Inspecting Your Lacrosse Stick Regularly Helps You Spot and Address Damage Quickly
A lacrosse stick is the most essential piece of equipment for any lacrosse player. However, the frequent checks, scoops, passes, and shots during games and practices can take a major toll on your stick over time. Cracks, dents, and warping are common forms of lacrosse stick damage that can occur. That’s why it’s critical to inspect your stick before and after each use.
Take a few minutes to look over the entire stick, including the head, sidewalls, and shaft. Check for any splintering or cracks in the shaft, which may indicate structural weakness. Examine the head and sidewalls closely for chips, holes, or bending. Also ensure the weaving is tight throughout the head so the ball doesn’t pass through openings. Loose strings are another sign of a compromised lacrosse stick.
By regularly inspecting your equipment, you can catch issues early before they escalate. This gives you time to make minor repairs or replacements, which helps maintain peak performance and safety. For example, adding lacrosse stick tape onto small cracks in the shaft can prevent further splitting. Re-stringing the head enhances ball control.
Being vigilant about monitoring lacrosse stick damage allows you to always play at your best. Make equipment checks part of your pre- and post-game routine. And if you notice concerning wear or tear, consult your coach immediately about potential fixes or buying new gear before taking another shot. With the right care, your stick can hold up well for many seasons.
Repairing Cracks in Your Lacrosse Stick Shaft Helps Maintain Structural Integrity
Even with regular inspections, cracks in your lacrosse stick shaft can still develop over time. The composite material and construction make lacrosse stick shafts vulnerable to splintering, fracturing, and splitting. Repeated checks, passes, and hits from defensive players can gradually take a toll. Cracks typically emerge near the throat of the stick head or further down the shaft. However, they can appear anywhere that experiences repeated stress and impact.
If you spot any cracks in your lacrosse stick shaft, it’s important to repair them promptly. Even small cracks can expand into larger fissures that compromise the stick’s structural integrity. A broken shaft renders your stick unusable.
When cracks are first noticed, clean the shaft thoroughly and apply a thin layer of lacrosse stick tape over the cracked area. Wrap tightly but not so much that it restricts flexibility. The tape helps seal and reinforce the shaft. Re-tape as needed when wear becomes apparent.
For more severe cracks, use epoxy adhesives made specifically for lacrosse stick repairs. Carefully apply a small amount into the crack and smooth over. Clamp the shaft securely and let it cure for at least 24 hours. Once dried, wrap over with new lacrosse tape for added durability.
If cracks are too large or in multiple areas, replacing the shaft altogether is the safest option. Make sure to get the same flex rating and material as your old shaft to maintain consistent feel and performance.
With some diligence and preventative care, you can keep your lacrosse stick shaft crack-free for seasons of play. But when damage does occur, timely repairs are key to preventing further issues down the line. Don’t try to play through cracks – fix them right away and avoid costly replacements.
Replacing Broken Lacrosse Stick Heads Helps You Maintain Optimal Performance
The head is one of the most vulnerable parts of a lacrosse stick. After repeated checks, scoops, and passes, small cracks and holes can develop in the sidewalls and scoop. Over time, these can spread and cause catastrophic breakage if not addressed. That’s why replacing broken lacrosse stick heads is so important.
Inspect your stick head closely after each use for any small cracks, especially around the rim of the scoop and at the junctions of the sidewalls. Also check for holes, loose stringing, or obvious warping of the head shape. If you notice anything concerning, consider replacing the head right away before breakage happens mid-game.
Look for a replacement head that matches the original in terms of size, offset, and style. Measure the width and height dimensions so you get the same fit. Offensive and defensive heads have different shapes, so make sure to get the same specialized design. The material should also match – composite or plastic.
Replacing the head may require restringing the entire stick to your exact preferences. Take notes of the original stringing pattern first so you can replicate it. Be sure to string the new head tightly, but not so much that ball release or pocket shifting is restricted.
Installing a brand new lacrosse stick head revitalizes performance. You’ll notice improved ball control, faster and more accurate passing, stronger checking, and better scooping. A fresh head shape also allows you to elevate your game with new techniques.
While a broken head means shelling out for a replacement, it’s a worthwhile investment. Damaged and worn heads jeopardize your skills and safety. Investing in a new head when needed ensures you always play your absolute best.
Lacrosse Stick Repair Kits Allow for Convenient Fixes As Issues Arise
As an essential piece of lacrosse equipment, sticks take quite a beating during play. Cracks, chips, loosening, and other forms of damage are common over time. While major issues require new gear, lacrosse stick repair kits allow you to conveniently fix minor problems yourself as they pop up.
Lacrosse stick repair kits contain adhesives, tape, strings, and tools for on-the-fly fixes. Epoxy putty quickly patches cracked shafts and heads. Waterproof adhesives repair minor chips and holes. Extra lacrosse strings allow re-stringing worn pockets. Electrical tape, grip tape, and lacrosse tape rebuild grip and seal cracks. Shaft splints temporarily stabilize fractures until a permanent fix.
