How to choose women’s lacrosse gloves with proper padding for protection. What features to look for in moisture-wicking linings to keep hands dry. Why is the right amount of stick feel crucial for control. How to select gloves that offer the perfect balance of flexibility and protection. What are the top brands and models for women’s lacrosse gloves in 2023. How to properly size and fit lacrosse gloves for optimal performance. What maintenance tips can extend the life of your lacrosse gloves.
Essential Features of Top-Rated Women’s Lacrosse Gloves
When searching for the best women’s lacrosse gloves, several key features stand out as essential for optimal performance and protection. Let’s explore these crucial elements that separate top-rated gloves from the rest:
Proper Wrist and Palm Padding
Protection is paramount in women’s lacrosse, and the right padding can make all the difference. High-quality gloves incorporate advanced foam or plastic padding panels strategically placed to disperse impact and shield vulnerable areas like the wrist joint and palm.
Is thicker padding always better? Not necessarily. The ideal padding should offer substantial shock absorption without restricting flexibility and feel. For field players, look for gloves with medium-density foam or plastic pads covering the entire palm heel to fingertips, with extra reinforcement around the wrists.
Goalies require even more substantial protection, particularly in the thumb and palm of their dominant hand. Some players opt for hockey gloves for maximum padding, though this comes at the cost of added bulk.
Moisture-Wicking Linings
Comfort during play is crucial, and sweaty hands can lead to loss of control and grip. That’s why top brands like Maverik, STX, and Brine incorporate advanced moisture-wicking fabrics in their glove liners. These synthetic microfiber blends quickly pull sweat away from the skin, dispersing it across the surface for rapid evaporation.
What should you look for in a moisture-wicking lining? A smooth, soft microfiber feel is ideal for optimal performance. Some gloves also feature mesh panels for enhanced breathability. In cold weather options, you might find a brushed fleece fabric that provides insulation while still wicking away sweat during intense play.
Optimal Stick Feel
While protection is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of stick control. The best women’s lacrosse gloves offer the right balance of padding and dexterity, allowing players to maintain excellent control on the field.
How can you assess stick feel when trying on gloves? Look for midweight gloves with strategic padding placements, particularly on the backhand. Synthetic leather or mesh palms maximize grip and sensitivity for cradling, catching, and passing.
Top Brands and Models for Women’s Lacrosse Gloves in 2023
The women’s lacrosse glove market has seen significant innovation in recent years. Here are some of the top brands and models to consider in 2023:
- STX Surgeon RZR: Known for its excellent balance of protection and flexibility
- Maverik M4 Women’s: Offers superior wrist mobility and palm grip
- Brine Dynasty Elite II: Features a unique ventilation system for enhanced breathability
- Nike Vapor Elite: Incorporates lightweight materials for maximum speed and agility
- Under Armour Command Pro II: Provides excellent padding without sacrificing dexterity
When choosing between these top models, consider your position on the field, personal preferences for padding thickness, and any specific features that align with your playing style.
Proper Sizing and Fit for Optimal Performance
Finding the right size and fit is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your lacrosse gloves. Ill-fitting gloves can compromise both protection and performance.
Measuring for the Perfect Fit
How do you determine your correct glove size? Start by measuring the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb). Use this measurement to reference the manufacturer’s size chart, as sizes can vary between brands.
A properly fitting glove should feel snug but not restrictive. Your fingertips should reach the ends of the glove fingers without being cramped. There should be no excess material bunching in the palm area.
Trying On and Testing
When trying on lacrosse gloves, it’s essential to simulate game movements. Grip a lacrosse stick and go through the motions of cradling, passing, and catching. The gloves should allow for natural movement without slipping or rotating on your hand.
Pay attention to how the wrist closure feels. It should provide a secure fit without cutting off circulation or limiting your range of motion. Many modern gloves feature adjustable wrist straps for a customized fit.
Balancing Flexibility and Protection in Women’s Lacrosse Gloves
One of the biggest challenges in selecting women’s lacrosse gloves is finding the right balance between flexibility and protection. Too much padding can hinder movement, while too little leaves players vulnerable to injury.
Strategic Padding Placement
The best women’s lacrosse gloves utilize strategic padding placement to offer protection where it’s needed most without compromising flexibility. Look for gloves with reinforced padding on the back of the hand and fingers, with slightly less bulk in the palm area to maintain stick feel.
Some innovative glove designs incorporate segmented padding that allows for greater range of motion while still providing adequate protection. This approach is particularly beneficial for midfielders who require both defensive capabilities and offensive dexterity.
