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Looking to Play Aggressive Midfield This Season. Find the Best Elbow Pads for Middies Here

Why Elbow Pads Are Essential for Middie Play

If you’re looking to play aggressive midfield this upcoming lacrosse season, having the right protective gear is crucial. And one piece of equipment that’s often overlooked by middies is elbow pads. While you may be focused on finding the best helmet or gloves, elbow pads are just as critical for keeping you safe on the field. Here’s why elbow pads should be an essential part of your lacrosse kit and how to find the best options for your hard-charging style of play.

Protect Against Checks and Falls

The main reason to wear elbow pads as a middie is obvious – protection. When running up and down the field, you’ll inevitably take some checks to the arms from defenders. You’ll also likely end up falling or diving at some point, putting your elbows at risk. Thin skin covers your elbows, so it doesn’t take much contact for it to tear or bruise. Quality elbow pads cushion against these blows to prevent injuries.

Midfielders tend to play an aggressive style with more physical contact than other positions. You’ll be fighting for ground balls, exchanging pushes and checks with defenders, and diving into the crease area. All this contact puts extra strain on your elbows compared to attackmen or defenders. Wearing pads reduces your chances of sustaining an elbow injury that could sideline you for multiple games.

Maintain Mobility for Passing and Shooting

While protection is key, you also need to maintain a full range of motion as a middie. You’ll constantly be switching from offense to defense and making passes, catches, shots, and clears across the entire field. Restrictive elbow pads that limit your flexibility can negatively impact your speed and mobility.

When shopping for elbow pads, prioritize a lightweight, breathable design that stays securely in place during intense athletic activity. Avoid bulky pads with thick, dense foam padding that could slow you down. The best elbow pads for midfielders feel almost unnoticeable when running and cutting.

Look for a Low Profile Fit

Along with mobility, a slim fit is also ideal for midfielders. Bulkier elbow pads can get in the way when handling and passing the ball. Excess material also adds unwanted weight. As a middie logging tons of mileage up and down the field, lightweight protection is essential.

Low profile elbow pads fit tightly to your arm, with minimal pads and streamlined designs. They disappear under your jersey for a minimalist feel that still manages to protect your elbows from checks and falls. If you tend to bang and crash your arms a lot mid-game, opt for low profile pads with removable protective inserts you can switch out as needed.

Consider Your Position’s Needs

Think about your specific position and style of play when choosing elbow pads. For example, LSMs (long-stick midfielders) and SSDM (short-stick defensive middies) may opt for slightly bulkier pads compared to standard offensive midfielders. Defensive players typically face more physical contact and checks that warrant extra protection.

On the other side, offensive midfielders often prioritize mobility and lightweight padding that provides a nimble, fast feel. If you’re a middie who covers the entire field, look for versatile elbow pads offering the ideal balance of flexibility and protection.

Pick Game-Specific Elbow Pads

You also have the option of choosing specialized elbow pads designed specifically with the lacrosse midfielder in mind. Several brands now offer custom lacrosse pads engineered to protect this position’s needs.

For example, elbow pads made for lacrosse midfielders typically have larger bicep guards to protect this vulnerable muscle group from slashes. They also integrate lightweight moisture-wicking sleeves to avoid restricting motion. If you want position-specific protection, lacrosse midfielder elbow pads are worth considering.

Maximize Protection Without Impeding Motion

Ultimately, as a middie, you need elbow pads providing maximum protection that don’t hinder your mobility or feel restrictive. Prioritize key features like breathable moisture wicking material, adjustable straps for a customized fit, removable protective inserts, and strategically placed padding zones. Flexible yet protective materials like polyethylene or EVA foam offer top-notch cushioning without restricting movement.

Test out different pads to find the ideal balance of protection and mobility for your body type and middie playing style. Don’t assume you need the biggest, bulkiest elbow pads for sufficient protection. Streamlined, lightweight padding can still provide plenty of cushioning while enabling your best athletic performance.

Invest in Quality Elbow Pads

Playing midfield requires top-notch stamina and athleticismshift every possession. Don’t let subpar elbow pads jeopardize your season. Investing in high-performance lacrosse pads provides reliable protection shift after shift, game after game. They allow you to play freely without worrying about elbow injury from inevitable contact.

