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.