The Best Womens Lacrosse Gear for 2023The Best Womens Lacrosse Gear for 2023
Sticks Built for Control and Quick Handling
A lacrosse stick customized for a female player’s physique can make all the difference. Seek out sticks with narrower shafts for easier handling and deeper pockets to cradle the ball. Offset heads give you more control over cradling and passing. Sticks with composite frames tend to have the right blend of lightweight maneuverability and sturdy ball retention. Stringing the head yourself or getting a restringing can optimize the pocket for your position and playing style.
Protective Gear to Keep You Safe on the Field
Safety is paramount, so invest in high-quality gear engineered for the female form. Eye shields on helmets must secure tightly for clear vision. Seek out mouth guards that mold to your bite and don’t obstruct breathing. Padded gloves absorb checks and cradle strings. Chest protectors sized for women deter bruising during legal stick and body checks. Finally, knee pads prevent scrape burns when scooping up ground balls.
Cleats for Agility and Traction
The right cleats maximize your mobility and prevent ankle rolls and knee tweaks. Look for a lightweight women’s lacrosse cleat with adequate arch support. Traction and grip are vital for quick cuts, so examine the cleat pattern. A wider cleat near the toes helps you pivot and push off. A few cleats at the heel ensure stability for dodges and defense. Finally, mid-foot support prevents strain.
Goalie Equipment for Defending the Net
As goalkeeper, you need equipment designed specifically for your position. A helmet with a full face mask provides critical facial protection. Chest and arm padding should wrap your torso without restricting reach. Goalie gloves have extra padding across palms and fingers to stop blistering shots. For leg protection, shin guards worn under the pants defend against low shots.
Gloves for Superior Ball Control
Lacrosse gloves allow superior handling, passing, and shooting. Palm padding reduces sting and improves grip. Thermoformed or memory foam padding molds to your hands. Breathable fabrics, like mesh over laminate, reduce sweat. A wrap-around wrist design with adjustable Velcro straps ensures the gloves stay put. For extra protection, half-finger gloves cover vulnerable knuckles.
Goggles for Clear Vision
Goggles are a must for dust, sun glare, and rainy conditions. Look for low-profile goggles that sit close to the face. Anti-fog coatings prevent condensation buildup. Strap adjusters deliver a customized fit. Opt for polycarbonate or acetate lenses that are impact-resistant. Consider tinted lenses to enhance contrast in variable light. Finally, goggles sized for women simply see better.
Bags to Carry Your Gear
A lacrosse bag holds all your equipment for practices and games. Durable fabrics withstand grass stains and dirt. Ventilated designs allow damp gear to dry. External pockets keep small items contained. Backpack-style straps ease carrying. Look for a women’s lacrosse bag sized right for your gear and stature. Finally, add your name or initials for quick identification.
Uniforms in Bright Team Colors
Your team uniform ties everything together. Jerseys should use technical, sweat-wicking fabrics. Consider bold colors and prints that energize. Shorts with built-in compression spandex allow free movement. For bad weather, long sleeve shirts boost warmth under jerseys. Matching lacrosse socks absorb shock and prevent blisters. Customize socks and practice pinnies with your name and number.
Pads for Arm and Shoulder Protection
Check and body pads protect vulnerable areas from incidental and legal contact. Arm pads shield the bicep and elbow from slashes and pokes. Shoulder pads cushion the clavicle and disperse impact. Rib pads add padding for the core. Ensure pads fit snugly but don’t restrict range of motion. Finally, pads made for female frames ensure better coverage and mobility.
Mouthguards for Injury Prevention
Mouthguards safeguard teeth and prevent concussions by absorbing shocks. Custom-molded guards offer the best fit and protection. Some boil-and-bite options can mold adequately after heating. Opt for varieties that allow clear speech. Mouthguard straps keep them secure for less choking hazard. Lastly, guards come in stylish colors to show team spirit.
Balls Designed for Accurate Passing
The right ball ensures true flight for crisp catches, effortless cradling, and pinpoint passing. Premium synthetic leather retains shape game after game. Optimal rubber walls foster responsiveness off sticks. Mass and dimensions adhere to women’s lacrosse standards for controlled play. finally, bright colors like neon yellow make tracking passes easy.
Helmets Engineered for Safety
Women’s lacrosse helmets endure ball impacts, trail checks, and incidental contact. Inner foam or air bladders absorb energy. Secure chinstraps and adjustable fit bands keep them in place. Visors protect eyes from glare, UV rays, and precipitation. Well-vented helmets combat overheating. Finding the right sizing for your head shape maximizes performance and safety.
