The 15 Best Lacrosse Gear Sets for Beginners in 2023

The 15 Best Lacrosse Gear Sets for Beginners in 2023

Stick to the Basics – Focus on a good helmet, gloves, shoulder pads and arm guards to start

When just starting out in lacrosse, it can be tempting to buy all the flashy, high-tech gear right away. However, as a beginner, you’ll benefit most from focusing your budget on just the essential protective equipment first. Investing in a high-quality helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and arm guards will give you the basic protection you need as a new player without breaking the bank.

The helmet is your most important piece of protective gear, since it shields your head and face from checks, errant balls, and contact. Don’t cheap out on your helmet – buy one that fits comfortably with room to grow, offers ample coverage and visibility, and meets safety certifications. Lacrosse gloves help improve your grip on the stick while shielding your hands, wrists, and forearms from slashes and checks. Make sure to get properly fitted gloves with some padding in the palm and fingers. Shoulder pads cushion the brunt of body checks while allowing free arm movement. Look for lightweight pads with a shock-absorbing sternum plate and ventilation to keep cool. Round out your protective starter gear with arm guards, which protect your elbows and forearms against checks. Hard shell guards with padded interior sleeves work well for beginners learning proper checking technique.

Starting with high-quality versions of just these key protective items helps maximize safety and performance as you learn the game. You can always add more specialized gear like cleats, equipment bags, and sticks later as your skills progress. The right helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and arm guards form the foundation of smart and affordable defensive lacrosse gear for beginners. Invest in these basics first and you’ll be off to a great start on the field.

Buy a Complete Stick – Buying a pre-strung stick helps beginners learn correct technique

One of the most important pieces of equipment for a new lacrosse player is their stick. While it may be tempting to buy a basic stick and string it yourself as a beginner, purchasing a pre-strung complete stick can greatly benefit your development early on. Complete lacrosse sticks with factory stringing help you learn proper throwing, catching, cradling, and shooting technique from the start since they have optimal pocket depth and whip.

Pre-strung heads designed for beginners have a mid to low pocket, which gives you a larger sweet spot to catch and retain the ball. Deeper pockets in elite sticks take time to master for newer players. The pre-installed mesh and leathers also provide ideal hold while allowing the ball to easily release during passing and shooting once you develop a quick wrist snap. Factory stringing by experienced stick technicians ensures the throwing channels, pocket placement, and sidewall stringing optimize ball control.

The correct flex and whip from a pre-strung head promotes proper form by encouraging you to follow through completely with your bottom hand during throws and shots. Heads strung too loosely by novice stringers can easily develop bad habits. Complete sticks take the guesswork out of stringing so you can spend more time honing technique instead of adjusting strings. Their balanced feel builds consistency across cradling, scooping, catching, and throwing.

While hand-strung pockets offer pros more customization, beginners do best starting with a uniformly-strung complete stick. The right pre-installed pocket helps ingrain muscle memory for passing, catching, and shooting. Look for complete sticks marketed for youth or beginner players, which offer ideal pocket shapes and stringing for developing skills. With the essential techniques learned on a starter stick, you’ll be ready to graduate to stringing your own elite pockets down the road.

Get Properly Fitted Gloves – Well-fitted gloves protect hands and add control

Finding the right pair of lacrosse gloves is crucial for beginners. Properly fitted gloves provide protection for your hands while also enhancing stick control and feel. When just starting out, take the time to get sized for lacrosse gloves that offer a comfortable, secure fit.

The right size gloves allow you to grip your stick firmly without restricting movement or flexibility. Gloves that are too tight will limit your dexterity, causing fumbled catches and restricted range of motion when cradling or throwing. Meanwhile, gloves that are too loose will shift on your hands, reducing control. With poorly fitted gloves, you also risk the cuff sliding down and exposing your wrists.

When trying on new lacrosse gloves, focus on achieving full finger dexterity and a snug fit across the palms and back of the hands. The gloves should fit like a second skin with no pinching or excess material, especially around the fingers and wrist cuff. Bend your fingers, mimic scooping ground balls, and make fist clenches to ensure no binding or tight spots.

