The Best Under Armour Lacrosse Shoulder Pads For Defensemen in 2023

The Best Under Armour Lacrosse Shoulder Pads For Defensemen in 2023

Why Proper Padding is Essential for Defensemen

As a defenseman in lacrosse, having proper padding in your shoulder pads is absolutely crucial. The physical nature of playing defense means you’ll be dishing out hard checks and getting crushed on picks and rolls on a routine basis. Without adequate padding over your shoulders, chest, and back, you’re putting yourself at serious risk of injury every time you take the field.

The ideal lacrosse shoulder pads for defense will have thick, durable padding over the shoulders and deltoids. Look for shoulder caps with an extra layer of high-density foam padding to help absorb the shock of those bone-crunching checks. The repeated impacts from opposing offensive players will take a major toll over the course of a game and season without good padding. Reinforced shoulder caps reduce the direct force and vibration that gets transmitted on checks. Sturdy padding prevents your shoulders from getting beat up and bruised game after game.

In addition to protecting your shoulders, make sure to get shoulder pads with ample rib and chest protection. Defensemen often take the brunt of cross-checks right to the ribs and chest area. Integrated rib guards made of high-density foam or soft padded plastic inserts are crucial for any defender. Taking a cross-check right to the ribs without any padding can easily lead to cracked or bruised ribs.

Good chest padding is also essential to protect your vital organs like your heart and lungs. Look for soft, breathable padding over the sternum area. This protects you from boards and errant stick checks to the chest. As a defender constantly battling attackers in front of the crease, you’ll inevitably take some incidental contact right to the chest. Proper padding absorbs the impact rather than letting it directly strike your ribs and organs. Don’t risk playing defense without the necessary padding to protect these vulnerable areas from injury. Your health and safety should always come first.

Look for Flexible, Lightweight Shoulder Caps

When shopping for new lacrosse shoulder pads as a defenseman, pay close attention to the design and material used for the shoulder caps. The shoulder caps are the reinforced protective layers that sit atop your actual shoulders. This exterior shell is designed to take the brunt of checks and absorb the shock that would otherwise be directed right into your shoulder joint and muscles.

The ideal shoulder caps will be made from a lightweight, flexible material that moves freely with your body. Although you want durable protection, the shoulder caps shouldn’t restrict your range of motion. As a defender who needs quick reactions and agility, stiff and rigid caps will hinder your performance. Look for caps constructed from high-grade plastic alloy or carbon fiber composite. Theseoffer a feather-light yet hard outer shell.

Inside the caps, there should be plenty of thick padding. Multi-layer foam lining will disperse energy and dampen vibrations from heavy contact. The more padding between your actual shoulder and the outer cap, the less shock will transfer through. High-density foam, EVA foam, and memory foam materials offer excellent energy absorption. Make sure to test the flexibility of the caps before buying new pads.

Raised shoulder caps allow you to deliver harder checks without absorbing so much force yourself. The shape should be anatomically contoured to your shoulders for full protection and unhindered mobility. Straps should connect the front and back of the pads, stabilizing the caps and preventing them from shifting out of place upon impact. Durability is also key – the stitching and materials that connect the caps to the pads must withstand season after season of hard hits.

While protection is the top priority, lightweight padding and caps help improve your speed, quickness and agility on the field. As a defender, shaving off even a few ounces from your equipment can give you an edge in covering opposing players. High-end options like carbon fiber and molded plastic alloy weigh less than traditional heavy-duty vinyl and rubber pads.

Don’t make sacrifices in padding quality just to save weight. But new material technologies now allow for shoulder pads with robust protection that move and feel lighter. Prioritize both flexibility and strength in your shoulder caps. With adjustable and breathable materials, you can domination defensively every possession without getting worn down.

Rib Guards Prevent Painful Bruised Ribs

Rib and chest protection is a must for defensemen in lacrosse. Playing defense inevitably means taking your fair share of cross-checks and illegal picks right to the ribs. Without proper padding, you’ll end up bruised, sore, and struggling to breathe by the end of games.

