Shoulder Pads – Crucial for Protection Against Checks & Falls
When suiting up for lacrosse, one of the most important pieces of protective gear is a good pair of shoulder pads. The right pads can be the difference between walking away from a tough game with a few bruises or suffering a more serious injury like a separated shoulder or dislocated joint.
Lacrosse shoulder pads are designed to shield the collarbone, shoulders, and upper back from the blows dished out through stick checks, body checks, and hard falls. They absorb and distribute impact to minimize injury risk. While football shoulder pads aim to make players seem larger and more imposing, lacrosse pads focus more on flexibility, lightweight protection, and range of motion.
Key Features of Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
- Adjustable straps for a customized fit
- Hard plastic caps over the shoulders
- Foam or plastic padding across the chest and back
- Ventilation to allow airflow and cooling
- Lightweight and low-profile construction
When shopping for new shoulder pads, be sure to consider your position and style of play. Defensemen and players who battle physically in front of the net need maximum protection. Meanwhile, faster players like attackmen and middies may opt for more lightweight pads for mobility.
Try on different pad models to find the right blend of comfort, fit, and protection for your needs. It’s also smart to pair pads with shoulder liners or undershirts that add extra cushioning. Well-padded, properly fitted shoulder pads give players confidence to play physically without fear of injury.
While helmets and gloves may get more flashy styling, shoulder pads are a foundational lacrosse protective that every player needs. With the right pads, you can charge into contact without worrying about the landing!
Rib Pads – Shield your ribs from bruising hits
Rib Pads
Shoulder Pads
Bicep Pads
Arm Pads
Gloves
Elbow Pads
Forearm Pads
Hip Pads
Tailbone Pads
Thigh Pads
Shin Guards
Knee Pads
Ankle Braces
Mouthguards
Chest Protectors – Extra armor for vital organs
Looking to Up Your Lacrosse Game This Year? 15 Must-Have Pads & Protectors
Every lacrosse player knows that having the right protective gear can make all the difference on the field. With hard checks, wild passes, and loose balls flying everywhere, staying protected is a must. So if you’re looking to step up your lacrosse game this season, having the right pads and protectors should be a top priority.
Here are 15 essential pads and protectors every lacrosse player needs:
Shoulder Pads
A good pair of lacrosse shoulder pads is perhaps the most important piece of protective gear. Shoulder pads absorb the shock of checks while allowing a full range of motion. For attack players, more lightweight and flexible pads maximize mobility. Defensive players typically opt for bulkier pads with more padding. Companies like Maverik, Warrior, and STX make excellent shoulder pads for all positions.
Rib Pads
Getting hit with a stick in the ribs is extremely painful, so rib pads are a must. Rib pads cushion the blow of any hits to the torso while allowing players to twist and turn. Hard plastic caps add an extra layer of protection over the sternum. For total rib coverage, stretchy shirt-style pads are available too.
Chest Protectors
For close-quarter play near the crease, a chest protector is essential. These padded shirts have plastic covering the heart, shoulders, and collarbone. Goalies rely on full upper body protection, but field players can get away with more flexible chest padding. Brands like Shock Doctor and Epoch make lightweight options.
Arm Pads
Mandatory for box lacrosse but optional for field, arm pads protect players from checks and slashes. Lightweight pads slip right over the elbow and forearm for mobility and coverage. Hard caps over the elbow and wrist add impact protection too. For field lacrosse, partial arm sleeves are popular for extra elbow padding.
Gloves
Lacrosse gloves provide essential protection for the hands and wrists. Palm padding absorbs shock from catching passes, while reinforced thumbs and wrists prevent sprains and fractures. Attack players favor gloves with maximum dexterity, while defense relies on bulkier options. Customizable cuff lengths and palm padding make it easy to dial in the perfect fit.
Throat Protectors
Also known as neck guards, throat protectors are vital for preventing serious injury. A stick or ball to the throat can crush the windpipe and restrict breathing. Guards made of lightweight, breathable materials sit comfortably under the chin attached to the shoulder pads or helmet. For maximum protection, look for guards with extended collar bones and wrap-around coverage.
Cup
No piece of gear is more important for protecting sensitive areas than the cup. Lacrosse balls and errant checks to the groin are extremely debilitating. A padded cup absorbs impact while staying comfortable under uniforms. Breathable cotton or microfiber construction helps prevent chafing and irritation during intense play.