Brands like STX, Maverik, Warrior, Brine, and Nike make excellent elbow pads designed for the fast-paced middie position. Shop around to find the right mix of flexibility, breathability, adjustability, and protection the enables your aggressive style of play. With the best elbow pads for midfielders, you can charge up and down the field with confidence knowing your elbows stay protected.

Consider Lightweight Yet Durable Materials

Hey lax bros, are you looking to play an aggressive midfield position this upcoming season? As any experienced middie knows, having the right protective gear is crucial for success on the field. Among the most important pieces of equipment for aggressive midfielders are elbow pads that provide a lightweight feel while still offering solid protection from checks and falls. Finding pads that strike this optimal balance isn’t always easy. To help you up your midfield game this season, I’ve put together this guide on selecting the best elbow pads for aggressive middies.

When shopping for elbow pads, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is the pad material. The majority of today’s pads utilize a compression sleeve design constructed from stretchy lycra or spandex blends. This form-fitting style allows for a more natural range of motion compared to bulky hard-shell pads. However, not all stretch materials are created equal when it comes to durability. Look for pads made with higher denier fabric, typically in the 30D-80D range, to ensure the gear can withstand the rigors of midline play. Brands like Adidas and Under Armour use high-end Lycra and Spandex blends to optimize lightweight flexibility and breathability while not sacrificing pad life.

You’ll also want to examine the pad’s protective elements. Most middie elbow pads will include molded foam padding over key contact zones like the forearm, bicep, and elbow. High-density EVA or PE foams offer substantial impact absorption while adding minimal bulk or weight. Some pads also incorporate plastic caps on the elbow for extra abrasion resistance when hitting the turf. Consider your style of play and types of contact you expect to encounter, then select pads offering the right mix of foam padding and plastic reinforcement to effectively protect areas prone to checks and falls.

Don’t overlook ventilation and moisture-wicking abilities either. As a mid, you’ll be constantly on the move, working up a sweat in the process. Elbow pads that integrate ventilated Lycra, mesh paneling, or perforated padding can help keep you cool and dry on the field. Moisture-wicking liner fabrics will also draw sweat off your skin so your pads don’t turn into a soggy mess by the fourth quarter. Brands like Maverik emphasize ventilation in their pads to accommodate the demands of midfield play.

When trying on elbow pads, focus on finding the right fit. The pads should have a snug compression fit without restricting your motion or circulation. Most sizes are based on arm circumference measured right around the bicep. A proper fit will keep the pads from slipping down your arms or bunching up. If you fall between sizes, it’s often better to size up for a more comfortable compression fit. You can also look for pads with adjustable straps to dial in the perfect fit. While you want a tight fight, make sure to still move your arms through their full range of motion when trying pads to identify any potential fit issues.

Top Elbow Pad Picks for Middies

Now that you know what to look for in lacrosse elbow pads, here are some top options to consider for midfield players this upcoming season:

Adidas Lacrosse Response Elbow Pads – Offering lightweight 4-way stretch and breathable Airprene sleeves, these pads provide stellar mobility and airflow for active midline play. Their adjustable shoulder caps and flex zones optimize fit and mobility.
STX Cell 5 Lacrosse Elbow Pads – STX’s Cell foam provides hardcore impact dispersion for superior protection. Abrasion guards on the elbows enhance durability. Moisture-wicking lining and perforated neoprene keep you cool and dry.
Warrior Regulator 2 Lacrosse Elbow Pads – Utilizing Wartech compression material for flexibility and Warshield HD foam for protection, these pads balance mobility and protection. Their slip-resistant design ensures the pads stay firmly in place.
Maverik Rome Omega Elbow Pads – Featuring Maverik’s premium DuraStretch material, these pads provide top-notch breathability along with slash, abrasion, and impact resistance. Abrasion guards on the elbows enhance durability.
Under Armour Command 2.0 Elbow Pads – Constructed from HeatGear moisture-wicking fabric and high-impact foam, these lightweight pads keep you cool while absorbing hard checks. They offer comprehensive coverage and a contoured fit.

Regardless of which specific model you choose, focus on finding elbow pads that provide a comfortable, breathable fit while still offering ample padding for the constant contacts that come with playing midfield. Prioritize top-end stretch materials over hard shells for optimal mobility. Vented Lycra sleeves with foam padding will treat you right. Size up if between sizes for the ideal compression fit. With the right pair of elbow pads dialed in, you’ll be ready to take the midline by storm and play an aggressive “take no prisoners” style of midfield lacrosse!