Quality lacrosse shoulder pads will integrate rib guards into the sides and torso. Foam or plastic rib protectors disperse the force from sticks driven into your ribs. Thick padding absorbs vibration to prevent deep tissue bruising that can linger for weeks. Integrated rib padding allows the protectors to lie flat and contour to your body shape for full coverage.

Look for rib guards with a combination of soft, breathable padding and hard plastic. The soft foam layer rests comfortably against your skin and wicks moisture. Underneath, the firm plastic shell prevents the padding from bottoming out on hard impacts. Without a solid backing, the foam can get compressed and leave your ribs vulnerable.

Make sure the rib protectors extend fully around your torso to shield both the front and back sides. Angled cross-checks to the ribs can strike from any direction in the heat of battle. With full wraparound coverage, you don’t need to worry about turning just the right way to absorb checks. Overlapping side rib guards prevent any gaps in protection.

Proper fit is crucial for rib pads to stay centered on contact. Shoulder pad straps should crisscross over the rib area to hold the padding in place. Look for adjustable straps and fasteners to customize the compression. The last thing you want is for the pads to shift and expose your ribs when you take a hit.

Breathable padding allows airflow to prevent overheating. Excessive sweat can also cause the rib pads to gradually sag over time. Quality foam paired with moisture-wicking liner fabric keeps you cool, dry, and protected. With cross-checks barred in most youth and high school lacrosse, rib guards are optional – but highly recommended for any competitive league.

Don’t wait until you take that first painful cross-check to realize just how essential rib protection is. Integrated rib guards on your shoulder pads prevent nagging injuries that severely hinder your defensive aggressiveness. Focus on locking down opponents rather than nursing tender ribs after games.

Soft Chest Padding Protects Vital Organs

In addition to rib protection, lacrosse shoulder pads for defense need ample padding over the sternum and chest area. This vital section shields your heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from harm.

Look for shoulder pads with a padded chest plate or girdle piece that straps over your sternum. The padding should use soft, breathable foam or cotton over the surface that sits against your skin. This prevents chafing and discomfort even during intense game action.

Underneath the soft padding, there should be a firm plastic plate backing that stiffens on impact. This prevents the padding from getting compressed into your chest from collisions. Without a solid foundation, the foam can bottom out and put your body at risk.

Ventilation is key to promote air circulation on hot days. Perforations in the padding along with mesh lining allows sweat to evaporate. This keeps you cool and comfortable even when temperatures rise. Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat off your skin as well.

Make sure the chest padding extends over your entire sternum area. Protection should reach up to your collar bones and across the full width of your chest. Padding that only covers a small central portion leaves the sides of your upper chest vulnerable.

Proper strapping also plays a key role. Integrated shoulder pad straps need to crisscross over the chest protector to hold it securely in place. Elastic fasteners, Velcro attachments, and adjustable sliding clips allow you to customize the fit. With the chest padding compressed snugly to your body, it won’t slide out of position when you take hits.

While a chest protector girdle is common, some shoulder pads integrate padding directly into the front panel. This provides protection without the need for an extra attachment. However, integrated padding typically offers less coverage and security compared to a full protector.

Make sure to follow sizing charts precisely so the chest padding sits correctly on your frame. Proper coverage is essential, as no amount of padding can fully protect your internal organs from a direct perpendicular hit. But quality padding reduces the risks and impact forces that lead to bruising and other trauma.

Hard Shell Back Plates Prevent Spinal Injuries

A proper back plate is an absolute essential component of lacrosse shoulder pads for defensemen. As a defender constantly battling for ground balls and post position, you’ll inevitably take your fair share of hits directly to the back.

A sturdy back plate disperses the brunt of the force from checks, preventing direct contact with your spine. Hard shell plastic alloy or carbon fiber materials are ideal for the rear plate. This prevents the padding from compressing into the vertebrae on high-impact collisions.

Make sure the back plate extends fully across your upper back between the shoulder blades. Protection should sit centered directly over the spine to maximize shock absorption. Plates that only cover a portion of the upper back leave the spine vulnerable to injury.

