Choose Between Hard and Soft Shell Shin Guards
When shopping for new lacrosse goalie shin guards, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a hard shell or soft shell design. Hard shell shin guards offer the ultimate in protection with a rigid plastic outer covering that absorbs impacts. Brands like Brine and STX make high-quality hard shell guards favored by elite goalies. The thick padding and plastic shell keep your shins safe from bruising shots. However, some goalies find the reduced flexibility and breathability of hard shell guards to be a drawback. This is where soft shell shin guards come in.
Soft shell goalie shin guards trade off a bit of protection for increased comfort and range of motion. Rather than a hard plastic shell, soft guards have a flexible padded exterior that contours to your leg. Ventilation is also better with soft shell guards from companies like Maverik and Warrior. The soft padding allows you to move freely in the crease when tracking shots and cutting off angles. Soft shell guards distribute and absorb impacts without limiting mobility.
When deciding between hard and soft lacrosse goalie shin guards, consider your playing level and preferences. Elite goalies favor the maximum protection of hard shells, while recreational players may appreciate the comfort and breathability of soft shell guards. Try on both types to see which provides the ideal blend of protection and performance for your needs as a lacrosse goalie.
Consider Sizing and Adjustability
Finding the right size lacrosse goalie shin guards is crucial for comfort and protective performance. Shin guards that are too small will leave you exposed and unable to move freely. Oversized shin guards can shift around and expose parts of your shins during play.
When trying on shin guards, look for a snug fit that contours to your leg without limiting mobility. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine offer shin guards in small, medium, large, and extra large sizing. Measure the circumference of your calf and shin to determine your size. If possible, try guards on in person while wearing your goalie pants to test the fit. Shin guards should stay in place without sliding or gaping.
Many lacrosse goalie shin guard models also incorporate adjustable strapping. This allows you to customize the fit as needed. Velcro and D-ring straps across the calf and below the knee should be snug but not overly tight. You want a secure fit that keeps the guards centered on your shins without restricting blood flow or feeling uncomfortable.
Adjustable thigh wraps, removable liners, and flexible upper calf panels offer additional ways to tweak the fit of your shin guards. These features ensure the guards contour to your leg shape for ideal protection. Consider your anatomy and any sizing issues when selecting adjustable shin guards vs. fixed sizing.
Growing youth players benefit from adjustable and removable components that extend the lifespan of their shin guards. Replaceable pads and straps allow the guards to accommodate growth spurts and evolving fit needs.
Taking the time to find properly fitted lacrosse goalie shin guards will allow you to play with confidence knowing your shins are protected from bruising shots. An adjustable, secure fit enhances mobility while keeping the padding centered for optimal impact dispersion and absorption.
Look for Adequate Calf Protection
While the shin area is the primary target for protection, your calf muscles also take a beating as a lacrosse goalie. Finding shin guards with adequate calf padding is key to keeping your legs safe and injury-free.
Many goalie shin guards only extend a few inches above the shin for minimal calf coverage. However, brands like Warrior and Maverik offer goalie shin guards with a contoured wrap-around calf padding for increased protection. Considering the force of close-range lacrosse shots, your calves need shielding beyond just the shin bone.
The calf wrap should be adjustable to accommodate different calf thicknesses. A secure wrap integrates the calf pad with the shin guard for seamless protection. As you move laterally across the crease, the calf wrap keeps the pad from shifting and exposing parts of your leg.
Increased calf protection also delivers better impact absorption and dispersion. By dissipating force across a larger surface area, your shins and calves stay bruise-free. Integrated calf wraps extend the protective padding you need as a goalie while maintaining flexibility and mobility.
When trying on shin guards, make sure to test the calf fit and coverage. Bend your knees and laterally rotate your legs to ensure no gaping or shifting. The calf wrap should move with your leg without compromising protection. Prioritizing calf coverage takes some of the shot impact stress off your shins during intense goalie play.
Lacrosse shots can strike anywhere from your foot to your knee as you track down low and high shots in the goal. Taking a shot directly on the calf muscle leads to painful bruising that can limit your mobility. Quality shin guards with adequate calf protection, like those from STX and Brine, provide the coverage you need to fend off bruising shots.
