MustHave UNC Lacrosse Gear for Top Performance

MustHave UNC Lacrosse Gear for Top Performance

Find the Right Cleats for Power and Agility on the Lacrosse Field

When selecting lacrosse cleats, you’ll want to consider factors like traction, support, and weight to enhance your quick cuts, acceleration, and change of direction on the field. The cleat plate is one of the most important elements, as the number, shape, and configuration of studs or spikes on the bottom greatly impacts traction. Typically, molded and detachable cleats perform best on grass, while turf shoes work well on artificial surfaces.

For midfield lacrosse players who need to move in all directions, pivot, and make sharp cuts, a cleat with conical studs or a combination of conical and bladed studs allows for multi-directional traction. Attackmen who drive hard to the goal often favor a cleat with more bladed studs for linear speed and traction.

When planting hard to pivot or push off in a new direction, proper stud pressure distribution across the forefoot and heel is key to preventing injury. A contoured midsole enhances support and stabilization during lateral motions. Lightweight synthetic uppers also promote agility by reducing drag.

Consider sizing up a half or full size to allow room for athletic socks and ensure a comfortable, secure fit that locks the heel in place. Nobody wants their feet sliding around in their lacrosse cleats! Properly fitted cleats empower you to play at your peak.

Choose Lightweight Gloves for Superior Ball Control

When selecting lacrosse gloves, lightweight construction is key for giving players the tactile feel and dexterity needed for stick handling, cradling, scooping, and passing. While protection is still important, bulky pads can reduce mobility and contact with the ball.

Fingered lacrosse gloves allow for the most finesse, feedback, and control, especially for handling the stick. They provide more flexibility and freedom of movement, enabling your hands to wrap properly around the shaft for a secure grip. The trade-off is less protection for your fingers from checks, though many fingered gloves still have basic padding over the back of the hand.

For field players looking for more finger protection, gloves with fully padded or partially removable finger sleeves are a good compromise between dexterity and defense against checks. The padding can be removed from the pointer and middle fingers on the dominant hand to enhance feel while retaining protection on the vulnerable pinky and ring fingers. Attackmen in particular favor this option.

Some factors to consider when selecting gloves are breathability, flexibility, and durability. Mesh backs allow airflow to hands for comfort. Four-way stretch fabrics and pre-curved fingers enable natural hand movements. Durable full-grain leather or synthetics are abrasion-resistant in high impact areas. Customizable cuffs secure the gloves in place.

Well-fitted gloves should be snug but not restrictive. Trying on different sizes and styles is recommended to find the ideal balance of responsiveness, protection, and comfort to elevate your lacrosse game.

Get a Durable Helmet Engineered for Protection

Lacrosse helmets are designed to protect players from contact, checks, and falls. When selecting a helmet, durability is key. Lacrosse involves high speed play with sticks, balls, and physical contact, so helmets must be capable of withstanding impact while minimizing head injury risk.

Shell construction is an important factor in a helmet’s protective qualities and sturdiness. Polycarbonate alloy shells offer a lightweight but extremely sturdy outer casing that can flex and rebound upon impact. This helps dissipate energy from checks and collisions.

Internal padding layers also enhance protection. Multi-stage foam or composite pads lining the helmet cushion the head on contact. Jaw pads protect the face and head from side swings. Occipital pads defend the lower back of the head. Make sure to choose a helmet with adequate coverage and cushioning in all impact areas.

Helmet shells have varying levels of ventilation to balance airflow and structure integrity. More vent holes promote cooling but potentially compromise durability. Less ventilation offers increased protection at the cost of heat dissipation.

When trying on helmets, check for snug but comfortable fit. The helmet should not rotate or shift excessively. Straps must maintain stability while allowing jaw movement and clearance. Carefully inspect the chin strap, snaps, ventilation holes, shell, and pads for any cracks or defects before purchasing.

With regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement of worn parts, a well-constructed lacrosse helmet provides the resilience and protection to confidently perform on the field.

Arm Pads That Flex With Your Movement

Lacrosse arm pads are essential for protecting players from checks, slashes, and contact. When selecting arm pads, flexibility is key to avoid restricting motion during play. The pads should move naturally with your arm while providing sturdy shielding from hits.