For full coverage, the back plate should be firmly secured to the shoulder caps and rib protectors around the sides. This creates a stability cradle that prevents the back padding from shifting upon impact. Integrated design is preferable to loose back plate attachments that can detach.

While a sturdy shell is necessary, some cushioning should sit between the plastic backing and your skin. Multi-layer foam padding or air pockets provide this vital cushioning. The goal is to dissipate energy through the padding before it reaches your skeletal structure.

Breathable padding allows airflow to the back to prevent overheating. Sweat-wicking fabrics and perforations promote air circulation through the pads. Well-vented yet hard back plates provide ideal protection and comfort.

Make sure to take accurate back length measurements when selecting sizes. The bottom of the plate should extend just past your mid-back for full coverage. But sizing up too much can cause the top of the plate to hit the base of your neck. Proper plate placement is crucial.

Don’t take chances with spinal protection. Cheap pads with flimsy back plates or no rear protection at all put you at serious risk of traumatic injury. Pay close attention to back plate construction when selecting new shoulder pads. Your long-term health depends on it.

Bicep Pads Shield Against Stingers

As a lacrosse defenseman, your arms and biceps will inevitably take a beating from constant checks. Without proper bicep padding, you’ll end up with recurring stingers that severely hinder your ability to lock down opponents.

Quality shoulder pads will integrate removable arm guards that attach to the main torso piece. These are secured over the biceps and include hard plastic caps on the outside of the elbows.

Look for padding with tapered caps that flex and slide along with elbow movement. This prevents any restriction when rotating your arms to throw checks. The caps should have enough interior padding to disperse impact from checks.

Bicep pads shaped to wrap fully around your upper arms provide ideal protection. Make sure padding extends down over your triceps as well to shield your entire arm. Partial padding leaves the backs of the arms exposed to checks.

Secure strap systems hold the arm guards firmly in place during play. Straps attaching the bicep and elbow pads prevent them from rotating out of position. Well-fitting compression keeps the padding centered on your muscles through constant motion.

Breathable lining beneath the pads prevents excessive sweat buildup. Moisture-wicking fabrics draw perspiration off the skin for quick evaporation. Well-vented padding provides cool, dry wear even on hot days.

For ideal protection and flexibility, look for removable arm guard attachments. This allows you to remove or adjust the arm padding separately from the shoulder pads themselves. Replaceable guards are also beneficial if just the arm components become worn out over time.

Pay close attention to sizing when ordering new shoulder pads. Measure the full length and circumference of your biceps for the best fit. Ill-fitting arm guards that are too loose or restrictive impede playing ability while also failing to fully protect from hits.

Don’t head into battle unprotected – a few solid stingers to the biceps can severely weaken your checks. Integrated arm guards on lacrosse shoulder pads are essential protective gear for defensemen playing at any level of competition.

Moisture Control Keeps You Cool and Dry

Playing defense in lacrosse involves near-constant motion and physical exertion. Without proper moisture control, all that sweat will leave you feeling soaked and weighed down.

Look for lacrosse shoulder pads constructed from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Mesh panels along the back and interior lining allow air to freely circulate. This brings cooling airflow to your skin and whisks perspiration away.

Padding containing heat-releasing polymer materials prevent overheating. Some advanced fabrics even provide cooling sensations or absorb heat upon contact with skin. This provides a subtle yet refreshing chill as your body heats up.

Along with breathable construction, moisture-wicking linings play a crucial role. Synthetic fabrics like polyester or spandex pull sweat off your skin and distribute it across the surface. This allows the sweat to quickly evaporate rather than pooling.

Antimicrobial treatments prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the pads’ fabrics. Silver-infused textiles kill microbes and germs to keep smells at bay even after intense games or practices.

Vents located along the tops of the shoulder caps, back plate, and chest allow hot air to escape. Openings in the padding provide constant airflow without decreasing protection. Perforations in foam pads have the same effect.

