The Best Lacrosse Helmets for Box Lacrosse in 2022

The Best Lacrosse Helmets for Box Lacrosse in 2022

Look for NOCSAE and HECC Certification When Choosing a Box Lax Helmet

When selecting a lacrosse helmet for box lacrosse, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the helmet meets NOCSAE and HECC safety standards. NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) and HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) are independent organizations that rigorously test helmets to ensure they provide adequate protection against impacts and concussions. Their certification gives you peace of mind that the lacrosse helmet model you choose will keep your head safe during intense box lacrosse games.

NOCSAE and HECC put helmets through a battery of impact tests, evaluating things like force attenuation, penetration resistance, and deflection. Only helmet models that consistently keep impact forces below a certain threshold across a variety of temperatures, locations, velocities, and angles receive NOCSAE and HECC certification. This shows the helmet provides comprehensive protection no matter how you fall or collide with other players, boards, or ground. Certified helmets must also pass additional requirements related to things like field of vision and durability.

The advanced testing protocols of NOCSAE and HECC are far more rigorous than any individual consumer could replicate to assess a lacrosse helmet’s protectiveness. So by only considering box lax helmets with up-to-date NOCSAE and HECC certification, you can simplify your buying decision knowing that any certified helmet model meets stringent safety standards. This removes the guesswork involved in choosing the best helmet to reduce your concussion risk.

In addition to checking for NOCSAE and HECC stickers on the helmet itself, you can verify certification on the organizations’ websites. New helmet models are continually evaluated each year as companies release updated designs. So it’s important to double check that the specific helmet variant and sizing you plan to purchase has active certification. This ensures you get a helmet that provides exceptional, tested protection for the fast-paced, physical box lacrosse game.

Opt for a Lightweight but Durable Helmet Designed for Box Lacrosse

When selecting a lacrosse helmet for box lacrosse, it’s important to find the right balance between lightweight comfort and rugged durability. The ideal box lax helmet should be specifically engineered to stand up to the intense impacts that occur in indoor lacrosse games, while remaining light enough to prevent neck fatigue over the course of a game or tournament.

Look for box lacrosse helmets constructed from advanced polymers and composites that optimize strength-to-weight ratios. Top brands use innovative materials like engineered thermoplastics and carbon fiber to create incredibly tough but featherlight helmets. For example, some of the high-end helmets weigh around 2 pounds or less, while still absorbing hard collisions and violent checks.

In box lacrosse, you need exceptional impact resistance across the entire helmet shell since collisions can come from any direction on the confined indoor court. Helmet companies therefore utilize technologies like dual-density vinyl nitrile foam, multi-layer padding, and optimized shell geometry to disperse energy throughout the helmet. This allows the helmet to withstand the forces involved in aggressive box lacrosse play.

Don’t settle for a field lacrosse helmet for box lacrosse play. Box lax puts more demands on your equipment due to factors like the playing surface, boarding, and physicality. Make sure to look for helmets specifically designed for indoor lacrosse, as these feature reinforced aspects like additional padding in high-impact zones. This tailored design protects you better during the box lacrosse game’s fast tempo and constant contact.

The ideal box lacrosse helmet combines innovative lightweight materials and optimized durable construction to let you play aggressively and fearlessly. Seek out helmets advertised for box lax rather than field lacrosse to enjoy the right blend of comfort and rugged protection. This allows you to perform at your best game after game without worrying about your safety.

Make Sure the Helmet Fits Properly for Maximum Safety

One of the most crucial aspects of choosing the right lacrosse helmet for box lacrosse is ensuring you select the proper size for a comfortable and secure fit. An ill-fitting helmet not only feels awkward and loose, but also provides inadequate protection by compromising coverage and safety features.

When trying on helmets, the fit should feel snug all around your head without pinching or creating pressure points. Make sure to follow sizing charts from the manufacturer, then fine-tune based on your head’s shape. Oval-shaped helmets often suit rounder heads best, while rounded helmets better fit elongated heads.

The helmet should sit centered on your head with no gaps between the foam padding and your skin. Slide the helmet from front to back and side to side to guarantee your head doesn’t slide around inside. A properly fitted helmet won’t shift more than a half inch in any direction.

Pay particular attention to the fit around your temples, which are especially vulnerable areas for impacts. Poorly sized helmets can leave your temples exposed or not cover them with padding. The foam pads should mold comfortably around your head’s contours without compromising coverage.

