Choosing the Right Fit Ensures Your Lacrosse Helmet Offers Maximum Protection
Having a properly fitted lacrosse helmet is arguably the most important factor when it comes to head protection on the field. An ill-fitting helmet that is loose or moves around on your head will not properly cushion impacts, leaving you vulnerable to concussions or other head injuries from checks, errant stick swings, and hard shots.
When trying on lacrosse helmets, the helmet should sit just above your eyebrows with no gaps between the foam padding and your head. The chin strap should fit snugly under your chin to prevent the helmet from sliding. Move your head around – if the helmet easily shifts or slips, it is too loose. A helmet that is painfully tight, however, can cause discomfort and headaches during play. The ideal fit should be snug but not constricting.
Many helmets feature adjustable padding or inflatable air bladders that allow you to customize the fit. Take the time to carefully adjust until you achieve a secure, stable feel that still allows free head movement. The helmet should move with your head, not independently. Don’t rely on thickening foam padding alone to make a helmet fit; a loose helmet provides less impact absorption.
For growing youth and high school players, take head measurements regularly and size up helmets accordingly. Avoid passed-down helmets, as older models likely won’t provide modern safety. Take the time to get properly fitted at lacrosse equipment retailers. The right fit could mean the difference between a worrisome collision and harmless deflection when taking a check. Protect yourself by investing in a tailored, stability-enhancing lacrosse helmet fit.
Look for Lacrosse Helmets with NOCSAE Safety Certification
When shopping for a new lacrosse helmet, one of the most important factors to look for is proper safety certification from NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). NOCSAE is an independent standards body that rigorously tests helmets and other athletic gear to ensure they meet high performance and safety benchmarks.
All helmets used in sanctioned lacrosse leagues, from youth to college, must pass NOCSAE tests and feature a visible NOCSAE logo sticker. NOCSAE subjects helmets to impact tests, using machines to smash helmeted test heads at up to 60 mph. Sensors measure the force transmitted to the head in the collision. For a helmet to earn NOCSAE certification, it must keep this force below set thresholds that help prevent concussions and serious head trauma.
The organization also mandates that helmets pass additional requirements involving how well they handle multiple impacts, as lacrosse helmets often take repeated hits in competition. Helmets must maintain their protective abilities over time, with padding that does not bottom out or degrade. Tests assess impacts from multiple angles and with differing velocities, simulating the wide range of contact players experience on the field.
Beyond passing basic NOCSAE standards, many brands design helmets to surpass minimum requirements, incorporating extra features to further limit the forces. For example, advanced foam padding in helmets like the Cascade S and Schutt Vengeance absorb high-energy rotational impacts, going above and beyond typical linear impact testing. This added protection can give parents and players peace of mind.
While NOCSAE certification does not guarantee safety or prevent all head injuries, it provides assurance that your helmet meets scientifically-developed standards. Choosing a model with the NOCSAE seal means you can take the field knowing top engineers have thoroughly tested your helmet’s abilities to minimize concussion risks.
Well-Ventilated Lacrosse Helmets Keep Players Cool During Games
One key but often overlooked element of lacrosse helmet design is ventilation. The best lacrosse helmets feature optimized air flow systems to keep players cool and comfortable even during the most intense warm-weather games.
Proper ventilation prevents the dangerous scenario of overheating. Trapped heat and sweat inside an air-restrictive helmet can lead to dehydration, nausea, and hyperventilation. In extreme cases, it can even cause heat stroke. Preventing heat buildup ensures players perform at their best and avoid any temperature-related health risks.
Ventilation openings strategically placed throughout the helmet allow air to freely circulate. Intake vents in the front and back let fresh air enter. Exhaust vents at the top and rear circulate out hot stagnant air. This constant airflow keeps the head and pads dry.
Advanced lacrosse helmets carefully engineer the vent size, shape, and placement to optimize cooling channels. Cascade’s Seven Technology system, for example, utilizes 7 vents positioned to maximize air intake and heat expulsion. Vents align with major blood vessels in the head for cooling where it matters most.
Some brands offer additional cooling accessories, like Cascade’s Fan Pro attachment that clips onto vent openings to power active cooling. While not necessary for most players, these can provide extra airflow for sweltering outdoor tournaments or athletes that run hot.
