Compare Different Brands of Box Lacrosse Goals
When shopping for new box lacrosse goals, one of the first things you’ll want to do is compare the major brands on the market. Some of the top manufacturers of box lacrosse goals include Champion, Franklin Sports, Harrow Sports, Mylec, and PowerShaft. Taking the time to research each brand can help you determine which one offers the right mix of quality, durability, and affordability for your needs.
For example, Champion makes institutional-grade lacrosse goals designed for high schools, colleges, and pro leagues. Their goals feature thick steel tubing and professional net attachments for maximum playability. However, their premium construction also demands a higher price point that may exceed a casual player’s budget.
At the other end of the spectrum, brands like Franklin Sports offer more affordable lacrosse goals aimed at recreational and youth league players. Their goals utilize lightweight aluminum instead of steel, and simpler net attachments to keep costs down. While durability takes a hit compared to pricier models, Franklin goals offer a decent value for casual backyard practice sessions.
Mylec occupies a middle ground between expensive steel goals and cheap aluminum ones. They use thicker aluminum tubing along with welded joints to boost sturdiness. Mylec goals also come equipped with durable net hooks and border ropes. Their mid-range pricing hits the sweet spot for club and high school lacrosse programs looking for goals that can withstand rigorous use.
When examining lacrosse goal brands, also look at factors like hardware quality, ease of assembly, and manufacturer warranty terms. Additionally, read online customer reviews to learn about real-world longevity and performance. Taking the time to research and compare different box lacrosse goal brands will help you select equipment that meets your specific needs and budget.
Consider the Goal Frame Material: Steel vs Aluminum
When shopping for box lacrosse goals, one of the most important considerations is the material used for the goal frame. The two main options are steel or aluminum tubing. There are pros and cons to each metal that are worth examining.
Steel goals represent the gold standard for box lacrosse. The thick-walled steel tubing can withstand even the most aggressive type of play. Steel won’t bend or dent easily from lacrosse ball impacts or player collisions. The increased durability means steel lacrosse goals will easily last for decades with proper care.
However, the superior strength of steel comes at a price. Steel box lacrosse goals are significantly heavier than aluminum models. The heavy frame and anchors make steel goals more difficult to move and setup. Steel is also prone to rusting if left uncovered in the elements for too long. Protective coatings help, but chips and scratches can still expose raw steel to moisture over time.
Aluminum box lacrosse goals offer a lighter and more affordable alternative to steel. High-grade aluminum alloys provide good strength at a fraction of the weight. The light weight allows aluminum goals to be easily transported and setup by just one person. Aluminum won’t rust, which makes it ideal for outdoor use and storage.
On the downside, aluminum is more prone to bending and denting than steel when subjected to hard lacrosse shots. Additional supports and thicker tubing help increase durability, but aluminum goals won’t last nearly as long as steel models under intense play. Aluminum is best suited for recreational and practice use rather than high-level competitive play.
When choosing between steel and aluminum lacrosse goals, consider your budget and needs. Steel is unmatched for durability but demands a higher price. Aluminum goals offer greater portability and value for casual use. Evaluating your requirements and playing level will help determine the right frame material for your box lacrosse goals.
Pay Attention to Goal Net Size and Shape
The net is a critical component of any box lacrosse goal. When shopping for new goals, you’ll want to pay close attention to net sizing and configuration options. Not all goal nets are created equal, so understanding the differences can help you pick the right one.
For starters, regulation box lacrosse calls for a 4×4 foot square net. However, youth and practice goals may utilize smaller 3×3 or 2×2 foot net sizes. Smaller nets are more appropriate for young players with less developed shooting accuracy. Make sure to get age-appropriate net sizing.
You also have a choice between flat and tight-mesh lacrosse goal nets. Flat nets use a basic criss-cross pattern that leaves wide gaps between threads. This provides less rebound off shots. Tight-mesh nets have a wave pattern with very small gaps to increase ball bounce-back.
Tight-mesh nets are mandatory for most box leagues, as they lead to faster pace of play. The ball rebounds right back to players instead of getting stuck in wider flat net holes. However, some players prefer flat nets for backyard practice to improve catching errant shots.
Nets also vary in overall depth. Shallow nets sit close to the goal frame while deep nets extend further back. Deep nets provide more target area and allow players to loft soft shots up and over the crossbar. Shallow nets force players to aim for the corners with tighter shots.
Additionally, some lacrosse nets attach directly to the goal frame while others hang inside a securing rope border. Internal border ropes provide a bit of extra give to shots and prevent nets from prematurely tearing. Rope-free nets offer a more snug fit on the goal frame.
