Picking the Best Lacrosse Wrist Guards for Protection and Performance

Picking the Best Lacrosse Wrist Guards for Protection and Performance

Lacrosse Wrist Guards Provide Critical Protection

Wrist guards are an essential piece of protective gear for lacrosse players of all positions. The wrists and hands are particularly vulnerable to injury from errant checks, slashes, and ball impact during play. Wearing properly fitted wrist guards can help prevent painful injuries like fractures, sprains, and jammed fingers.

For field players, wrist guards protect against potential breaks or fractures when hit by a stick or ball. Checks to the wrist area can easily cause damage without proper padding. Guards absorb and diffuse energy from impacts to reduce injury risk. They allow players to check aggressively without as much worry about hurting themselves.

Goalies rely on wrist guards even more for blocking high-velocity shots. A shot to an unprotected wrist could break bones and cause severe injury. With guards, goalies can make saves without fear of shots bounding into unpadded areas. The additional coverage gives them confidence challenging shooters.

Lacrosse is a contact sport, so gearing up properly is a must. Wrist guards may seem insignificant, but they play a major role in keeping players safe. The right pair provides flexible protection against routine in-game collisions. Don’t take the risk of playing without these simple but essential pieces of equipment.

Different Styles for Attack, Midfield, and Defense

When shopping for lacrosse wrist guards, it’s important to consider your position and needs. Attack, midfield, and defensive players all have slightly different requirements when it comes to protection and mobility.

Attack players generally opt for lightweight and minimal guards that provide basic wrist support without restricting stick handling and passing. Key factors are flexibility, ventilation, and a secure fit. Popular choices like Maverik Rome and STX Cell 3 gloves offer great freedom of movement.

Midfielders need guards that balance protection and performance. Expect more padding than attack gloves but less bulk than defense. Midfield gloves like Warrior Regulator II help brace against routine contact while enabling precise shooting and passing execution. Ventilation and moisture-wicking fabrics keep hands cool and dry during intense midfield shifts.

Defense requires the most rugged and protective wrist guards to withstand constant physical battles. Solid padded blocks absorb heavy slashes and cross-checks. Bulkier designs like Warrior Regulator Maximize restrict mobility somewhat but offer max protection. Extra padding adds stability for shoving during ground balls and face-offs.

Goalies also need substantial wrist padding given the nature of the position. Specialized goalie gloves have extra foam or plastic plates to block point blank range shots. Stiffer construction makes catching and controlling rebounds easier as well. Popular goalie gloves include Warrior Ritual G5 and Maverik Rome NXT.

Before purchasing new wrist guards, think about your specific position and how you’ll use them. The right pair should suit your needs in terms of padding, construction, and fit. Don’t go just by brand name alone. Focus on design characteristics that align with your style of play for optimal performance and safety.

Goalie-Specific Models Offer Maximal Coverage

Goalies face unique risks and require specialized lacrosse wrist guards. Unlike field players, goalies can’t avoid most incoming shots. They need maximum protection to cover vulnerable areas of the wrists and hands.

Goalie-specific gloves feature extra padding over the thumb, fingers, and wrists. Thicker foam or plastic plates absorb the brunt of high-velocity shots from close range. Some gloves even incorporate carbon fiber shielding for added impact resistance.

Increased padding comes at the cost of some dexterity, but that’s a worthwhile tradeoff. Goalies rely more on body positioning than stick work, so bulky gloves aren’t as limiting. The priority is stopping shots cleanly without painful stingers or injuries.

Wrists guards for goalies wrap further around the hand with extra strapping for stability. A tighter fit keeps the padding from shifting or rotating. This prevents uncovered gaps that could expose parts of the wrist or hand to direct shots.

Goalie gloves also utilize stiffer construction and materials. The reinforced sides help seal holes during saves and control rebounds better. The reduced flexibility makes it easier to clamp down on shots compared to field player gloves.

When shopping for goalie gloves, key factors are coverage area, padding thickness, stability, and shot absorption. Popular options like Warrior Nemesis and Maverik Rome optimize these attributes for goalies. Don’t settle for normal field player wrist guards if you play goalie. Invest in protection designed specifically for the unique demands of the position.

Material Quality Affects Comfort and Durability

The materials used in lacrosse wrist guards have a major impact on performance, protection, and durability. Higher quality materials provide better comfort, breathability, moisture management, and longevity.

