The Complete Guide to Finding the Best Lacrosse Chest and Shoulder Protection in 2023The Complete Guide to Finding the Best Lacrosse Chest and Shoulder Protection in 2023
1. Choose Nocsae Certified Chest and Shoulder Pads for Safety
When shopping for lacrosse chest and shoulder pads, look for equipment that is certified by Nocsae, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Nocsae tests gear like helmets and pads to ensure they meet safety standards for impact protection. Choosing Nocsae certified chest and shoulder pads gives you peace of mind that your vital organs will be protected.
2. Consider Lacrosse Chest Protectors with Heart Protection
Many newer lacrosse chest protectors now include padding directly over the heart for extra protection. Heart guards made of lightweight foam or plastic plates can help deflect blows over this vulnerable area. Brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior offer chest pads with heart protection for all-around security.
3. Focus on Mobility and Comfort When Selecting Lacrosse Pads
The best lacrosse shoulder and chest pads will allow flexibility and freedom of movement while protecting. Look for pads with stretch fabrics, adjustable straps, and ventilation for breathability. Padded arm guards and shoulder caps that move with you also improve mobility. Test different pads to find the most comfortable fit.
4. Compare Lacrosse Brands Like Maverik, STX, and Warrior
When buying lacrosse protective gear, consider leading athletic brands known for their technology and innovation. Maverik manufactures high-end chest and shoulder pads engineered for optimal protection, ventilation, and mobility. Other top brands include STX, Warrior, Brine, and Nike.
5. Choose Lacrosse Pads With Moisture Wicking and Ventilation
To avoid overheating, look for chest and shoulder pad models made with breathable fabrics that wick moisture. Pads with mesh ventilation zones allow air flow to keep you cool. Removable pads also allow customization for better temperature regulation.
6. Find the Right Lacrosse Chest Pad Size For You
Chest and shoulder pad sizing depends on your measurements and position played. Measure your chest and torso and consult sizing charts to find pads offering a snug, secure fit. Goalies need maximum coverage from XL pads, while attackmen can opt for more mobility from smaller pads.
7. Look Into ND200 Certified Lacrosse Protective Gear
For top-tier protection, choose lacrosse equipment certified to the ND200 standard, indicating it passed enhanced impact tests. ND200 chest and shoulder pads from brands like Maverik and STX offer premier protection from checks and collisions.
8. Consider Hard Plastic Vs. Foam for Lacrosse Chest Pads
Lacrosse chest protectors feature plastic plates or foam padding over vital organs. Hard plastic plates offer solid protection but can restrict mobility. Lightweight foam conforms to the body for better comfort and movement.
9. Shop Youth Sizes for Growing Kids and Teens
Protect young lacrosse players with properly fitted chest and shoulder pads designed for youth. Most brands offer adjustable pads in small youth sizes for a customized fit as kids grow. Replace ill-fitting hand-me-downs annually.
10. Save on Clearance Lacrosse Protective Gear
Browse online clearance sections and used sporting goods stores to save money on lacrosse equipment. Many retailers discount last year’s pad models that offer the same reliable protection at reduced prices.
11. Read Gear Reviews to Find Top-Rated Lacrosse Protectors
For those seeking the highest level of protection, ND200 certified gear is worth exploring. This enhanced certification indicates that the equipment has passed more rigorous impact tests. ND200 chest and shoulder pads from top brands provide premier protection against checks and collisions, giving players an extra edge in safety.
Balancing Protection and Mobility in Lacrosse Pads
While protection is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the cost of a player’s ability to move freely on the field. How can you find lacrosse pads that offer both security and flexibility?
Look for pads featuring stretch fabrics, adjustable straps, and strategic ventilation. These elements allow for greater freedom of movement while maintaining protective coverage. Padded arm guards and shoulder caps that move with your body also enhance mobility.