Padding material influences flexibility. Multi-layer foam pads compress and expand easily to allow full mobility. Lightweight polyethylene or vinyl shells overlay the foam for additional structure and impact deflection. For goalies, thicker and denser padding provides enhanced cushioning.

Stretchy fabrics like Lycra spandex allow pads to flex and conform to the arm through a full range of motion. Pre-bent designs follow the natural shape of the elbow for unencumbered bending. Adjustable straps prevent slipping and keep pads secure during intense play.

Arm pad size affects flexibility and comfort. Measure arm length and circumference to find the right fit. Pads should extend fully from above the elbow to the wrist. A customizable pad allows you to remove sections for greater mobility if needed.

For field players, a close fit enhances dexterity when stick handling and passing. Goalies favor more oversized pads for increased surface area protection. Try different sizes to find the ideal balance of coverage, flexibility, and responsiveness.

Inspect pads regularly for breaks in the shell or cushioning and replace damaged parts immediately. Proper arm pad fit and flexibility empower players to confidently execute checks and cradles without fear of injury.

Shoulder Pads for Complete Coverage During Checks

Lacrosse shoulder pads provide vital protection from the constant checks, collisions, and contact of gameplay. When selecting shoulder pads, seeking complete coverage is essential to shield the shoulders, chest, back, and collarbone from injury.

The ideal lacrosse shoulder pads will wrap around the contours of the shoulders with padding extending over the front, top, and back. This provides cushioning and defense when taking checks from all angles. Multi-layer foam or removable plastic caps absorb impact.

Chest plates guard the sternum and ribcage from frontal slashes and shots. Spine pads protect the upper back, while kidney pads shield the lower back. Collar reinforcements help prevent injury to the clavicle and neck.

Adjustable straps and stretch linings allow shoulder pads to conform to the player’s physique for customized protection. Lightweight pads enhance speed and mobility while still offering robust padding.

Goalies require the most comprehensive protective coverage given their constant vulnerability in the crease. Their shoulder pads prioritize maximum cushioning over mobility.

A proper lacrosse shoulder pad fit will feel snug while enabling free arm movement. Test different sizes and designs to find the right product for your protection needs and physique.

Elbow Pads: Vital for Injury Prevention

In the fast-paced, high-contact sport of lacrosse, elbow pads are essential for preventing injury from checks, falls, and contact. Selecting padding engineered to shield the fragile joint from all angles is key.

Lacrosse elbow pads typically utilize a hard outer shell to distribute impact energy. Underneath, padding like dual-density foam or EVA foam absorbs shock while allowing flex. The best pads have thick, reinforced caps on the point and surrounding area for maximum protection.

Abrasion-resistant fabrics withstand field friction. Slip-resistant inner linings prevent shifting. Adjustable straps customize the fit. Open backs enhance breathability and freedom of movement.

For field players, a form-fitting, low-profile design maximizes mobility while still protecting. Goalies need maximum cushioning from repeated shot blocking, so their pads are thicker and more rigid.

Sized correctly, elbow pads should extend several inches above and below the joint. Measure arm length and elbow circumference to find your optimal size and ensure full coverage. Pads shouldn’t pinch or impair your range of motion.

Inspect pads regularly for cracks or tears compromising their protective qualities. Don’t risk injury – replace damaged gear immediately. Quality lacrosse elbow pads absorb impacts that would otherwise debilitate this vital hinge joint.

Protective Cups for Confidence and Safety

In the high-speed, high-impact sport of lacrosse, a protective cup is essential gear for all male players. Selecting a cup engineered to shield the vulnerable groin area instills confidence and enables players to perform without fear of injury.

Lacrosse cups utilize dense foam or rigid plastics to absorb and deflect shock from checks, collisions, and errant balls. An athletic supporter with compression shorts or a pocketed jockstrap positions the cup for maximum protection while preventing shifting.

Proper fit is critical – most brands offer multiple sizes. Measure waist size and use sizing charts to select the right cup and supporter that conforms close to the body. Allow room for adjustments as you move. Cups that are too loose can shift and expose the groin.

For field players, lightweight, low-profile cups maximize comfort and mobility. Goalies favor more comprehensive designs focused on cushioning rather than agility.

