The Ultimate Guide to Buying Lacrosse Gear for Women in 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Lacrosse Gear for Women in 2023

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Stick Based on Your Position

As a woman’s lacrosse player, one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is a lacrosse stick designed specifically for your position. The stick you use can make a huge difference in your ability to catch, throw, scoop, and shoot the ball. Goalies, defenders, midfielders, and attackers each require sticks with specialized features to help maximize their skills on the field.

For example, goalie sticks have a much larger head to help block shots, while attack sticks have tighter heads for improved ball control and quick passing. Midfield sticks offer a balance of both since midfielders play on both sides of the field. Defenders also need sticks with a wider head to help intercept and check opponents’ passes and shots.

When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse stick, be sure to consider the materials as well. While traditional wooden lacrosse sticks are still used, most modern sticks have heads made from synthetic materials like plastic for increased durability and consistency. The stiffness and flexibility of the head and pocket area also vary between sticks for different positions. Attack sticks often have softer heads and pockets to cradle and control the ball, while defenders need stiffer constructions for checking.

No matter what position you play, it’s important to choose a stick with the correct specifications allowed for women’s lacrosse. For example, goalie sticks can be 35.5-43.25 inches long, while field players are limited to 35.5-43 inches. Having the right stick for your position and playing style can elevate your skills, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. Consult with coaches or experienced teammates to help select the best lacrosse stick before purchasing one online or in stores. With the right gear, you’ll be equipped to take your game to the next level this season.

Finding the Right Protective Lacrosse Gear

As a women’s lacrosse player, having properly fitted protective gear is crucial for staying safe on the field. Unlike men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse requires far less protective equipment. Still, essential gear like goggles, mouthguards, gloves, and padding can make all the difference in preventing injuries.

When shopping for protective gear, be sure to try everything on for a comfortable fit. Ill-fitting equipment can hinder mobility or even cause new injuries. For example, lacrosse goggles should have a snug yet comfortable fit around the eyes without obstructing vision. If the goggles are too large, they may shift during play and impact sight lines.

Gloves also need to fit snugly for maximum dexterity when handling the stick, catching, and throwing. Padded gloves help protect hands from checks and wild shots, while goalie gloves have extra padding to catch the ball. If gloves are too bulky, it can be hard to grip the stick and handle the ball with finesse.

Mouthguards cushion blows to the mouth and face when jostling with opponents. They should fit comfortably along the teeth without causing speech impediments. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort compared to generic boil-and-bite options.

For padding, women lacrosse players often wear padded shorts, chest protectors, and shoulder pads under their jersey. Padding protects from body checks and stick checks from defenders. Lightweight, breathable padding enables free movement while cushioning against collisions. Ill-fitting pads can restrict motion or expose areas to injury.

With the right safety gear tailored to your position and body type, you can play confidently knowing you have necessary protection from incidental contact. Consult coaches and teammates for recommendations on brands and styles to consider. With properly fitted women’s lacrosse gear, you can focus on excelling at the game rather than worrying about injuries.

Choosing the Best Lacrosse Helmet for Protection

One of the most critical pieces of gear in women’s lacrosse is finding a properly fitted lacrosse helmet for optimal protection. With girls and women able to run full speed and make legal body checks, helmets are essential for preventing major head and facial injuries. When shopping for a new women’s lacrosse helmet, key factors to consider include fit, coverage, ventilation, and design.

First and foremost, a lacrosse helmet must properly fit the player’s head shape and size. An ill-fitting helmet is ineffective and may wobble during play, exposing the head to contact. Work with coaches to measure your head and try on different helmet brands and sizes to find the best fit. The helmet should feel snug all around without any pressure points.

In terms of coverage, women’s lacrosse helmets protect the entire head from the chin up. More comprehensive coverage across the temples, ears, and back of the head provides better shock absorption. Ventilation holes help keep players cool but shouldn’t detract from structural integrity.

Advanced helmet designs use layered foam and plastic for lightweight durability. Some lacrosse helmets also incorporate inner membranes to help diffuse impact forces. For goalies, full head and throat protection is critical given the speed and power of close-range shots.

When researching helmets, look for brands and models endorsed by elite players and coaches. Reputable companies continuously evolve designs with players’ safety in mind. Avoid using a hand-me-down helmet from the men’s game, which won’t provide the right type of protection. With the right women’s lacrosse helmet properly fitted for your head, you can play with confidence every game.

Picking the Best Lacrosse Goggles for Safety

When playing women’s lacrosse, wearing proper protective eyewear is crucial. Lacrosse goggles safeguard the eyes from errant sticks, balls, and even other players’ goggles during incidental contact. With women able to joust for possession and make legal checks, lacrosse goggles provide an essential barrier against eye injuries. When selecting women’s lacrosse goggles, key factors to consider are fit, optical clarity, ventilation, and durability.