Next, adjust the interior straps so the helmet grips your head snugly when strapped on. The chin strap should fit just below your jaw to keep the helmet stable. Finally, test the helmet fit with any hairstyle you’ll wear for games to account for ponytails or braids. An improper fit jeopardizes the helmet’s ability to manage forces and increases injury risks.

Take the time to carefully try on lacrosse helmets and assess the fit and comfort. Moving your head around and simulating field of vision checks can reveal small fit issues not immediately noticeable. Don’t make any compromises – a helmet that shifts or wobbles even slightly or has any pressure points should be avoided in favor of one with an excellent customized fit for optimal protection.

Warrior Evo Helmet Offers Superior Protection

When looking for the best lacrosse helmet for box lacrosse, one standout choice to consider is the Warrior Evo helmet. This innovative helmet offers elite-level protection designed to meet the demands of indoor lacrosse’s fast pace and physical play.

Warrior leverages cutting-edge technologies in the Evo to provide exceptional impact absorption from all angles. The helmet features advanced materials like an injected polymer crown and shell reinforcement for lightweight but rugged protection. Strategic vents and optimized shell geometry work to deflect and disperse energy throughout the helmet to reduce peak forces.

The Evo lacrosse helmet utilizes multi-layer foam pads lined with moisture-wicking antimicrobial fabric to create a comfortable, custom fit. The adjustable Viconic SL liner system allows you to dial in the perfect fit for optimal stability, coverage, and vent alignment. This combines with the flexible shell and Facemask IX attachment system to provide a highly customizable and secure fit.

Warrior also equips the Evo with useful features like a tool-free removable visor, an integrated gopro mount, and chin strap extensions for use with a mouthguard. The helmet offers impressive ventilation and breathability thanks to strategic vent placement and channeling. Overall, the innovative and smartly designed Evo provides the advanced protection box lacrosse demands.

In independent testing by Virginia Tech, the Warrior Evo earns a 5-star rating, the highest awarded for lacrosse helmets. This demonstrates the helmet’s stellar performance managing the impacts that occur in lacrosse, giving you confidence it can handle the physical box lax game. Before choosing any helmet, checking ratings from unbiased third-party testers like Virginia Tech helps ensure optimal safety.

With its lightweight, low-profile protection, customizable comfortable fit, and top-tier impact absorption, the Warrior Evo lacrosse helmet is an excellent choice to protect your head during fast-paced box lacrosse competitions.

Look for a Helmet with a Sturdy Facemask for Facial Protection

An often overlooked aspect of lacrosse helmets that is crucial for safety in box lacrosse is the facemask. The helmet facemask takes a lot of incidental contact during box lax games, so make sure to select a helmet with a durable facemask that protects your face.

Look for thick, high-grade titanium or stainless steel facemasks that can withstand checks and collisions from sticks or elbows. Avoid cheaper, thinner facemasks that can bend and degrade more easily. Top facemasks use optimized frame geometries to deflect and absorb impacts from all directions.

Ensure the facemask bars are closely spaced enough to prevent sticks from poking through. Box lacrosse rules require maximum 4cm spacing between horizontal bars. Vertical bars spaced no more than 5cm apart provide additional protection and prevent eye injuries from errant balls.

Consider a chin strap specially designed to integrate with your mouthguard for maximum protection and compatibility. Chin straps with shock-absorbing sleeves reduce impact forces transmitted through your jaw. Always wear your chinstrap tightly secured as it anchors the helmet and facemask in place.

Some companies offer helmets with cateye-style facemasks optimized for excellent downward vision crucial in box lax. Cateye cages utilize thinner vertical bars and strategic placement to improve sightlines for catching passes and shots in tight spaces.

Don’t forget that the facemask takes nearly as much abuse as the helmet shell itself during box lacrosse games. Selecting a lacrosse helmet with a well-constructed, robust facemask is just as important as the shell durability and padding. Taking checks, balls, and sticks to the facemask occurs frequently in indoor lacrosse, so make sure to protect yourself with an exceptionally durable facemask and chinstrap anchoring it firmly in place.

High-End Lacrosse Helmets Have Moisture Wicking Liners to Keep You Cool

One of the most critical comfort factors in a lacrosse helmet is heat and sweat management, especially for intensive indoor box lacrosse games. High-performance lacrosse helmets now incorporate moisture wicking liners and pads to keep you cool even during heated competition.