Work with your glove size instead of against it. Extra small and small gloves cater to youth players with shorter fingers and smaller hands. If an adult size glove leaves excess room in the fingertips but fits the width of your palm and wrist snugly, consider youth sizes for optimal fit. Finding your proper glove size gives beginners surer hands on ground balls, better stick control, and full protective coverage across the fingers, palms, and wrists.

Don’t Skimp on a Helmet – Helmets prevent major injury so get a comfortable, protective one

When equipping yourself or a child for youth lacrosse, investing in a high-quality helmet should be a top priority. With lacrosse being a full contact sport, a properly fitted and protective helmet is vital to prevent major injuries. Don’t try to cut costs when buying a beginner lacrosse helmet.

Lacrosse helmets are designed to shield a player’s head from direct ball and stick impacts, collisions with other players, and hard falls to the ground. Cheap lacrosse helmets often have subpar padding and materials that compromise safety. Their inadequate protection leaves players susceptible to concussions and traumatic head, face, and neck injuries.

Look for lacrosse helmets engineered with tough yet lightweight polycarbonate or ABS shells, expanded polystyrene or vinyl nitrile foam padding, and strong face masks. Helmet shells should fully enclose the head while allowing optimal visibility and ventilation. Padding should cushion frontal, top, side, and rear impact zones without impeding range of motion.

Also ensure any lacrosse helmet fits the player correctly. Helmets that shift or wobble on a player’s head can’t protect as designed. Work with coaches or sporting goods staff to properly fit for helmet size, padding thickness, and adjustable features like chin straps and visors. While pricier than other gear, a well-fitting, high-end helmet is non-negotiable for safely learning lacrosse fundamentals.

Pick Lightweight Pads – Lighter pads allow freedom of movement for new players

When equipping a beginning youth lacrosse player, opt for lightweight shoulder and arm pads to allow maximum mobility as they develop skills. Heavier, bulkier pads often worn by high school and college players can restrict freedom of movement at early stages.

Lacrosse requires constant motion – running, cutting, dodging, cradling – that is best learned with lightweight padding. Minimalist pads reduce drag and resistance during drills, allowing young players to focus on proper form and technique. Unencumbered by hefty pads, beginners can better ingrain fundamentals like scooping ground balls, quick sticks, and shooting on the run.

Lightweight lacrosse pads also help build confidence in beginners. Allowing easy arm and shoulder movement helps new players feel more agile and less restricted as they try new skills. When pads don’t weigh them down, it’s easier for beginners to simply play and enjoy learning the sport’s nuances.

Once beginners graduate to more checking and contact, bulkier pads can provide additional protection. But in a player’s early development, lightweight shoulder and arm pads maximize mobility. Starting out with the freedom to move and build technique forms a strong foundation for adding tactical knowledge and physicality later on.

Include a Beginner Lacrosse Ball – Softer balls are easier for developing hands

Adding a soft, beginner-level lacrosse ball to your starter equipment kit can help build handling skills for youth players. Standard hard lacrosse balls used at higher levels can be difficult for young, developing hands to control.

Softer rubber or cloth training balls provide more grip and flex, making them easier to catch, cradle, and scoop up. Their spongy feel also offers a bit of shock absorption for off-target passes. Softer balls bounce and roll more slowly as well, giving beginners more time to react and field ground balls.

Using a lacrosse ball designed for new players helps instill good fundamentals early on. When balls are easier to control, young players can focus on honing proper catching technique – seeing the ball into the pocket, giving with the hands on impact, and protecting the stick after catching. This builds muscle memory faster than battling a hard ball.

While advanced players use harder balls to mimic game conditions, beginners build confidence and skills faster with balls made for their skill level. A soft, training lacrosse ball allows young players to enjoy practicing essential catching, throwing, and cradling without frustration. As hands strengthen and technique improves, harder balls can be incorporated to up the challenge.

Add a Mesh Lacrosse Bag – Mesh bags let gear air out and dry faster

Lacrosse requires lots of equipment, so a quality bag is essential for carrying and protecting all that gear. For beginners, a mesh lacrosse bag makes a smart choice compared to solid, vinyl bags.