Shorts and Kilts for Mobility
The right bottoms allow free movement on the field. Shorts should have pockets for personal storage. Compression spandex shorts worn under provide support and coverage. Bold prints and colors show spirit. Kilts offer a traditional look with built-in compression. Lightweight, breathable fabrics wick moisture during intense play. For bad weather, consider wind pants layered over your shorts.
Sock and Knee Pads to Avoid Scrapes
Lacrosse socks and knee pads prevent painful abrasions during play. High socks fully cover the shins and calves for maximum protection. Compression sleeves improve circulation and swelling. Durable synthetic blends withstand stretch and friction. Knee pads slide into interior sleeves or attach via adjustable Velcro straps. With the right fit, pads won’t slip or constrain knees.
Lacrosse Stick Bags for Easy Transport
Stick bags let you safely haul your gear to and from the field. Backpack-style bags allow hands-free carrying. Durable nylon or polyester withstands the elements. Ventilated designs allow for air circulation to dry gear. External pockets neatly organize equipment. Padded shoulder straps prevent digging. Look for bags sized appropriately for one or two sticks.
Protective Gear to Keep You Safe on the Field
As a longtime player and coach, I’ve seen the importance of proper protective gear firsthand. The right helmets, gloves, pads, and guards can prevent minor bumps as well as serious injuries. Let me give you some tips from experience:
Start with finding a helmet certified for women’s lacrosse that fits snugly. Having the back compressed when you fasten the chinstrap ensures it won’t slide during play. Make sure the helmet offers full side and face protection including a wire mask. Padding inside should absorb force rather than just be for comfort.
Gloves with palm padding reduce vibration and protect your hands when checking. But don’t sacrifice too much feel! Half-finger gloves allow better grip at the base of your fingers. Watch that wrist guards don’t pinch. My favorites have adjustable closures to keep gloves secure.
Shoulder pads need the right blend of cushion and mobility for your frame. More petite players may need youth sizes for a better fit. Check that pads extend far enough down the upper arm where you take most checks. Rib guards add padding for the core against incidental contact.
Lastly, don’t neglect lower body protection. Soccer-style shin guards avoid bruises during ground balls. Knee and elbow pads can slip so look for sleeves with compression. And make sure everything is sized right for a women’s build!
Cleats for Agility and Traction
As a longtime lacrosse player and coach, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of proper cleats. The right footwear enhances your quickness and stability during play. Here’s what I recommend looking for in women’s lacrosse cleats:
Start by ensuring you get an actual lacrosse cleat rather than soccer or football styles. Lacrosse cleats have a wider forefoot for lateral motion and quicker cuts. The outsoles should provide solid traction on natural grass or synthetic turf.
Look for a lightweight overall design to keep fatigue at bay. Synthetics like mesh over foam uppers offer support without the bulk. Removable studs are great for customizing your stud pattern as needed.
Consider getting fitted at a specialty store if you have any foot issues like bunions or high arches. Cleats that fit YOUR foot biomechanics will help avoid strains and rolls. Don’t forget to account for swelling during intense play when sizing.
Lastly, inspect cleats regularly for excessive wear. Traction and support deteriorate over time. Plan on replacing cleats after about one full season of play to maintain safety and performance.
Goalie Equipment for Defending the Net
As a former goalie, I understand the importance of position-specific equipment. You need gear designed to protect your body while allowing free movement in the crease. Here are my top tips for choosing women’s lacrosse goalie gear:
Start with a helmet certified for goalies that provides full facial protection. Look for extra side padding to shield from point blank shots. Chin straps should cup below the ears for a snug fit. Next, gloves with maximum palm padding become your first line of defense.
For body protection, women’s-specific chest protectors avoid gaps in coverage. Shoulder padding needs to wrap around the back to protect wings. Arm guards with extended cuffs protect wrists during saves. Consider rib guards for core protection when dropping down.
On the lower body, goalie pants feature extra thigh and knee padding. Quinnipiac-style leg pads avoid five-hole shots. Shin guards worn under the pants add another layer of protection down low. Sock tape stabilizes pads and guards during movement.
Don’t neglect stick-side hand protection. Thumb guards defend against stingers. Use attachment systems to minimize adjustments during play for safety.
Gloves for Superior Ball Control
As a lacrosse coach, I always advise my players to invest in quality gloves. The right gloves improve your handling, passing, and shot power. Here’s what to look for when choosing women’s lacrosse gloves:
Focus first on finding the proper fit. Gloves that are too loose hinder control. But overtight gloves restrict movement and circulation. Thermoform padding should mold comfortably to your hands without bunching.
Look for durable leathers and fabrics that optimize feel. Synthetics like two-way stretch mesh increase flexibility and breathability. Inner elastane gussets at knuckles and fingers boost dexterity.
Make sure to get gloves with adequate padding to reduce sting. Multi-layer foam across palms and backs of hands helps deaden vibration. Finger sidewalls and integrated wrist cuffs offer impact protection.
