Choosing the Right Lacrosse Glove Material
When I first started playing lacrosse in high school, I had no idea there were so many options for glove materials. I just grabbed the cheapest pair with a cool design. But those polyester gloves ripped after only a few practices! I learned the hard way that lacrosse gloves need to withstand impacts from sticks and balls, so more durable materials are best.
Most quality women’s lacrosse gloves today are made of synthetic leather, which is very rugged but allows flexibility. Premium full-grain leather can be even more protective, though it requires more break-in time. Some gloves incorporate mesh panels to improve ventilation and comfort during intense play. I prefer a leather palm and mesh back since my hands get so sweaty out on the field!
What glove material provides the right blend of flexibility, protection and breathability?
In my experience, a synthetic leather or leather palm with mesh fingers and back of hand works great. The leather palm withstands those checks and high-velocity shots, while the mesh releases heat and keeps my hands cooler.
I once made the mistake of getting all leather gloves without any ventilation. My hands were soaking wet and slipping all over the place! So mesh panels are crucial for me, especially in hot weather games under the blazing sun. A few mesh holes just aren’t enough.
Everyone’s hands sweat differently though. Some goalies may prefer full leather for maximum protection. But as a midfielder constantly running up and down the field, I’ll take the mesh/leather combo every time for the right mix of flexibility, protection and airflow.
Getting the Proper Glove Fit for Your Hand Size
Finding lacrosse gloves that fit just right is so important for optimal ball control and arm movement. Unfortunately, in my early days I didn’t pay attention to sizing and always bought the same medium gloves out of habit. I ended up with loose fingertips and a bulky feel that made cradling difficult.
Once I actually measured my hand size properly, I realized I have narrow palms and short fingers – not the average medium hand at all! Switching to small-sized gloves was a game changer. Suddenly I could scoop balls cleanly off the ground into my pocket and felt much quicker stick handling.
How can you ensure lacrosse gloves fit your hand dimensions for best performance?
Here are my top tips for dialing in the ideal lacrosse glove fit:
- Trace your dominant hand on paper and measure palm width and finger lengths
- Consult the sizing chart for that glove brand to find the best match
- Try the gloves on in-store if possible to test the feel
- Order 1 size smaller and larger online to compare and return what doesn’t fit
- Ensure fingertips line up and palm has no loose fabric bulges
Getting lacrosse gloves tailored to your unique hand size might take some trial and error. But it’s worth the effort to maximize comfort, response, and control when handling your stick. Proper fit means better ball handling and faster reaction time to corral tough passes and shots on goal.
Opting for Mesh Palms to Keep Hands Cool
As a lacrosse midfielder, I’m constantly on the move during games and practices. All that running up and down the field in the hot sun caused my hands to get drenched with sweat inside my gloves. I’d end up fumbling catches or feeling the stick slip around in my soaked gloves. It was so frustrating!
After asking my teammates for advice, I learned about lacrosse gloves with mesh palm panels. This mesh material allows much more airflow across the palm of your hand compared to solid leather or synthetic leather. At first I was skeptical that mesh would provide enough durability and protection. But after trying mesh palm gloves myself, I was amazed at the difference!
How can mesh palm gloves improve performance on hot days?
Here’s what I’ve found using lacrosse gloves with mesh palms:
- Palms stay drier, reducing slippage on the stick handle
- Hands feel cooler without getting overheated
- Ventilation helps reduce odor buildup
- Material dries quicker when gloves do get sweaty
- Better grip and control even in intense games
For midfielders, attackers, and even some defenders who do a lot of running, mesh palm gloves can make a real difference in comfort and performance on scorching hot days. I won’t play another summer tournament without them!
Picking Gloves With Padding in Key Areas
As a lacrosse player, your hands take a beating from stick checks, errant passes, and catching blistering shots. When I first started playing, I didn’t realize how much padding could help protect my hands. I’d end up with bruised fingers and knuckles after tough games.
Once I upgraded to lacrosse gloves with strategic padding placements, it made a huge difference. Now I carefully inspect padding zones when choosing new gloves. The key areas I look for padding are:
- Finger pads to protect against jammed fingers
- Added foam over the wrist and thumb joints
- Extra padding across the knuckles for checks
- Palm padding to absorb ground balls and passes
- Padding along the thumb and forefinger for shot power
What padding placements provide the best protection without sacrificing feel?
For me as a midfielder, I’ve found that extra padding on the palm heel, knuckles, and fingers gives me the protection I need most when scooping, cradling, and passing. Palm and fingertip padding helps absorb those passes and shots without losing feel for the ball.
Some goalies may opt for maximal padding all over, while offensive players want less padding for better touch on shots, catches, and quick sticks. Try out different amounts of padding until you find the sweet spot of protection and dexterity.