Mesh lacrosse bags provide better ventilation, allowing pads, gloves, and helmets to dry faster after practices and games. Breathable mesh also prevents smelly gear by not trapping in moisture and sweat. Vinyl or leather bags can lead to mold or mildew if gear doesn’t fully dry between uses.

Mesh bags let you easily identify and access gear contents at a glance through the open weave. Solid bag materials make it harder to spot what you need buried at the bottom. Lightweight mesh also helps beginners avoid lugging excessively heavy bags.

For durability, look for bags made of a high-density polyester mesh rather than a flimsy netting. Dual shoulder straps help distribute weight. Storage pockets organize small essentials like tape, mouthguards, socks and cleats. Mesh lacrosse bags offer ventilation, visibility and easy carrying perfect for the developing young player.

Choose Cleats Wisely – Get cleats designed for lacrosse, not soccer or football

Proper footwear provides traction and ankle support critical for lacrosse’s cutting and contact. When buying cleats for a beginner, get a model designed specifically for lacrosse, not repurposed soccer or football cleats.

Lacrosse cleats feature a mid- to low-cut for optimal ankle mobility when quickly changing direction. Higher cuts like football and baseball cleats restrict mobility. Lacrosse cleats also utilize more flexible, natural material uppers to allow free ankle flexion and prevent rolled ankles.

Lacrosse cleats position cleats/studs to align with key pivot and push points like the ball of the foot and toes for gripping and pushing off during runs. Soccer cleats focus cleats toward the arch and heel for power kicking. The stud patterns also provide solid traction on natural grass surfaces lacrosse is played on.

For youth players, look for cleats offering a secure fit but with a more flexible sole than adult models to avoid overstabilizing growing feet. The right lacrosse cleats stabilize feet during play without leading to sprained ankles or pain from overly restricted motion. With sport-specific support and tread, lacrosse cleats set beginners up for success.

Get Arm Guards – They protect against checks and errant passes

Arm guards are a vital protective piece young lacrosse players need from the start. Adding arm guards safeguards beginners from potential injury during body contact, checks, and off-target passes.

Designed specifically for the sport, lacrosse arm guards utilize lightweight, form-fitting padding to protect the elbow, forearm, and wrist areas most vulnerable to checks and slashes. Guards absorb contact impact rather than transmit it directly to joints and bones.

Built-in elbow caps shield the fragile joint from hyperextension or direct point impact which could easily cause fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears. Forearm padding defends against the brunt of checks, while extended wrist protection prevents painful stingers.

For beginners still learning stick and body control, arm guards provide insurance against inadvertent contact from both opponents and teammates. Allowing kids to play and learn aggressively helps them develop faster. Lacrosse arm guards let beginners safely push their emerging skills and gain confidence.

Include Shoulder Pads – Pads cushion checks and allow aggressive play

Lacrosse shoulder pads are essential protective gear for beginners facing contact from opponents. Quality shoulder pads allow youth players to develop skills aggressively with reduced injury risk.

Well-fitting, sport-specific shoulder pads are constructed to shield vulnerable muscles around the neck, shoulders, chest and back from body blows while retaining mobility. Lightweight, low-profile padding cushions the force of legal stick and body checks.

Interior padding over the sternum, collar bones, and ribcage protect fledgling players from bruising hits to the chest and upper body. Shielding along the spine, shoulders and shoulder blades defends against checks thrown high or from behind. Flexible padding also permits natural torso rotation for throwing, catching and shooting on the run.

By cushioning hits and falls, shoulder pad protection fosters development-level aggressiveness, confidence and skill repetition needed to excel at lacrosse. Beginners can give and take contact during drills, scrimmages or games knowing essential areas are protected from injury.

Don’t Forget a Mouthguard – Vital protection for teeth and jaws

A mouthguard is a small but critical piece of protective equipment for beginning lacrosse players. Wearing a mouthguard during practice and games safeguards teeth, jaws and the head from traumatic injury.

Custom-fit mouthguards recommended by dentists provide the most protection and comfort. They mold to the specific contours of players’ teeth for a gap-free, personalized fit that stays put. This prevents the guard from dislodging or inhibiting breathing and communication.