When it comes to materials, there’s a trade-off between hard plastic and foam padding. Hard plastic plates offer solid protection but can restrict movement. Lightweight foam, on the other hand, conforms to the body for improved comfort and range of motion. Consider your playing style and position when deciding between these options.
Newer shoulder cap systems with elastic straps are worth considering for players who prioritize overhead motion. These designs increase mobility for easier shooting and passing compared to traditional shoulder pads.
Top Brands for Lacrosse Protective Gear
When investing in lacrosse equipment, it’s wise to consider established brands known for their innovation and quality. Which companies are leading the way in protective gear technology?
- Maverik: Known for high-end chest and shoulder pads engineered for optimal protection, ventilation, and mobility.
- STX: Offers a wide range of protective gear with cutting-edge features and designs.
- Warrior: Produces innovative pads that balance protection and player comfort.
- Brine: A trusted name in lacrosse equipment, including protective gear.
- Nike: Brings its sports technology expertise to lacrosse protective wear.
These brands consistently receive positive reviews from players and coaches alike. However, it’s always beneficial to read gear reviews on reputable sites like Lacrosse Monkey to get insights beyond product specifications. Real-world feedback can provide valuable information on durability, comfort, and overall performance.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Sizing and Customization
Proper fit is essential for both comfort and effective protection. How can you ensure you’re choosing the right size lacrosse pads?
Start by taking accurate measurements of your chest and torso. Most brands provide detailed sizing charts to help you find the appropriate pad size based on these measurements. Remember that sizing can vary depending on your position:
- Goalies typically need maximum coverage, often requiring XL pads.
- Attackmen might opt for smaller pads that allow for greater mobility.
- Midfielders and defenders usually fall somewhere in between, balancing protection and agility.
For growing youth players, look for adjustable pads in youth sizes. These allow for customization as kids develop and can be a more cost-effective option in the long run. It’s important to replace ill-fitting hand-me-downs annually to ensure proper protection.
Many brands also offer customization options, allowing you to match your protective gear to your team colors or add personal flair. This can be a great way to boost team spirit and create a cohesive look on the field.
Comfort and Temperature Regulation in Lacrosse Pads
Lacrosse is an intense sport that can lead to significant perspiration. How can you stay cool and comfortable while wearing protective gear?
Look for chest and shoulder pads made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. These materials help draw sweat away from your skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable during play. Many modern pads also incorporate mesh ventilation zones, allowing for improved airflow to regulate body temperature.
Some models feature removable pads, offering an extra level of customization for temperature regulation. This allows you to adjust your level of protection and ventilation based on weather conditions or personal preference.
When trying on pads, pay attention to how they feel during different movements. The best lacrosse shoulder and chest pads will allow for a full range of motion without chafing or restricting breathing. Take the time to test different models to find the most comfortable fit for your body type and playing style.
Budgeting for Lacrosse Protective Gear
Quality lacrosse equipment can be a significant investment. Are there ways to save money without compromising on protection?
One strategy is to shop clearance sections, both online and in physical stores. Many retailers offer discounts on last year’s pad models, which often provide the same reliable protection at reduced prices. Used sporting goods stores can also be a source of budget-friendly options, though it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect any second-hand gear for damage or wear that could compromise its protective capabilities.
Another approach is to look for adjustable pads that can grow with a player’s skill level. These versatile options allow you to modify protection as you progress from beginner to competitive play, potentially saving money on multiple gear upgrades.
Remember, while it’s tempting to cut costs, never compromise on safety. Investing in high-quality, properly fitted protective gear is crucial for preventing injuries and enjoying the sport to its fullest.
Compatibility and Maintenance of Lacrosse Protective Gear
Ensuring all your protective equipment works together seamlessly is vital for both safety and comfort. How can you maintain your gear and ensure compatibility between different pieces?
When selecting chest and shoulder pads, verify that they’re compatible with your lacrosse helmet. The helmet should fit properly without lifting when you move your head while wearing the pads. This ensures consistent protection during play.
Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your protective gear. After each use, air out your pads to prevent odor-causing bacteria growth. Many pads have removable liners that can be machine washed, but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
Inspect your gear regularly for signs of wear or damage. Replace any pads that show significant wear, as their protective capabilities may be compromised. This is especially important for youth players who may quickly outgrow their equipment.
By choosing the right gear, ensuring proper fit, and maintaining your equipment, you can enjoy the exciting sport of lacrosse with confidence and safety. Remember, the best protective gear is the one that allows you to focus on your game, knowing you’re well-protected against impacts and collisions.
1. Choose Nocsae Certified Chest and Shoulder Pads for Safety
When shopping for lacrosse chest and shoulder pads, look for equipment that is certified by Nocsae, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Nocsae tests gear like helmets and pads to ensure they meet safety standards for impact protection. Choosing Nocsae certified chest and shoulder pads gives you peace of mind that your vital organs will be protected.
2. Consider Lacrosse Chest Protectors with Heart Protection
Many newer lacrosse chest protectors now include padding directly over the heart for extra protection. Heart guards made of lightweight foam or plastic plates can help deflect blows over this vulnerable area. Brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior offer chest pads with heart protection for all-around security.
3. Focus on Mobility and Comfort When Selecting Lacrosse Pads
The best lacrosse shoulder and chest pads will allow flexibility and freedom of movement while protecting. Look for pads with stretch fabrics, adjustable straps, and ventilation for breathability. Padded arm guards and shoulder caps that move with you also improve mobility. Test different pads to find the most comfortable fit.
4. Compare Lacrosse Brands Like Maverik, STX, and Warrior
When buying lacrosse protective gear, consider leading athletic brands known for their technology and innovation. Maverik manufactures high-end chest and shoulder pads engineered for optimal protection, ventilation, and mobility. Other top brands include STX, Warrior, Brine, and Nike.
5. Choose Lacrosse Pads With Moisture Wicking and Ventilation
To avoid overheating, look for chest and shoulder pad models made with breathable fabrics that wick moisture. Pads with mesh ventilation zones allow air flow to keep you cool. Removable pads also allow customization for better temperature regulation.
6. Find the Right Lacrosse Chest Pad Size For You
Chest and shoulder pad sizing depends on your measurements and position played. Measure your chest and torso and consult sizing charts to find pads offering a snug, secure fit. Goalies need maximum coverage from XL pads, while attackmen can opt for more mobility from smaller pads.
7. Look Into ND200 Certified Lacrosse Protective Gear
For top-tier protection, choose lacrosse equipment certified to the ND200 standard, indicating it passed enhanced impact tests. ND200 chest and shoulder pads from brands like Maverik and STX offer premier protection from checks and collisions.
8. Consider Hard Plastic Vs. Foam for Lacrosse Chest Pads
Lacrosse chest protectors feature plastic plates or foam padding over vital organs. Hard plastic plates offer solid protection but can restrict mobility. Lightweight foam conforms to the body for better comfort and movement.
9. Shop Youth Sizes for Growing Kids and Teens
Protect young lacrosse players with properly fitted chest and shoulder pads designed for youth. Most brands offer adjustable pads in small youth sizes for a customized fit as kids grow. Replace ill-fitting hand-me-downs annually.
10. Save on Clearance Lacrosse Protective Gear
Browse online clearance sections and used sporting goods stores to save money on lacrosse equipment. Many retailers discount last year’s pad models that offer the same reliable protection at reduced prices.
11. Read Gear Reviews to Find Top-Rated Lacrosse Protectors
Check lacrosse gear reviews on sites like Lacrosse Monkey to identify chest and shoulder pads praised for safety, comfort, and durability. Consumer reviews can provide helpful insight beyond product specs.