Padding is commonly made from vinyl nitrile foam or EVA foam. More advanced options use proprietary formulated mixes for improved impact absorption. Multi-layer foam constructions cushion shocks better and hold up longer under heavy use.

Moisture wicking liner fabrics keep hands dry and cool during action. Popular options include nylon, polyester, and spandex blends. Some gloves incorporate silver ion fabrics for antimicrobial protection against odor and bacteria buildup. Mesh paneling also aids ventilation.

Exterior materials must withstand routine wear and tear. Tough synthetics like vinyl, PVC, or TPU offer abrasion resistance while retaining flexibility. Palm patches may utilize durable clarino synthetic leather for enhanced grip and control.

Straps are usually an elastic/Lycra blend or nylon webbing. Buckles and clips should be made from high-strength plastics rather than flimsy metal. Quality stitching and binding is essential for durability as well.

When trying new gloves, focus on how they feel during use. Quality construction will be immediately noticeable. Premium materials feel broken-in right away with long-lasting comfort and performance. Don’t settle for basic vinyl gloves if you want the best fit, protection, and longevity.

Measure Your Wrist Size for the Best Fit

Getting properly fitted lacrosse wrist guards is vital for comfort and protection. Taking accurate wrist measurements beforehand ensures you get the right size gloves for your needs.

Wrist guards should fit snugly without restricting circulation or movement. Measure around the wrist bone, keeping the measuring tape moderately tight. Round up to the nearest half inch for the best fit range.

Size options generally include youth (XS/S), senior small, senior medium, senior large, and senior extra large. Match your measurement to the sizing chart specifications from the brand. Try on options in your range to determine the ideal model.

The gloves should feel secure without painful pinching or numbness. Make sure no sections slip or rotate out of place. You don’t want padding exposed or compromised during intense gameplay and checks.

Test flexibility in all directions and grip strength with different sized options. Go slightly snug if between sizes for maximum stability. Remember gloves will loosen up over time after break-in.

Taking the time to find your perfect wrist guard fit results in better performance and injury prevention. Ill-fitting gloves compromise protection and comfort. With the right sizing, you can enjoy great feel, mobility, and security to up your lacrosse game.

Pick Youth Sizes Appropriate for Age

It’s important to select the right youth lacrosse wrist guard sizes based on your child’s age and measurements for proper fit and safety.

Most brands offer gloves in youth extra small (6-8 years old) and youth small (8-10 years old). These accommodate the smaller wrist sizes of kids under 10 years old. Measure your child’s wrist snugly to determine the best size option.

If your child falls on the cusp of senior small versus youth sizing, consider the larger youth size for longevity. Avoid going too large though, as overly loose gloves compromise protection. Oversized gloves also hinder stick handling, passing, and shooting mechanics.

Let your child try on different size options for assessment. Make sure the gloves fit snugly but allow full finger and wrist flexion. Supplement in-store trials by having your kid wear the gloves for practices to test comfort and mobility.

Replace youth lacrosse gloves at least annually as your child grows. Don’t wait for gloves to be visibly undersized or damaged before sizing up. Ensure proper wrist guard fit each season for maximum performance and safety as your young athlete develops.

With the right youth wrist guard sizing, your child will enjoy protection, comfort, and confidence on the field. Take the time to get fitted correctly based on current age measurements and flexibility needs for ideal results.

Compare Brands Like Warrior, Maverik, STX

When shopping for new lacrosse wrist guards, it’s worth comparing top brands like Warrior, Maverik, STX, Brine, and Nike. Each brand offers unique features, technology, fit, and pricing.

Warrior is known for highly protective and durable gloves ideal for defensemen and goalies. Models like the Regulator and Ritual use multiple foam layers and shielding for maximum impact absorption. The adjustable wrist cuff and wrap-around design ensure a stable fit.

Maverik emphasizes optimized comfort and mobility. Gloves like the Rome and Optik 360 provide great feel for stick work while still protecting against checks. Flexible single-shield foam retains range of motion for quick passing and shooting.

STX stresses lightweight versatility across positions. The Surgeon line fits like a glove with minimal bulk for excellent comfort. Cell padding allows good flexibility despite ample protection. The Axis line takes an old school approach focused on durability.