Keep a repair kit in your lacrosse bag so it’s always on hand when needed. At the first sign of loosening pockets, re-string on the spot before losing ball control mid-game. Apply protective tape over small cracks as soon as you notice them to prevent worsening. Use epoxy putty between games to rebuild any chunked out areas of the head or shaft.
While repair kits can’t fix major damage like a broken head or splintered shaft, they allow you to proactively maintain your gear. Preventing small issues from escalating into big problems extends the life of your stick. Quick fixes also minimize downtime, allowing you to reenter games faster.
With the convenience of DIY repairs, you can keep your favorite lacrosse stick in optimum playing condition all season long. Repair kits are an easy and affordable way to care for your essential lacrosse gear.
Tightening Loose Lacrosse Stick Strings Improves Ball Control and Handling
One of the most frustrating issues with lacrosse sticks is loosening strings. After repeated catching, scooping, passing, and shooting, the intricate stringing in the head naturally loosens over time. This allows the pocket shape to relax, which reduces control of the ball. Fortunately, tightening loose strings is an easy fix to restore optimal performance.
Inspect your stick head closely after each use. Look for gaps opening up between strings, sagging pockets, or obvious looseness in the sidewall stringing. Give the strings a pluck – they should have very little give when tightened properly. Loose pockets make clean catches, holds, and releases of the ball more difficult.
To tighten, simply pull out and gently stretch the loose strings while re-securing the knots and anchors. Work methodically around the head, tightening the scoop, sidewall, and pocket strings incrementally to maintain even tension. Be sure not to over-tighten; the ball should easily settle into the pocket but not shift around or fall through.
Proactively tighten your lacrosse stick strings before loosening takes a toll on performance. Optimal string tension gives you better feel, control, and responsiveness. The ball sticks in the pocket, allowing quicker passes, shots, and redirects. With tighter strings, you can take your lacrosse game to the next level.
Don’t tolerate loosening strings that undermine your skills. At the first sign of slipping pockets, take action. With regular tightening and maintenance, your lacrosse stick strings will give you an edge all season long.
Inspecting Lacrosse Helmet Padding for Damage Helps Maintain Protection
Lacrosse is a high-impact sport, so wearing a properly padded helmet is absolutely essential. However, the constant physicality during play takes a toll on padding over time. The foam can deteriorate, compromising protection right when you need it most. That’s why regularly inspecting your helmet padding is so important.
Before and after each use, thoroughly check the padding inside and outside your helmet. Look for cracks, compression marks, and breaks in the foam, especially along the most impacted areas. Also watch for sections peeling away from the outer shell.
If you notice any cracks or deterioration, replace those pads immediately. Keep spare pads and a Phillips screwdriver in your bag for quick swaps. Ensure the new pads are the same thickness and density to maintain even cushioning.
Plan on replacing all helmet pads at least once a year, even if no damage is visible. Oxidation and compression happens gradually inside the foam, reducing shock absorption. An annual refresh ensures like-new protection.
Don’t risk playing lacrosse with anything less than optimal padding. Well-cushioned helmets greatly reduce your risk of head injuries from routine hits. Make helmet inspections and pad replacements part of your regular lacrosse gear maintenance. Protecting your head should always be priority number one.
Replacing Damaged Lacrosse Helmet Padding Maintains Essential Protection
Hard checks, falls, and ball impacts are inevitable playing lacrosse. While your helmet protects your head, the foam padding inside absorbs much of the shock. Unfortunately, the padding can become damaged over time, jeopardizing its protective capabilities. That’s why replacing damaged padding is so critical.
Inspect your helmet padding closely before and after each use. Look for cracks, indentations, peeling edges, or sections where the foam is compressed. If any of the pads show concerning wear, swap them out immediately. Don’t risk further play until they are replaced.
When replacing helmet padding, use only manufacturer-approved replacement pads. Aftermarket or lower-density foams may not provide the same level of impact absorption. Carefully remove the old pads and note their thickness. Install the new pads in the same locations, following any adhesive or velcro instructions.
Replacing just one or two damaged pads helps extend the lifespan of your helmet. However, for full protection, periodically replace all padding simultaneously. Foam naturally compresses and hardens over time, even without visible damage. An annual replacement of all padding ensures like-new performance.
Don’t let damaged helmet padding undermine your safety on the field. At the first sign of wear, make the investment in new pads. Taking a lacrosse ball to the head is inevitable – make sure your helmet is optimally padded to protect you when it happens.
Replacing Old Lacrosse Gloves Improves Grip and Control
A lacrosse player’s gloves take a beating during play. The constant catching, scooping, passing, and checking leads to wearing of the leather and padding over time. Old gloves with compromised palms and fingers can undermine your performance. That’s why replacing worn gloves is essential.