12. Ensure Chest Pads Work With Your Lacrosse Helmet
When mixing and matching protective gear, verify your lacrosse helmet and chest pad are compatible. The helmet should fit properly without lifting when you move your head while wearing pads.
13. Customize Lacrosse Pads With Your School Colors
Many lacrosse chest and shoulder pads come in an array of color options to match team uniforms. Customize your protective gear with your school colors and logo for team spirit.
14. Consider Mobility-Focused Shoulder Caps For Lacrosse
Traditional lacrosse shoulder pads can restrict overhead motion. Newer shoulder cap systems with elastic straps increase mobility for easier shooting and passing.
15. Choose Adjustable Lacrosse Pads For Growing Skill Levels
Look for lacrosse chest and shoulder pads with removable padding and adjustable features to accommodate improving ability. You can modify protection as you progress from beginner to competitive play.
Consider Lacrosse Chest Protectors with Heart Protection
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow more physical and high-impact, brands have responded by adding more protective features to equipment. One important innovation in chest pads is the inclusion of heart guards – padding placed directly over the heart to protect against blows to the chest. Brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior now offer lacrosse chest protectors with specialized heart protection plates or padding. This extra layer of security provides vital protection to young athletes against the most dangerous direct shots to the chest in such a high-speed contact sport. Parents investing in gear for their kids should look for chest protectors that advertise protection for this vulnerable spot for maximum safety during play.
Focus on Mobility and Comfort When Selecting Lacrosse Pads
While protection is the top priority for lacrosse gear, today’s pads also prioritize mobility and comfort. The best lacrosse shoulder and chest pads allow for a full range of motion on the field, bending and moving with players as they run, cut, and shoot. Brands like Maverik, Warrior, and STX now engineer pads with four-way stretch fabrics that move easily in all directions. Other comfort-focused features include breathable, moisture wicking materials, adjustable and removable straps, shoulder caps for overhead motion, and ventilation zones to prevent overheating. When shopping for lacrosse protective equipment, look beyond safety certifications alone – test the flexibility and feel of different pads to find the optimal fit and comfort for your playing style and position.
Compare Lacrosse Brands Like Maverik, STX, and Warrior
When investing in protective lacrosse gear like chest and shoulder pads, it pays to look at some of the top athletic brands leading the way in technology and innovation. Maverik manufactures high-end lacrosse pads engineered for optimal protection, ventilation, mobility, and customizable comfort. Other industry leaders include STX, known for their thermo-molded foam padding and moisture control, and Warrior, featuring adjustable and removable padding systems. Brine and Nike also produce excellent lacrosse protective equipment. Do your research to compare the technology and special features of pads from the premier brands to determine which manufacturer best aligns with your needs and budget for safety and performance.
Choose Lacrosse Pads With Moisture Wicking and Ventilation
A major concern when wearing protective gear during intense lacrosse games is overheating. To help keep players cool, dry and comfortable, look for chest and shoulder pads made with moisture-wicking performance fabrics that draw sweat away from the body. Breathable mesh ventilation zones placed in strategic areas also allow air flow and evaporation. Some pads feature removable padding sections that can be taken out to improve airflow on hot days. Considering the exertion of running up and down the field under heavy gear, moisture and temperature regulation should be a key factor in your lacrosse pad selection.
Find the Right Lacrosse Chest Pad Size For You
Finding the ideal lacrosse chest and shoulder pad size is crucial for maximize protection. Most brands size pads based on chest and torso measurements, but your position and style of play should factor in as well. For example, goalies need maximum protective coverage and often opt for XL sizes. Attackmen and middies focused on speed and quickness may prefer more form-fitting pads in smaller sizes for increased mobility. Measure your chest circumference and torso length, consult individual manufacturer sizing charts, and test pads on with your full gear before committing to ensure a proper snug fit. The pads should not shift or slip during intense game play – an improper size compromise protection and comfort.
