lacrosse cleats, find a pair specifically designed for the sport versus soccer or football.

Proper sizing and fit are key for lacrosse cleats to prevent injury. Leave a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when sizing. The cleats should fit snugly around the heel and ankles without pinching your toes. High tops and mid tops provide more ankle support than low tops. Attack players who do a lot of cutting may prefer low tops for speed while defenders tend to opt for high tops to prevent rolled ankles.

Synthetic leather or mesh uppers allow for breathability during intense game play. Look for cleats with a lightweight yet supportive EVA or TPU plate for speed. Replaceable cleats offer the ability to adapt traction for various field conditions. Higher-end cleats also utilize advanced technologies like propulsion cleats and heel counter supports for explosive speed and lateral motion.

With properly fitted lacrosse cleats, you’ll have the stability and traction needed to cut, pivot and jump without fear of slipping. Your ankles and feet will be protected as well. Don’t underestimate the importance of lacrosse-specific cleats for dominating the field.

Arm Guards Protect Against Checks

As an adult playing lacrosse, your arms take a constant beating from flailing sticks. That’s why wearing arm guards is essential protective gear. Arm guards shield your arms from the bruising hits of stick checks, slashes, and defensive play. They allow you to play aggressively without fear of painful arm injuries.

Lacrosse arm guards fit from your wrist to above your elbow for maximum coverage. They utilize dense foam or plastic padding to absorb impacts along your forearms and bicep area. Arm guards are secured with adjustable straps to customize the fit. Goalies require extra thick specialty arm guards to protect against close-range shots.

When shopping for arm guards, find a pair that fits snugly without restricting mobility. The padding should cover vulnerable areas without limiting your range of motion. Lightweight guards with breathable materials prevent overheating while thicker guards offer more protection. Consider removable guards rather than full arm sleeves if you need less coverage.

While basic arm guards cost around $20-30, investing $50-100 for premium guards provides better protection. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior offer high-end models made for elite lacrosse athletes. Well-fitted arm guards give you the confidence to play tough defense knowing your arms are protected. Don’t risk painful welts and bruises from checks. Arm guards are a must-have for adult lacrosse players.

Pick Motion-Friendly Rib Pads for Protection

Taking a shot to the ribs with a lacrosse ball is extremely painful and can lead to broken bones. That’s why wearable rib pads are essential protective gear for adult lacrosse players. Rib pads cushion your rib cage from bruising checks and wild shots. When shopping for rib pads, look for models designed specifically for lacrosse versus hockey or football.

Lacrosse rib pads mold tightly to the contours of your upper body for a comfortable, motion-friendly fit. They utilize flexible padded wraps secured by velcro straps rather than rigid plastic guards. This allows a full range of motion for running, cutting, and shooting without restriction. Lightweight foam or EVA padding absorbs impacts along the ribs and chest.

Breathable mesh backs prevent overheating and moisture buildup during games. The rib wraps should stay securely in place once tightened and not slide around. For goalies, upgraded wraps with thicker padding or rib shirts deliver necessary extra protection up close in the crease.

While basic rib pads cost around $20-30, investing $50-75 for premium wraps from top brands ensures maximum protection. Well-fitted, flexible lacrosse rib pads let you play fast and aggressive without the pain of rib shots slowing you down. Don’t risk injury from the impact of balls and checks this season.

Choose Lacrosse Shorts with Pockets

Most lacrosse players opt for shorts rather than long pants for better mobility and ventilation. When selecting lacrosse shorts, look for a pair designed specifically for the sport with built-in pockets. The pockets allow you to store items like mouthguards, gloves, and phone securely during games.

Lacrosse shorts are shorter and allow for greater range of motion compared to hockey or soccer shorts. Lightweight, breathable materials like nylon or polyester keep you cool. An elastic waistband with internal drawstring provides a comfortable, customized fit. Lacrosse shorts should have thick, durable seam stitching to handle constant motion and contact.

Multiple pockets sized for lacrosse items are so important. Side slash pockets secure gloves and mouthguards within quick reach. Back pockets safely store phones and wallets. Zippered pockets hold small valuables in place. Some shorts add mesh ventilation zones for added cooling during intense play.

Higher-end lacrosse shorts from brands like STX and Maverik utilize antimicrobial, moisture-wicking fabrics to control odor and sweat buildup. Compression shorts or leggings can be worn underneath for modesty and additional protection. With the right lacrosse shorts, you’ll have a place for all your gear during games and practices. Don’t underestimate the importance of pocketed shorts designed for lacrosse.

Don’t Forget a Mouthguard for Safety

A mouthguard is mandatory safety gear for all lacrosse players, both youth and adult. Mouthguards protect your teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from traumatic lacrosse injuries. They shield against the blunt force of errant sticks, balls, and contact with other players. That’s why remembering your mouthguard for every game and practice is so critical.

When shopping for a mouthguard, you can choose between stock ready-made guards or custom-fitted guards molded by your dentist. Custom guards provide a more comfortable, secure fit. Look for a high-quality guard made of impact-absorbing rubber or silicone. Make sure you can talk and breathe naturally when wearing it.

Before inserting your mouthguard, make sure to run it under cool water per the manufacturer’s instructions. This makes it more pliable for fitting your teeth. Bite down firmly and use your tongue and fingers to set it in place, then suck out excess air and water. Proper insertion should keep the guard firmly in position to protect your mouth.