Selecting Quality Lacrosse Gloves From Trusted Brands
When I first started playing lacrosse, I just bought the cheapest gloves I could find. But those generic gloves fell apart within a few weeks. The stitching unraveled, the palms ripped open, and the padding flattened out. I learned the hard way that you get what you pay for with lacrosse gear.
Now I only buy gloves from reputable lacrosse brands I trust for quality and durability. Some of the top brands I recommend checking out are:
- STX – Very popular gloves with excellent protection
- Maverik – Great gloves for precise feel and stick handling
- Warrior – Known for extremely durable yet flexible gloves
- Brine – Lightweight gloves great for quick offensive players
- Nike – Innovative gloves with top-notch comfort and ventilation
Why pay more for pro-level brand name lacrosse gloves?
From my experience, you truly get what you pay for in lacrosse gear. The higher-end gloves from companies like STX and Maverik last far longer and provide better padding and performance. Their advanced materials and construction simply outperform generic options.
I used to buy cheaper gloves to save money until I realized I was just spending more frequently replacing ripped up gloves every season. Investing in pro-quality gloves up front is worth it for the durability, protection, and better ball control.
Finding Gloves for Your Position as a Midfielder or Attacker
As a lacrosse midfielder, the gear I need is much different than a goalie or defensive player. I’m constantly moving up and down the field, stick handling, catching passes, and taking shots on goal. My gloves have to provide protection while enabling quick release passing and shooting.
When I first started playing, I didn’t realize gloves were optimized for different positions. I’d just buy basic all-purpose gloves that ended up limiting my ball skills. Once I switched to midfielder gloves designed for quickness, my game improved dramatically.
What glove features are most important for midfielders and attackers?
Here’s what I looked for in upgrading my attack gloves:
- Minimal padding for better touch and feel
- Ventilated backs for breathability on runs
- Quick-release wrists for rapid passing
- Unrestricted finger design for ball control
- Quick-dry lightweight materials
While goalie and defender gloves prioritize maximum protection, midfielder and attack gloves are optimized for dexterity, quickness, and high-performance handling. Don’t make the mistake I did – choose lacrosse gloves designed specifically for your position.
Getting Lacrosse Gloves for Superior Ball Control
When I first started playing lacrosse, I struggled with catching passes cleanly and maintaining control of ground balls. The bulky generic gloves I had provided padding but made it hard to feel the ball. Balls would bounce right out of my stick!
On my teammate’s advice, I upgraded to gloves designed specifically for elite-level ball control. These gloves had form-fitting palms and fingers, strategic padding placement, and lightweight breathable materials. It made a world of difference in my handling and consistency.
What glove features provide the best lacrosse ball control?
Here are the key things I looked for to improve my ball skills:
- Ultra-grippy palm material for stick checks
- Minimal padding on palms and fingers
- Pre-arched finger design to match ball shape
- Wrist support to maintain ball position
- Snug fit through the fingers and palm
Focusing on ball control versus protection allowed me to handle faster passes, take more risks on catches, and maintain possession in traffic. Don’t settle for generic gloves if you want elite-level ball skills!
Choosing Durable Lacrosse Gloves That Will Last
When I first started playing lacrosse, I would buy the cheapest gloves I could find each season. But these bargain gloves would only last a few weeks before ripping, fraying, and falling apart. I was wasting money replacing gloves so frequently.
On my coach’s advice, I finally invested in high-end gloves known for their exceptional durability. Brands like Warrior and Brine engineer their gloves to withstand even college and pro-level play. Now my gloves easily make it through whole seasons of youth and high school lacrosse.
What glove construction provides maximum durability?
Here are the key durability factors I look for:
- Full grain leather palms or reinforced synthetic leather
- Double stitching on high wear areas
- Tough molded cuff and wrist closure
- High-density foam padding that won’t compress
- Reinforced thumb crotch for checking
Buying the cheapest gloves can cost you more in the long run with constantly replacing ripped up pairs. Spending a little more upfront for durable lacrosse gloves will save you money and hassle down the road.
Deciding Between Youth or Adult Sized Lacrosse Gloves
When I first started playing lacrosse in middle school, I mistakenly bought adult-sized gloves thinking they’d be more durable. But the huge gloves swallowed up my hands, making it nearly impossible to control my stick. Balls slipped right through my gloves during games!
I quickly realized youth gloves are specifically designed for smaller hands. They provide a snugger fit through the fingers and palm for better ball control. The padding is also optimized to protect kids’ hands without restricting motion.
How can you determine if youth or adult gloves are best for your child?