Fit is arguably the most important consideration, as ill-fitting goggles are prone to moving and potentially impairing vision. Goggles should align comfortably over the eyes without resting on the cheeks or forehead. Straps should be adjustable for a snug fit that won’t slip during head movements. Nose bridges should also be adjustable or interchangeable to align the goggles for each player’s face shape.

Lacrosse goggles must also offer clear, distortion-free vision with a wide field of view. Polycarbonate or metallic lens materials provide optical clarity along with strength to withstand impacts. Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings are useful features as well. Ventilation prevents fogging and helps keep players cool.

Durability is key since women’s lacrosse goggles endure a lot of contact. Frames and straps should withstand flexing, bending, and impact forces without breaking. Lenses made of shatter-resistant materials and coated for scratch resistance also maintain visibility over time.

With brand name lacrosse goggles properly fitted for your face, you can play with confidence knowing your eyes have adequate protection. Consult coaches, teammates, and reviews to compare goggle models before purchasing a comfortable, high-performance pair.

Finding Lacrosse Gloves for Optimal Grip and Control

Having the right gloves is key for women lacrosse players to effectively handle their sticks during games. While gloves help protect hands from checks, their main purpose is improving grip and control of the stick. When shopping for women’s lacrosse gloves, key features to evaluate include fit, dexterity, grip, and protection.

The gloves should fit the player’s hand size snugly without restricting finger mobility. The gloves’ palm material optimizes grip on the stick, while padding cushions checks from opponents’ sticks. Thumb holes and adjustable wrists keep the gloves from shifting.

For optimal dexterity, gloves should balance protection with flexibility. Thinner palms improve feel while padded backs absorbing checks. High-quality leather or synthetic leather palms provide both grip and durability. Strategically placed padding also maintains finger movement.

Gloves designed specifically for attacking players offer the most dexterity for stick handling and passing. Midfielder gloves provide more protection for two-way play. Goalie gloves heavily pad the fingers and wrists while allowing ball control.

Before purchasing lacrosse gloves, try on different sizes and brands to assess fit and feel. Consult your coach to ensure the gloves meet gear regulations. While gloves require some break-in time, they should feel comfortable from day one while allowing full range of motion. With the ideal gloves matched to your position and playing style, you’ll have the tools to maximize ball control all season long.

Choosing the Right Cleats for Traction and Speed

Finding the right cleats is an important part of every women’s lacrosse player’s gear. While the upper body gets a lot of protective equipment, the legs and feet need support as well. With the game’s dynamic movement and quick changes of direction, lacrosse cleats provide traction and speed for commanding the field. When selecting women’s lacrosse cleats, key factors to evaluate include fit, traction, weight, and position-specific needs.

Proper cleat fit prevents slippage while allowing toes to spread naturally. Cleats should grip the heel securely without rubbing or pressing on toes. Narrow, wide, and small sizes ensure a personalized fit. Trying cleats on with practice socks is also recommended. Proper break-in time adapts cleats to the feet for maximum comfort.

The cleats’ studs supply essential traction for accelerating, cutting, and pushing off in all directions. The number, configuration, and material of studs vary for different field types and playing styles. Detachable studs can adapt the same cleat for firm or soft ground.

Lightweight synthetic uppers supply durability, breathability, and support. Minimalist cleat designs enhance speed without sacrificing protection. Padding around the ankles prevents abrasion from running and routine ankle checks in play.

For midfielders who cover the entire field, slightly taller cleats with ample studs aid in transitions. Attackers and defenders rely on aggressive cuts and speed bursts, calling for lower profile cleats. With sport-specific women’s lacrosse cleats providing a perfect fit for the feet and playing style, players gain the traction and agility needed to excel.

Protecting Your Mouth with a Lacrosse Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard is a mandatory piece of gear in women’s lacrosse to protect the mouth, teeth, and face. With the physical nature of the sport, even incidental stick or ball contact can cause dental and facial injuries. When selecting a women’s lacrosse mouthguard, the fit, comfort, protection level, and adaptability are all key factors.

The mouthguard must first and foremost fit each player’s mouth properly. A tight seal along the teeth lines protects vulnerable areas while allowing unimpeded breathing and speech. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best fit, but boil-and-bite varieties can also work if molded correctly.

Comfort encourages consistent wear – players are less tempted to chew or dislodge an irritating mouthguard. Thinner, flexible materials allow for breathing and communication while retaining shape and shock absorption. Ventilation holes aid breathability as well.

Multi-layer construction disperses impact forces from sticks, balls, and incidental collisions with opponents’ shoulders, heads, and goggles. Mouthguards made exclusively for women’s lacrosse protect areas prone to injury.

