The Essential Lacrosse Gear for Beginners and Veterans
Whether you’re new to lacrosse or a seasoned veteran, having the right equipment is crucial for safe and successful play. Here’s a comprehensive look at the lacrosse gear you’ll need from head to toe:
Lacrosse Stick
The lacrosse stick is your key piece of equipment, allowing you to catch, cradle, and pass the ball. For beginners, focus on getting a stick with a wider head to make catching and throwing easier. As you advance, you can upgrade to a stick with a narrower head for more precise ball control. Make sure the stick length suits your height and position.
Lacrosse Helmet
A lacrosse helmet with face mask is mandatory to protect your head and face from checks, errant balls, and falls. Helmets must meet NOCSAE safety standards. Ensure a proper fit so the helmet doesn’t shift around. Many players wear protective headgear under their helmets as well.
Lacrosse Gloves
Lacrosse gloves safeguard your hands and improve grip when cradling and checking. Padding across the back helps absorb checks. Make sure gloves fit properly but not too tight. Goalies require heavier, more protective gloves with additional wrist and thumb protection.
Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are vital for shielding your collarbone, chest, and back from checks. Look for adjustable, lightweight pads with high-density foam or plastic caps for maximum protection. Proper sizing ensures full coverage without restricting motion.
Lacrosse Arm Pads
Arm pads protect your elbows, forearms, and biceps from slashes and cross-checks. Opt for pads with adjustable strapping for a secure fit. Goalies may wear specialized arm guards with extra padding and mobility support.
Lacrosse Cleats
The right cleats provide traction for quick cuts, pivots, and sprints on the field. Consider removable or molded cleats for optimal stability. Make sure your cleats are compatible with your playing surface. Goalies often prefer turf shoes for maneuverability in the crease.
Lacrosse Mouthguard
A mouthguard is mandatory to protect your teeth and prevent concussions. Custom-fit guards offer the best protection and comfort but are more expensive. Boil-and-bite guards are affordable and can be molded to your teeth.
Lacrosse Balls
Having a good supply of regulation lacrosse balls ensures you can keep playing even if you misplace a few. Balls come in different colors and designs for indoor vs. outdoor play. Softer balls are great for beginners learning to catch and throw.
Lacrosse Bag
A lacrosse bag keeps all your gear organized and conveniently transports it to and from the field. Duffle bags work for basic needs while backpack styles allow for hands-free carrying. Make sure your bag has enough space for all your equipment.
Lacrosse Practice Jersey
Practice jerseys help differentiate teams during scrimmages and drills. Look for breathable, quick-dry fabrics to stay comfortable. Go for brightly colored jerseys if playing outdoors for visibility.
Additional gear like rib pads, jock straps, elbow pads, shafts, and goalie equipment can further augment protection as you advance. With the fundamentals covered, you’ll be equipped to take the field and enjoy the fast-paced game of lacrosse!
Lacrosse Helmet
1. Helmet
2. Pads
3. Gloves
4. Elbow Pads
5. Mouthguard
6. Cleats
7. Stick
8. Protective Cup
9. Goalie Equipment
10. Arm Pads
11. Rib Pads
12. Helmet Accessories
13. Protective Eyewear
14. Cup Retainers & Supporters
15. Bag
Lacrosse Gloves
1. Helmet
2. Shoulder Pads
3. Gloves
4. Elbow Pads
5. Mouthguard
6. Cleats
7. Stick
8. Cup & Supporter
9. Goalie Gear
10. Arm Guards
11. Rib Pads
12. Helmet Accessories
13. Protective Eyewear
14. Equipment Bags
15. Tape
Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
Helmet
Shoulder Pads
Arm Guards
Gloves
Rib Pads
Jock Strap/Pelvic Protector
Mouthguard
Cleats
Stick
Goggles
Bag
Practice Jersey/Pinnie
Shorts
Socks
Lacrosse Arm Pads
Need the Top 15 Lacrosse Gears to Play?: What Crucial Equipment Makes the Cut This Year?