Quality mouthguards constructed of firm yet pliable materials like thermoplastic polymers absorb powerful jaw impact that could fracture teeth, tear gums or cause concussions when the lower jaw forcefully hits the upper jaw. Lab-created guards offer better shock dissipation than the boil-and-bite variety.

Some lacrosse governing bodies mandate mouthguard use to promote safety. But regardless of mandates, parents and coaches should ensure youth players never take the field without this inexpensive but vital protection for smiles and cranial wellbeing.

Pick up Extra Gear Bags – Smaller bags help organize equipment

Between sticks, pads, shoes, and gear, lacrosse requires a lot of equipment. Supplementing a main bag with smaller organizing bags helps keep all that gear orderly and accessible.

Additional smaller bags let you separate gear by type, like a bag just for pads versus cleats and gloves. This makes locating items easier when getting ready in cramped locker rooms. Separate bags by practice and game-only items to grab exactly what’s needed for each outing.

Extra bags help compartmentalize bulky pads and shoes away from items prone to damage like sunglass or electronics. Use bags designed just for helmets to provide thick padding and ventilation. Having a go-to bag for practice balls and a backup stick streamlines transport.

Smaller lacrosse accessory bags also isolate dirty, damp gear after use to avoid cross-contaminating clean items. Keeping gear organized across multiple bags minimizes time wasted digging and improves game day efficiency.

Grab a Water Bottle – Hydration helps performance and focus

Lacrosse is a physically demanding sport, so having a quality water bottle on hand is an essential piece of gear for young beginners. Staying hydrated benefits a player’s energy, endurance, and concentration.

The constant motion in lacrosse – running, cutting, defending – leads to fluid loss through sweat. Without replenishing fluids, players tire faster and risk painful cramps and fatigue. Ample water intake combats dehydration to maintain energy levels across full games and practices.

Even mild dehydration can decrease focus, coordination, and decision-making abilities needed for skill execution. When well hydrated, beginners feel stronger, sharper and more confident trying new techniques at top speed. Drinking regularly also helps regulate body temperature on hot outdoor fields.

Look for BPA-free bottles that won’t leak and can endure being dropped. Durable insulation keeps water cooler longer. A hydration pack offers hands-free access for continuous sipping. Keeping a quality water bottle handy gives young lacrosse players a simple way to boost performance.

Look for Sales – Clearance sales provide quality gear at lower prices

Lacrosse gear can be expensive, especially having to buy it all at once. Looking for clearance sales and promotional pricing helps parents equip beginners affordably.

Many sporting goods stores run seasonal sales offering deep discounts on lacrosse starter packages, pads, and accessories. Take advantage of cyber week, holiday sales, and back-to-school pricing in the fall and winter off-season. Sign up for store loyalty programs for exclusive coupon codes and sales.

Check manufacturer websites for lacrosse gear discounts and overstock specials directly from major brands like Warrior, STX, and Brine. Snag last year’s discontinued colors and styles for a fraction of standard sticker prices.

Scour resale sites like Play It Again Sports, SidelineSwap, and Craigslist for quality used gear in good condition. Join lacrosse gear swap Facebook groups to connect with nearby sellers. With smart shopping, parents can secure functional starter equipment without overspending.

Buy Sets to Save – Beginner packages offer deals on bundled starter gear

Rather than piecing together gear item by item, beginner lacrosse equipment packages provide complete kits with bundled savings. Prepackaged sets offer cost-effective convenience.

Lacrosse starter sets include all the basic protective gear like helmet, gloves, elbow pads, and shoulder pads players need to safely learn the sport. Bundled together, full starter kits often cost less than purchasing each item separately. Sets also eliminate the guesswork of having to price and find every individual component.

Many sports retailers sell their own branded starter sets aligned to certain skill levels and age groups. Major lacrosse gear brands also market packaged bundles catering specifically to new players. Look for sets touting words like “beginner,” “entry level,” or “starter” in product names.

For parents equipping their child for the very first time, starter sets provide turnkey convenience. Complete bundles let new players hit the field with all the gear required to play and learn the game safely.