Adaptable mouthguards that allow players to make fit adjustments ensure optimal protection as teeth shift over time. With the right mouthguard in place, women lacrosse athletes can play with confidence knowing their smile is protected.

Carrying Lacrosse Gear in a Stick Bag

An essential piece of equipment for any women’s lacrosse player is a reliable stick bag. Lacrosse stick bags neatly transport sticks, pads, shoes, and other gear to and from the field. When selecting a women’s lacrosse stick bag, key features to evaluate include the capacity, durability, compartments, comfort, and portability.

Stick bags should have sufficient capacity to carry all equipment safely. Padded main compartments protect stick heads and shafts during transit. Interior dividers and zippered pockets organize pads, shoes, water bottles and other loose items. Exterior pockets allow quick access to essentials.

The bag’s durable exterior withstands the rigors of constant transport and storage. Water-resistant fabrics protect gear on rainy treks. Reinforced, padded straps provide carrying comfort. Sturdy bottoms withstand being set down on any surface.

Multiple interior compartments keep gear organized and separated to prevent damage. Specific pockets may be designated for the stick, shoes, helmet, gloves, and pads. Ventilated wet pockets allow damp gear to dry out.

Adjustable, padded shoulder straps make carrying loads more comfortable. Wheeled bags with retractable handles provide an alternative for heavy loads. Compact backpacks suit players traveling light. With the right lacrosse stick bag, transporting gear is smooth from the car to the locker room and back.

Staying Cool in Moisture-Wicking Lacrosse Apparel

Women’s lacrosse involves constant motion and exertion, so wearing breathable, moisture-wicking apparel is a must. Synthetic jerseys, shorts, leggings, and other gear keep players cool and dry throughout games and practices. When shopping for women’s lacrosse apparel, key features to look for include moisture-wicking performance, breathability, stretch, and durability.

Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat away from the skin to the exterior of the garment. This evaporation prevents overheating and chilling from soaked gear. Polyester, nylon, and spandex blends optimize stretch, airflow, and moisture control.

Ventilated mesh panels in jerseys and shorts allow maximum airflow to cool the body. Stretchy yet supportive fabrics allow full range of motion for running, cutting, and shooting. Light colors also deflect heat compared to dark shades.

High-quality textiles withstand stretching, abrasion, and laundering over repeated use. Durable stitching prevents rips during play. Some brands offer antimicrobial treatments to minimize odors.

Matching lacrosse shorts, jerseys, and leggings as coordinated sets is recommended for breathability. For cold conditions, layering moisture-wicking under armor beneath the uniform keeps muscles loose and warm. With advanced women’s lacrosse gear engineered to wick moisture, athletes stay cool, dry, and comfortable in any playing conditions.

Enhancing Vision with Lacrosse Sunglasses

Quality lacrosse sunglasses are essential gear for optimizing women players’ vision and performance. With lacrosse played on bright fields spring through fall, sunglasses cut glare to see the ball and teammates clearly. When shopping for women’s lacrosse sunglasses, crucial specs to look for include lens tint, coverage, durability, and fit.

Tinted polycarbonate lenses filter out harsh sunlight that can obscure vision. Popular tints like gray, brown, and yellow boost clarity while minimizing eye strain. Mirrored lenses also reduce glare from the sun and bright sky. Polarized lenses eliminate distracting horizontal light reflections.

Lacrosse sunglasses should offer full coverage with wraparound lenses and frames to protect the eyes from all angles. Sport-specific frames with sturdy co-injected rubber and an adjustable nosepiece prevent slippage while running.

Durability is vital since lacrosse sunglasses take a beating – lenses scratch resistant coatings prevent damage from balls, sticks, and contact. Flexible frames withstand impacts without breaking. Interchangeable lenses enable quick replacement if needed.

A comfortable, personalized fit ensures glasses stay put and maximize visual acuity. Trying on multiple sizes and adjusting nosepieces and straps creates a custom fit. With advanced lacrosse sunglasses protecting the eyes, women athletes can play their best in any light conditions.

Taping Lacrosse Sticks for Better Ball Control

An essential skill for women’s lacrosse players is properly taping sticks to optimize ball control and handling. Proper stringing alone does not fully optimize the lacrosse stick head – tape enhances grip, feel, and durability during play. When taping a women’s lacrosse stick, key techniques involve using quality tape, sizing it correctly, layering methodically, and replacing as needed.

High-adhesion cloth or vinyl lacrosse tape provides grip without leaving residue on heads and gloves. Taping just the upper third of the stick head provides control without excess weight. Applying tape directly under the woven stringing yields the best grip.