Here are some tips for choosing the right glove sizing:
- Measure hand size against sizing charts for that brand
- Youth gloves for elementary and middle school kids
- Adult sizes typically fit teens and older players
- Goalies may prefer adult gloves earlier for more padding
- Err on the smaller side – too loose is worse than snug
Getting the wrong lacrosse glove size can directly impact performance. Measure your child’s hand carefully and use sizing charts to determine if youth or adult gloves are best before buying.
Finding Affordable Women’s Lacrosse Gloves on a Budget
When I first looked at women’s lacrosse gloves, I was shocked by the high prices of top brands. As a teenager buying gear on my own, I just couldn’t afford $75+ gloves. But I still wanted decent quality without breaking the bank.
With some digging, I discovered ways to get great lacrosse gloves at affordable prices:
- Shop clearance sections for last year’s gloves
- Buy used gloves in good condition from Play It Again Sports
- Find great sales during holiday weekends or the offseason
- Search coupon sites and retailer emails for discounts
- Stick with lesser known but quality brands to save
What’s the best way to balance cost and quality with women’s lacrosse gloves?
If budget is a concern, focus on finding quality gloves from past seasons already marked down in clearance. You can get amazing deals on lightly used pro-level gloves that are barely different from current models.
Just avoid no-name gloves that seem like too good a deal – poor quality will cost you more in the long run. Take advantage of sales, coupons, and secondhand deals to get great gloves within your budget!
Purchasing Matching Gloves for a Uniform Look
When I first joined my high school lacrosse team, I didn’t realize the importance of matching gloves. I showed up with bright pink gloves that clashed with our navy uniforms. The girls laughed and said I needed team gloves to match!
I learned quickly that having the same lacrosse gloves creates a cohesive, professional look on the field. It shows unity as a team. Now our coaches coordinate each season to choose new team gloves and ensure we all match.
Why is having matching gloves important for women’s lacrosse teams?
Here are some of the key benefits I’ve seen from matching gloves:
- Presents a uniform look on the field
- Easier for teammates to see hand signals
- Fosters team spirit and bonding
- Allows coaches to monitor glove condition
- Uniform gloves become part of team identity
Matching lacrosse gloves may seem minor, but they make a big impact on team unity and how we’re perceived on the field. Coaches should coordinate ordering team gloves before each season starts!
Reading Lacrosse Glove Reviews Before You Buy
When buying my first pair of lacrosse gloves, I made the mistake of not doing any research. I just picked a cool looking pair with a cheap price. But those gloves fell apart within a month of games and practices.
Now before purchasing new gloves, I always read online reviews from other players first. Getting feedback from people who have used the gloves for a full season provides invaluable insight.
What glove details should you look for in lacrosse glove reviews?
Here are some key things I look for in reviews when comparing gloves:
- Durability – how long gloves last through regular play
- Protection – does padding prevent bruising and stingers
- Grip – can players maintain possession with good glove grip?
- Comfort – do gloves remain comfy after break-in period?
- Ventilation – do gloves breathe and stay cool in hot weather
Don’t just trust the manufacturer’s claims about their gloves. Read multiple reviews to get a balanced perspective before deciding what gloves to buy.
Comparing Prices at Different Retailers Online
When buying my first lacrosse gloves, I didn’t compare prices and just ordered the first pair I found online. Later my teammate told me she found the exact same gloves $25 cheaper at a different store!
Now before purchasing lacrosse gear, I always compare prices across several major retailers like Amazon, Dick’s, Lax.com, and specialty lacrosse sites. Taking the time to price check helps me find the best deal.
What’s the easiest way to compare lacrosse glove prices across retailers?
Here are some tips I’ve learned for getting the lowest price:
- Search model names on Google Shopping to compare
- Browse clearance sections for major markdowns
- Sign up for retailer email lists to get promo codes
- Use camelcamelcamel to track Amazon price history
- Set price drop alerts to notify you of sales
Don’t automatically assume Amazon or the biggest retailers have the best prices. Check multiple sites when shopping for lacrosse gloves to save the most money possible.
Taking Advantage of Lacrosse Glove Sales and Deals
When I first started buying lacrosse gear, I made the mistake of paying full price at the beginning of each season. I didn’t realize there were great opportunities to save on gloves later in the year.
Now I calendar out major lacrosse sales weekends and always watch for clearance deals. Waiting for sales allows me to get amazing quality gloves at huge discounts. My coach also tips me off to team deals and coupon codes to save more.
What are the best times of year to find lacrosse glove sales and promos?
Here is when I’ve found the biggest savings on gloves:
- Early November around Black Friday weekend
- January after the holidays during inventory clearances
- End of season in May through summer
- Check for random flash deals around big events
- Sign up for brand emails and text alerts
With proper timing and a little patience, you can grab awesome lacrosse gloves for cheap instead of overpaying at the start of season. Follow sale calendars and retailer promos to become a savvy lacrosse shopper.