Ensure Lacrosse Chest Protectors and Shoulder Pads Meet Safety Standards
When shopping for new lacrosse chest protectors and shoulder pads, the first and most important consideration should always be safety. All equipment should meet NOCSAE ND200 standards to ensure adequate protection. NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) conducts scientific research and sets performance and test standards for sports protective gear.
Their ND200 standard specifies requirements for lacrosse upper body protective equipment including chest protectors, shoulder pads, and combined chest and shoulder protectors. To meet ND200 certification, chest and shoulder pads must satisfy impact attenuation criteria, pass durability tests, meet labeling requirements, and provide adequate coverage and protection. Specifically, the gear must reduce peak accelerations to below certain thresholds when subjected to impact tests in the laboratory.
Looking for the NOCSAE seal and verifying certification ensures the chest and shoulder pads have passed rigorous safety tests. This should provide peace of mind that the equipment meets current athletic equipment safety standards. Opting for NOCSAE-certified lacrosse upper body protectors reduces injury risks and the potential for concussions or other trauma. Don’t take shortcuts by purchasing used equipment or brands that lack NOCSAE certification. For optimal safety, check for an expiration date if buying pre-owned gear to ensure it still offers adequate protection.
Proper fitting NOCSAE-approved chest and shoulder pads allow lacrosse players to perform at their highest level without fear of injury. A CSCS or certified equipment specialist at sporting goods stores can help with sizing and recommendations. While comfort, cost, and style are also considerations, safety should remain the top priority when selecting lacrosse protective equipment. High quality brands clearly advertise NOCSAE certification. Reviewing product descriptions, labels, and seals ensures the gear meets current standards before purchase. Prioritizing certified NOCSAE ND200 chest and shoulder protectors gives lacrosse athletes confidence in their protection during gameplay.
Choose Adjustable, Flexible Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
When selecting new lacrosse shoulder pads, it’s essential to pick a pair that offers both adjustability and flexibility. Shoulder pads that properly fit the individual athlete and provide a full range of motion can maximize comfort, protection, and athletic performance.
Adjustable shoulder pads allow players to customize the fit. Most pads include various straps to tighten or loosen the gear and get the ideal fit. For example, bicep straps, shoulder cap straps, and belly straps with Velcro or buckles enable the athlete to control the compression. Finding shoulder pads with adjustable options creates a snug, secure fit around the shoulders, chest, and back without restricting movement or breathing.
Flexibility is another key feature when shopping for lacrosse shoulder pads. Since the sport requires constant motion of the arms and upper body, the pads must be articulated for dynamic movement. Brands design shoulder caps with multiple segments and flexible connections between protective padding. This anatomical design mirrors the movement of the human shoulder joint. Some shoulder pads incorporate stretch mesh material between the padding or padded shoulder yokes to further enhance flexibility.
Stiffer, bulkier pads limit the athlete’s range of motion and quickness. Newer technologies utilize lightweight foam padding or innovative materials like D3O that absorb impact but remain flexible. By prioritizing articulated designs and breathable, low-profile materials, modern shoulder pads provide protection without sacrificing mobility.
Before purchase, athletes should try on different shoulder pad models and test the fit and flexibility. Move the arms fully overhead and across the body. Choose comfortable pads that don’t catch or pinch during natural motions. The adjustable straps can then be tightened to stabilize the pads while still allowing free movement. Properly fitted flexible shoulder pads empower lacrosse players to perform at their highest level without injury risk.
Opt for Ventilated Lacrosse Chest Protectors
When playing lacrosse, a chest protector is essential protective gear. But the bulky padding can also cause players to overheat, especially on hot sunny days. To stay cool while still protecting vital organs, athletes should look for ventilated chest protectors when shopping for new gear.
Ventilation is a key factor affecting the breathability and comfort of lacrosse chest protectors. Traditional pads feature foam or plastic padding that fully covers the chest, back, and shoulders. But the solid padding traps heat and sweat, leading to discomfort. Newer chest protector designs incorporate strategic ventilation to allow air flow.
Breathable mesh material replaces solid fabrics in areas that don’t require padding, like under the arms, along the spinal area, and across the abdomen. This improves air circulation while still protecting the sternum, heart, and lungs. Moisture-wicking liner fabrics also help keep players dry by dispersing sweat.
Some brands take ventilation even further by removing material between protective plates, leaving open channels rather than full coverage padding. Air flows through these channels and openings. die-cut foam with perforations and ports also improves breathability. Lacrosse athletes should look for words like “ventilated” and “breathable” when shopping for new chest protectors.
Beyond keeping cool and dry, ventilation offers added benefits. Air flow means the chest pads are less bulky, improving mobility. And breathable gear often weighs less than traditional pads, increasing speed and stamina on the field. Well-ventilated chest protectors strike the perfect balance between protection and performance.
