Get High Quality and Affordable Used Lacrosse Gear in 2023

Get High Quality and Affordable Used Lacrosse Gear in 2023

Inspect All Used Lacrosse Gear Thoroughly Before Buying

When shopping for used lacrosse equipment, it is absolutely essential that you thoroughly inspect each item before making a purchase. Don’t rely solely on the seller’s word or photos when buying secondhand gear online or in person. Carefully examine all used pads, helmets, sticks, and other equipment yourself to check for any cracks, tears, dents, rust, or excessive wear and tear.

Gloves and arm pads should have decent padding still throughout, with no ripped or compressed foam. Hard shell shoulder pads and helmets should have no cracks or soft spots that could indicate internal damage. Mesh lacrosse heads should be intact with tight stringing and no broken sidewalls. Metal shafts should be free of rust and have a solid grip.

If you notice any deficiencies in safety gear like helmets and shoulder pads, it’s best to avoid buying them secondhand entirely, even if the price seems tempting. The right fit and protection is vital, especially for youth players. Don’t take risks just to save some money.

For all used equipment, examine stitching closely for any unraveling or detached panels. Check plastic clips and straps for signs of brittleness or breakage. Test flexibility throughout by bending joints and moving adjustable segments. If anything seems loose, warped or on the verge of breaking, walk away from the purchase.

Buying quality used gear takes patience and due diligence. Never rush the inspection process or make exceptions for items that don’t meet your standards. It’s better to keep looking than end up with equipment that could fail during play and lead to injury. Take your time and choose wisely – your safety on the field depends on it.

Shop Online Marketplaces Like SidelineSwap for Used Lacrosse Gear

One of the best places to find quality used lacrosse equipment is on online marketplaces dedicated to sporting goods, like SidelineSwap. Sites like these connect you with players and teams nationwide who are selling their gently used gear for reasonable prices. You’ll find a huge selection of lacrosse sticks, pads, helmets, cleats, bags and more from top brands.

The great thing about shopping sites like SidelineSwap is that you can search for exactly what you need and filter by specifics like size, color, handedness, and condition. Narrow down sticks by head type, mesh vs. traditional, attack vs. defense, and flex rating. Search pads and gloves by size and protective features. Find helmet and goggle combos by brand, protection level, and sizing.

Once you locate used gear you’re interested in, you can view multiple photos from all angles to thoroughly inspect condition before purchasing. Check product descriptions for details on approximated usage, any flaws, modifications, and more. Read seller reviews to buy with confidence from reliable sources.

One tip when buying on SidelineSwap or similar sites is to ask questions before purchasing anything used online. Inquire about any wear and tear not shown in photos. Request additional pictures of high use zones if needed. Ask about the reason for selling to ensure it’s not due to product defects.

While buying used gear locally is great for hands-on inspection, shopping online opens up your options exponentially. Take advantage oflacrosse-specific marketplaces to find amazing deals on quality used pads, sticks, and helmets conveniently shipped right to your door.

Join Lacrosse Gear Swap and Sell Facebook Groups

An excellent way to source used lacrosse equipment in your local area is by joining lacrosse gear swap and sell Facebook groups. These specialized groups connect players, parents, coaches, and teams in a region who are looking to buy, sell, and trade gently used sticks, pads, helmets, cleats, and other gear.

Search Facebook for swap and sell groups specific to your state, region, or metro area. For example, “North Carolina Lacrosse Gear Swap” or “Chicagoland Lacrosse Gear Exchange”. Join any active groups with plenty of members posting items for sale.

Groups like these provide a targeted place to find secondhand equipment that’s likely located near you. You can arrange to conveniently meet up locally to inspect gear in person before buying. This allows hands-on examination to ensure items are in good usable condition with no major flaws.

When browsing swap group listings, look for details like approximate age, brand, any damage or repairs, and reason for selling. Photos will only show so much, so don’t hesitate to comment requesting additional pictures or info as needed.

Once you connect with a seller, arrange a public meetup to complete the exchange. It’s smart to bring cash for these transactions. Make sure to thoroughly inspect your prospective purchase at the meetup before handing over any money.

Joining local lacrosse gear Facebook groups takes some effort, but it opens up great opportunities to score quality used equipment right in your area. With some searching and screening, you can land amazing deals on gently used pads, sticks, and helmets without hassles of shipping.