Consider half-finger gloves if you want more barehand control near glove tips. But full-finger protection is better for defenders needing padding across all hand surfaces.
Finally, focus on a secure closure. Adjustable wrist straps with hook-and-loop closures ensure a stable fit. This prevents gloves from shifting during checks and cradling.
Goggles for Clear Vision
As a longtime lacrosse player and coach, I always stress the importance of protective eyewear. High-quality goggles optimize your vision and prevent injuries during play. Here are some key considerations when selecting women’s lacrosse goggles:
Look for goggles with an adjustable strap system that customizes the fit. You want them sitting snugly against your face without any gaps. Anti-slip rubber grippers at the temples prevent sliding.
Make sure lenses offer adequate impact resistance. Polycarbonate is top-notch for durability while still being lightweight. Consider a tint like yellow or rose to improve contrast in various light conditions.
Ventilation is vital to reduce fogging, so opt for a dual pane thermal barrier lens. New treatments like hydrophobic and anti-fog coatings further deter condensation buildup.
For convenience, look for goggles that accommodate prescription lenses or inserts. Otherwise contact wearers require prescription goggle alternatives. This ensures you have clear vision at all times.
Finally, goggle accessories like helmet straps keep them firmly in place when removed during play. Croakies-style retainers protect against drops and damage.
Bags to Carry Your Gear
As a lacrosse equipment manager, I’ve seen the benefits of a high-quality gear bag firsthand. Carrying all your equipment efficiently is a must for practices and games. Here are my top recommendations for selecting a women’s lacrosse bag:
Look for a durable, abrasion-resistant fabric like polyester or vinyl. You’ll be hauling gear on all types of terrain in all weather. Make sure zippers are heavy duty as well.
Storage organization is key. Separate stick compartments, external pockets and removable dividers keep items contained yet accessible. Interior bags for smaller items prevent digging around.
Ventilation is vital. Mesh paneling, grommets and breathable fabrics allow for air circulation to dry out damp gear after games.
Portability features like backpack straps, haul handles and removable shoulder straps make for easy transport. Look for extra padding on straps to prevent digging into shoulders.
And don’t neglect sizing. Measure the space needed for your gear and uniform to ensure proper capacity. Oversized bags cause gear to shift and tangle.
Uniforms in Bright Team Colors
As a longtime women’s lacrosse coach, I know the impact uniforms can have on team spirit and performance. Your uniform ties together your team colors and identity. Here are my top tips for choosing lacrosse uniforms for women:
Look for durable technical fabrics with moisture-wicking properties to keep players cool and dry. Mesh paneling offers additional ventilation for comfort. Elastane adds stretch for full range of motion.
Bold colors and prints on jerseys energize and motivate. But make sure numbers stand out against busy patterns for referees. Same for shorts and kilts in team colors and prints.
Consider bold accents like contrasting side panels and color-pop piping on seams. This highlights uniform details. Pops of neon for socks, sleeves and helmets also energize.
Don’t forget customization features. Player names and numbers on jerseys and practice pinnies build team unity. Sock accents like team logos boost spirit too.
And focus on proper fit. Form-fitting yet flexible uniforms prevent grabbing. Well-sized kits optimize movement and comfort during play.
Pads for Arm and Shoulder Protection
In my experience as a lacrosse trainer, proper pad fitting is crucial for safety. Arm and shoulder pads need to effectively protect players from incidental contact and checks. Here are some tips for selecting women’s lacrosse pads:
Look for pads designed specifically for a woman’s frame to ensure proper coverage. Arm sleeve pads with adjustable compression fit various bicep sizes snugly.
Shoulder caps must wrap around the back and collarbone without obstructing mobility. Extended shoulder cuffs help protect the upper arm from slashes.
Padding materials like perforated EVA foam and molded polycarbonate plates absorb shock while remaining lightweight. Ventilation ports combat overheating.
Strapping systems secure pads in place during play. Adjustable belt straps customize fit across the back. Bicep and tricep straps prevent slipping.
For convenience, look for detachable pads that connect via compression sleeves. This allows you to slip pads on and off as needed between drills.
Mouthguards for Injury Prevention
As a lacrosse dentist, I always advise my patients to wear a protective mouthguard during play. A properly fitted guard can prevent serious dental trauma and concussions. Here are some tips for choosing the right women’s lacrosse mouthguard:
Custom-molded mouthguards provide the best fit and protection. I take dental impressions and craft guards specifically tailored to your bite. This allows unobstructed breathing and speaking.
Boil-and-bite guards can also work if properly fitted. Make sure to follow molding instructions so the guard takes the shape of your teeth.
Look for a design with a wide occlusal surface to distribute impact forces. Thicker anterior walls, palatal coverage, and buffered edges provide better shock absorption.