As you run and exert yourself during a box lax game, your head sweats profusely inside the confined helmet. This can cause overheating and soak the foam pads lining the helmet interior. Advanced lacrosse helmets utilize moisture-wicking, anti-microbial fabric covers on the pads that actively pull sweat away from your head and into the pad lining.

This specialized fabric also accelerates evaporation to enhance cooling. By proactively wicking moisture away while circulating air through the pads, your helmet stays light and dry for max comfort. The antimicrobial properties also resist odor buildup over time.

Look for helmets with interchangeable pad kits so you can customize thickness and coverage. Swapping pads is an easy way to increase ventilation and cooling if needed for hot box lax tournaments and seasons. Having removable pads also allows you to regularly machine wash the pads and liners to eliminate bacteria.

Companies now engineer lacrosse helmets with strategically placed ventilation holes and channels specifically designed to work with the moisture wicking pads. This optimizes airflow circulation inside your helmet during intense activity and evaporation of sweat. Proper ventilation is key for dissipating heat buildup.

Don’t settle for a basic lacrosse helmet that lacks moisture management capabilities. Moisture-wicking, antimicrobial pad liners provide critical sweat and heat control you need for comfortable long-term wear required for box lacrosse games and practices. Enhanced ventilation takes the system a step further for cool, dry performance.

Prioritize Vision and Ventilation When Selecting Your Box Lax Helmet

When evaluating lacrosse helmets for box lacrosse, two critical factors to prioritize are vision and ventilation. The confined indoor court places a premium on excellent visibility and airflow in your helmet.

Many brands design box lacrosse-specific helmets with features to optimize your field of vision. Look for rounded helmet shells that improve downward and peripheral sightlines versus flat-backed designs. Strategically shaped eye openings also enhance vision for seeing passes and balls in tight spaces.

Choose facemasks with thinner vertical bars or cateye styles that limit vision obstruction. Make sure to assess visibility with any helmet model by trying it on and simulating your head movement during play. Obstructed vision increases your risk of mistakes and contact injuries.

Proper ventilation is also key to prevent dangerous overheating and fogging in warm indoor box lax venues. Helmets engineered specifically for box lacrosse incorporate ventilation holes and channels aligned with the liner pads. This facilitates critical airflow over your head for evaporative cooling.

Try on helmets to check they don’t restrict your breathing or feel stuffy, especially with your mouthguard in place. The best box lacrosse helmets have sufficient venting to allow free airflow when running and the facemask isn’t flush against the chin.

Adjustable liner pads also help customize ventilation and cooling. Having the option to remove pads enhances air circulation and heat dissipation when needed. Prioritizing vision and ventilation in your box lacrosse helmet ensures you can play comfortably with excellent situational awareness for hours on end.

Don’t settle for a helmet lacking innovations to maximize visibility and cooling during intense box lacrosse competition. Keeping sightlines open and airflow free prevents fatigue, errors, and injuries that can occur after overheating and visibility restrictions. Make vision and ventilation priorities when choosing your lacrosse helmet for box lax.

Pick a Helmet with an Adjustable Chin Strap for a Secure Fit

An often overlooked component of lacrosse helmets that plays a crucial role in safety and performance is the chin strap. Be sure to select a box lacrosse helmet with an adjustable chin strap so you can customize the fit for a stable and secure feel.

Chin straps keep your helmet firmly in place on your head during physical play. A strap that is too loose allows the helmet to shift upon impact, compromising its ability to protect you. An overly tight strap can feel uncomfortable and restrict your breathing and speech.

Look for chin straps with multiple adjustment points so you can dial in the ideal tension. Sliders, adjustable length straps, and removable pad inserts give you flexibility to tweak the fit on the fly until the helmet feels stable without excessive tightness.

Premium chin straps use lightweight elastic materials with 4-way stretch properties for a customized fit feel. This comfortable elasticity allows you to open your mouth freely without the strap loosening too much. Shock-absorbing strap sleeves cushion your jaw fromforces transmitted through the strap.

Make sure your chin strap is compatible with your mouthguard. Chin straps designed for mouthguards have extra width and adjustable buttons to accommodate a mouthguard’s thickness. This ensures you can achieve a stable helmet fit without removing your mouthguard.

Take the time to properly adjust your new helmet’s chin strap before stepping on the box lacrosse court. An unstable helmet jeopardizes its impact protection capabilities. A customizable chin strap lets you fine-tune the tension so your helmet stays locked in place without any movement or slippage during intense box lax contests.