Don’t settle for minimalist shin-only guards. Seek out lacrosse goalie shin guards engineered specifically to shield your calf muscles as well. With full shin and calf protection, you can focus on your game rather than worrying about leg pain and injuries during play.
Prioritize Comfort and Breathability
Finding lacrosse goalie shin guards that offer both comfort and protection is key for performance. The rigors of facing repeated hard shots while moving constantly in the crease demand gear that protects without limiting mobility.
When trying on shin guards, aim for a snug and secure fit that contours to your leg without chafing or biting. Brands like STX and Maverik integrate high-density foams and soft padding for impact absorption with next-to-skin comfort. Moisture-wicking liner materials keep you cool and dry even during intense games.
Ventilation is another important comfort factor for goalies. Guards with air vents over heat zones and breathable padding reduce sweat buildup. Increased air circulation creates a cooler feel compared to solid, non-breathable pads. Ventilated guards like those from Brine and Warrior allow air to pass through the protective padding.
Adjustable and removable pads also help dial in the ideal blend of breathability and security. Swapping thickness of foam liners, for example, lets you customize ventilation and cushioning. Guards with removable or minimal calf wraps increase airflow to your legs when the weather heats up.
Finding shin guards that fit your needs for protection and mobility also comes down to weight. Lighter pads reduce fatigue that can set in over the course of a game. Newer synthetic foams provide impact cushioning without excessive bulk and weight.
Don’t settle for lacrosse goalie shin guards that prioritize protection above comfort and breathability. The best guards combine layered padding and hard shell elements with comfort features that keep you cool, limber and focused. Test out guards that balance these factors to find your ideal fit for lasting comfort and performance.
Evaluate Impact Absorption and Protection
The core purpose of lacrosse goalie shin guards is protecting your legs from bruising shots. When shopping for shin guards, evaluating the impact absorption and protective qualities is key.
Look for shin guards engineered specifically for the demands of a lacrosse goalie. Brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior design goalie shin pads to deflect and absorb the forces from close-range shots. Multi-layer foam padding backed by rigid shielding combines to dissipate energy from impacts.
Dense foams like EVA (ethyl-vinyl acetate) and EPP (expanded polypropylene) compress to absorb shock. Plates or shields made of rigid materials like ABS plastic reinforce protection. The combination of soft foam and shields provides flex while preventing bruising.
Additional protective features include segmented padding around the ankle and knee for flexibility while covering more surface area. Wraparound calf protection extends shielding from direct shots targeting that area of your leg.
When trying on lacrosse goalie shin guards, simulate shot impacts by tapping or pressing into the padding. Quality guards should flex and rebound while maintaining protection. Make sure your shin bone and calf feel secured without any gaps in padding.
The recommended NOCSAE and SEI safety standards indicate shin guards are rigorously impact tested. Shin guards meeting certification requirements must demonstrate ability to absorb and deflect impacts to prevent injury risks.
Reading lacrosse goalie shin guard reviews provides useful insight into how the padding holds up over time. Look for guards receiving praise for durable, long-lasting protection after repeated high-velocity impacts in the crease.
Don’t risk bruises and leg injuries with subpar lacrosse goalie shin protection. Seek out highly-protective, impact-absorbing guards tested to withstand the shots that leave lesser equipment exposed.
Compare Strapping Systems
The straps and fasteners that secure lacrosse goalie shin guards in place are just as important as the padding itself. Comparing the strapping system is essential for finding shin guards that stay put without limiting mobility.
Most goalie shin guards use a combination of Velcro straps and D-rings to cinch the padding around your leg. More adjustable straps allow you to customize the compression for a truly dialed-in fit.
Velcro calf wraps with multiple anchor points enable adjusting the tightness through a range of motion. Some guards feature removable or interchangeable straps to adapt the fit as needed. Shin straps secured by Velcro create a more personalized hold than generic elastic bands.
For growing youth players, adjustable straps extend the lifespan of shin guards as their legs grow longer. Quick-release buckles also make it easy to pull guards on and off between games and practices.
The placement of straps factors into stability during play. Shin guards with a strap behind the knee or across the thigh prevent the pads from rotating. Calf straps rising high on the back of the leg keep the guards centered through lateral movement.