Opt for a Snug, Contoured Fit Around the Elbow

Hey lax dudes, so you’re looking to dominate the midline with an aggressive style of play this upcoming season? Nice bro, that’s what I like to hear! As any seasoned midfielder will tell you, having the right gear that can withstand constant checks and falls is crucial when playing such a physical position on the field. And one of the most critical pieces of equipment for competitive middies is a good pair of elbow pads that fit like a glove around those crucial elbow joints.

Now I know some of you macho middies think you can get by just fine without elbow pads. But let me tell you, after taking a few nasty spills on those unforgiving artificial turfs, you’ll be wishing you had some quality padding! Even if you avoid any major injuries, constantly banging your bare elbows will lead to some ugly bruising and pain that hampers your level of play. So do yourself a favor bros and invest in suitable elbow armor this season.

When shopping for elbow pads, you obviously want options that provide ample padding over the forearms, biceps and elbows to absorb checks and crashes. But an equally important factor is finding pads with a snug, contoured fit in the elbow region. The elbow joint takes a lot of abuse during intense midfield play. So you need pads that wrap tightly around the elbow itself to keep that crucial hinge joint protected. Brands like STX and Maverik design their pads with an articulated, curved shape to conform closely to the natural bend of your elbow.

Pads that are too loose around the elbows will shift around and slip off when you hit the deck, leaving those sharp joints exposed to take the full brunt of impact. Not fun bro! Instead, look for pads that really hug and grip the elbow joint while still allowing a full range of motion. Higher end pads will use flexible Lycra material that compresses around your elbow for a truly customized fit.

Some key things to evaluate when trying on elbow pads for fit include:

No gaps between the pad and elbow
A smooth flex zone at the elbow joint
Snug compression throughout pad sleeve
Adjustable straps to customize fit
Articulated shape with curved elbow molded in

Brands like Maverik and STX are really dialed in when it comes to engineering pads with an anatomical elbow fit. But don’t just take my word for it. When you go to pick up new elbow pads for the season, be sure to try on different models in-store to assess the fit around your unique elbow shape. Bend and flex your arm through the full range of motion to identify any potential pinch points or loose spots around the elbow joint.

While most pads utilize stretchy compression sleeve construction these days, you’ll still find some variation when it comes to elbow fit. Opt for pads that feel like a second skin around your elbows with no slipping or bunching up. They should move naturally with your arm motions without ever exposing your elbows. Prioritize fit over flashy colors or other accessories bros. After all, you want pads that will protect those moneymakers all season long when playing hard-nosed midline lacrosse!

At the end of the day, the optimal elbow pads for you come down to personal preference based on your playing style and fit needs. But no matter what, make sure you get proactive about protecting your elbows this season. Those joints take a beating during midfield play. Invest in suitable padding engineered for a tight, anatomical elbow fit and you’ll be good to go dominate between the boxes! Just don’t come crying to me when you rip open your elbow after trying to play tough without protection bro!

Make Sure Padding Covers the Entire Elbow Area

Yo my lacrosse bros, it’s about that time again to gear up for another intense season battling it out on the midfield line. And for you aggressive middies looking to play with some physicality this year, having the right protective pads is crucial. When it comes to your elbows, you need padding that fully envelops those joints to absorb the constant checks and impacts that come with dominating between the boxes.

Now I know some of you macho midfielders think skipping elbow pads will toughen you up and impress the ladies. But let me tell you bros, after you bang those naked elbows on the turf a few times, you’ll be crying like a toddler! Even a slight impact on that bony elbow joint sends pain shooting up your arm. So be smart this season and invest in complete elbow coverage.

When evaluating lacrosse elbow pads for midfield players, you obviously want options with dense foam padding or plastic caps to disperse big hits. However, the coverage area is just as important as the actual padding. Quality elbow pads will encapsulate the entire elbow joint, including the tip of the elbow, forearm, bicep, and triceps regions. This 360-degree wrapping leaves no part of the elbow exposed to contact.

Pay close attention to the sizing and shape of the padding around the tip of the elbow. Some cheaper pads cut costs by skimping on coverage around this vulnerable area. When you fall with your elbows tucked, it’s the tip that takes the brunt of impact. Exposed tips greatly increase your risk of painful elbow fractures and dislocations from falls. So ensure any pads you select fully envelop the tips in protective foam or plastic.