Inspect the palms of your gloves closely before each game. Look for cracked or overly softened leather, perforations, and areas where the grip has smoothed over. Also check for loose or detached padding around the fingers. If the gloves show significant wear, swap them for new ones.
When shopping for replacement gloves, pay close attention to the palm material and grip. Soft leather offers more feel, while synthetic palms provide longer durability. Opt for gloves with tactile gripping textures molded into the palms to help control checks and catches.
Try on different glove sizes, even if replacing the same model. The fit may vary slightly between pairs. Ensure the gloves are snug but not restricting, with full wrist coverage. Properly fitted gloves make it easier to handle the lacrosse stick.
Don’t settle for lacrosse gloves that have lost their grip and protection due to excessive wear. Replace them before performance and safety are compromised. With fresh gloves, you’ll notice improved ball control, more stable checks, and reduced hand fatigue. Your gloves are crucial equipment, so replace them regularly.
Mending Rips in Lacrosse Uniforms Prevents Further Damage
The physicality of lacrosse leads to inevitable wear and tear on uniforms. Sticks, balls, and turf can cause rips, holes, and tears over time. If left unattended, small holes and seams can rapidly expand into big ones. That’s why promptly mending any rips or tears in your lacrosse uniforms is so important.
After each game and practice, thoroughly inspect your jersey, shorts, and socks for damage. Look closely at seam intersections, hemlines, and anywhere a stick or ball may have snagged the fabric. For small holes or pulls, apply a tiny dot of fabric glue to reinforce the edges and prevent running.
For larger rips and tears, use needle and thread to neatly stitch up holes and reinforced stressed seams. Match the thread color to the uniform material as closely as possible. For jersey tears, use a whip stitch along the edges or a ladder stitch to close the gap.
Carry a small travel sewing kit in your gear bag for quick repairs. Having supplies on-hand lets you address tears immediately before they worsen. Preventing bigger damage saves money and extends uniform life.
Well-made lacrosse uniforms are a significant investment, so protect that by mending damage promptly. Don’t allow small holes to become tattered mesh sections or compromised seams. With timely repairs, your uniform will maintain game-ready performance all season.
Regularly Washing Lacrosse Pads Prevents Odor and Optimizes Performance
The physical nature of lacrosse, combined with sweating, leads to significant buildup of dirt, grime, and odor in pads and protective gear. Letting that residue accumulate negatively affects performance and hygiene. That’s why regularly washing your lacrosse pads is so important.
Inspect your pads after each use for soil, grass stains, and salty sweat residue. Heavily soiled or smelly pads should be washed immediately. Plan on washing all pads at least once a month during peak season for maintenance.
For most lacrosse pads, a gentle machine wash and air dry is best. Use a mild detergent and cold water, then let pads dry completely before next use. Avoid excessive heat when washing or drying, which can compromise padding.
For gloves, gently scrub palms with soapy water and a soft brush to revitalize grip. Spot clean helmet padding as needed with mild soap and water. Air out shoes after each use.
Fresh, clean pads not only smell better, but also perform better. Soil and salt crystals abrade padding materials over time. Thorough cleaning removes debris that could scratch skin or catch in Velcro. Proper maintenance optimizes shock absorption, ventilation, and comfort.
Don’t let dirty gear undermine your game. Regularly wash and refresh lacrosse pads to maximize safety and hygiene all season long.
Air Drying Lacrosse Gear Prevents Unwanted Mildew Odor
The snug fit required for lacrosse pads causes them to absorb sweat during play. If stored damp, bacteria can feed on residual sweat and dead skin cells, creating unpleasant mildew odor. That’s why properly air drying all your lacrosse gear after use is so important.
After games or practices, take time to thoroughly air out damp pads and clothing before bagging up. For pads, hang over a fence, tree branch or deck railing and allow to fully dry. Use a fan to speed evaporation if needed.
For mild mildew smells, place pads in direct sunlight for a few hours – the UV rays help kill odor-causing bacteria. For stronger odors, lightly spray gear with an equal mix of distilled white vinegar and water, then let dry completely.
Air and rotate your lacrosse shoes after each use. Stuff damp shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture faster. Sprinkle some baking soda in shoes once dry to inhibit odors.
Take damp uniforms home promptly and hang to dry fully before laundering. Avoid leaving sweaty clothing balled up in bags for prolonged periods.
A few extra minutes of drying time keeps your lacrosse gear fresh between uses. Don’t let moist pads sour in bags and breed moldy smells. With consistent air drying, you can keep odors at bay all season long.