Brine and Nike also offer quality wrist guards but with smaller product ranges than the top brands. Brine gloves provide great value and protection, while Nike focuses on moisture wicking performance. There are less size and style options though.

By understanding brand strengths and technologies, you can find the right lacrosse wrist guards for your needs. Try on different options to determine the ideal fit and feel. Investing in quality gloves from leading brands ensures you get the protection and performance demanded by this rough sport.

New vs Used Can Impact Cost and Condition

When shopping for lacrosse wrist guards, deciding between new or used gloves comes down to balancing cost savings against product condition and safety.

Brand new wrist guards ensure maximum protective abilities, ideal fit, and proper break-in. However, new gloves also carry the highest prices. Top models can cost $80 or more depending on features.

Used gloves provide substantial savings, with even high-end gloves available under $50. However, condition is a question mark. Inspect used gloves closely for worn padding, damaged exteriors, loose stitching, or compromised straps.

Lightly used gloves from the current or recent season are generally fine if cleaned and sanitized. But repeated use does degrade protection over time as foam compresses and materials break down.

For players on a budget, last generation closeout models can offer new condition quality for under $50. Savvy shoppers can find amazing deals here if willing to forego the latest styling.

Ultimately, assess each pair of used gloves individually before purchase. Prioritize intact padding and secure fit above all else. With careful inspection and realistic expectations, pre-owned guards can deliver value and performance if “new” isn’t feasible.

Consider Palm Protection for Added Safety

Many lacrosse players opt for gloves with extra palm padding or plating for increased protection during play. Palm coverage shields against painful shots, checks, and turf burns.

Simple synthetic leather palm patches improve grip on your stick for better ball control. Thicker layered leather or vinyl overlays add impact absorption against checks or hard passes.

Some gloves incorporate advanced plastic shields over the palm heel and base of the thumb. These thermoplastic guards prevent finger jams and absorb transfers of energy during contact.

Palm padding does limit feel for cradling and passing to some degree. However, the protection benefits often outweigh the small reduction in touch sensitivity, especially for defensive players.

Supplemental padding also helps brace the wrist joint and absorb forces transferred up the hand. This aids stability and further reduces the chances of tweaks and sprains during routine play.

For field players who scoop a lot of ground balls or take frequent checks, palmprotection provides worthwhile insurance. And for goalies, extra padding is practically mandatory for stopping point blank range shots. Don’t neglect this key protective zone when buying gloves.

Opt for Adjustable Straps Over Elastic Bands

When selecting new lacrosse wrist guards, gloves with adjustable straps generally provide a more secure and customizable fit compared to elastic sleeve designs.

Elastic bands rely on stretching to create tension for a snug fit. But the tension can lessen over time as the material fatigues and loosens. Elastic also provides limited adjustability for dialing in the perfect fit.

In contrast, gloves with Velcro or D-ring strapping allow you to tweak tension and positioning for a truly custom and controlled fit. This prevents slipping while accommodating individual wrist shapes and sizes.

Adjustable straps also make it easier to get gloves on and off compared to having to stretch tight elastic bands over the hand. The quick release function enables smoothly gearing up and down between shifts.

For youth players with growing hands and wrists, adjustable straps allow gloves to adapt and extend usability over multiple seasons. You can snug up loosened elastic only so much before fit becomes compromised.

While elastic sleeves work fine for some, most players find better performance and protection from adjustable strapped gloves. Take the time to ensure your gloves fitting securely and comfortably to get the most out of this key protective lacrosse gear.

Ventilation Helps Keep Hands Cool and Dry

Proper ventilation and breathability are important design factors for lacrosse wrist guards to prevent overheating and moisture buildup during games.

Foam padding and synthetic sleeve materials can cause significant sweating without adequate airflow. Excess perspiration makes gloves slippery and compromises secure fit and grip on your stick.

Mesh paneling on the back of hands and between fingers allows fresh airflow to wick away heat and moisture. This keeps hands dryer and cooler for better comfort and performance.

Moisture-wicking liner fabrics made from polyester or nylon blends also help draw sweat off the skin faster. Silver ion threads provide antimicrobial protection from bacteria growth and odors as well.

Pre-curved glove construction mirrors natural hand positioning for less restrictive movement and improved breathability. Contoured padding prevents heat trapping contact points with the skin as well.