While more straps allow fit customization, some players find excessive straps constricting or uncomfortable. Finding your optimal strap setup comes down to testing different configurations to see what works best.
When trying on shin guards, jog and cut as if dodging shots to ensure the strapping keeps the padding stable without chafing or limiting your range. High-quality adjustable straps from brands like STX and Maverik provide a personalized lockdown fit.
Don’t settle for lacrosse goalie shin guards secured by generic elastic bands prone to slipping and poor fit. Seek out strapping systems with adjustable anchor placements and multiple fastening points for a truly dialed-in fit.
Choose the Right Weight
The weight of lacrosse goalie shin guards impacts comfort and mobility during play. Finding the optimal balance of protection and performance comes down to choosing guards with the right weight for your needs.
Heavier shin guards typically provide more rigid shielding and dense padding for maximum protection. Brands like Warrior use thick foam and plastic shields to absorb huge impacts at the expense of increased bulk.
Conversely, ultra-light options from companies like Epoch sacrifice some cushioning for featherweight mobility. Reduced weight enhances speed and responsiveness in the crease.
For most goalies, the sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle. Moderately weighted shin guards from top brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine aim for a balance of flexibility and protective padding.
Newer synthetic foams like EPP and EVA provide cushioning without excessive bulk. Strategic pad segmentation avoids unnecessary material while covering key contact zones.
Consider when weight becomes detrimental based on your playing style and position demands. Elite goalies favor maximal protection while reactive players want minimal weight encumbrance.
Try shin guards of varying weights to gauge impacts on your mobility and stamina. Lighter guards reduce fatigue over the course of a game but may sacrifice needed padding. The right weight comes down to your protection preferences.
Select lacrosse goalie shin guards meeting NOCSAE certification standards regardless of weight. This validates adequate protective qualities for safety. Avoid ultra-light guards lacking certified impact absorption.
Finding your optimal shin guard weight gives you the confidence to move freely in the crease while trusting your legs stay protected. Weigh your options to choose equipment allowing you to perform at your best.
Consider Mobility and Flexibility
The ability to move freely and react quickly is crucial for lacrosse goalies when tracking shots. Shin guards optimizing mobility and flexibility allow you to perform at your best.
Certain design elements enhance freedom of motion rather than hinder it. Brands like Maverik and STX engineer shin guards using articulated padding around joints. This maintains protection while following natural leg bending.
Strategically placed padding segmentation and flex joints prevent a rigid, bulky feel. Bands of softer padding at key flex zones encourage natural movement. Some guards remove padding entirely behind the knee for unfettered bending.
Adjustable calf wraps, removable liner pads, and variable strap placements also allow customizing the fit for mobility. Finding your optimal pad tightness, wrap height, and strap setup enhances flexibility.
The overall weight of shin guards also affects mobility. Lighter padding from advanced foam materials reduces encumbrance so you stay quick on your feet. Ventilation features keep guards from getting heavy with sweat buildup.
When trying on shin guards, simulate goalie movements to gauge impacts on mobility. Bend knees, rotate legs, and laterally shuffle as if moving in the crease. Proper flexion and freedom of motion ensure the guards move with you.
Prioritizing mobility helps you react quickly, cut off angles, and move explosively across the goal. Shin guards sacrificing flexibility for protection wear you down and limit performance over time.
Choose lacrosse goalie shin guards allowing natural movement without compromising safety. Guards with strategic padding placement, adjustable fits, and lightweight builds give you the flexibility to excel.
Evaluate Durability and Construction Quality
The durability of lacrosse goalie shin guards determines how long they last against bruising shot impacts before wearing out. Evaluating construction quality helps find protective padding built to go the distance.
Look for shin guards using high-grade materials tested to withstand repeated shot forces. Top brands like STX and Maverik engineer gear to hold up to elite play. Structural components like shields and plates should resist cracking or warping.
Dense foams like EVA and EPP maintain protective properties longer than cheaper padding options. Multi-layer foam blends optimize both cushioning and longevity. Reinforced anchor points add stability to strap systems prone to loosening.
Reading online reviews provides useful insight into the usable lifespan of shin guard models. Look for consistent praise of sustained protection and lack of deterioration after multiple seasons of use.