With so many variations in box lacrosse goal nets, it pays to understand the options before buying. Make sure to get regulation-sized nets appropriate for your playing level. Evaluating factors like mesh pattern, depth, and borders ensures you get goal nets optimized for your needs.
Choose Foldable or Stationary Goals
One of the choices you’ll face when purchasing box lacrosse goals is whether to get stationary or foldable models. Both types have their own pros and cons to weigh when deciding which is right for your needs.
Stationary lacrosse goals offer maximum stability during play. The one-piece steel or aluminum goal frame provides a rigid structure that won’t shift or sway when players crash into it. Stationary goals are ideal for permanent league or school installations where durability is a top priority.
However, the rigid one-piece construction also makes stationary goals difficult to transport and store. You’ll need heavy equipment like cranes or forklifts to move them around. Stationary goals also take up considerable storage space when not in use. They are best suited for permanent outdoor or indoor locations.
In contrast, foldable box lacrosse goals can collapse down for easier mobility. The two-piece collapsible frame uses pins, clamps, or hinges to join together seamlessly. When it’s time to relocate, the frame can be detached into two more manageable sections.
Foldable goals are great for leagues or schools that share field space. They can be broken down and stowed away in the offseason to free up room for other sports. Foldable goals are also handy for tournaments or away games where equipment needs to be transported.
On the negative side, foldable goals lose some stability from their two-piece frames. There is a slight flex when players crash into a folding goal. For competitive play, foldable goals with extra diagonal supports provide the most stability.
When choosing between stationary and foldable box lacrosse goals, think about portability needs versus maximum strength. Foldable goals trade off some rigidity for easier transport. Stationary goals deliver unmatched durability for permanent locations. Select the type that best fits your requirements.
Find a Goal That Fits Your Space
When shopping for new box lacrosse goals, it’s important to pay attention to size and space requirements. You’ll want to find goals that properly fit the dimensions of your indoor or outdoor playing area.
For standard box lacrosse leagues, the playing surface measures 200 x 85 feet. At each end are goals that take up a 4×4 foot area inside the boundaries. For regulation play, you’ll need goals made to these specifications.
However, backyard or practice spaces likely have smaller dimensions. Measure your usable length and width to determine the maximum goal size that will fit. Most recreational goals come in 4×4, 3×3, and 2×2 foot net sizes to accommodate different areas.
Also account for any necessary clearance around the goals. Having at least 10 feet of open space around the goal frame prevents accidental collisions and gives players room to maneuver. Don’t cram goals into tightly confined spots.
For indoor spaces like racquetball courts, the confined area may dictate using small 2×2 foot goals. Wall ball games are also safer with mini goals versus full-size models. Take measurements and leave ample clearance for gameplay.
Additionally, measure doorways, gates, and hallways to ensure the goal will fit through during transportation. Foldable goals offer more flexibility for tight spaces, while stationary goals may prove difficult to maneuver into position.
Carefully measuring your available lacrosse venue ensures you get appropriately sized goals. Having goals that are too large or too small for the space can negatively impact enjoyment and safety during play. Take the time to gauge dimensions so you get properly fitting box lacrosse goals.
Pick Wheels for Portable Goals
If you choose foldable box lacrosse goals for easy portability, one accessory to consider is the addition of wheels. Adding wheels to goals makes it even simpler to transport them from storage to the playing field.
Wheeled goals allow a single person to tilt back the frame and roll it into position. Without wheels, it may take 2-3 people to carry and maneuver goals of any significant size and weight. Wheels eliminate the need for extra sets of hands.
Wheels also prevent goals from scraping along the ground during transport. Dragging goals risks scratching gym floors or turf playing surfaces. Wheels allow the frame to smoothly roll without causing damage. They provide effortless mobility.
However, not all wheel types are created equal. Small plastic wheels work fine indoors on smooth surfaces, but larger pneumatic wheels are better for traversing outdoor grass or uneven terrain. All-terrain wheels with thick treads offer the best outdoor traction.
Also look for goals with rear stabilizer bars that contact the ground during play. These prevent rolling while balls are being shot. Wheeled goals rely on back legs or outriggers to keep stationary while in use.
When installing wheels, pay attention to clearance. Very small wheels may not provide enough height for goals to clear uneven spots or lips between playing surfaces. Larger diameter wheels maintain better stability when rolling over obstacles.