Material Choices for Optimal Performance
The materials used in glove construction play a significant role in achieving the right balance of flexibility and protection. Many top brands utilize a combination of materials to optimize performance:
- Lightweight, breathable mesh for ventilation
- Durable synthetic leather for enhanced grip and durability
- Advanced foam compounds for impact absorption
- Flexible plastics for targeted protection without added weight
By carefully selecting and combining these materials, manufacturers can create gloves that offer the perfect blend of protection and mobility for female lacrosse players.
Maintaining and Extending the Life of Your Lacrosse Gloves
Proper care and maintenance of your lacrosse gloves can significantly extend their lifespan and preserve their performance characteristics. Here are some essential tips for keeping your gloves in top condition:
Cleaning and Drying
Regular cleaning is crucial for preventing the buildup of sweat, dirt, and bacteria in your gloves. How should you clean lacrosse gloves? Follow these steps:
- Brush off any loose dirt or debris
- Hand wash the gloves in cool water with mild soap
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist)
- Air dry the gloves at room temperature, away from direct heat sources
Avoid machine washing or drying your gloves, as this can damage the padding and compromise the glove’s structure.
Storage and Off-Season Care
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the shape and integrity of your lacrosse gloves. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using a glove deodorizer or moisture-absorbing packets to prevent odors and mildew growth, especially during the off-season.
Periodically inspect your gloves for signs of wear, such as torn stitching or compressed padding. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant damage and extend the life of your gloves.
Adapting Glove Choice to Different Playing Positions
Different positions on the lacrosse field have unique requirements when it comes to glove selection. Understanding these nuances can help players choose the most appropriate gloves for their role:
Attackers and Midfielders
Players in offensive positions typically prioritize stick feel and dexterity. Look for gloves with:
- Lighter overall weight
- Thinner padding in the palm area
- Flexible wrist design for quick stick movements
- Enhanced grip features for ball control
Defenders
Defensive players often require more substantial protection due to frequent stick checks and physical play. Ideal gloves for defenders should have:
- Reinforced padding on the back of the hand and fingers
- Sturdy wrist support
- Durable materials to withstand regular impact
- Balanced protection without sacrificing too much mobility
Goalies
Goalkeepers have unique glove needs due to the nature of their position. Key features for goalie gloves include:
- Maximum padding in the thumb and palm areas
- Extended wrist protection
- Reinforced fingertips for shot blocking
- Excellent grip for secure ball control during clears
Some goalies opt for specialized lacrosse goalie gloves or even adapted hockey goalie gloves for maximum protection. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the level of play.
Innovative Technologies in Women’s Lacrosse Gloves
The world of women’s lacrosse gloves is constantly evolving, with manufacturers introducing new technologies to enhance performance, protection, and comfort. Here are some of the latest innovations to look out for:
Advanced Impact Absorption
New foam compounds and gel inserts are being developed to provide superior shock absorption without adding bulk. These materials can disperse impact forces more effectively, reducing the risk of hand and wrist injuries.
Thermoregulation Technologies
Some brands are incorporating advanced fabrics and ventilation systems designed to regulate hand temperature. These technologies help keep hands cool and dry during intense play, improving grip and overall comfort.
Customizable Fit Systems
Innovative closure systems and adjustable components allow players to fine-tune the fit of their gloves. This can include features like:
- Interchangeable palm pads
- Adjustable finger lengths
- Multi-point wrist closure systems
These advancements enable players to achieve a more personalized fit, potentially improving performance and reducing the risk of blisters or other fit-related issues.
Eco-Friendly Materials
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration, some manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials for lacrosse gloves. This includes recycled plastics, plant-based foams, and sustainably sourced natural fibers.
While these technologies are still evolving, they represent an exciting direction for the future of women’s lacrosse gloves, potentially offering improved performance with a reduced environmental impact.
Making the Final Decision: Choosing Your Perfect Pair of Women’s Lacrosse Gloves
With so many factors to consider, making the final decision on which women’s lacrosse gloves to purchase can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect pair:
- Assess your position and playing style
- Determine your budget
- Research top-rated gloves within your price range
- Read user reviews and seek recommendations from teammates or coaches
- Try on multiple pairs, if possible, to compare fit and feel
- Consider any specific features that align with your preferences (e.g., extra ventilation, enhanced grip)
- Weigh the pros and cons of each option
- Make your decision based on the best balance of protection, comfort, and performance for your needs
Remember, the “best” gloves are ultimately the ones that feel right for you and enhance your performance on the field. Don’t be afraid to invest time in finding the perfect pair – your hands (and your game) will thank you.