Well-ventilated gloves make a big difference during intense lacrosse games and practices. Evaluate airflow channels, fabric technologies, and contouring when selecting new wrist guards for optimal moisture management and cooling.

Match Team Colors for Uniform Coordination

When purchasing lacrosse wrist guards, choosing gloves in your team colors can be a great way to complete the uniform look on the field.

Matching team colors promotes cohesion and intimidation factor against opponents. Fans in the stands also appreciate the unified and professional appearance.

Most leading lacrosse brands offer their glove models in a variety of colorways. Popular choices include team standards like navy, royal blue, scarlet, black, white, and gray.

Specialized gloves are available in many college, high school, and youth program colors as well. Coordinating with jerseys, helmets, and pads creates a clean and tailored aesthetic.

Alternatively, goalies may prefer brighter hues to stand out in the crease. Bold yellows, oranges, greens, and reds make the keeper easily identifiable.

Don’t forget to check that colors comply with league regulations. Some disallow certain hues or require base glove colors to match uniforms. Put safety ahead of style if questions arise.

With a wide selection of color options, finding wrist guards to complement team jerseys and equipment is simple. Proper uniform coordination makes a statement and brings the squad together as one cohesive force.

Care Tips to Extend the Life of Your Guards

With proper care and maintenance, lacrosse wrist guards can deliver lasting performance and protection over multiple seasons of use.

Always allow gloves to fully air dry after games and practices. Leaving them damp accelerates deterioration of materials and padding.

Sanitize regularly with antimicrobial spray to eliminate bacteria and odors. This prevents undesirable smells and skin irritation.

Inspect padding and stitching before and after each use. Catching issues early better preserves safety and prevents bigger problems.

Wash gloves periodically according to manufacturer instructions. Use a delicate cycle and air dry. Harsh detergents and machine drying degrade materials quickly.

Avoid storing gloves tightly packed or compressed. Let foam padding fully rebound between uses for maximum shock absorption.

Consider reconditioning services to extend usable life. Replacement padding, liner washing, and repairs restore performance at a fraction of new glove cost.

With some basic attentive care, you can enjoy consistent quality and safety from your lacrosse wrist guards season after season. Taking the time to maintain gloves properly saves money while offering peace of mind.

When It’s Time to Replace Worn or Damaged Gear

Knowing when to retire and replace your lacrosse wrist guards is important for continued protection and performance on the field.

Look for signs of wear including compressed padding, fabric deterioration, loose stitching, warped shape, and damaged straps. If gloves lose their snug fit or protective abilities, it’s time for new ones.

Replace wrist guards at least every 2-3 seasons depending on usage frequency and care. Regular play accelerates the breakdown of padding and materials over time.

Upgrade sooner if experiencing discomfort, stingers, or minor injuries while wearing current gloves. This indicates they are no longer offering sufficient padding and support.

Youth players need new gloves as their hands grow. Oversized gloves hinder handling and don’t protect properly. Replace at least annually to match physical development.

Severe damage from checks or spills also warrants immediate replacement. Don’t risk further injury by taping up and continuing to wear compromised protection.

While it’s tempting to stretch glove longevity, don’t jeopardize your safety and performance. Keep a close eye on wear and don’t hesitate to upgrade once guards lose their protective abilities and secure fit.

Finding the Ideal Balance of Protection and Performance

The right lacrosse wrist guards strike an optimal balance between protective padding and flexible performance.

Minimalist gloves with thin padding allow maximum stick mobility but compromise safety during checks. Overly bulky designs restrict movement while overheating hands.

Ideal wrist guards use multi-layer foam shields to effectively absorb impacts without being too stiff or restrictive. Targeted padding zones also enhance fit and breathability.

Premium materials like blended EVA foam provide a lightweight feel that disappears during play. Pre-curved designs mirror natural hand positioning for unimpeded range of motion.

Adjustable strapping enables each player to fine-tune the fit for their needs. Snug enough for stability yet loose enough for comfort and dexterity.

Leading brands design gloves suited specifically for attack, midfield, defense, and goalie. This allows optimizing protection levels and construction for each position’s needs.

Don’t settle for lacrosse wrist guards that compromise mobility or safety. With thoughtful design and technologies, modern gloves deliver robust protection without performance penalties. Stay protected while playing your best.