Along with ventilation, moisture-wicking anti-microbial liner padding also aids cooling by absorbing sweat. Breathable pad materials avoid the discomfort of a sweat-soaked interior.
While helmets with excessive vents could potentially sacrifice some protection, leading brands strike the optimal balance. Well-ventilated helmets allow lacrosse athletes to beat the heat and avoid stifling headgear that could ruin performance on hot days.
Lighter Lacrosse Helmets Improve Comfort and Mobility
The weight of a lacrosse helmet directly impacts performance and stamina on the field. Excessively heavy helmets lead to neck strain and decreased mobility for players over the course of a game. The latest helmets utilize advanced lightweight materials to minimize fatigue.
Traditional lacrosse helmet shells used bulky metals and硬 plastics to provide rigidity and impact resistance. But newer engineered polymers like ABS and polycarbonate plastics offer comparable strength at a fraction of the weight. This reduces strain on the neck, shoulders, and back from the helmet’s mass.
Lighter materials also translate to larger vents and openings in the shell, improving breathability. Extra thick padding required for heavy helmets is eliminated, enhancing fit and comfort while maintaining safety certifications.
Leading brands like Cascade design optimized shell geometries with just the right amount of material precisely placed to disperse impacts. This strategic use of lightweight materials cuts every possible ounce without sacrificing protection.
Titanium facemask and hardware options shed even more mass. Carbon fiber and composite replacements for metal chin straps also contribute to trimming unwanted lbs.
The cumulative impact of thoughtful weight reductions results in noticeably lighter helmets. For example, the Cascade S lacrosse helmet weighs just 2 lbs, over 20% lighter than previous generations. This improved comfort encourages kids to keep helmets on instead of removing them.
Lightweight lacrosse helmets allow for speed and quick changes of direction needed on the field. Neck muscles stay fresh longer into games without compromised safety. Considering helmet weight ensures you get ideal protection without performance-zapping bulk.
Facemasks Protect Against Checks and Wild Shots in Lacrosse
An essential component of the lacrosse helmet is the facemask, which protects players from potential facial and dental injuries during play. While early helmets had no face protection, current designs incorporate sturdy metal wire cages to shield against checks, errant stick swings, and high-velocity shots.
Facemasks use thick chrome-molybdenum or titanium alloy wiring bars arranged in a cage or truss structure anchored to the helmet shell. The criss-crossing wires provide multiple points of structural integrity to resist and deflect impacts from all angles.
Full-circumference wraparound cages with chin cups provide the most facial coverage. They protect the entire face from the forehead down to the chin and jawline. Partial cages like those on field hockey masks leave the lower part of the face exposed and are not permitted in boys’ lacrosse.
However, women’s lacrosse rules allow for half-cage visor-style masks that offer wide visibility. Newer polycarbonate visors combine open facial visibility with protection from frontal checks and shots. For youth players, full-wrap cages are recommended for maximum safety.
Facemasks attach to anchors on the helmet shell using resilient polymer clips or tension screws that flex on impact. This prevents shattered facial bones by absorbing energy. FMJ clip systems provide enhanced flex for even better shock dissipation.
Openings in the cage wiring allow good peripheral and up-down vision that does not obstruct play. Players can freely vocalize calls and stick out their tongues without impediment, which is required by rule. But the cage remains dense enough to stop errant balls traveling up to 100 mph.
Lacrosse facemasks provide an essential layer of protection that allows players to confidently get physical on ground balls and throw checks without as much risk of facial injury. Players should ensure the cage is securely mounted and provides optimal visibility and breathability.
Secure Chin Straps Keep Lacrosse Helmets in Place During Play
Lacrosse helmets rely on sturdy chin straps to keep them firmly in place on players’ heads during intense game action. Properly buckled chin straps prevent accidental helmet loss that could lead to head and facial injuries on the field.
Chin straps typically consist of nylon or acrylic straps that thread through brackets on both sides of the helmet. The straps connect centrally under the chin using a snap, buckle, or quick-release mechanism that fastens securely but is easy to unlatch.