Wrapping tape around the head’s width layers the tape to cushion catching and throwing. Slight overlaps strengthen the tape grip and prevent unraveling. Excessive overlapping creates bulky tape that can hinder ball handling. Ripping tape after each wrap maintains even tension.

As tape wears and gets wet from play, replacing it maintains optimal grip and feel. Players should bring extra tape to games and practices for quick touch-ups or re-wrapping as needed. With strategic taping and timely re-applications, lacrosse sticks become natural extensions of players’ hands.

Staying Hydrated for Women’s Lacrosse

Proper hydration is vital for women’s lacrosse players to perform at their best. The fast-paced running and physical exertion of lacrosse leads to fluid loss through sweat. Without replenishing fluids, dehydration can set in and negatively impact energy, focus, and skills. When staying hydrated for women’s lacrosse, key strategies involve drinking water frequently, replenishing electrolytes, and getting plenty of fluids the night before games.

Drinking water is ideal since it lacks sugars and stimulants found in sports drinks. Players should sip water constantly during practices and games to replace fluid lost through sweat. Frequent water breaks are essential on hot days. Drinking water in the hours before a game hydrates the body in advance.

While plain water replenishes fluids, adding electrolyte mixes or tablets provides essential minerals lost through sweat. Sodium, potassium and magnesium aid muscle function and recovery. Bubbly waters or flavored electrolyte tabs can encourage drinking.

Getting ample fluids the night before games ensures players start well-hydrated. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which have dehydrating effects, is also beneficial. Proper hydration gives women lacrosse players the energy and stamina to power through games and practices.

Stretching for Women’s Lacrosse

Consistent stretching is a vital part of any women’s lacrosse training routine. Given the sport’s demanding movements, stretching maintains flexibility and reduces injury risk. When implementing stretching into lacrosse workouts, key techniques include focusing on major muscle groups, holding stretches for 30 seconds, and stretching after games and practices.

Since lacrosse involves running, cutting, scooping, tossing, and shooting, legs and arms require particular stretching attention. Hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, calves, shoulders, and back muscles are key areas. Groin, glute and lower back stretches are also beneficial.

To increase flexibility, players should hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Avoid bouncing, which can cause muscles to tighten. Ease into the stretch until feeling tightness, then hold the deepest position. Take long, deep breaths to relax into stretches.

Stretching after full-speed play helps muscles cool down and maintain range of motion. Quick stretches between drills maintain looseness. Assisted stretches using training partners, bands, or foam rollers aid relaxation into deeper stretches. Proper stretching before and after activity keeps women’s lacrosse athletes flexible and injury-free.

Saving on Women’s Lacrosse Gear

With the high costs of equipment, finding ways to save on women’s lacrosse gear is key. New players need nearly all basic gear, while veterans need regular replacements and new items. Strategies to save on women’s lacrosse equipment include buying off-season, shopping sales, bargaining for team deals, utilizing trade-in programs, and maintaining/repairing instead of replacing items.

Buying lacrosse gear during the off-season typically yields the best discounts, as stores try to sell leftover stock. Seasonal sales around holidays also offer excellent savings on gear. Signing up for brand mailing lists provides notice of upcoming sales.

Leveraging team buying power helps negotiate discounted team packages through coaches. Splitting bulk orders among teammates cuts down individual costs as well. Trade-in programs offering store credit for gently used gear create savings on replacements.

Rather than buying brand new, scouring resale sites can yield quality gear at reduced prices. With proper care and maintenance, much equipment lasts multiple seasons before needing replacement. Patching holes in bags, re-taping sticks, and replacing goggle straps extends useful life.

With smart shopping techniques, women lacrosse players can secure the gear they need while saving major cash. Building an arsenal of gear over time takes advantage of sales and team discounts for maximum savings.

Playing Your Best Lacrosse

With the right gear and preparation, women’s lacrosse players can excel and enjoy competing at their highest level. While equipment and training are essential, a positive mindset and love of the game propel female athletes to success on the field. By focusing on fundamentals, fitness, teamwork, mental preparation, and having fun, women can maximize their lacrosse potential.

Sharpening fundamental stick skills like cradling, scooping, passing, and shooting establishes on-field confidence. Hitting the weight room builds athleticism to outrun and outmaneuver opponents. Fostering team chemistry and communication creates a cooperative, winning culture.

Maintaining mental toughness and focus blocks out distractions and frustration during competition. Eating well and getting enough rest provides energy for performances. Proper hydration and stretching prevents cramps and tight muscles.

Most importantly, remembering one’s passion for lacrosse and maintaining a positive attitude enables enjoyment and success. Playing relaxed, competitive lacrosse with maximum effort and the right preparation is rewarding. With dedication to improvement and love of the game, female lacrosse players can realize their athletic dreams.