Girdle
Worn over the hips and thighs, lacrosse girdles provide padding and impact protection to the lower body. Interior pads cushion from routine bumps and checks while the exterior shell disperses energy on big collisions. Girdles keep all the padding secured in place while adding abdominal protection too.
Pants
Today’s lacrosse pants combine lightweight protection with athletic mobility. Stretchy yet durable fabrics allow full range of motion while interior padding shields the quadriceps and hamstrings. Built-in girdles and removable hip, knee, and thigh pads let players customize protection. For field players, breathable polyester or nylon pants are ideal.
Knee Pads
As players scoop up ground balls and cut sharply, knees absorb a lot of contact and stress. To defend against bruising joint pain, knee pads are essential. Foam or gel padding cushions the kneecap and surrounding area. Slip-in pads fit right under pants, while hard shelled caps on some models add more durable protection.
Cleats
The right cleats provide traction for quick cuts and sprints while protecting feet from impacts. Synthetic leather or mesh uppers are durable and breathable. Removable studs provide custom traction for any surface. For midfielders covering lots of ground, lightweight and supportive cleats are ideal.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards may be the most overlooked piece of protective gear in lacrosse. But dental injuries from shots, elbows, and sticks are all too common. Protecting teeth and jaw with a mouthguard prevents serious harm. Custom-fit offers the best protection and comfort, but affordable boil-and-bite options still get the job done.
Helmet
Last but certainly not least, a helmet is mandatory head protection against shots, collisions, and stick checks. Advanced helmets like the Cascade R or Warrior Regulator have engineered foams and shells to absorb huge impacts while staying light. Face masks keep eyes and teeth protected too. For goalies, full head and throat protection is a must.
Getting decked out in complete lacrosse padding and protection is the best way to minimize injuries this season. With high-quality pads in all the right places, you can play confidently and aggressively knowing your body is safe. Don’t neglect protection in the name of mobility or comfort. The latest pads offer lightweight, breathable protection that moves with you and helps take your game to the next level.
Shin Guards – Defend lower legs from checks
Looking to step up your lacrosse game this season? Protecting your body with the right pads and guards should be a top priority. Here are 15 must-have pieces of lacrosse protective gear to keep you safe on the field:
Shoulder Pads
Sturdy shoulder pads are crucial for absorbing hard checks. Attack players favor more lightweight, flexible pads for maximum mobility, while defenders need bulkier pads with extra padding. Brands like Maverik and Warrior make excellent shoulder pads catered to each position’s needs.
Rib Pads
Getting whacked in the ribs with a lacrosse stick is super painful. Wearing rib pads helps cushion the blow of any hits to the torso. Models with hard plastic sternum caps provide an extra layer of vital chest protection. Stretchy shirt-style pads offer full wrap-around rib coverage.
Chest Protectors
Chest protectors with plastic shielding over the heart, shoulders and collarbone are essential for close-quarter play near the crease. While goalies need extensive upper body padding, field players can opt for more low-profile, flexible chest guards from companies like Shock Doctor.
Arm Guards
Optional for field lacrosse but required for box lacrosse, arm guards slip over the elbow and forearm to protect against checks and slashes. Hard caps on the elbow and wrist provide additional impact protection. Partial arm sleeves with extra elbow padding are popular in field lacrosse too.
Gloves
Proper lacrosse gloves safeguard the hands and wrists from injury. Palm and thumb padding help absorb the shock of catching passes. Reinforced wrists prevent dangerous sprains and fractures. Attack players need gloves with maximum dexterity, while defenders rely on bulkier, more protective options.
Throat Protectors
Also called neck guards, throat protectors prevent serious injury from sticks hitting the windpipe. Lightweight, breathable protectors attach to the shoulder pads or helmet for comfort. For maximum coverage, look for guards with extended collar bones and wrap-around design.
Cup
Protecting the groin from lacrosse ball impacts and stick checks is a must. A well-fitted, padded cup absorbs blows while staying comfortable under uniforms. Breathable cotton and microfiber help reduce irritation during intense play.
Girdle
Hip and thigh padding is crucial in lacrosse. Girdles worn over the hips provide lower body protection and keep padding secured in place. They cushion routine bumps while dispersing big collision energy through the shell exterior.