The chin strap should fit snugly without pinching. With the helmet and strap properly fitted, you should be able to freely open your mouth and articulate words clearly. But the helmet should not dislodge if you rapidly jerk your head around.
Straps are usually adjustable via sliding clips or Velcro connections on the side straps. This helps achieve a customized tightness. However, the strap needs to be tight enough that the helmet cannot rotate or slide on the head.
Jaw pads on the interior of the chin strap enhance comfort underneath. They prevent the strap from irritating the skin after hours of play. Padding also reduces force transmitted through the chin during big collisions.
Advanced strap designs like the Occi-Dual chin strap feature dual independent straps to provide backup protection. If one strap fails or disconnects on impact, the second strap maintains helmet security.
Some lacrosse helmets utilize alternative anchor systems like a sling headband suspended from the shell instead of chin straps. But tradition chin straps remain the most common and proven method. Players should regularly inspect their chin strap condition and ensure the fit remains snug throughout games for maximum safety.
Trying On Lacrosse Helmets Ensures Proper Size and Fit
Finding the perfect lacrosse helmet fit requires taking the time to try on multiple size options. An ideal helmet rests securely on the head without painful pressure points. Players should test out various brands and sizes at lacrosse retailers to find the one that feels just right.
When trying on helmets, the shell should completely enclose the head, resting just above the eyebrows. Padding inside should make contact around the whole circumference without gaps or slipping. The helmet should move with your head motions rather than sliding independently.
However, it should not squeeze tight anywhere or dig into the forehead. Pressure from an overly tight helmet can cause discomfort and headaches. If parts of the padding don’t touch or the helmet shifts easily, it is likely too large.
Helmets feature adjustable interior padding systems that allow you to customize the fit. Try on the helmet with these pads expanded, then slowly tighten and compress the pads until you achieve a snug all-around fit that stabilizes the helmet without excessive tightness.
Also pay attention to the chin strap. When fastened, you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the strap and your chin. It should not dig in or pinch. But the strap needs to prevent the helmet from rotating off if you rapidly shake your head around.
For younger players, consider room to grow. Avoid a helmet that fits perfectly but will soon become too tight over a growth spurt. Allow a little room for the head to expand as kids develop.
Take time to test out all the critical helmet brands like Cascade, Warrior, Brine, and STX. Each brand uses slightly different shapes and padding that may better conform to your particular head size and shape. Don’t rush the process of trying on lacrosse helmets.
Adjustable Lacrosse Helmets Ensure Proper Fit Over Time
As lacrosse players grow and develop, particularly in youth leagues, their helmet fit needs likely change. Helmets with adjustable interior padding allow easy resizing as heads expand and face shapes mature.
Rather than traditional foam padding, many modern lacrosse helmets utilize inflatable air bladders surrounded by fabric lining. Users can manually add or release air to these bladders using pumps and valves to fine tune the fit. More air expands the padding outward, while releasing air lets it contract.
Brands like Cascade design the bladder padding into multiple zones – front, temples, back, etc. This allows compartmentalized adjustments to target specific pressure points for a customized fit. If the temple area feels tight, for example, release air just in that zone while keeping the rest of the fit intact.
Other helmets feature alternative adjustable padding technologies. For instance, the Warrior Regulator padding system utilizes removable pad inserts of varying thicknesses. Stacked or swapped pad layers allow easy resizing as needed.
Being able to re-fit helmets through adjustable padding extends their usable life. The same helmet can adapt as kids grow instead of needing frequent expensive replacements. Proper fit is maintained even through periods of rapid growth.
Helmets should be snug when first fitted. But players should reevaluate the fit every few weeks and tweak and adjust until the helmet stabilizes without shifting or pressure. This ensures ideal protection through changing developmental stages.
While hand-me-down helmets are not recommended, adjustable padding makes it possible to safely reuse a helmet for younger siblings. Just make sure to completely readjust the fit for the new user and recertify it meets safety standards.
High-Quality Lacrosse Helmet Materials Withstand Repeated Impacts
Lacrosse helmets must withstand significant repeated impacts from checks, errant swings, and 100+ mph shots during routine play. Using durable, high-performance materials ensures helmets maintain protective integrity over their lifespan.