Durability also comes down to a snug, stable fit reducing pad shifting that leads to breakdown. Customizable straps keep the padding tight to your leg over time. Removable and interchangeable parts extend guard life as you grow and evolve as a player.
The warranty coverage from lacrosse brands demonstrates their confidence in gear durability. Multi-year warranties on shin guards show commitment to a long lifespan of peak performance.
While no lacrosse equipment lasts forever, higher-quality guards maintain protective integrity longer. Choosing durable, rugged construction gives you extended value for your investment. Why settle for flimsy, disposable protection?
Decide Between Open and Closed Cell Foam Padding
The protective foam padding used in lacrosse goalie shin guards comes in two main structures: open cell and closed cell. Understanding the performance differences helps select the right shin protection.
Closed cell foam has a dense, compressed structure with tightly packed air bubbles. Brands like Warrior and Maverik use higher-grade closed cell foams like EVA and EPP for rigid durability. The compact structure makes closed cell foams resistant to water and wear.
Open cell padding features a mesh-like foam structure for softer cushioning. Air can flow through the foam for increased breathability. Open cell foams conform more closely to body contours for a personalized fit.
In terms of impact protection, closed cell foams provide firmer stopping power for the hardest shots. Open cell padding absorbs force more gently over a wider area. Combining foam types optimizes different qualities.
Denser closed cell foam layers prevent bruising and fracture while open cell foams wick moisture and increase comfort. Many top brands blend both padding types strategically within shin guards.
Consider your playing style and needs when selecting open or closed cell padding. Elite goalies may opt for closed cell only guards while recreational players prioritize comfort from open cell foams.
Test out open and closed cell shin guards to feel the performance difference firsthand. While denser foams stop intense impacts, softer open cell padding offers more flexibility and breathability.
Finding your ideal foam padding setup gives you personalized protection. Know the structural differences between open cell and closed cell lacrosse goalie shin guard foams.
Compare Brands Like Brine, Ennui and Triumph
When buying new lacrosse goalie shin guards, comparing different brand options is recommended. Trusted manufacturers like Brine, Ennui, and Triumph each offer unique benefits.
Brine shin guards feature innovative blending of rigid and flexible padding for protection and mobility. Models like the Brine King IV combine dense foam with plastic shields to absorb intense impacts. Strategic pad segmentation avoids limiting motion.
Ennui goalie shin guards focus on optimizing fit and flexibility through anatomical design contours. Patented technologies like Sleeve-Fit and Mobility Flex customize protection and movement. Lightweight padding enhances responsiveness.
Triumph Sports reinforces its shin guards with XRD impact-absorbing technology licensed from Saucony. This cutting-edge padding disperses force through tuned foam geometries. Triumph lacrosse gear favors durability.
Consider sizing availability when comparing brands. Companies like Maverik and STX offer a wider range of sizes for finding your ideal goalie shin guard fit. Try on different brand options to evaluate feel.
Compare protection technologies and materials used by each brand. Elite players trust gear from companies with experience engineering high-performance lacrosse equipment. Newer brands often mimic rather than innovate designs.
While pricing often correlates with quality, focus on function over cost alone. Top brands charge more due to proven construction and testing. Prioritize gear meeting safety certifications for assured protection.
Researching lacrosse communities and reviews provides useful insight when comparing shin guard brands. Look for thoughtful feedback on sizing, durability, and protection from real-world use.
Every lacrosse goalie has personal preferences when selecting protective gear. Weighing each brand’s strengths helps narrow down your ideal shin guards for comfort, flexibility, and assurance.
Determine Your Budget
The cost of lacrosse goalie shin guards varies widely based on materials, brand reputation, and features. Determining your gear budget helps narrow options to models meeting your needs and price range.
Youth shin guards typically cost the least, ranging from around $30 to $60. These feature basic padding but lack premium features. Recreational adult shin guards start around $40 and go up to $80.
Mid-tier lacrosse goalie shin guards from brands like STX and Maverik span $70 to $150. This class offers advanced padding technology and protection while remaining affordable.
High-end goalie shin guards from elite brands like Warrior and Brine range from $150 to over $200. These pro-level guards prioritize maximum protection and durability using the most advanced materials and construction.
Consider how often you play and your competition level when setting your shin guard budget. Youth and occasional recreational players can find quality gear at lower price points.