Look for shoulder pads with removable liner pads that can be taken out and washed. Machine washing pads regularly eliminates bacteria and stubborn odors that build up over time. Detachable components make cleaning much simpler.

Following the sizing charts ensures a good compression fit, which enhances airflow. Loose pads that don’t contour to your body heat up faster and hold more sweat. Proper fit promotes cooling airflow.

The last thing you want as a defender is feeling soaked in sweat and breathing hot, humid air. Well-ventilated shoulder pads keep you cool, dry and energetic shift after shift.

Customizable Adjustability for Secure Fit

Achieving a secure, customized fit is vital for lacrosse shoulder pads to deliver full protective capability. Loose, shifting pads leave gaps in coverage and also impede mobility.

Higher-end shoulder pads offer a range of adjustable fasteners and straps across multiple areas. Look for adjustable clips or slides on the bicep, rib, chest, and back pads. This dialing in compression around the contours of your body.

Robust Velcro straps across the torso, shoulders, and arms allow tweaking tightness based on personal preference. Loosening or cinching key areas takes just seconds between possessions or periods.

Elastic strap systems also automatically self-adjust to your shape and movements. Suspension straps adapt to various shoulder widths and arm positions during play.

Interconnecting side and shoulder straps prevent individual pads from twisting or shifting out of alignment. Crisscrossing straps integrate all components to move as one protective piece.

Detachable pads fasten securely to anchor plates integrated into the main torso padding. Hard sleeves reinforce attachment points and prevent tearing. Replaceable pads can be swapped between sets to customize protection.

Try on different shoulder pad models and walk around and raise your arms. Make note of any tight or loose areas, and look for pads offering ample adjustments there. Testing range of motion reveals fit shortcomings.

Take accurate chest, arm, shoulder and back measurements and consult individual sizing charts. Sizes vary widely between brands and models. Don’t assume the same size will fit properly.

Dialing in a customized, secure fit takes trial and error. But optimized adjustments result in shoulder pads that move seamlessly with your body. Protection remains properly aligned even through relentless defensive play.

Lightweight Design Improves Mobility

Playing tenacious defense requires quick reactions, agility, and constant motion. Excessively bulky and heavy shoulder pads sap your energy and slow you down over the course of a game.

New material technologies now allow for lacrosse shoulder pads with robust protection that remain lightweight. Advanced plastics, carbon fiber, and molded foam weigh less than traditional materials.

Mesh panels with perforations make the pads more breathable while also subtracting ounces. Every additional vent and cutout trims critical grams of weight.

Reduced pad thickness minimizes bulk without sacrificing cushioning capability. Multi-impact foams absorb as well as thicker pads in a lighter package. Leaner profile creates less drag.

Removable liner pads allow customization of weight distribution. Swapping thicker and thinner pads to match preferences and playing style helps optimize total weight.

Minimalist rib and bicep guards with slim padding also reduce heft compared to full-wraparound extensions. But make sure vital areas remain adequately protected.

While cutting weight, ensure metal hardware and outer shells still provide rugged durability to withstand your aggressive play. Don’t sacrifice essential structural integrity.

Try performing agility drills and sprints wearing different shoulder pad models. Time trials and mobility tests reveal how specific pads affect your quickness and endurance compared to others.

Any additional weight your legs, back and shoulders must carry will gradually zap energy as games wear on. And those extra ounces make it harder to keep pace with speedy attackers shift after shift.

The latest tech allows shoulder pads with robust protection that move and feel almost weightless. Prioritize defense-specific padding configurations in the lightest possible package.

Durability Withstands Season After Season

As a lacrosse defenseman, your shoulder pads get punished game after game by constant physical play. Cheap pads with flimsy construction will quickly fall apart and require replacement.

Look for shoulder pads featuring durable textiles and high tensile strength reinforcement. Sturdy double-stitching along stress seams prevents tearing and ripped padding.

Industrial grade fasteners, buckles, and clip attachments stand up to wear and prevent loose fit over time. Metal alloy or reinforced plastic hardware won’t crack under repeated impacts.