Inspect cups before each use for any cracks or deformities in the protective shell or foam that could compromise its shock-absorbing abilities. Don’t risk playing with damaged equipment.

Wearing a snug, undamaged cup provides essential protection that gives lacrosse players the confidence to perform at 100% without fear of excruciating groin injuries.

Lacrosse Sticks for Passing, Cradling, and Shooting

A lacrosse stick is one of the most vital pieces of gear, used for cradling, scooping, passing, catching, and shooting the ball. With so many brands and styles available, it’s important to select a stick optimized for your position and playing style.

For midfielders who handle the ball a lot, a lightweight stick enhances ball control and maneuverability. Attackmen favor more flexible sticks for wicked shots on goal. Defensive sticks are stronger and stiffer for checking opponents and protecting the cage.

Shaft materials like titanium and composite fibers offer strength without excess weight. Handles should have a grippy texture for control. Stick length is another consideration – longer sticks suit taller players for reach, while shorter sticks provide greater leverage.

Heads come in various shapes like mid/high-mid/low-mid/low to balance ball retention and release. Wider heads make scooping ground balls easier. Narrower heads provide more accuracy. Pockets can be customized with various shooting strings, sidewall patterns, and mesh styles to preference.

Test sticks before buying to ensure the handle, head, and pocket feel right for your position and skill level. With a properly strung lacrosse stick tailored to your needs, you gain the edge to out-pass, out-catch, and out-shoot the competition.

Heads With the Best Scoop and Ball Retention

In lacrosse, being able to quickly scoop ground balls and retain possession is a vital skill. When selecting a lacrosse stick head, prioritizing ease of scooping and ball control is key.

For superior scooping, a wider head with a flat or slightly rounded scoop is ideal. This allows you to get under the ball more easily for quick collection. Offset or curved sidewall designs also facilitate scooping ground balls at different angles.

Once the ball is in your stick, retention is critical. Heads with medium to deep pocket depths help “trap” the ball while cradling, maneuvering, and evading defenders. A relaxed pocket with an adequate “sweet spot” also enhances control.

Stringing is integral for pocket depth and ball control. Expert stringers use myriad shooting strings, sidewall patterns, interlocks, and meshes to construct an optimal pocket. Semi-stiff mesh provides some structure while still retaining the ball.

As you play with different heads, focus on how smoothly you can rake in ground balls and how securely the ball sits in the pocket. Heads strung for your skill level with superior scooping and retention give you an edge to dominate possessions.

With technology improving stick design every year, keep testing the latest heads to maximize your lacrosse performance through optimized scooping and ball control.

Mesh and Pocket Styles for Controlled Ball Release

The lacrosse stick pocket is vital for controlling the ball during cradling, maneuvering, passing, and shooting. When stringing a pocket, selecting the right mesh and style enables optimal ball release.

String mesh types like traditional, special relaxed, and semi-hard determine pocket structure, hold, and release. Softer meshes retain shape better for consistent release, while firmer meshes offer more rebound. Premium meshes increase durability.

Weave tightness also affects ball control and quickness of release. Tighter weaves provide more hold and whip, optimal for passing and shooting. Open weaves have quicker release, good for face-off midfielders and defensemen.

Pocket placement balances hold and release. High pockets have late, inconsistent release while low pockets have fast, uncontrollable release. Mid to mid-low pockets provide the optimal blend of control and quick release.

Shooting strings, cross-lacings, and sidewall patterns fine-tune pocket depth, shape, and release. Vs, Us, and diamonds control hold points. Double sidewalls increase durability and ball control. Test stringing setups to preference.

With the right mesh and pocket style tailored to your position and playing style, you gain full command over ball possession, movement, and release.

Durable Shafts for Maximum Energy Transfer

The lacrosse stick shaft acts as the main conduit for transferring energy from the player to the ball. When selecting a shaft, durability is vital for optimizing power while withstanding checks.

Shafts are typically constructed from materials like titanium, scandium, composite alloys, or carbon fiber for an ideal blend of strength, stiffness, and lightweight maneuverability. These enable better energy transfer for powerful yet controlled shots.

Shaft shape also affects durability and energy transfer. Octagonal and teardrop shapes are structurally stronger than round shafts while still allowing some flex. Correct shaft flex rating aligns with your power needs – too stiff or too flexible wastes energy.

