Essential Shield Guide for Field Lacrosse Players

Essential Shield Guide for Field Lacrosse Players

Importance Of Lacrosse Helmet Face Shields

Wearing a proper lacrosse helmet face shield is absolutely critical for player safety on the field. Field lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-contact sport where sticks and balls can easily strike an unprotected head. Even seemingly minor hits to the face can lead to serious injuries like concussions or broken bones that keep you off the field. That’s why having a sturdy yet flexible shield attached to your helmet is so important.

The best lacrosse shields wrap securely around the front and sides of your helmet to protect vital areas like your eyes, nose, teeth and jaw from dangerous contact. Made from advanced polycarbonates or other sturdy plastics, quality shields won’t crack or shatter on most impacts. Their curved shape also deflects direct ball and stick hits rather than absorbing the full force. This helps prevent both injury and vision obstruction so you can keep playing strong.

Unlike metal face cages, modern lacrosse shields provide unobstructed 180 degree visibility while running and looking for passes or shots. Their lightweight construction and optimal fit make them comfortable to wear all game without feeling bulky. Ventilation prevents fogging as well. It’s easy to forget you’re even wearing one! Just make sure to find a shield that integrates seamlessly with your helmet type for maximum hold and protection.

While injuries can still happen, having the right shield greatly reduces your chances of taking a stick or ball to the face. No lacrosse player wants to miss games or practices due to preventable facial trauma. Investing in a quality field shield designed specifically for your helmet and playing style gives you essential protection. You can play aggressive with confidence knowing your head and eyes are guarded. Just remember to replace shields after any major impact, as their integrity can become compromised. Take safety seriously and shield up! Your face will thank you.

Considering Visor Weight For Comfort

When selecting a lacrosse helmet shield for field play, one key factor to consider is the visor’s weight. Since you’ll be wearing it for hours during intense practices and games, a lighter shield offers greater comfort and less neck fatigue over time. Brands design their visors using different materials and thicknesses that impact the overall heft.

Standard polycarbonate shields tend to be on the heavier side, though innovations in polymer technology have allowed for thinner and lighter versions. More premium brands tout featherweight shields made of materials like titanium that significantly reduce the strain on your head and shoulders compared to bulkier options.

The difference of just a few ounces can make a dramatic improvement in comfort over the course of a match. A lighter shield also helps maintain your agility and speed since you’re not exerting as much energy against its weight with all the starting, stopping, and direction changes inherent to lacrosse.

When trying on shields, pay attention to how each one feels in terms of balance and mobility. Move your head around and run a bit to test comfort and playability. If a shield feels too heavy or unwieldy, it could hinder your performance and energy levels in a long, hot game. An ideal shield should be light enough that you barely notice you’re wearing one.

That said, extremely lightweight options may sacrifice some durability that adds protection. Try to find the sweet spot between minimal bulk and robust construction. Vents can also pare down weight while allowing airflow. Don’t settle for a heavy shield that bogs you down – with options across the spectrum, you can find excellent field vision and defense without sacrificing comfort.

Consider your helmet style too, as more streamlined designs can offset a shield’s heft. Your neck strength and sensitivity to weight should guide your preferences. Discuss options with teammates to get feedback on the lightest shields that still provide security. Once you’ve weighed the options, you can take the field unencumbered and ready for battle.

Picking Popular Lacrosse Helmet Shield Brands

When selecting a face shield for your lacrosse helmet, one of the most important choices is which brand to go with. The major manufacturers all offer shields engineered specifically for the demands of field lacrosse, with advanced features to meet protection needs.

Top brands like Cascade and Warrior are popular choices among players and coaches thanks to their reputation for durable and high performing shields. Companies like these have decades of experience crafting equipment for the sport’s hardest hits and fastest shots.

Cascade lacrosse shields in particular are trusted by players at all levels, from youth leagues up through college and professional. Their Sharkfin visors provide a wide field of vision while deflecting direct ball and stick impacts. Players can choose from a variety of shield shapes and ventilation patterns to match preferences.

Warrior helmets and shields also have a loyal following for their innovative high-tech materials like titanium alloys that shed weight without sacrificing strength. Their eye-shielding helmet brim gives added coverage from the sun and overhead checks.

STX, Maverik, Shock Doctor, and Sport Helmets are some other reputable brands to look at for lacrosse shields. While less known companies can still make quality products, going with major athletic names provides assurance they extensively test and refine shields for top-level performance.

Don’t just default to the cheapest option – your protection is worth investing in. Read reviews and get team recommendations on which brands they trust most to keep them safe game after game. While cost is a factor, balance it against getting durable construction from a company with a proven track record in lacrosse.

With brands like Cascade and Warrior, you can be confident their engineering and innovations keep up with the pace of modern lacrosse. They offer a range of options to suit different budgets and needs as well. Do your research to find the right shield for your playing style from a brand you can rely on.

Comparing Lacrosse Helmet Shield Styles

When shopping for a new lacrosse helmet shield, one of the key considerations is choosing a shape and style that matches your needs and preferences on the field. Shields come in a variety of designs these days, with different coverage areas, curves, and ventilation patterns.

Most shields will wrap fully around the sides for expanded facial protection, while leaving the bottom open for visibility. But some offer extra low coverage underneath too for added security from errant sticks and bounced shots. For more aggressive players, a maximized coverage area could be ideal.

Cascade shields feature more flattened edges and sharp angles for a distinctive sharkfin shape, while Warrior opts for smoother curves and contours. Both offer wide eye visibility, but the style you like best can come down to aesthetic taste. The shape impacts the airflow and weight distribution as well.

Ventilation holes are placed differently depending on brand too. Smaller perforations spread across the surface promote air circulation to keep you cool but structurally sturdy. Larger vents reduce fogging too but may sacrifice some strength. Consider your climate and exertion level when venting.