Sanitizing Lacrosse Equipment Helps Prevent Spread of Bacteria
The high-contact nature of lacrosse, combined with shared gear and facilities, creates ample opportunities for bacteria to spread between players. Diseases like MRSA, staph, and ringworm can circulate easily on contaminated pads and equipment. That’s why regularly sanitizing all your lacrosse gear is so important.
After each use, spray pads down with an antimicrobial sanitizing spray. Avoid harsh bleach formulas that may degrade gear. Let the sanitizer sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping dry with a clean cloth. Pay extra attention to areas that directly contact skin for maximum protection.
For extra sanitizing power, periodically clean pads with a wipe containing at least 60% alcohol. This helps kill stubborn bacteria not eliminated by sprays alone.
Keep some individually wrapped sanitizing wipes in your lacrosse bag for quick cleaning of sticks, gloves, balls and helmets during games when switching players. Wipe gear before lending out to or using shared team equipment.
Make post-practice gear sanitizing part of your regular routine. Don’t forget items like knee braces, shoes, socks, towels and water bottles too. Staying vigilant helps safeguard the health of you and your teammates all season.
With the heavy physicality of lacrosse, bacteria exposure is inevitable. But diligent sanitizing limits the risks and contains spread. Keeping your gear disinfected should be a top priority.
Sharpening Lacrosse Cleats Restores Traction on Turf
As a fast-paced, cutting sport, lacrosse requires footwear with excellent traction to react and accelerate quickly. However, repeated play on abrasive artificial turf will gradually dull metal studs and cleats over time. That’s why periodically sharpening your lacrosse cleats helps maintain peak traction and performance.
Inspect the studs and cleats on your shoes before each game and practice. Look for rounded, smoothed edges that indicate wear. Test traction by firmly twisting your shoe on the playing surface – slippage means it’s time to sharpen.
Use a small metal file, rotary tool, or dedicated cleat sharpener to refresh the edges. Gently file at a 45 degree angle to create a sharp point. Don’t remove excessive material – just lightly kiss the edges of each cleat to restore “bite”.
Pay extra attention to the big heel and toe cleats, as these see the most wear. Sharpen in between the studs as well for multidirectional grip.
With sharpened cleats, you’ll notice dramatically improved starts, stops, and direction changes. Your shoes will grip the turf for agile maneuvers instead of sliding around uncontrolled. Proper traction helps prevent rolled ankles and knee injuries too.
Don’t settled for lacrosse cleats with worn, rounded stubs for feet. Keep your shoes tuned for maximum performance and safety with periodic sharpening and replacement.
Lubricating Lacrosse Stick Hinges Maintains Flexibility
Modern lacrosse stick shafts utilize advanced materials and construction, including hinged or flexible joints. These joints improve feel and ball control by allowing the head to pivot independently. However, dirt and debris can impede the movement over time. That’s why lubricating hinges and joints maintains optimal flexibility.
Inspect hinges on your shaft by flexing the upper and lower sections in different directions. Restricted, stiff movement indicates a need for lubrication. Also check for dirt buildup around joints that could interfere with pivot motion.
Use a small amount of silicone-based lubricant on hinges – sprays or thin oils work well. Avoid petroleum greases that can degrade composite materials. Let the lube penetrate fully into joints for 10-15 minutes, then wipe away any excess.
Move the shaft through its full range of motion to test lubrication. Properly maintained joints should flex and pivot smoothly and silently. Reapply lubricant anytime stiffness or squeaking returns.
Don’t forget the movable joint where the head attaches to the shaft. Keep this pivot lubed as well so the head can angle independently for better ball handling.
Preserving full, easy flex in your lacrosse stick gives you better ball control and passing accuracy. Maintain that critical advantage all season through diligent lubrication of hinges and joints.
Off-Season Lacrosse Gear Maintenance Optimizes Equipment for Next Year
The off-season provides the perfect opportunity to perform deeper maintenance on your lacrosse gear. Thorough inspections, repairs, and component replacements ensure equipment is tuned for peak performance next year. Make the most of the extended break to refresh your entire setup.
Carefully inspect every item – helmet, pads, gloves, shoes, uniform, and stick. Look for cracking, loosening, worn parts, oxidation, and compromised protective foams. Repair or replace any concerning components now, so gear is game-ready when practices start up again.
Disassemble sticks to inspect inside shafts and heads. Remove old tape and grip for a full evaluation. Patch cracks, replace sidewalls, and re-string pockets with fresh lacing and leathers. Regrip shafts and tape over repairs for a renewed feel.
Consider replacing helmet padding, even if not damaged. Foam naturally compresses and hardens over time. Freshening interior fit systems and chin straps restores secure fit too.
Don’t neglect protective gear like cups, mouthguards and braces. Swap out any worn or ill-fitting components for safety.
Off-season maintenance revives performance and safety. Starting next season with optimized equipment gives you an advantage right out of the gate. Be proactive during the lacrosse downtime to maximize your capabilities for the next year.