The outer shell bears the brunt of collision forces. Advanced polymers like ABS plastic offer an optimal balance of strength, durability, and low weight. ABS disperses impact energy more effectively than traditional plastics or fiberglass.
Inner foam liners further attenuate impacts to cushion the head. Multi-stage foams with varying densities fine-tune energy absorption. High-rebound foam nearest the head maximizes bounce-back to reduce impact delta-v.
D3O and other non-Newtonian foams change properties on impact, momentarily hardening to resist force. As hits accumulate, advanced foams retain elasticity and impact mitigation abilities longer before permanent deformation.
Facemasks and chin straps also withstand constant checks. Chrome alloy and titanium wires resist bending and fracture from sticks and balls. Robust plastics and metal alloys in strap fittings, screws, and clips maintain structural reliability after routine stresses.
During manufacturing, brands like Cascade and Warrior put helmets through “drop tests” smashing them from different angles and at game-level velocities. Only models that maintain integrity through abuse earn approval.
While no helmet eliminates concussion risks, using top-tier materials proven to withstand aggressive, repeated impacts provides confidence in continued performance. Ensuring your helmet features the latest high-end construction gives peace of mind shift after shift.
Bold, Recognizable Lacrosse Helmet Designs Build Player Confidence
Beyond just safety, the visual appearance and design of lacrosse helmets strongly impacts player confidence and attitude on the field. Bold colors and aggressive silhouettes build intimidating looks that put opponents on notice.
Brands like Cascade creatively render futuristic profiles with angular lines, jutting vents, spoilers, and edgy decals. Distinct rear fins and integrated facemask flowing lines convey motion and intensity even at rest.
Matte finishes eliminate distracting glare under stadium lights. Flat dark colors like black, navy, blood red, gunmetal green exude toughness. High contrast decals incorporating animals, warriors, or tribal symbols further amplify the intimidation factor.
Highly visible neon accent colors like blaze orange allow teammates to quickly identify each other on the run. Customizable color combinations let players represent their team spirit or showcase unique style.
Lacrosse helmets should energize players psychologically before they even take the field. Bold graphics give an aura of intensity that puts thoughts of fear or tentativeness aside. Feeling like a gladiator is the first step toward confident, relentless play.
Even for female players, aggressive stylings project strength rather than delicacy. Fierce graphics convey female lacrosse athletes are uncompromising competitors who bring the same intensity as the guys.
Beyond the shell, hydrographic film processes allow full custom paint submersion graphics that completely transform plain helmet exteriors. Players can adopt any color scheme or complex visuals to match uniforms or personalities.
A well-designed lacrosse helmet acts like war paint, instantly putting players in the right headspace. Unleash your inner warrior spirit with bold, standout visuals that intimidate adversaries.
Choosing Lacrosse Helmet Colors to Stand Out on the Field
Lacrosse helmet colors make a strong visual statement that builds team coherence and allows players to express their individuality. Most helmets offer a spectrum of color options for the shell, facemask, and decals to customize looks.
School color schemes in team helmets build pride and easy identification. For example, University of Maryland lacrosse is instantly recognizable from their bold red and yellow helmets. Unique colors make your squad’s helmets easier to pick out in the chaos of play.
Alternating helmet colors within a team adds stylistic variety while maintaining uniformity. For example, attackers might wear black shells while defenders don white. This lets players showcase their personalities within a coordinated system.
Most leading helmet brands like Cascade offer the ability to mix and match components during ordering. Pick shell colors like matte black or Navy blue as the base, then accent with brighter metallic facemasks and decals. Lime green chin straps make your lids really stand out.
Consider choosing colors that match other uniform gear like gloves or shoes for a pulled-together look. Helmet decals can coordinate with printed jersey graphics for extra visual coherence.
Don’t overlook using color to honor role models. Wearing purple and gold pays tribute to lacrosse legend Paul Rabil’s signature colors. Channel your inner Jim Brown with classic Clevelend Brown’s orange and brown.
Lacrosse helmets serve as bold billboards to display your dedication. Coordinated school colors show team spirit. Custom combinations reflect your unique style. Select hues that energize your attitude and demand opponents’ attention on the field.