Before purchasing new chest protectors, athletes should read product descriptions and reviews about ventilation features. It’s also smart to try on different options in stores for a first-hand assessment. Movement drills in ventilated versus traditional pads will showcase the mobility and cooling differences. Prioritizing airflow takes lacrosse chest protection to the next level.
Select Lightweight Lacrosse Protective Padding
The padding material used in lacrosse protective gear greatly impacts both safety and athletic performance. Traditionally, chest protectors and shoulder pads utilized bulky foam padding. But newer technologies now offer lightweight padding options that better equip today’s lacrosse athletes.
Foam has long been the go-to padding material for lacrosse and other contact sports. Traditional thick foam reliably absorbs impact to protect the body’s vulnerable areas. But all that padding adds bulk and weight, restricting motion and speed.
Newer lightweight padding materials provide the same vital protection with less bulk. For example, some brands now use high-density impact foam that offers excellent protection in a thinner, sleeker padding. Others utilize innovative D3O padding that flows on impact to absorb shock but feels soft and flexible when not under load.
Lighter padding materials also allow for strategically placed padding zones rather than continuous coverage. By removing padding from non-essential areas and focusing protection on the chest, shoulders, and back, new designs minimize weight.
The breathable mesh and perforated padding used in ventilated gear also reduces overall bulkiness compared to traditional fully padded protectors. And adjustable loose-fitting styles add less restriction than tight compression fits.
During sizing, athletes should choose the lightest padding option that still provides adequate protection. Trying on different shoulder pad and chest protector models showcases weight and bulk differences. On the field, lightweight padding allows players to outmaneuver opponents and play at top speed with less fatigue.
Lacrosse gear manufacturers understand the performance benefits of lightweight padding. Athletes should take advantage of these modern materials that balance protection, flexibility, breathability and mobility.
Ensure Proper Lacrosse Protective Gear Sizing
Finding the right size lacrosse chest and shoulder pads is crucial for optimizing protection. Gear that’s too small can be restrictive and potentially dangerous, while oversized equipment shifts and slides, creating gaps in protection.
Most lacrosse gear manufacturers provide detailed sizing charts to help athletes select the appropriate size. Measurements like chest circumference, waist size, height, and weight determine ideal fit. It’s important to actually take these measurements rather than guessing sizes.
Sizing factors into both safety and mobility. Chest protectors and shoulder pads that are too tight limit range of motion in the arms and upper body. But loose, ill-fitting gear can also impede movement. Oversized equipment requires constant adjustment as it shifts out of position.
Beyond restricting motion, undersized lacrosse protectors leave certain areas vulnerable. If shoulder caps sit too high or don’t fully wrap around, the collarbone and shoulders remain exposed. Chest pads must sufficiently cover the sternum and ribs without leaving gaps.
When trying on lacrosse upper body gear, carefully assess the fit. Move through a full range of motions including crosses, pokes, checks, pick-ups, and passes. The equipment should feel snug but not pinch or limit mobility. Optimal sizing means the pads move with you.
Consulting sizing charts takes the guesswork out of shopping for chest and shoulder pads. An expert at a lacrosse specialty store can also assess size and fit issues. With properly fitted gear, athletes can play with confidence knowing vitals are protected and mobility is uncompromised.
Choose Optimal Lacrosse Protective Padding
The padding inside lacrosse chest protectors and shoulder pads directly impacts their ability to absorb impacts and protect athletes. When shopping for new gear, players should consider padding material, density, thickness and placement.
For maximum protection, lacrosse padding must effectively absorb and dissipate impact forces. Traditional pads used basic foam, but many companies now offer advanced padding like D3O or high-density foams. These absorb shock better than standard foam while allowing flexibility.
Padding density is also key – higher densities provide enhanced protection but can sacrifice comfort and range of motion. Many brands offer a range of densities to balance protection and playability. Thickness of padding also affects shock absorption.
Strategic pad placement is crucial. Vital organs like the heart and lungs need the most shock absorbing padding on chest protectors. Shoulder caps and back plates require dense padding as well. Elsewhere, thinner padding saves weight.
Before buying new lacrosse body pads, research padding specs in product descriptions. Higher price points often provide higher-end padding and technologies. Try on different models to assess padding first-hand. Press into the chest plates, shoulders and back to feel differences.
Well-padded lacrosse gear should allow hard checks and impacts without transmitting excessive forces to the player. Carefully selecting pads optimized for protection reduces injury risks from routine contact during play. Confidence in padding performance empowers lacrosse athletes to play their best.
Customize Lacrosse Chest Protectors with Removable Padding
Lacrosse chest protectors safeguard players from injury, but the bulky padding can impede mobility. Newer designs allow athletes to customize protection and comfort by incorporating removable belly pads.