For box lacrosse players tired of lugging heavy goals around, adding wheels can be a game-changer. But take the time to choose wheel types suitable for your playing environment. Wheeled lacrosse goals simplify transportation while still keeping rock-solid during games.
Get Proper Anchors for Safety
One aspect of box lacrosse goals that you don’t want to overlook is having proper anchors. Quality anchors help ensure goals stay firmly planted in position during active play for maximum safety.
Unanchored goals are prone to tipping over if players collide into them aggressively. This poses a serious injury risk to athletes. Properly installed anchors utilize the weight of buried steel or concrete to prevent goals from shifting or wobbling.
For permanent goal installation, poured concrete anchors are preferred. Holes are dug and rebar is inserted before filling with concrete and bolting goal legs into place. The result is an immovable foundation able to withstand years of hard use.
For more portable goals, steel ground sleeves work well. Weighty steel anchors with pointed tips can be driven into turf or dirt by sledgehammer. Sturdy bolts then secure goals to the sunken ground sleeves when in use.
Sandbags offer a convenient portable anchoring solution. Fill canvas bags with sand/soil and hang them over the rear goal frame. The weight of the bags resists tipping, while still allowing goals to be relocated later.
When setting anchors, be sure to install them angled slightly back away from the playing field. This forces goals to tip rearwards rather than forward if impacted. Protective netting around goals provides another layer of safety.
Don’t try to cut costs by skipping anchors. Unanchored goals seem stable initially, but become dangerous once play starts. Invest in high-quality anchors suited for your specific ground surface. Proper goal anchors help prevent injuries and create peace of mind.
See If Assembly Tools Are Included
When ordering new box lacrosse goals, one helpful extra to look for is whether assembly tools and hardware are included. Having the right tools on hand makes installing goals much simpler.
Many goal manufacturers include assembly kits with all the nuts, bolts, washers, and clips needed for setup. This ensures you have compatible hardware that fits together properly. Trying to use random spare parts risks improper fit.
Tool kits may also incorporate any specialty wrenches, drivers, or other implements required for assembly. Box lacrosse goals utilize bolts and couplings in hard-to-reach corners. Specialized tools make accessing and tightening fasteners easier.
For example, goals with slide-lock connectors often include long pole-style wrenches. This allows tightening bolts in the middle of the tubing without disassembly. Helpful little innovations like this simplify construction.
Tool-free or quick-connect goals represent the ultimate in easy assembly. They utilize spring-loaded fasteners, interlocking pins, or push-button joints to snap together without tools. But tool-free goals sacrifice some stability compared to tightly bolted models.
If assembly tools and hardware don’t come standard, be sure to inquire about purchasing them separately. Having the manufacturer-recommended components on hand prevents aggravation and delays during goal setup. It also ensures everything fits together correctly.
The last thing you want is to be stuck on the playing field with disassembled goals and no way to put them together. Make sure assembly tools are included or available for your new box lacrosse goals.
Read Reviews From Other Players
Before purchasing new box lacrosse goals, it’s wise to read through customer reviews from other players. User reviews can provide valuable insight into real-world performance and durability.
Browse reviews on the manufacturer’s website, retail sites, forums, blogs, YouTube, and anywhere else you can find them. Look for consistent feedback on aspects like goal stability, ease of assembly, hardware quality, and overall longevity.
However, don’t make your decision solely based on reviews. Take them with a grain of salt. Some negative reviews may come from inexperienced users, while paid reviews can bias positively. Look for persistent themes over many sources.
Pay special attention to comments on goal anchoring. Proper anchoring is crucial for safety, so complaints about tipping over are a red flag. Also note reviews mentioning loose hardware, sagging net hooks, or flimsy materials.
Likewise, keep an eye out for goals receiving praise for sturdy construction, straightforward assembly, and holding up well over years of use. These are good signs of quality and durability.
User photos showing goals still performing after long-term use are also helpful. This provides visual evidence of how well the frame and net stand up over time.
While hands-on inspection and testing goals yourself is ideal, reading credible reviews is the next best thing. Reviews from other box lacrosse players can expose potential strengths, weaknesses, and real-world usage experiences with different goal models. Let their lessons guide you toward informed decisions.
Determine Your Budget
When shopping for new box lacrosse goals, one of the most important factors to consider is determining your budget. Setting a spending limit helps narrow down the selections to models you can realistically afford.
High-end lacrosse goals from top brands can cost over $1000 per goal. These pro-caliber goals feature robust steel frames, competition-grade netting, and maximum durability. While ideal for elite play, such premium goals may be overkill for casual use.