Buy Directly from Other Players and Teams

Purchasing used lacrosse gear directly from other players, parents, and teams can be a great way to find quality equipment at reduced prices. Tapping into these direct sources cuts out the retailer middleman and opens up more affordable options.

Talk to other players on club, school, and recreational teams to spread the word that you’re looking for certain used gear. Let them know you’re interested in buying sticks, pads, gloves, bags, cleats or helmets they may be looking to sell for cheap.

Also reach out to coaches of youth, high school, and college lacrosse teams in your area. Ask if they have any players with extra equipment they’ve outgrown or upgraded that they’d like to sell. Coaches may also know of team stock that’s been rotated out of use.

When buying directly from other players and teams, make sure to ask questions about approximated usage and condition. See if any repairs have been made or modifications added. Request photos of the equipment if you can’t examine it in person before purchasing.

Arranging to meet at practices or games can provide an opportunity to inspect used gear in person. Be sure to check carefully for any excessive wear, warping, cracks, or other damage before exchanging money.

Building these peer networks opens up more possibilities to find affordable, quality used equipment. While it requires some extra effort, buying directly can get you great deals on gently used lacrosse gear tailored exactly to your needs.

Look for Sales and Clearance Items In-Store and Online

While buying used gear is great for savings, also keep an eye out for new lacrosse equipment being sold at clearance prices. Both local stores and online retailers will discount certain items to make room for new stocks coming in. With some persistence, you can score quality sticks, pads, cleats, bags and more for cheap.

Check the sales sections in lacrosse specialty stores as well as big box sporting goods stores. Sort by your size and position to locate deals on gear you need. clearance items will be marked down from their original prices, sometimes up to 70% off or more.

When shopping clearance sales, inspect discounted gear closely for any flaws or damage. Look for scraped helmets, warped sticks, compressed padding and other deficiencies that led to the price reductions. Avoid purchasing anything with issues that could impact safety and performance.

Online lacrosse retailers like Lax.com, LacrosseMonkey, and Lax Warehouse will have dedicated clearance sections as well. Sign up for their email lists to receive sale announcements and promo codes for additional discounts.

Sort through their clearance selections by your sizing, handedness, and position filters to surface the best deals. Factor in any taxes and shipping fees that may eat into your savings on clearance items.

With an eagle eye and some persistence, significant savings can be found on new lacrosse equipment through clearance sales both online and in local shops. Just be selective in inspecting gear condition to ensure good value at reduced prices.

Consider Renting Lacrosse Gear Instead of Buying New

When looking to get properly outfitted for lacrosse season, renting gear is an option to consider instead of buying all new equipment. Rental providers offer high quality pads, sticks, helmets, and other essentials at affordable short-term rates. This allows trying out different setups without huge upfront investments.

Local lacrosse shops may include rental packages for full protective gear along with sticks customized by position. Prices are usually charged weekly or monthly, making renting very budget friendly. Many shops allow applying rental fees toward future purchases too.

Online rental services like Lacrosse Monkey and Own My Own also ship sticks, pads, and helmets nationwide. They offer flexible rental terms from 1 week to entire seasons. Shipping fees apply but can still result in major savings over new gear costs.

When renting lacrosse equipment, understand rental policies upfront regarding damages and lost items. Inspect gear closely upon delivery for any pre-existing defects and point those out immediately. Handle rentals with care to avoid personal liability for issues.

The main advantages of gear rental are the low initial costs, ability to test out different setups, and trying higher end equipment for less. While you don’t own rented gear permanently, it can be a smarter option for many players than overspending on brand new items.

Renting quality pads, sticks, helmets and bags provides an affordable avenue to be fully equipped for lacrosse. Consider rental services as an alternative to expensive new gear that may quickly be outgrown or surpassed at the youth levels.

Buy Last Year’s Lacrosse Gear Models at a Discount

When shopping for lacrosse equipment, great savings can be found by purchasing previous year models still available at retailers. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior release new sticks, pads, and helmets every year with updated features and aesthetics. Once the latest gear hits the market, last generation models go on sale.

Most lacrosse gear from sticks to shoulder pads see only incremental changes annually. While the color schemes and small details get updated, the core functionality and protection remains largely the same. But with the flashy new models now available, prior year equipment gets steeply discounted.