Pants
Lightweight, breathable lacrosse pants with interior padding shield the quadriceps and hamstrings from harm. Stretch fabrics allow full mobility while built-in girdles and removable pads let players customize protection. Polyester and nylon pants work great.
Knee Pads
Knee pads are vital to defend against painful joint bruising during play. Foam or gel padding cushions the kneecap area when scooping up ground balls. For durable protection, opt for hard shelled caps on slip-in pads fitted under pants.
Cleats
Proper lacrosse cleats provide traction for quick cuts while protecting feet from impact. Synthetic, durable uppers and removable studs dial in custom traction. Midfielders covering lots of ground need super lightweight and supportive cleats.
Mouthguards
Don’t overlook mouthguards – they prevent serious dental injuries. Custom-fitted offers the best protection and comfort, but more affordable boil-and-bite guards still get the job done against shots, elbows and sticks.
Helmet
Lastly, helmets with engineered foams and shells are mandatory for absorbing high-impact shots to the head. Advanced options like the Cascade R or Warrior Regulator maximize protection while staying lightweight. Integrated face masks keep eyes and teeth safe too.
Getting fully equipped with lacrosse protective gear is the best way to minimize injury risk this season. With high-quality, lightweight pads in all the right places, you can charge ahead confidently knowing your body is protected.
Shoulder Liners – Extra cushioning under pads
Looking to step up your lacrosse game this season? Protecting your body with the right gear is key. Here are 15 essential lacrosse pads and protectors to help take your game to the next level:
Shoulder Pads
Sturdy shoulder pads absorb checks while allowing full mobility. Attackers need lightweight, flexible pads, while defenders require bulky, heavily-padded ones. Top brands like Maverik and Warrior cater pads to each position.
Shoulder Liners
Shoulder liners add extra cushioning and comfort under pads. Thin, breathable materials help prevent chafing and irritation during play. Some liners even include padded inserts for customizable protection.
Rib Pads
Painful rib shots are common in lacrosse. Rib pads cushion torso blows and many feature hard plastic sternum caps for added protection. Full coverage shirt-style pads wrap around the entire ribcage area.
Chest Protectors
Chest protectors shield the heart, shoulders and collarbone from close-range hits. While goalies need extensive padding, field players can get by with flexible guards from Shock Doctor or Epoch.
Arm Guards
Mandatory for box lacrosse but optional for field, arm guards protect from checks and slashes. Models with elbow/wrist caps provide serious impact protection. Partial sleeves work for extra field lacrosse elbow padding.
Gloves
Proper lacrosse gloves prevent hand and wrist injuries when catching passes. Palm and thumb padding help absorb impact while reinforced wrists prevent sprains. Attackers need maximum dexterity and defenders require bulkier protection.
Throat Protectors
Also called neck guards, throat protectors prevent windpipe injury from stick shots. Lightweight, breathable protectors attach to shoulder pads or helmets for comfort. For maximum coverage, look for extended collarbones and wrap-around design.
Cup
A well-fitted, padded cup is crucial for protecting the groin area from ball and stick impact. Breathable cotton and microfiber help reduce chafing and irritation during intense play.
Girdle
Girdles worn over the hips provide padding for lower body protection while keeping everything secured. They cushion routine bumps and check impacts through the exterior shell.
Pants
Lightweight lacrosse pants with interior padding protect the quadriceps and hamstrings. Stretchy fabrics maximize mobility and built-in girdles/removable pads let players customize protection. Polyester and nylon rock.
Knee Pads
Knee pads defend against painful joint bruising during play. Foam or gel padding cushions the kneecap area when scooping up ground balls. Opt for hard shells for maximum durability.
Cleats
Proper lacrosse cleats provide traction for quick cuts while protecting feet. Durable uppers and removable studs customize traction. Lightweight, supportive cleats work best for midfielders.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards prevent serious dental injuries from shots, elbows, and sticks. Custom-fitted offers the best protection, but cheaper boil-and-bite guards still get the job done.
Helmet
Helmets with engineered foams and shells are mandatory for absorbing high-impact shots. Advanced options like the Cascade R or Warrior Regulator maximize protection while staying lightweight and providing integrated face masks.
Equipping yourself with complete lacrosse protective gear is the best injury prevention. Premium pads in all the right places allow you to play confidently this season knowing your body is protected.
Cleats – Enhance traction & speed