Lacrosse is an exhilarating, fast-paced sport that requires a specific set of gear and equipment to play safely. As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity across North America, more and more players are looking to get properly outfitted with the right protective pads, sticks, helmets and accessories. But with so much lacrosse equipment available, it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you need, especially if you’re new to the sport. Here’s a look at the top 15 essential lacrosse gears and equipment to get you ready to hit the field.
Helmet
The lacrosse helmet is hands-down the most important piece of protective gear. All lacrosse players are required to wear a helmet that meets safety standards set by organizations like NOCSAE. Lacrosse helmets come equipped with a face mask to protect your eyes, nose and teeth from errant sticks and balls. Make sure to find a helmet that fits snugly for maximum protection. Popular brands include Cascade, Warrior and STX.
Shoulder Pads
Lacrosse shoulder pads slip over your head and rest on your shoulders to shield your collarbone, chest and back. They absorb checks and collisions from other players’ sticks and bodies. For maximum mobility, look for a lightweight pair with stretchy materials. Brands like Maverik, STX and Brine all make excellent shoulder pads for lacrosse.
Arm Guards
Arm guards or arm pads protect you from bruising hits on your arms and elbows during play. Many pads wrap around the thumb and secure with Velcro straps for a snug fit. Hard plastic caps on the elbow and forearm prevent serious injury. Both STX and Maverik make top-rated arm guards for lacrosse players.
Gloves
Lacrosse gloves improve your grip on the stick while shielding your hands and wrists. Mitt-style gloves offer the most protection, covering each individual finger in padded material. Make sure to pick gloves with ample ventilation and grip so you can control your stick. Popular brands include Warrior, Maverik and Brine.
Stick
Your lacrosse stick, known as a crosse, is essential for maneuvering, passing, catching and shooting the ball downfield. The head holds the ball, while the shaft acts as the handle. Attack players tend to use lighter sticks for quicker handling, while defenders rely on stronger poles. Brands like STX, Maverik and Warrior all make excellent lacrosse stick heads and shafts.
Cleats
Lacrosse cleats give you superior traction for quick cuts, stops and directional changes on the field. Many lacrosse cleats have a low profile and mid-cut height for mobility. Look for a pair with molded studs or blades for optimal grip. Popular options come from brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and New Balance.
Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard during lacrosse prevents serious damage to your teeth and mouth. You can choose from basic mouthguards that mold when heated, or opt for custom mouthguards fitted by your dentist. Brands like Shock Doctor, SISU and Battle make affordable, protective mouthguards for lacrosse.
Practice Pennies
Mesh pennies worn over your pads and uniform help distinguish teams during practice scrimmages. Look for reversible pennies in bright colors like orange, yellow and green for high visibility on the field. Major brands include STX, Maverik, Warrior, Brine and Champion.
Bag
A lacrosse bag holds all your gear in one place for convenient transport. Durable bags feature several compartments for your pads, cleats, sticks, gloves and other equipment. Brands like STX, Maverik, Warrior and Gait all make quality lacrosse bags.
Goals
Lacrosse goals give you a target to shoot at during practice and recreational play. Portable pop-up goals are easy to set up and take down on any surface. Look for a goal made of weather-resistant netting and a sturdy frame. Top brands include Brine, STX, Rukket and Gladiator.
Balls
Having a supply of lacrosse balls on hand helps maximize your practice time. Hard rubber lacrosse balls provide a true bounce and roll for passing, catching and shooting drills. Brands like Maverik, STX and Brine sell durable lacrosse balls individually or in bulk multi-packs.
Shorts
Lightweight lacrosse shorts allow free range of motion during play. Look for shorts with built-in padding or purchase compression shorts to wear underneath for extra protection and support. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Maverik and STX sell lacrosse shorts.
Jersey
Mesh lacrosse jerseys provide breathability and ventilation during games and practices. Choose loose-fitting jerseys that won’t restrict your movement on the field. Major brands include Nike, Adidas, Maverik, Warrior, Brine and STX.
Socks
Lacrosse socks absorb shock and protect your lower legs from abrasion. Look for moisture-wicking, synthetic socks that fit snugly. Popular brands for lacrosse socks include Warrior, STX, Nike and Under Armour.