Consider convenient features like vented design to reduce gag reflex and retainers to prevent choking hazards during removal. Bright colors and prints show team spirit too.
Finally, make sure you keep guards in boil-and-bite trays when not in use. Don’t neglect routine cleaning and inspection for cracks requiring replacement.
Balls Designed for Accurate Passing
As an equipment manager for a women’s lacrosse team, I’m meticulous about ball selection. The right ball improves handling and ensures true flight for crisp catches and pinpoint passing. Here are some of my insights on choosing lacrosse balls for women:
Regulation balls for women’s lacrosse must be yellow and measure 7 to 7.5 inches in circumference. I prefer the slightly larger size for better control.
Look for durable synthetic leather materials retaining shape even when wet. This optimizes performance in all field conditions. Rubber walls should be hand-stitched for responsiveness off sticks.
Mass distribution affects passing and shot velocity. More mass concentrated in the sweet spot boosts power while retaining quick release off sticks.
High visibility colors like neon yellow or pink make tracking long passes easier. Bold accent colors on the seams also help players see ball rotation for catching.
Finally, make sure to periodically replace old balls losing compression and responsiveness. I rotate fresh balls into practices and games every 4-6 months.
Helmets Engineered for Safety
As a biomechanical engineer specialized in sports protection, I focus extensively on helmet design. Women’s lacrosse helmets must effectively absorb impact forces and secure tightly to the head. Here are some technical factors I consider for optimizing helmet safety:
Inner foam or air bladder padding should compress to attenuate energy from ball and incidental contact. Multi-layer formats with varying stiffnesses tune impact absorption.
Outer shells disperse forces over wider surface areas. Polycarbonate alloy shells offer strength with lower weight. Ventilation ports enhance air flow and cooling.
Snug fit systems prevent excessive movement. Adjustable occipital locks and removable inserts customize fit for different head shapes. Jaw pads should secure without choking.
Face masks like wide wire cages boost facial protection. Eyeshield attachments provide an extra safeguard against eye injuries during play.
Chinstraps and adjustable nape straps must anchor helmets firmly without creating pressure points. Straps securing under the earlobes work well.
Shorts and Kilts for Mobility
As a longtime women’s lacrosse player and coach, I’m quite opinionated about uniform bottoms! The right shorts or kilt optimize mobility and range of motion on the field. Here are my insights on key features to look for:
Fabric choice is crucial – look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with stretch and sweat-wicking properties. Mesh paneling adds ventilation to prevent overheating.
Shorts should have a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs without billowing for minimized grabbing. Side slit hems allow wider stride.
Pockets are a must to securely store mouthguards when removed. Zippered side pockets prevent dropping important items mid-game.
Kilts offer that traditional lacrosse aesthetic. Inner compression shorts prevent revealing too much. Be sure kilts have similar stretch fabrics and range of motion as shorts.
For inclement weather, consider layering spandex compression shorts or leggings underneath for warmth. This allows retaining mobility.
Sock and Knee Pads to Avoid Scrapes
As an athletic trainer for women’s lacrosse, I strongly advise players to invest in quality socks and knee pads. Properly padded and fitted legwear prevents painful leg abrasions during play. Here are my recommendations:
Opt for moisture-wicking synthetic sock fabrics like microfiber polyester to keep feet dry. Snug mid-calf socks fully cover shins vulnerable to turf burn.
Knee pads should stabilize patellas without restricting mobility. Look for breathable sleeves with anti-slip silicone grips to prevent sliding.
Make sure pads extend low enough to protect the shinbone and calves when scooping ground balls. I’m a fan of soccer-style pads for lacrosse.
For extreme abrasion resistance, some players layer Under Armour spandex under pads and socks. This reduces friction but can compromise ventilation.
Don’t forget proper pad break-in! Gradually increase wear time to allow your skin to adapt and avoid irritation. Keep socks and pads laundered too.
Lacrosse Stick Bags for Easy Transport
As a lacrosse player and parent, I’ve tested my share of stick bags for hauling gear. The right bag keeps your stick protected while allowing easy carrying to and from the field. Here are the key features I look for:
Make sure the bag is designed specifically for lacrosse stick storage. Individual stick compartments prevent warping and tangling.
Durability is a must to withstand wear and tear – abrasion resistant fabrics like cordura nylon hold up best. YKK zippers maintain smooth function.
Padding along the stick shafts prevents denting and fraying. Some bags allow reversing sticks to pad both ends. Interior liner pockets protect pocket lacing.
Look for extra storage like external sleeves for pads and exterior zippered pockets for small gear items, tape, and keys.
Well-padded adjustable shoulder straps reduce digging. Backpack-style carrying prevents occupying hands during transport.