Look Into ND200 Certified Lacrosse Protective Gear
For lacrosse players and parents seeking the highest level of protection, look for chest and shoulder pads that meet the ND200 safety standard. ND200 certification means the equipment has passed enhanced laboratory impact testing compared to traditional NOCSAE standards. Leading brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior now offer ND200 certified lacrosse shoulder pads and chest protectors proven to better withstand high-energy hits and minimize impact forces. While ND200 certified gear often comes with a higher price tag, the premier protection could be worth the investment for young athletes playing a sport defined by hard collisions and checks. This certification gives added confidence in your protective equipment.
Shop Youth Sizes for Growing Kids and Teens
It’s important for parents to invest in properly fitted lacrosse protective gear as their kids grow into the sport. Most major brands like Maverik, STX, and Warrior offer adjustable chest and shoulder pads sized specifically for youth players. Replace hand-me-down pads that are loose or ill-fitting and compromise protection. Shop each season for pads that account for growth spurts to ensure a snug, secure fit. Breathable and flexible youth pads sized for smaller frames can help build confidence and skills in young athletes as they advance through middle school and high school lacrosse.
Save on Clearance Lacrosse Protective Gear
With the high cost of equipping young lacrosse players, families can save money by shopping clearance sections or used sporting goods stores. Many online retailers deeply discount discontinued or previous year models of chest and shoulder pads. These clearance pads often feature the same patented protection and materials as newer versions at reduced prices. Thrift shops and Play It Again Sports also carry quality used pads and equipment at fraction of retail pricing. Take time to inspect pads for cracks or flaws and ensure a proper fit. But buying last year’s gear or lightly used pads can stretch your lacrosse budget.
Read Gear Reviews to Find Top-Rated Lacrosse Protectors
Don’t rely solely on product descriptions and specs when selecting lacrosse protective equipment. Reading customer reviews can provide insider insight into real-world performance. Check sites like LacrosseMonkey that aggregate feedback on chest and shoulder pads. Sort by highest rated and read both positive and critical reviews to identify benefits like range of motion, impact absorption, and durability over time. Fellow player reviews can also advise on sizing and compatibility with other gear. Take the time to research lacrosse pads praised for their comfort, ventilation, adjustability and protection success against checks before you buy.
Customize Lacrosse Pads With Your School Colors
Today’s lacrosse chest and shoulder pads cater to team spirit with a wide selection of color options to match uniforms and gear. When shopping for pads, look for your school colors or complementing shades that fit your program. Both youth and adult sizes come in an array of colors to showcase allegiance. Customizing all your protective equipment to brand your team on the field can boost morale and intimidate opponents. Maverik, STX, Warrior and other top brands offer color choices that go beyond basic white, black and grey. Represent your lacrosse program by coordinating colors across all your pads, gloves, helmets and cleats this season.
Consider Mobility-Focused Shoulder Caps For Lacrosse
As lacrosse players focus more on quick sticks, fast breaks, and shooting dexterity, some are opting for shoulder cap systems rather than traditional rigid shoulder pads. New shoulder cap products like the Maverik M3 give up some protection for extremely lightweight, low-profile designs that maximize mobility. The caps feature padded caps connected by breathable elastic straps across the back and shoulders. While likely not suitable for all positions, these dynamic shoulder systems provide superior freedom of movement for passing, cradling, and ripping shots on goal. For lacrosse athletes looking to balance protection and performance, the caps represent an intriguing new option.
Choose Adjustable Lacrosse Pads For Growing Skill Levels
When investing in lacrosse protective gear, consider adjustable and removable features that allow you to modify pads as your ability improves. Many chest and shoulder pads now include pads that can be added or removed as needed.Youth athletes can remove some padding for more mobility as they transition to competitive high school lacrosse. Straps and liners that cinch tighter or relax as you grow also extend usefulness. Seek out customizable protection that adapts as your confidence and physicality increases on the field. The right adjustable pads with flexible protection levels can save you money and last for years of progress.