With this essential lineup of protective pads, gloves, helmets, sticks and more, you’ll have everything you need to get out on the field and enjoy the fast-paced action of lacrosse. Don’t forget to tap into online lacrosse communities and forums for recommendations on gear from fellow players. And always make sure to try on equipment for a comfortable fit before purchasing. Stay safe and have fun gearing up for lacrosse!
Lacrosse Cleats
Need the Top 15 Lacrosse Gears to Play?: What Crucial Equipment Makes the Cut This Year?
As any seasoned lacrosse player knows, having the right gear and equipment is crucial for optimal performance and safety on the field. While items like helmets, pads and sticks might spring to mind first, one key piece of equipment that can really make or break your game is lacrosse cleats. With so many options on the market, choosing the best cleats for your playing style and position can be daunting. To help narrow down your search, here’s an in-depth look at some of the top lacrosse cleats available and what to look for when picking your pair.
Low Profile Design
Many lacrosse players prefer a cleat with a slim, low profile design. This helps maximize your mobility for quick changes in direction, fast cuts and smooth pivots during play. Brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour all offer lightweight lacrosse cleats built for speed and agility on the field.
Mid or High Cut
Lacrosse cleats come in three main styles – low, mid and high cut. Low cut cleats end below your ankle, while high tops rise above it. Mid-cut cleats strike a happy medium. The mid-cut height helps support your ankle during play while still allowing a good range of motion. Some popular mid-cut lacrosse cleat options include the Under Armour Highlight, Adidas Adizero and Nike Vapor.
Molded Studs
The studs or cleats on the bottom of lacrosse shoes provide you with solid traction and grip on grass or turf fields. Molded plastic studs tend to be more durable and won’t wear down too quickly. Some top options with quality molded studs are the Warrior Adonis, New Balance Freeze and Nike Alpha Huarache cleats.
Blade Cleats
In contrast to molded studs, blade cleats use small metal spikes that embed in the playing surface. These can provide even more traction for quick cuts and acceleration. But blade cleats tend to wear down faster on hard artificial turf. If you play primarily on grass, blade cleats like the Under Armour Highlight RM are a good choice.
Lightweight Materials
As a fast-paced, running sport, weight matters in lacrosse footwear. The lighter your cleats, the less drag on your feet as you move up and down the field. Many brands now use ultra-light synthetics like TPU in their lacrosse cleats. The Nike Vapor Pro for example weighs only 7.9 oz.
Ventilation
Proper airflow and ventilation keeps your feet cool and dry even during intense games and practices. Look for lacrosse cleats constructed from breathable woven fabrics with vent holes. Options like the Warrior Regicide 8 and New Balance Freeze use lightweight mesh materials for maximum ventilation.
Ankle Support
As mentioned earlier, mid and high-cut lacrosse cleats provide more ankle stability and support than low tops. Added foam padding around the ankles also enhances support and comfort. So defenders and midfielders may favor that extra ankle protection during physical play and frequent directional changes.
Abrasion Protection
It’s common in lacrosse to get stepped on by other players during ground ball battles and contested possessions. Seeking out cleats with extra protection over the toes and sides helps prevent against stubbed toes and abrasions. Options like the Under Armour Finisher and Warrior Regicide provide solid abrasion protection.
Replaceable Studs
For the serious lacrosse player, cleats with replaceable studs allow you to customize your traction and easily swap out worn studs. The Under Armour Hammer Mid and Nike Alpha Huarache offer replaceable studs when it’s time to refresh your cleats.
Color Options
Today’s lacrosse cleats come in a wide array of colors and styles. While colors and designs don’t affect performance, it’s always fun to show your personal flair on the field. Brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour offer color choices from basic black or white to bright pinks, oranges, purples and more.
At the end of the day, choosing lacrosse cleats comes down to fit, feel and your personal preference as a player. Be sure to try on different options to see what works best for your feet. And check reviews from other lacrosse players to tap into their experiences with different cleat models and brands. With the right pair of lacrosse cleats broken in and ready to go, you’ll gain that extra edge to cut, pivot and accelerate past defenders this season.