Elite goalies or those facing high-caliber shots should invest more for guards engineered to withstand years of collegiate, post-collegiate or professional play. The gear protects your body and career.
While tempting, avoid extremely budget-friendly shin guards lacking certification or protective integrity. Used gear also poses risks if previously compromised. Prioritize certified new condition guards meeting safety standards.
Finding lacrosse goalie shin guards matching your budget takes research. Determine key needs, then seek out affordable options offering the protection to keep playing confidently.
Read Online Reviews Before Buying
Reading lacrosse goalie shin guard reviews online provides valuable insight before purchasing. Customer feedback helps assess real-world performance when you cannot try gear in person.
Look for consistent reviews praising product durability, sizing accuracy, and protective qualities. Multiple seasons of positive performance suggest a high-quality guard. Watch for any trends of specific complaints.
Use online reviews to compare comfort and breathability between different brands and models. Firsthand accounts of ventilation, flexibility, and weight from other players are helpful when selecting gear.
Evaluate online sizing guidance and recommendations. Reviews indicating guards run small or large help choose the right fit. Some brands fit narrow or wide through the calf and shin area.
Look for reviewers mentioning their experience level, size/height, and type of play. This provides useful context for interpreting feedback. An elite college goalie has different needs than a youth league player.
Beware fake reviews used as marketing tactics by unknown brands. Trust sites aggregating verified customer reviews, like lacrosse specialty retailers and forums. Weight total review volume when judging products.
Video reviews on YouTube provide added visuals of shin guard details, strapping, and fit. Seeing gear in action delivers insights reading text alone cannot.
While trying shin guards in person is ideal, it is not always possible. Leaning on feedback from other lacrosse players helps ensure you purchase ideal protective gear.
Try Them On Before Purchase If Possible
When buying new lacrosse goalie shin guards, try them on in person prior to purchasing if you can. Properly testing the fit ensures you select ideal protective gear.
Visit a lacrosse specialty store whenever possible to sample sizing and models. Bring your goalie pants to test overall integration. Athlete-focused small businesses also provide personalized fitting guidance.
If visiting a store is not feasible, consider ordering multiple sizes online to dial in fit. Many online lacrosse shops allow free returns to exchange sizing at no cost. Read return policies before purchasing.
When trying on shin guards, flex your knees, rotate your legs, and laterally shuffle to mimic goalie movements. The padding should stay centered on your shins without shifting or gaping.
Pay attention to compression points or biting from straps. Align Velcro patches properly so the scratchy side does not contact skin. Fully tighten calf wraps and shin straps to test security.
Consider comfort and breathability. foams and liners should not rub or chafe. Ventilation should adequately cool during extended wear. Weights should not feel excessively heavy.
Ask a friend or teammate to gently press into the shin padding to test impact absorption. Quality guards should flex without exposing your shin bone.
Taking time to test shin guard fit gives you greater confidence in full protective coverage. Do not simply guess at sizing without verifying the ideal model and fit for your body firsthand.
Make Sure They Are Regulation Compliant
When selecting lacrosse goalie shin guards, ensure the gear meets all required protective regulations and standards. Choosing certified shin padding reduces injury risks.
Shin guards used in sanctioned lacrosse must meet NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) requirements. NOCSAE testing validates impact absorption and dispersion abilities through force measurement.
Another key safety standard is SEI certification for sports equipment. Compliant gear passes a range of performance metrics for quality assurance. Certification instills confidence in protective integrity.
Many brands also test shin guards to STX Shield technology standards. This rigorous process evaluates padding durability under extreme temperature shifts and repeated impact stresses.
Shop for shin guards listed as NOCSAE-approved for the specific sport of lacrosse. Generalized hockey or soccer approval lacks lacrosse-specific design requirements. Meet US Lacrosse guidelines for your safety.
When buying used or hand-me-down shin guards, verify the equipment is regulation compliant and not expired. Do not use old, worn-out gear lacking modern safety advances.
Beware lacrosse goalie shin guards from obscure brands lacking all required tagging and documentation. Trusted manufacturers readily provide certification records.
Advocating for your own protective needs means only using compliant gear, even if secondhand or donated. Mandatory standards derive from harsh lessons learned over time. Do not ignore requirements that prevent injury.