Interchangeable shields allow you to switch out designs for more customization. Being able to pop on a clear shield for night games or swapping colors for team spirit can be fun perks. Quick-change options also make cleaning and replacing shields a simpler process.

The key is finding the shape and ventilation style that meshes best with your helmet structure. You want something secure and integrated, not awkwardly bulky. Think about factors like your peripheral vision needs and sweat rate too. Don’t hesitate to try some different setups to see what feels like the right fit. The more tailored your shield, the better protected you’ll be.

Lacrosse Visor Colors For Glare Reduction

An important aspect of choosing a lacrosse helmet shield is selecting a tint or color that will reduce glare and eye fatigue on the field. Players squinting against the sun’s glare or stadium lights can lead to missed plays and increased injury risk.

Clear polycarbonate shields provide unobstructed vision but may not offer enough glare or UV protection for extensive daytime play. Tinted visor options are great for filtering bright sunlight that can hamper performance and vision.

Many companies now offer shields with a light smoke tint that maintain visibility while cutting glare. This subtle gray or bronze tinting has the benefit of not overly darkening your field of view. It’s a nice natural-looking filter for managing changing light conditions.

For very sun-sensitive players or extremely bright days, darker smoke tints are available too. These almost sunglass-like shields seriously reduce light transmission, so make sure you feel comfortable with the visibility trade-off.

Yellow or amber tinted shields are another choice that enhance contrast and depth perception while blocking blue light that can cause eye strain. Players report the warm golden tone makes seeing the ball easier against green grass.

Mirrored shields take glare reduction even further with a reflective coating that bounces sunlight away. Just know these can limit communication since your opponent can’t see your eyes. Save these flashy mirrors for casual play only.

Consider when and where you primarily play when picking lens hues. Get the right level of eye protection without going too dark. Trying out different shield samples can help determine the best tint for your vision needs and sensitivity.

Matching Your Lacrosse Helmet and Shield

Getting the best protection and performance from your lacrosse helmet shield requires matching it properly to your helmet type and model. Although many shields can attach to various helmets, you want the two integrated closely for optimal coverage.

Most helmet brands design their shields to perfectly fit their own helmet lines. Cascade shields fit seamlessly with Cascade helmets, Warrior with Warrior, and so on. This ensures the shield wraps securely around the helmet contours without any gaps.

Some universal shields can be adapted to different helmet brands using adjustable screws or Velcro attachments. But the fit may not be as flush and integrated as using a true matched set. Gaps can leave you exposed and negate the protection.

Make sure to choose the right shield shape for your helmet model too. Variations in factors like shell curves, ventilation holes, and chin strap placement all impact shield compatibility. Consult size charts and read descriptions carefully when ordering.

Ideally, you can try on the helmet and shield together in person before buying. This lets you assess the fit and visibility. Some intermittent gapping is normal when turning your head due to necessary flexibility. Just avoid large visible gaps.

While mixing brands won’t necessarily jeopardize safety if the attachments are secure, sticking with coordinated helmet and shield sets designed to work in tandem is your best bet. This ensures the equipment manufacturers have done the testing and engineering to make the two pieces work as an integrated protective system.

Cleaning Your Lacrosse Helmet Shield

To maintain optimal visibility and performance, lacrosse players should regularly clean their helmet shield lenses. Dust, dirt, sweat, and scratches can build up over time and impair vision and safety if not addressed.

Start by gently wiping down the interior and exterior shield surfaces using a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. This helps remove accumulated grime and salts from sweat that can lead to fogging issues.

For more stubborn dirt, use a small amount of mild dish soap on the cloth. Ensure you fully rinse away all soap residue, as leftover suds can cause distortion and glare. Wipe the lens completely dry when done.

Sanitizing spray cleaners made specifically for sports visors also work well for disinfecting and de-fogging. Use these as directed, but avoid harsh chemicals that could damage lens coatings.

Inspect for any deeper scratches that may obstruct vision or weaken the structural integrity. Light scuffing is normal, but deep abrasions require replacement. Breathing on the lens will reveal scratches from fog.

Store your shield in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches. Never use paper towels or rough fabrics to clean, as they can introduce swirl marks. Let all cleaning solutions fully dry rather than wiping repeatedly.

A well-maintained shield provides the clearest view of the field and opponents. Make weekly cleaning part of your regular lacrosse gear maintenance. Keep an extra shield on hand so you always have a clean backup ready for game time.

Replacing Your Lacrosse Face Shield after Impacts

One of the most critical safety steps lacrosse players can take is replacing their helmet shield after it sustains a significant impact. Even if the shield doesn’t appear damaged, its protective abilities may be compromised.

Any direct hit forceful enough to cause you to see stars, feel dazed, or experience headaches should trigger an immediate shield replacement. The polycarbonate material can become weakened internally in ways not visible to the eye.

Cracks, deformation, or cloudiness are also obvious red flags your shield is no longer suited for play. But hairline fractures or structural issues could develop with no outward signs. You can’t afford to take chances with safety.

Use common sense – if an impact was jarring, get a new shield. Don’t try to save money by continuing to wear one that took a bad hit. No game or practice is worth risking potentially serious injury.

Brands like Cascade and Warrior purposefully engineer shield materials to flex and snap back after most impacts. But repeated or severe collisions will inevitably compromise this resilience over time.

Replace shields at least annually just from normal wear and tear, if not due to an incident. Acrylic options tend to offer longer service life than polycarbonate, but still require eventual replacement as materials degrade.

Having spare new shields on hand makes quick swaps simpler so you avoid missing playing time. Your team’s equipment manager can advise on proper replacement intervals and checks. If in doubt, swap it out!