Well-Vented Box Lax Helmets Prevent Fogging During Intense Play

One of the most irritating issues that can occur with lacrosse helmets during hot and aggressive box lacrosse games is visor fogging. The most advanced box lax helmets incorporate optimized ventilation to effectively minimize visor fogging.

Vigorous activity and confined spaces cause players’ heads to sweat profusely during indoor lacrosse games. This moisture can condense on the interior helmet visor surface and obstruct vision. Impaired sightlines increase your risk of taking an errant stick or ball to the head.

Advanced helmet designs utilize strategic vent placement to increase airflow circulation within the helmet. Vents channel air flow across the visor from front to back, sweeping moisture out the rear vents. This prevents sweat from accumulating on the interior visor surface and fogging it up.

Breathable moisture-wicking liner pads also pull sweat away from your head and into the pad core instead of dripping forward onto the visor. The pads’ antimicrobial treatments reduce bacteria buildup from sweat over time as well.

Many high-end lacrosse helmets also allow you to reposition or swap visors for increased upward ventilation directed at the visor. Tilting your visor slightly or installing a visor with airflow channels limits fogging. Carrying a replacement visor is wise in case swapping visors becomes necessary mid-game.

Choosing a well-ventilated box lacrosse helmet equipped with fog-fighting technologies allows you to focus on your game rather than dealing with a fogged visor. The strategic vent placement and moisture wicking pads of premium lax helmets keep visors clear no matter how intensely you compete on the indoor box lacrosse court.

Customizable Lacrosse Helmets Allow You to Switch Out Visors

One useful innovation found in many modern lacrosse helmets is the tool-free removable visor system. This allows you to easily swap and change visors to suit different light conditions and personal preference.

Being able to quickly switch visors gives you added flexibility and customization with your lacrosse helmet. Clear visors provide minimal tint and color distortion for indoor box lacrosse games. Light smoke visors reduce glare in bright outdoor conditions. Mirrored visors enhance contrast on sunny days.

Tool-free visor removal systems allow fast, easy swapping without any screws or hardware. Look for helmets that enable quick visor changes without affecting facemask tension or alignment. Magnetic attachment is one popular tool-free method utilized by brands like Cascade and Warrior for effortless visor swaps.

Carrying extra replacement visors in your lacrosse bag lets you tackle variable light conditions and swap out scratched or damaged visors as needed. Having options like a clear and tinted visor covers everything from dark indoor box lax venues to afternoon outdoor tournaments.

Being able to customize your helmet with different visors also allows you to accessorize and show off your personal style. Lacrosse helmets with removable visors empower you to quickly adapt to circumstances while putting your own stamp on your protective gear.

The capability to effortlessly switch and swap visors in seconds without any tools is an underrated aspect of modern lacrosse helmets. Take advantage of the quick customization and flexibility interchangeable visors provide during both indoor and outdoor play.

Clean and Inspect Your Box Lax Helmet Regularly for Safety

An important but often neglected aspect of proper lacrosse helmet care is regularly cleaning and inspecting it. Take the time after each use to clean your box lacrosse helmet and examine it for any signs of damage to maximize safety and performance.

Use mild soap and water with a soft cloth to wipe away dirt, grime, and sweat. Pay extra attention to the interior pads, chin strap, and ventilation holes where bacteria can accumulate. Avoid harsh cleaners that could degrade padding or damage the shell.

Disinfecting helmet liner pads after each use prevents odor buildup and acne from bacteria growth. Let all components fully air dry before storing to prevent mold.

Carefully inspect the helmet shell, chin strap, and facemask for any cracks or deformation that could compromise protection. Look for frayed or torn chin strap stitching and damaged pad liners as well. Replace any components showing excessive wear immediately.

Test any hardware like strap adjusters, visor screws, and facemask attachment points for proper tension and function. Resecure any loose components and replace damaged or missing hardware.

A well-maintained helmet offers the best protection and longevity. Set reminders to deep clean pads and disinfect liner quarterly for freshness. Offseason storage in a helmet bag prevents dust buildup. With regular cleaning and inspection, your lacrosse helmet provides reliable safety season after season.

Invest in a Quality Lacrosse Helmet to Protect Against Injuries

When gearing up for box lacrosse, one of the most important investments you can make is selecting a high-quality helmet engineered to protect against concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Don’t compromise protection by trying to save money on your lacrosse helmet.

Advanced helmets utilize innovative materials and technologies to effectively disperse energy and reduce impact forces on your head. This includes aspects like optimized shell geometries, multi-layer foam liners, and strategic vent patterns designed to work together to minimize and deflect hits.