Traditional chest protectors utilize rigid, continuous front and side padding to shield the ribs, abdomen, and kidneys. But constant coverage restricts flexion and rotation of the torso. Solid belly padding also retains heat, limiting ventilation.
Newer chest protector models address these issues by making the belly padding removable. These pads secure to the base unit with Velcro or snap closures, allowing players to detach them for more ventilation and mobility.
Removable belly padding enables athletes to tailor protection to their needs and preferences. More aggressive players can leave the abdomen guard in place for maximum coverage during intense gameplay. For casual pickup games, the pads can be removed to prioritize comfort and freedom of movement.
Lacrosse athletes shopping for new chest protectors should look for options with detachable belly padding. Before purchasing, try removing these pads to test the mobility difference. Customizable protection provides the best of both worlds – complete coverage when needed or enhanced breathability when desired.
Secure the Perfect Lacrosse Protective Gear Fit
Achieving an ideal fit is crucial when selecting new lacrosse protective gear. Chest protectors and shoulder pads incorporate adjustable straps and closures so athletes can customize the fit for optimal security and mobility.
Chest protectors utilize several adjustable elements to achieve a snug fit. Shoulder straps cinch the pads in place over the shoulders while the belly straps and side clips create compression around the torso. Integrated lacrosse girdles also include adjustable waist straps and belt loops.
Shoulder pads feature adjustable bicep straps, collar straps, shoulder cap straps, and back panels to stabilize and secure the gear. For full customization, some shoulder pads offer removable liner pads to adapt the fit.
Finding the right balance of adjustability for security without restricting movement and breathing is key. Straps should be snug but not constricting. The adjustable elements keep padding from shifting during play while still allowing free upper body and arm mobility.
When trying on lacrosse protective gear, take time to utilize the various adjustment straps and fasteners. Try a full range of motions including sprints, cuts, and stick maneuvers to ensure the pads stay put but don’t limit athletic performance. Properly fitted gear supported by adjustable closure systems provides ideal protection and playability.
Keep Cool with Moisture-Wicking Lacrosse Gear
Playing lacrosse generates immense heat and sweat, especially under pads and protective gear. To stay cool and dry, athletes should select chest protectors, shoulder pads, and girdles featuring moisture-wicking liner materials.
Traditional lacrosse pads utilized basic cotton or polyester blends against the skin. But these materials absorb and retain sweat, creating discomfort. Newer moisture-wicking technical fabrics solve this issue.
Moisture-wicking liners pull sweat away from the skin and disperse it across the fabric surface for rapid evaporation. Popular materials include polyester blends, nylon, and spandex, often with bamboo fiber or mesh ventilation panels. This effectively keeps players drier.
Dryness translates to comfort, preventing chafing, irritation, and heat rash. Wicking liners paired with mesh or perforated padding also allows airflow to cool the body. Staying dry inside lacrosse gear enhances performance by reducing fatigue and distraction.
When shopping for new equipment, look for key phrases like “moisture-wicking liner” or specific branded tech fabrics like Under Armour’s HeatGear. Trying on different options showcases which breathe and wick best. Top lacrosse gear combines protection and cooling comfort.
Enhance Visibility with Bold Lacrosse Gear
Most lacrosse leagues require protective gear to use specific highly visible colors. Beyond rule compliance, choosing bold colors and designs enhances on-field communication and team spirit.
For player safety, lacrosse requires either bright yellow or royal/navy blue as the primary uniform and padding color. Patterns must clearly identify team affiliation. This allows quick opponent identification to avoid collisions.
Bold lacrosse gear also enables better on-field awareness. Teammates can easily track each other’s location and movements with brightly colored pads. Visible uniforms improve passing, coordination and positional play.
Beyond practical game improvements, vibrant lacrosse equipment also builds team energy and pride. Bold custom designs, color schemes and patterns set teams apart. Players take pride representing their school, club or nation with their lacrosse gear colors.
When shopping for new chest protectors, shoulder pads or girdles, look for colors that maximize visibility and enhance team spirit. Many brands offer customizable color options. Standing out on the field with high-visibility gear gives lacrosse athletes a performance edge.
Trust Top Lacrosse Brands for Quality Gear
When investing in new lacrosse protective equipment, purchasing from an established, trusted brand ensures getting a quality, high-performance product.
Major athletic gear companies like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas now offer lacrosse equipment. Their innovative technology and extensive product testing benefits lacrosse gear.
Specialized lacrosse brands also produce excellent equipment designed specifically for the sport’s demands. Maverik, STX, Warrior, Brine and Gait dominate in pads and accessories tailored to lacrosse.
Great brands engineer their gear to maximize durability, protection, mobility and breathability. They utilize better quality materials and construction methods to enhance safety, fit, and comfort. Reputable companies stand behind their products with guarantees and excellent customer service.