Thicker, higher-density foam maintains protective integrity much longer than standard cushioning. Multi-impact and memory foams retain original shape after compressions.

Examine the exterior shells covering shoulder caps and back plates. Solid one-piece construction is more durable than segmented parts that can separate.

Replaceable liner pads allow worn-out components to be individually swapped rather than replacing whole pads. This saves money while customizing protection.

Breathable moisture-wicking fabrics prevent damage-causing mildew and sweating out. Odor-fighting and antimicrobial treatments further enhance longevity.

Check product reviews and feedback prior to purchases. Look for consistent reports of many seasons of use without wearing out. This validates real-world durability.

Consider using shoulder pads in practice to spread out wear and tear rather than just games. Rotate between multiple sets to maximize lifespan.

While lacrosse gear represents an investment, costly annual shoulder pad replacements add up. Focus your search on durable models offering years of reliable protection through brutal game action.

Unrestricted Range of Motion

Playing suffocating defense demands full, unhindered range of motion in your shoulders and arms. Restrictive shoulder pads impair your ability to throw checks, scoop ground balls, and react to dodges.

Look for shoulder caps with flexible yet durable outer shells. Pliable molded plastic alloy, carbon fiber, and polyethylene materials move freely with your shoulders as you rotate and extend your arms.

Interior cushioning beneath the caps should also offer flexibility to prevent binding. Multi-layer foam and padding allows natural shoulder articulation through all planes of motion.

Minimalist bicep and rib extensions avoid restrictive bulk along the arms and torso while still protecting vulnerable areas. Overly bulky pads create resistance.

Breathable mesh panels at key movement zones prevent friction. Silicone grip texturing at contact points also enhances smooth arm rotations inside the pads.

Proper adjustment and fit around the shoulders, chest, and back keeps padding from impinging movement. Customizing compression via robust fasteners and straps is key.

Test mobility by mimicking lacrosse moves during try-ons. Reach across your body, move arms overhead, bend down, and twist your torso. Make note of binding, tugging, or stiffness.

Avoid pads with thickly padded abdomen protectors that can hinder sprinting mechanics and mobility. Focus protection on more vulnerable shoulders, ribs and chest.

The ideal shoulder pads move in sync with your body to eliminate all resistance or drag. Playing defense relies on quick reactions and acceleration in all directions without limitations.

Don’t settle for subpar padding that sacrifices essential mobility. New technologies and innovations now allow lacrosse shoulder pads with optimized protective coverage that move with you on every play.

Full Arm Protection Against Checks

As a lacrosse defenseman, your arms will inevitably take a beating from the constant barrage of checks thrown by attacking players. Adequate arm padding is essential to prevent painful stingers.

Look for shoulder pads featuring an integrated arm sleeve that attaches to the shoulder caps and torso. This provides seamless protection from shoulder to wrist without any gaps.

Robust padding should encircle the entire bicep to shield from side checks. Interior foam dispersed between durable outer shells absorbs impact. Sliding elbow caps flex naturally for mobility.

Extended padding reaching mid-forearm protects the vulnerable wrist and hand bones from late hits and reckless slashes. Integrated gloves offer even heavier padding across the fingers and hands.

Secure strap systems are crucial for keeping arm guards anchored in place. Bicep, elbow and wrist straps prevent shifting and keep the padding centered through motion and contact.

Silicone grippers inside prevent slipping for staying fixed on the skin during play. Antimicrobial liner materials also resist odor buildup over time.

Breathable mesh and perforations allow airflow to prevent interior heat buildup that causes discomfort and distraction.

Test different arm guard configurations to find the ideal balance of coverage versus mobility for your playing style and needs.

Partial arm guards may be preferred by some players for maximum freedom of movement. But leaving your lower arms exposed significantly increases risks of injury.

As a defender, the hits will keep coming from all directions. Don’t take chances with stingers or fractures by neglecting full arm protection on your pads.

Leg Protection Against Ground Balls

Playing defense in lacrosse involves constant battles for contested ground balls. Your legs will inevitably take some abuse down low in the trenches.