Going sleeveless may look swag, but for intense midfield play, choose pads with extended forearm and bicep coverage. This shields your entire arm from slashes and pokes that can leave nasty welts. Padding should compress snugly around your elbow joint without cutting off circulation to your lower arm and hand. High-end elbow pads from brands like Maverik utilize premium 4-way stretch materials to optimize coverage and mobility.

While most of today’s elbow pads offer full coverage, slight design differences can affect fit. When trying on pads, simulate midline play by throwing practice checks and hitting the deck to see if any part of your elbow ever feels exposed. Look for pads that stay firmly in place and don’t shift around to leave your elbow joint vulnerable. Prioritize safety over flashy aesthetics or minimalist padding this season bros.

At the end of the day, the type of elbow pad coverage you need comes down to your playing style and risk tolerance. But for hard-charging middies looking to play with controlled aggression, I strongly recommend selecting pads that armor the entire elbow area. You only get one set of elbows bros, so protect them! Don’t learn the importance of elbow pads the hard way like I did back in high school when I shattered my tip in three places trying to be a tough guy without padding. Trust me lax bros, wrap those elbows this season and thank me later when you can keep balling all year long!

Look for Moisture-Wicking Fabric to Keep Cool

As a lacrosse midfielder, you know the importance of having the right gear. A critical piece of equipment that can make or break your game is a good pair of elbow pads. The midfield is the heart of the field, where the action is constantly moving up and down, so you need elbow pads that can keep up with the pace of play. As an aggressive middie, you want pads that provide maximum protection without restricting your movement or overheating your arms. The key is finding pads made of moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you cool even during intense activity. Let’s look at some of the top options when searching for the best elbow pads for aggressive midfielders.

Adidas Lacrosse Elbow Pads

Adidas is one of the top brands in lacrosse gear, known for excellent quality and innovative technology. Their elbow pads are designed to move with you, providing a compression fit that stabilizes without limiting mobility. Adidas elbow pads feature ClimaLite fabric that wicks moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. The pads also utilize soft Lycra bands to conform to your arms. For protection, Adidas integrates padded shields into high-impact zones to protect your elbows and forearms from checks. The adjustable strapping system ensures a secure custom fit. Overall, Adidas elbow pads offer an ideal blend of flexibility, breathability, and protection for aggressive middies.

Warrior Lacrosse Regulator Elbow Pads

Warrior is another leading name in lacrosse equipment. The Warrior Regulator elbow pads are constructed using WarTech Fusion padding, an advanced foam material that is both flexible and highly protective. The pads utilize an articulated design to avoid restricting your arm movement when cradling or shooting. Moisture-wicking WarTek fabric helps keep you cool and dry even during intense games or practices. For a secure fit, Warrior uses a 4-way mesh strap system and an adjustable bicep strap so you can dial in the perfect custom fit. With maximum mobility and high-performance padding, the Warrior Regulator elbow pads are an excellent option for midfielders.

Maverik Lacrosse Rome Elbow Pads

Maverik Rome elbow pads provide top-notch protection with an anatomical design optimized for movement. The elbow caps feature Maverik’s Dual-Density foam for increased shock absorption and impact dispersion. Underneath the caps, Rome pads have a FlexCore frame that bends naturally with your elbows as you play. The pads utilize SlideTrax lining to reduce friction against your skin while also wicking moisture to fight heat and humidity. For adjustability, Maverik uses its Hinge system and a neoprene stretch cuff so you can fine-tune the fit. With biomechanically angled padding and excellent breathability, Maverik Rome elbow pads are ideal for active midfielders.

STX Lacrosse Cell V Elbow Pads

Engineered for speed and mobility, STX Cell V elbow pads are a lightweight option perfect for midfielders. The pads feature compression sleeves with targeted PE foam inserts for protection of the elbows and forearms. Ventilated EVA foam keeps the pads breathable during games and prevents overheating. The compression fit and adjustable straps allow you to customize the pads for full range of motion. Weighing only 5.4oz, the STX Cell V pads are so light you’ll barely notice them. With stretch bands that move naturally with your arms and moisture-wicking lining, the Cell V elbow pads deliver everything an aggressive middie needs.