Check manufacturer websites and authorized retailers for older gear still in stock. Sort by your sizing and position filters to find applicable deals. Brand new sticks, gloves, helmets, and other items will be marked down 30% or more from their original pricing.

Before purchasing previous generation lacrosse gear, compare details closely to spot what’s changed from the newly released counterparts. Aside from looks, the technology and performance should remain very similar if the model is only a year old.

Taking advantage of these discounts on obsolete but nearly identical equipment is a smart way to maximize savings. Players can save hundreds of dollars on gear that will suit their needs on the field just as well as the latest and greatest models.

While the newest lacrosse equipment with all the bells and whistles is enticing, huge savings await on last year’s sticks, pads and helmets. Shop smart for previous models marked down 30% or more without sacrificing real performance.

Focus on Buying Essential Protective Gear First

When buying used lacrosse equipment, it’s wise to prioritize investing in essential protective gear before other items. While sticks and accessories eventually wear out and need replacement, well-fitting pads and helmets are vital for safety.

Start by finding solid used helmets from reputable brands that provide full head protection including the face and jaw. Ensure any helmet under consideration is free of cracks, has intact interior padding, and meets the latest safety standards. Don’t cut corners here.

Quality shoulder pads are also a must, even for youth levels. Look for used pads with decent life left in the protective foam covering shoulders, collarbones, and ribs. Back and chest plates should be free of cracks or soft spots indicating interior damage.

Arm guards and gloves with thick layered foam padding across the forearms and wrists also provide critical protection from checks. Inspect used pieces for good cushioning without ripped or compressed areas.

While lacrosse sticks, bags, and other gear eventually wears out from use, compromised protective equipment poses serious risk for injury. Make acquiring sound used helmets, pads, gloves and guards the financial priority over other items.

Protecting young players from harm should come first when outfitting for lacrosse. Prioritize used gear spending on the essential helmet, pads, gloves and guards needed to play safely before the rest.

Have Used Lacrosse Gear Professionally Inspected Before Use

When sourcing used lacrosse equipment, it’s highly recommended to have any gear with safety concerns professionally inspected before use. While cosmetic flaws may be acceptable, issues that could impact protective performance need an expert eye. Don’t take chances with potential deficiencies.

Any used helmets, shoulder pads, gloves or arm guards that exhibited cracking, soft spots, compromised padding, or other damage during initial inspection should get looked over by a lacrosse retail specialist. Most shops offer this as a free extra service.

Bring the used gear in and explain your specific concerns based on your observations. Ask the specialist to thoroughly examine padding, plastic plates, and structural integrity for any problems. They will be able to judge if the equipment remains fit for play or not.

For sticks, a technician can inspect the head and pocket for proper stringing, any warping, and cracks or holes along the sidewalls. Get insight into tuning up used sticks or if they are beyond repair.

You want complete confidence that any equipment passed on for your child to use will provide proper safety and function. Don’t play guessing games yourself – let the experts determine if used gear warrants retirement or not.

While it takes some extra effort, having used lacrosse equipment professionally vetted provides peace of mind. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to safety.

Clean and Sanitize All Used Lacrosse Gear Before Use

An important but often overlooked step when acquiring used lacrosse equipment is giving it a deep clean and sanitization before using it yourself. You don’t know the hygiene standards of previous owners, so thoroughly washing used gear reduces bacteria and odor buildup.

Fill a large bucket or sink with warm water and a disinfecting detergent solution. For pads, submerge and soak all the removable padding pieces first. Use a soft brush to work the cleaner solution into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.

Spray exterior plastic shell surfaces with disinfectant and wipe down with a cloth. Air dry all pad components completely before reassembling.

For used helmets, create a detergent solution and use a washcloth to scrub both interior and exterior surfaces. Rinse off with clean water and allow to fully dry. Sanitize the helmet liner as well before placing back inside the helmet.

Use disinfecting wipes on any gloves, arm guards, shoes, bags and other fabric or hard goods. Give sticks a wipe down and a fresh coat of wax to protect the handles.

Taking the time to deep clean and disinfect all used lacrosse gear keeps things fresh and removes accumulated grime, sweat, and bacteria from previous use. Making this a standard practice helps provide peace of mind.

Avoid Cracks, Rips, Dents in Used Lacrosse Gear

When inspecting and purchasing used lacrosse equipment, be on high alert for any cracks, rips, or dents that could impact both safety and performance. These visible deficiencies typically indicate internal damage or excessive wear. It’s best to avoid any used gear exhibiting these flaws altogether.