On the low end, budget lacrosse goals start around $50. These inexpensive models use thin aluminum tubing and basic nets without many bells and whistles. Such goals work fine for backyard play, but won’t withstand rigorous high school or college gameplay.
Mid-range goals from $200 to $500 offer the best value for recreational leagues. They balance decent construction with affordability. Look for thicker aluminum or steel goals in this range for longevity.
When setting your budget, think about how often the goals will get used. Infrequent use may allow cheaper goals, while heavy seasonal play demands more rugged construction. Also consider whether your budget needs to cover a full 2-goal setup.
It’s better to spend a little more upfront for extra durability than be forced to replace flimsy goals every year or two. But you also don’t want to overspend for ultra-premium goals that exceed your needs.
Determining the right budget for new box lacrosse goals ensures you get equipment realistically matched to your price range and playing requirements. Focus on value rather than either the cheapest or most expensive options.
Look For Sales and Deals
One way to maximize your budget on new box lacrosse goals is to look for sales, discounts, and other deals. Taking advantage of promotions can help you get more value for your dollar.
Many sporting goods stores run seasonal sales around springtime when lacrosse gears up. This is a great chance to save 10-20% on new goals and nets. Big box retailers also frequently discount lacrosse equipment as “loss leaders” to draw customers.
Shopping online opens up more deal-hunting opportunities. Websites like Amazon and eBay offer lacrosse goals at discounted prices, especially if buying in the offseason. Look for new-but-old-stock leftover inventory that stores are trying to clear out.
Cashback sites like Rakuten can also help put money back in your pocket for online purchases. Getting a $25 rebate on a $200 goal is a nice savings. Sites like Slickdeals and DealNews also highlight the best limited-time promotions.
If buying for a school or league, ask the sales rep about team discounts or free customization. Bulk orders often qualify for tiered percentage discounts. Free extras like logo printing, wheel kits, or anchor bags provide additional savings.
With some diligent searching, you can shave meaningful dollars off retail prices for new box lacrosse goals. Seek out coupons, rebates, closeouts, bulk order deals, and off-peak sales periods. A little effort goes a long way toward maximizing value.
Buy New vs Used Goals
When looking to purchase box lacrosse goals, you’ll need to decide whether to buy new or used equipment. There are pros and cons to going each route that are worth examining.
New lacrosse goals provide the assurance of never being used before. You know exactly what you’re getting with new factory-direct goals. New goals come with intact protective coatings, tight hardware, and crisp netting ready for play.
New goals often carry multi-year warranties against defects. Reputable brands stand behind their products and will replace faulty components. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your new goals were built to last.
Of course, new lacrosse goals also come at a premium cost. Budget-minded buyers may be priced out of top models and forced to settle for lower-quality economy goals.
This is where used goals offer an advantage. Well-cared for used goals can provide tremendous value at huge discounts. Carefully inspecting for damage and testing stability helps minimize risks.
However, purchasing used goals is inherently risky. You don’t know for certain how gently or roughly they were used. Hidden fatigue cracks or stretched nets may only reveal themselves over time. Warranties are unlikely to transfer over.
Ultimately, choosing between new or used lacrosse goals requires honestly weighing your budget versus your tolerance for risk and uncertainty. For maximum peace of mind, opt for new goals within your budget from reputable brands.
Decide Between Home Use or League Level
One of the final decisions when purchasing box lacrosse goals is whether you need equipment suitable for home recreational use or official league-level play. This impacts factors like size, durability, and portability.
For casual home practice, smaller 3×3 or 2×2 foot goals often suffice. Mini goals take up less space and prevent as many errant missed shots. Portability for storage is also easier with compact home goals.
League regulation goals measure the full 4×4 feet with official border ropes and mesh. While taking up more room, regulation goals help players develop skills that translate to real games. Aluminum frames also provide sufficient durability for seasonal team play.
For college, pro, and competitive box lacrosse, thick steel frames become necessary. Only steel provides the unmatched stability and shot absorption required at elite levels. Concrete anchoring also helps. These goals are built for maximum durability over decades of use.
Think about your current needs, but also allow room to grow. Youth players may start with miniature goals but eventually need full-size regulation nets. Get appropriately sized goals but with durable frames capable of lasting years.
Consider if you need to detach goals for seasonal storage. Foldable goals or those with wheel kits make moving and stowing easier. Just confirm folded goals retain ample strength when assembled.
Carefully evaluate your needs and playing level when choosing home recreation or league-grade box lacrosse goals. Select goals tailored for your current requirements while still offering long-term performance if your involvement expands.