Some lacrosse mouthguards come with convenient protective cases you can attach to your shorts. This prevents losing your guard on the sidelines. Take care of your mouthguard between uses as well for maximum protection. With the right mouthguard, you can play hard with confidence knowing your mouth is safe. Don’t risk serious dental damage by forgetting this vital piece of protective gear.

Carry Gear in a Durable Lacrosse Bag

As an adult lacrosse player, you need a high-quality lacrosse bag to transport all your gear to and from the field. Lacrosse requires a wide range of protective equipment from helmets and pads to gloves and cleats. A lacrosse-specific bag allows you to neatly store and carry all these items with ease.

Look for a bag around 36” in length made from durable materials like polyester or vinyl. It should feature multiple large compartments and zippered pockets to separate items. Padded shoulder straps make carrying heavy gear comfortable. Side carry handles and backpack-style straps are useful as well.

Ventilated zipper areas help keep smelly pads and shoes contained. Some bags have removable laundry bags for post-game cleaning. External bungee cords secure bulky items like sticks and helmets. Inside dividers, shelves, and pockets organize your smaller accessories neatly.

Higher-end bags may add handy features like fence hooks, removable changing areas, and integrated wheels for easy transport. With a spacious, rugged lacrosse bag, you can keep all your equipment organized, protected, and easily mobile. Don’t try lugging your gear to games in a generic gym bag. Invest in a bag built for the demands of lacrosse.

Use a Lacrosse Ball for Handling Drills

Mastering lacrosse ball handling takes constant practice with a regulation lacrosse ball. Having your own ball allows you to hone essential skills like cradling, scooping, catching, passing and shooting anytime. This improves your overall control and feel. Look for a high-quality rubber lacrosse ball meeting exact NOCSAE standards for size, weight and bounce.

Rubber lacrosse balls provide better grip and a softer feel than harder plastic versions. Opt for a bright color like yellow, orange or green for high visibility indoors or at night. Avoid basic vinyl or playground balls, as they won’t move the same as regulation lacrosse balls during drills.

When first learning handling skills, pick a lightweight ball in the softest “Super Soft” rubber compound. Intermediate players can use Medium or Firm rubber for a better simulation of game balls. Experienced players should practice with the extra firm “NOCSAE” balls used in competition.

Carry a regulation lacrosse ball in your gear bag to warm up with before games. Use it at home to hone stick skills in your yard or a nearby field. With frequent practice using a proper lacrosse ball, your overall ball control and confidence will improve dramatically. Don’t try mastering this precision sport with a makeshift ball. Invest in a quality lacrosse ball.

Tape Your Stick Properly for Best Performance

One of the key factors in lacrosse stick performance is properly taping the top and bottom. The right taping technique improves durability, handling, and shot power transfer. Use high-quality lacrosse-specific tape versus hockey or tennis tape for the best results.

Start by tightly wrapping the narrow tip of the head above the scoop in a dozen overlapping circles. This layers the tape for strength while allowing flex. Next, firmly tape side-to-side along the entire head and top inches of the shaft. Slightly overlap the tape edge with each pass.

Finish by coiling the tape around the bottom of the shaft above your bottom hand in a corkscrew pattern. This improves grip and control for cradling, passing and shooting. Take time ensuring the tape is stretched tautly as you wrap without ripples.

Replace old, frayed tape before each game for peak playability. Carry spare tape in your bag for quick repairs. Taping your stick properly takes practice, but drastically enhances ball control, shot speed, and durability. Keep your tape fresh and technique tight before hitting the field. Proper taping gives you a performance edge.

Get a Water Bottle to Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated during lacrosse games and practices is crucial for adult players. The constant running and physical exertion under warm conditions leads to heavy sweating and fluid loss. That’s why carrying a quality water bottle is essential gear. Look for a bottle designed for athletic use.

Pick a bottle that holds around 20-40 ounces to last through intense play. Durable BPA-free plastic models won’t affect water taste and resist denting when dropped. Leak-proof twist or push-pull lids make drinking easy without removing your gloves. Wide mouths allow you to add ice cubes and fit in cleaning brushes.

Look for useful features like flip-top dust covers to keep the spout clean and markings to track hourly intake. Breathable carry straps attach the bottle to your gear bag or belt for accessibility. Insulated bottles help keep water cold under summer sun.

Remember to only drink water, not sugary sports drinks, for proper hydration. Fill your water bottle before every practice and game. Staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels, prevent cramps and fatigue, and lower injury risk. Don’t forget this vital piece of lacrosse gear.

Repair Kits Fix Rips and Pops Fast

Even with proper gear maintenance, rips, tears, and broken laces are inevitable in a rough sport like lacrosse. That’s why carrying a compact lacrosse repair kit is wise. Repair kits allow you to quickly fix damaged gear on the sidelines to keep playing safely.

Look for a kit that comes in a durable case or pouch for storage in your bag. At minimum, it should contain strong bonding tape, spare laces, scissors, and zip ties. Tape instantly patches small holes and reinforce weakened areas on pads. Zip ties temporarily fix broken helmet parts until a proper replacement is done.

Additional useful items include glue for padding touch-ups, strap clips for makeshift lacing, head pliers for restringing, and backup knee/wrist pads. Gaffer tape won’t leave residue like duct tape. A small sewing kit can stitch bigger tears. Carry extra screws for helmets as well.

Take time to learn basic repairs like re-lacing gloves, replacing helmet foam, and splicing cracked shafts before issues arise. Keep your kit fully stocked. Proper lacrosse gear care maximizes lifespan and performance. With a fully stocked repair kit, you can get back in the game quickly after equipment failures.