Premium lacrosse helmets endure rigorous testing to meet NOCSAE and HECC safety standards. This ensures the helmet model exceeds impact absorption and deflection thresholds that indicate adequate protection for your head across a variety of scenarios.

Cheaper lacrosse helmets cut costs by using thinner padding, cheaper materials, and less testing. But protecting your brain is not worth the savings. Look for the NOCSAE and HECC certification logos on any helmet you consider to ensure real independent testing.

Today’s lacrosse helmets also incorporate useful features like adjustable liners, removable visors, and ventilation. This combines the latest protective technologies with custom comfort and performance. Don’t jeopardize your safety with an inferior helmet lacking innovations in protection and design.

Be sure to inspect and replace your helmet after any significant impacts. Hard collisions weaken the helmet’s structural integrity. Prioritizing quality gear gives you the peace of mind to play hard and fast knowing your head is protected.

Make Your Helmet Compatible With Camera Mounts For Filming

A great way to capture box lacrosse game highlights and memories is mounting an action camera like a GoPro on your helmet. When shopping for a new lacrosse helmet, look for models compatible with camera mounts.

Many helmets now integrate mounting points so you can easily attach camera accessories without affecting safety. Positions on the chin, side, and top of the helmet offer versatile filming angles of yourself and the action.

Look for helmets with breakaway camera mounts that detach upon impact to avoid injury. Magnetic mounts also allow you to quickly attach cameras when desired and remove them after filming. This added convenience makes helmet cameras accessible.

Make sure to use lightweight camera models to prevent neck strain and balance issues from the added mass on your helmet. Sleek profile mounts hug tight to the helmet contour for a streamlined feel.

Research camera accessories like extended batteries and anti-fog inserts to enhance filming and prevent issues like lens fogging in hot indoor venues. A helmet kit with multiple mounts gives flexibility to film from different perspectives.

With helmet-mounted cameras, you can easily record gameplay to study technique and share epic plays. Choosing a helmet designed for camera compatibility lets you take advantage of this cool option to document your box lacrosse experience.

Choose a Helmet With a Tool-Free Removable Visor System

One convenient feature to look for when selecting a lacrosse helmet for box lax is a tool-free removable visor system. This allows you to quickly change and swap visors without tools for added convenience and customization.

Tool-free visor removal enables fast, easy swapping of clear and tinted visors to suit changing light conditions. Simply slide and click the visor in and out of position to change it in seconds – no screws required.

Magnetic visor mounts are one popular tool-free system offered by brands like Warrior and Cascade. Powerful rare earth magnets securely hold the visor in place during play but allow easy detachment by hand when you want to switch visors.

Quick change visor systems also facilitate cleaning and replacement of scratched lenses. Carry extra replacement visors in your bag so you can swap in a new visor on the fly when needed.

Being able to change visors quickly without tools also allows you to customize the look and style of your helmet. Mix up different visor colors and mirror coatings to showcase your personality.

Don’t settle for a lacrosse helmet that requires screwdrivers and hardware to change the visor. Seek out helmets with tool-free removable visors so you can swap lenses in seconds flat. This creates versatility to adapt to different playing conditions while offering convenient customization.

Consider Helmets With MIPS Technology for Enhanced Protection

As lacrosse helmet technology continues to advance, one innovation to look for is MIPS protection. MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) represents the latest breakthrough in reducing head injuries from angled impacts.

MIPS helmets integrate a low-friction rotatable layer between the head and helmet pads. This allows the helmet to shift subtly upon impact, redirecting rotational energy and decreasing cranial motion that leads to concussions.

Studies show MIPS reduces strain on the brain by up to 40% compared to non-MIPS helmets. Since most hits occur at angles in lacrosse, decreased rotation can significantly reduce concussion risks.

Several lacrosse helmet brands now offer MIPS models alongside their standard helmets. Models with MIPS do carry a slight premium, but the enhanced protection is worthwhile, especially for younger athletes. The minimalist MIPS layer integrates seamlessly into liner pads.

MIPS helmets still utilize all the latest impact-absorbing technologies like advanced shells and pads. The low friction MIPS layer supplements protection by addressing rotational impacts ignored by traditional designs. This provides more comprehensive protection.

While MIPS does not make helmets totally concussion-proof given the forces in lacrosse, it meaningfully improves safety. Seek out lacrosse helmets featuring MIPS technology to enjoy the latest enhancement in impact protection for the box lax court.