While complete leg padding remains relatively rare in lacrosse, some shoulder pads now offer integrated thigh and knee protection.

Look for pads featuring removable padded girdles that strap around the thighs and knees. Foam inserts cushion from knee-on-knee collisions and checks thrown low on dodges.

Hard caps on the outside of the knee shield the joint from direct impact with the ground or an opponent’s equipment. Interior padding absorbs force beneath the shell.

Thigh padding should wrap fully around each leg to protect the inner knee areas as well. Players regularly take knees straight to unpadded inner thighs when hitting the turf.

Secure compression from multiple adjustable straps prevents the leg guards from dislodging or twisting during play. Proper anchoring is vital.

Breathable lining and perforated padding prevents interior heat and sweat buildup. This keeps the guards from gradually sliding down when active.

While complete leg pads add protective bulk, removable girdle attachments allow customization. Girdles can be taken off once floor play becomes less aggressive later in games.

Consider swapping thicker game girdles for lighter practice protectors to save wear and prevent fatigue. Use different options tailored for contact levels.

Legs left unprotected risk painful bruises or even fractured bones on hard collisions. Removable lacrosse shoulder pad girdles offer wise protection for defensemen constantly hitting the deck.

Choose the Right Pad Size

Getting properly fitted lacrosse shoulder pads is vital for ideal protection and comfort. Pads that are undersized leave gaps in coverage, while oversized pads hinder mobility.

Consult individual sizing charts and measure key areas on your body first, including chest circumference, arm length, back length, and shoulder width. Sizes vary between brands so don’t assume.

Try on different shoulder pad models in a range of sizes to assess fit and coverage. Have a partner tug and pull on the pads to test secureness during rough motion.

Ideally the shoulder cap padding should fully cover your deltoid muscles without extending past your shoulder joint or onto the biceps. Measure shoulder width to confirm fit.

Rib guards shouldn’t dig into sides but should wrap fully around your torso without any gaps. Straps should crisscross tightly over the sternum.

Back plates must fully cover spinal column with extra length extending just past the small of your back for protection when hunched over.

Bicep and elbow pads shouldn’t pinch arm movement but should stay centered on the muscles when rotating your arms fully in all directions.

Leg girdles should align cleanly with the knee caps without sitting too high or low on the thighs. Straps keep guards from sliding when running.

If certain spots feel loose or tight during testing, look for shoulder pads with adjustable fasteners there to customize fit. You want snug but not restrictive compression.

Take the time to get your lacrosse shoulder pads fitted properly. Correct sizing with a secure fit is essential for protective pads that move fluidly with your body.

Avoid the “One Size Fits All” Trap

When shopping for new lacrosse shoulder pads, the temptation can be strong to simply grab a universal “one size fits all” set to avoid the fitting process. Avoid this trap at all costs.

One size pads rely on loose adjustments and minimal padding to work for a wide range of body types. But this leaves gaps in protection and allows shifting that exposes vulnerable areas.

With no contoured shape, one size shoulder caps won’t properly cover broader or more narrow shoulders. The caps can slide right off the deltoids with arm motions.

Loose rib and spine protectors also move out of alignment, leaving organs and vertebrae exposed. Ill-fitting chest plates bottom out on big hits due to poor compression.

Straps designed for universal sizing stretch to accommodate but rarely achieve true compression. Shifting and slippage inevitably occur, creating injury risks.

Minimalist padding over key areas saves weight but doesn’t protect muscles and joints from bruising trauma. Limited cushioning increases impact forces.

Binding and restricted mobility are also common issues with one size pads. Excessive tightness across the shoulders and arms or looseness in the torso hampers movement.

While one size pads may suffice for casual recreational play, they fall dangerously short for real competitive lacrosse. Get properly measured and fitted for your specific body dimensions.

The 5-10 extra minutes spent dialing in a tailored fit results in shoulder pads offering maximum mobility and protection. Don’t undermine your performance and safety with inferior one size options.