Cascade Lacrosse Maverik Rome RPM Elbow Pads

The Cascade Maverik Rome RPM elbow pads offer elite-level protection with advanced comfort technologies. The pads feature RPM shell padding arranged in OverLap design that moves effortlessly with your arm. UnderArmour HeatGear moisture-wicking fabric linings assist cooling and comfort. For adjustable security, Cascade uses its Tru-Fit strap system and neoprene bicep band. With cushioned padding and excellent breathability, the Cascade Maverik Rome RPM pads provide the ultimate in comfort, mobility, and protection for aggressive midfielders.

Nike Vapor Lacrosse Elbow Pads

Known for high-performance athletic gear, Nike brings advanced technologies to lacrosse with their Vapor elbow pads. Utilizing hyper-flexible landing zones, Nike elbow pads conform to your arms for unrestricted mobility. The pads incorporate Nike’s Dri-FIT moisture-wicking fabric to fight heat and humidity. For protection, Nike uses molded foam shields combined with reinforced padded sleeves. With an adjustable strap system and flexible gusset panels, the Nike Vapor elbow pads deliver lightweight performance and breathability for active middies.

Factors to Consider

When selecting the best elbow pads for midfielders, you’ll want to evaluate several key factors:

Flexibility – Since middies are constantly moving, you need pads that flex with your arms for full mobility.
Breathability – Moisture-wicking fabric keeps your arms cool and dry during intense play.
Padding – Vital areas like elbows and forearms need sufficient foam or plastic padding to absorb impacts.
Fit – Adjustable strapping ensures a secure, customized fit so pads stay in place.
Weight – Lightweight padding enhances speed and doesn’t weigh you down.

The right elbow pads allow you to play fast and aggressive at midfield while still protecting against checks and collisions. Brands like Adidas, Warrior, Maverik, STX, Cascade, and Nike all offer excellent options designed specifically for the needs of midfielders. Look for moisture-wicking performance fabrics combined with strategically placed padding for flexibility, breathability, and protection. Don’t settle for bulky or restrictive pads – your elbow pads should move with you, not against you. With the best elbow pads for middies, you’ll dominate the midfield with confidence and control.

Choose Extended Forearm Protection Options

As an aggressive lacrosse midfielder, your elbow pads are one of the most critical pieces of gear. You need pads that provide ample protection while still allowing full range of motion. Many middies opt for elbow pads with extended forearm coverage to protect against checks and collisions from all angles. Let’s explore some of the top options for elbow pads with extra forearm protection perfect for aggressive midfielders.

Maverik Rome Lacrosse Elbow Pads

The Maverik Rome elbow pads offer excellent forearm coverage in a flexible, low-profile design. The pads feature extended wings that wrap around your forearms for protection against slashes and poke checks. Maverik uses Dual-Density foam in the elbow caps and shields for increased shock absorption from impacts. The pads have a FlexCore frame that moves naturally with your arms as you cradle and pass. With SlideTrax lining to reduce friction and fight humidity, the Maverik Rome elbow pads provide ample forearm protection without overheating.

STX Cell V Lacrosse Elbow Pads

STX Cell V elbow pads utilize a sleeve-based design with integrated foam padding for forearm protection. The sleeves are constructed from flexible, breathable fabrics that conform to your arms. Targeted foam inserts guard your elbows and forearms against checks. Lightweight EVA foam enhances ventilation to keep you cool. Weighing only 5.4 ounces, the STX Cell V pads provide impact protection for forearms without restricting mobility – ideal for aggressive middies.

Warrior Regulator Lacrosse Elbow Pads

Warrior Regulator elbow pads feature extended forearm padding shaped for anatomical performance. WarTek Fusion foam armor integrates into the interior padding layer to shield your forearms from poke checks and incidental contact. On the exterior, Warrior uses abrasion-resistant materials to withstand turf burn from layouts. WarTek moisture-wicking fabric helps fight humidity and keep you cool. With flexible armor padding and adjustable straps, Warrior Regulator pads offer full-coverage forearm protection.

Brine King VII Lacrosse Elbow Pads

The Brine King VII elbow pads provide a lightweight, low-profile option with extra forearm protection. The pads feature compression sleeves with integrated BPE foam padding on the exterior forearms and interior elbows. Ventilated mesh fabric enhances breathability during games. 3D contoured caps on the elbows disperse and deflect impacts. For adjustability, Brine uses a 4-point HARNESS strap system. With extended forearm padding in a flexible, breathable package, the Brine King VII elbow pads are ideal for aggressive middies.