For helmets, look out for any cracks in the exterior plastic shell. Even minor cracks can spread over time and compromise the structural integrity. Also inspect for any loose or detached interior padding pieces that may have torn or come unglued.

Shoulder and arm pads with ripped seam stitching, stretched mesh, detached foam inserts, or compromised shell plastics should also be avoided. Look for intact padding throughout with no deterioration or compression marks.

Used sticks with sidewall holes, fractured scoops, or major dents and chips in the head or shaft are past their usable life. Any deep gashes in the mesh or unraveling shooters could also lead to failure.

While used gear in pristine condition is rare, draw clear lines on acceptable levels of wear. Don’t take chances just to save money by buying equipment with deficiencies.

Carefully inspect every inch of used pads, helmets, sticks and accessories before purchasing. It’s simply not worth risking injury or poor performance to use damaged items discounted for a reason.

Prioritize Fit and Comfort in Used Lacrosse Gear

When evaluating and purchasing used lacrosse equipment, an item’s fit and comfort should take priority over cosmetic looks or brand name prestige. Properly fitted protective gear worn comfortably enables freedom of movement and full protection.

Since helmets and pads come in a range of sizes, find used items in your correct size range first before considering looks or other factors. An ill-fitting helmet provides uneven protection and gaps. Pads sized too big can shift and expose areas during play.

Try on potential used helmet purchases and ensure a snug fit all around your head with no pressure points. Shoulder pad straps should fit snugly over shoulders without restricting motion. Arm pads and gloves should align with limb lengths without leaving wrists or elbows exposed.

Beyond correct sizing, used gear shouldn’t impede movement in any way. Test flexibility in shoulder pads by rotating arms in all directions. Ensure gloves and arm pads allow full extension when holding a stick. Run and cut as you would in a game while trying on gear.

While looks and brand reputation are secondary, prioritizing fit and comfort in used protective equipment helps maximize safety on the field. Take the time to ensure used gear fits your body correctly and moves fluidly before making a purchase.

Compare Used Lacrosse Gear Prices to New

When considering purchasing used lacrosse equipment, it’s wise to compare potential used prices against brand new item costs to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Some lightly used gear may be discounted so little it makes more sense to buy new.

Search online for any model names, manufacturers and specs on used items being sold to find current comparable new pricing. For example, a used STX Sci-Ti Pro with a standard head could run $150, but a brand new one costs $200. That $50 savings may be worth going used.

However, other used items like pads and helmets often don’t save quite as much percentage-wise versus new. Take into account remaining usable life as well. Heavily used pads with compressed foam may only have one season left in them before needing replacement.

Consider theincluded warranties and return policies you’d receive buying new as well. Brand direct sales or authorized retailers allow returns and exchanges if new gear doesn’t work out for any reason. Used purchases are generally final regardless of fit or performance issues.

While used gear provides savings, compare prices diligently against new equivalents before purchasing. Make sure the discount justifies losing out on warranties, returns, and selecting from latest technologies and brands.

Doing the upfront research will ensure you make the most informed decisions on used versus new lacrosse equipment. Take advantage of healthy bargains but recognize when used prices provide only marginal savings and buying new makes more sense.

Save Money on Used Gear for Lacrosse Training

One strategy when buying used lacrosse equipment is to look for functional but cosmetically flawed gear to use specifically for practice and training. Since it won’t be used in games, average condition used items can provide great value.

Search for gently used helmets with scratches or fading that don’t affect safety to wear for drills and scrimmages. Shoulder and rib pads with worn outer materials but intact foam offer protection during workouts.

Buy used sticks with acceptable pocket wear but cosmetic head damage to use when honing fundamentals. Pick up extra gloves and arm pads with surface scuffs for backup.

Cleats worn down past their game primes or with damaged studs still work fine for running drills. Look for used bags with frayed straps or stitching issues that don’t impact main storage.

Taking advantage of these cosmetic but not critical flaws when buying used gear means less worry about keeping practice and training-only equipment pristine. The savings then allow spending more on maintaining top gear for games.

Evauating used lacrosse equipment condition in terms of intended usage provides opportunity to maximize value. Why buy lightly blemished items at premium prices when cheaper gear works for skills development?