While lesser known brands offer cheaper options, the quality difference is noticeable. Bargain gear tends to fit poorly, provide inadequate padding, and breakdown quicker. Investing in pads from top lacrosse companies pays off with better performance and safety.
Research brand reputation and product reviews before purchasing new lacrosse chest protectors or shoulder pads. Sticking with recognizable, established names provides assurance you’re getting excellent gear.
Find Lacrosse Gear Deals Online
Lacrosse protective equipment like chest pads and shoulder pads carries a significant cost, especially for youth and school teams. Shopping online provides opportunities to save money on quality gear through discounts and promotions.
Major online retailers like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lax.com, and LacrosseMonkey sell all the top brand name lacrosse pads and accessories. Their high sales volumes allow discounted pricing compared to small brick and mortar shops.
Online stores also regularly offer coupon codes, free shipping promos, and seasonal sales events. Signing up for email lists gives access to exclusive online deals. Sites like RetailMeNot aggregate current coupon codes across all major lacrosse retailers.
Buying in bulk online saves the most money for teams ordering multiple sets of gear. Group discount tiers and team pricing allows big savings compared to individual purchases. Coaches should compare bulk discount offers between sites.
The secondary used gear market on eBay and SidelineSwap also provides opportunities for major cost savings on gently used equipment. Individual sales require more inspection but offer great value.
With creative shopping, lacrosse players and teams can secure excellent new and used pads at affordable prices. Online shopping opens the door for big savings on essential protective gear.
Select Top-Rated Lacrosse Protective Gear
With so many lacrosse chest and shoulder pad options on the market, reviews and rankings help identify the top performing protective gear to narrow the choices.
Expert lacrosse equipment reviews from sources like Inside Lacrosse, LaxAllStars and Lacrosse Playground compare the latest gear. They provide in-depth assessments on fit, padding, mobility, and overall quality from experienced players.
Online consumer reviews also give insights into real-world performance, comfort, and durability. Sites like Amazon, Lacrosse Monkey, and Dick’s Sporting Goods showcase customer reviews. Look for consistently high ratings.
Gear recommendation lists like Lacrosse All America’s “Best Lacrosse Gear” and CoachJordan’s “Best Lacrosse Gear for 2022” single out top equipment for each position. These synthesize reviews into easy top picks.
Before committing to new chest and shoulder pads, read reviews and retail site customer ratings. Prioritize lacrosse pads consistently singled out as high-quality by both experts and consumers. Player-tested recommendations take the risk out of purchases.
Inspect Pre-Owned Lacrosse Pads for Safety
Used lacrosse gear provides a cost-effective way to outfit players on a budget. But athletes must thoroughly inspect secondhand chest protectors and shoulder pads to ensure adequate protection and quality.
Gently used lacrosse equipment available on sites like SidelineSwap, Play It Again Sports, and Craigslist can provide substantial savings over new gear. However, the condition and age of used pads must be carefully evaluated.
Inspect used chest pads and shoulder pads for cracks, tears, loose stitching or compromised fasteners that might impact integrity. Give the padding a compression test for resilience and shock absorption. Check for NOCSAE safety certification stickers.
Try on used pads to assess fit and mobility. Make sure shoulder caps sufficiently wrap the shoulders without exposing the collarbone. Gently used pads should move freely with arm motions. Note any inflexible or stiff sections.
Ask sellers about the equipment’s age and usage frequency to gauge useful life remaining. Very old pads likely need replacing soon even if currently intact. Responsible use and care also impacts longevity.
With careful inspection and testing, pre-owned lacrosse gear can offer good value. But athletes must prioritize safety and performance over bargain prices when purchasing used protective equipment.
Maintain Lacrosse Pads for Extended Use
With proper care and maintenance, high-quality lacrosse chest and shoulder pads can provide protection through years of use. Keeping gear clean, stored properly, and well-maintained optimizes longevity.
Regularly sanitizing pads reduces buildup of dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can degrade materials prematurely. Use antimicrobial wipes or sprays designed for sports gear after each use. Spot clean any stains immediately.
Let all pads fully air dry after cleaning and before storage to prevent moisture buildup. Heat from the sun helps kill bacteria – take advantage after wiping down.
When not in use, pads should be stored loosely rather than compressed. Hanging shoulder pads on wide hooks keeps padding formed. Stuff chest protectors with old towels to retain shape.
Inspect equipment frequently for any issues needing repair. Re-stitching loose seams or replacing broken clips right away prevents bigger damage. Tighten any loose fasteners or hardware.
With regular cleaning, thorough drying, proper storage, and timely repairs, high-end lacrosse pads provide protection for many seasons before needing replacement. Proper care maximizes the investment in quality gear.