Proper shaft length provides maximum leverage for your build. Cut each shaft to create a personalized fit. Also consider handle texture for superior grip during intense play.

Inspect shafts regularly for cracks or warping that compromise strength. Check that the head is secured firmly to prevent loosening or dislodgement.

With a customized high-performance shaft engineered to hold up to your hardest slashes and checks, you empower your lacrosse skills to the fullest potential.

Goalie Gear for Unmatched Save Percentage

The goalie is the backbone of any lacrosse defense, tasked with blocking shots from every angle. To dominate between the pipes, having gear engineered for maximum reaction time, coverage, and impact absorption is key.

Goalie helmets offer enhanced head protection with full visors to track shots. Chest protectors shield the core and shoulders with rigid plastic plates, foam blocks, and segmented padding. Arm and shin guards maximize coverage area.

Goalie gloves have thick foam and plastic boarding to absorb high-velocity shots. The thumb is often detached for mobility. Abrasion-resistant exterior materials enhance durability during dives.

A goalie stick has an extra-wide head for blocking more net. Its shaft is thicker for improved durability and checks. Goalie pants pad the knees, thighs and tailbone while allowing free hip flexibility.

Try various gear styles to find sizes and fits allowing full mobility while providing comprehensive protective padding. Well-chosen goalie gear enhances reaction time, coverage, and save percentage to frustrate shooters.

Customize Your Gear Colors and Logos

In lacrosse, customizing your gear with your team colors and logos is a great way to showcase team spirit and intimidate opponents. When ordering custom gear, maximizing quality and durability should still remain the priority.

Many manufacturers offer gear customization services to imprint helmets, gloves, pads, uniforms, and equipment bags with your chosen designs. Opt for sublimated printing over screen printing for vibrant, lasting colors that won’t crack or peel.

Keep mascot logos and nameplate designs simple – intricate details may get lost at smaller sizes. Limit color palettes to your team’s core hues for bold, eye-catching gear. Apply custom prints to non-impact zones only to avoid compromising structural integrity.

When ordering custom sticks, choose reliable materials first, then customize with colored grips, shafts, strings, or decals. Paint goalie masks rather than using stickers which can peel. Consider removable wraps to switch up designs.

Well-crafted gear personalized with your colors and logos promotes team unity and psychological edge on the field, while still prioritizing optimal performance and protection.

Maintain Equipment for Peak Performance

Taking proper care of your lacrosse gear ensures it performs at its best over the long run. Following equipment maintenance best practices maximizes durability and extends a product’s useful life.

Always allow gear to fully air dry after use before storage to prevent mildew buildup. Sanitize pads periodically with non-toxic disinfectant sprays. Spot clean helmets and plastics with mild detergent and a soft brush.

Check all straps and snaps periodically and replace damaged fasteners for secure fit. Tighten or replace loose screws holding pads together. Patch small holes in mesh with lacrosse head string.

Disinfect and sanitize glove interiors frequently for odor and bacteria control. Use leather cleaners and conditioners on leather gloves to retain suppleness.

Examine gear before each use for cracks, dents, fraying or other defects compromising protective quality and replace damaged items immediately.

Properly maintaining lacrosse equipment improves safety, hygiene and performance. Take care of your gear so it can take care of you on the field.

Shop End-of-Season Sales for Savings

Lacrosse gear and equipment can entail a significant investment. Shopping end-of-season clearance sales allows you to get quality gear at reduced prices.

As new equipment models are introduced each year, retailers will discount older models to clear out inventory. Significant savings can be found on discontinued yet still functional gear.

Shop tent sales and other team dealer events for special discounts on last season’s equipment. Bulk team orders may receive price breaks from manufacturers. Off-season holiday sales may offer savings too.

Focus on identifying performance features rather than the latest bells and whistles. Try out display items in-store and inspect for damage before purchasing. Be aware of warranty and replacement policies.

Consider buying used gear from verified sellers if lightly worn. Re-stringing heads restores performance. Sanitize pads thoroughly first.

With some research and inspection, end-of-season lacrosse deals allow you to responsibly equip yourself or an entire team while maximizing value.