As you embark on your search for the ideal women’s lacrosse gloves, keep in mind that glove technology is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new releases and innovations in the market, as they may offer improved features or address specific needs you have as a player.
Ultimately, the right pair of lacrosse gloves can make a significant difference in your comfort, protection, and performance on the field. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and taking the time to find the perfect fit, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your lacrosse journey.
Choose Gloves With Proper Wrist and Palm Padding for Protection
When shopping for the best women’s lacrosse gloves, one of the most important factors to consider is finding gloves with proper wrist and palm padding for protection. Women’s lacrosse can be a rough sport, so having a good layer of padding in the gloves is essential for preventing injuries to the hands and wrists during play.
Many of the top lacrosse glove brands now incorporate advanced foam or plastic padding panels into the glove design to help disperse impact and protect the vulnerable wrist joint and palm area. The padding should be thick enough to provide substantial shock absorption, but not so bulky that it restricts flexibility and feel.
Goalies in particular need heavy padding in the thumb and palm of their dominant hand that catches the ball. For field players, look for gloves with medium density foam or plastic pads covering the entire palm heel to finger tips and extra reinforcement around the wrists. This helps prevent bruising or fractures when checking opponents’ sticks.
When trying on different women’s lacrosse gloves, bend your wrist back and forth to ensure the glove has good dexterity while still supporting the joints. Press down on the padding to test thickness and coverage over key areas like knuckles and the wrist bone. The best gloves will make you temporarily invincible on the field.
High quality women’s gloves tailored for lacrosse like those from STX, Brine, Maverik and Nike will integrate padding in a women-specific fit. Or for more heavy-duty protection, some players opt for hockey gloves which offer maximum padding at the expense of some added bulk.
Don’t settle for poorly made or improperly fitted gloves with inadequate padding, as this leaves female players susceptible to debilitating hand injuries. Do your research and find the lacrosse gloves that give your hands and wrists the protection they need this season!
Look for Gloves With Moisture Wicking Linings to Keep Hands Dry
When playing lacrosse, wet, sweaty hands in gloves are not only uncomfortable but can also cause loss of control and grip on your stick. This is why when shopping for women’s lacrosse gloves, it’s important to look for moisture wicking linings that help keep your hands dry.
Many top gloves from brands like Maverik, STX, and Brine now incorporate advanced moisture wicking fabrics in the liner. These are synthetic microfiber blends that quickly pull sweat away from the skin and disperse it across the surface of the glove lining where it can evaporate.
This helps prevent that soaked, slippery glove feeling that can ruin your game. Moisture wicking liners also help gloves dry faster if they do get wet from rain or snow. By whisking moisture away from the surface of your skin, moisture wicking glove liners help regulate hand temperature better as well.
When trying on lacrosse gloves in store, pay attention to the feel of the interior liner material. Quality gloves should have a smooth, soft microfiber lining for the best moisture wicking performance. The liner material should not feel overly thick or bunchy inside the gloves.
Mesh panels are also sometimes incorporated into gloves to aid breathability. For cold weather gloves, the liner may have a brushed fleece fabric for insulation that still wicks away sweat during intense play.
Don’t settle for cheaper gloves with low-quality flimsy liners that absorb and hold moisture. This will lead to irritated, pruney fingers and palms inside soggy gloves. With the right moisture wicking gloves, female lacrosse players can grip their sticks with dry confidence no matter how long the game goes on or how hard it’s raining.
Keep an eye out for new glove liner fabrics as brands continue to innovate new moisture wicking technology. And take care to wash gloves properly to maximize the lifespan of the liner.
Pick Gloves With the Right Amount of Stick Feel For Control
Women’s lacrosse gloves serve the important purpose of protecting hands, but they shouldn’t interfere with your ability to adeptly handle the stick. When selecting gloves, pick a pair with the right amount of stick feel so you can maintain excellent control on the field.
Stick feel refers to the level of sensitivity and dexterity you retain when wearing gloves. Bulkier, heavily padded gloves tend to diminish stick feel and fine motor control compared to thinner gloves. However, gloves with minimal padding also afford less protection.
For most female lacrosse players, midweight gloves with strategic padding placements provide the best blend of protection and stick feel. Avoid gloves with overly thick or inflexible palm padding and instead look for gloves with padding integrated into the backhand design.
Synthetic leather or mesh palms will maximize grip and sensitivity when cradling, catching, and passing. Goalie gloves require much thicker padding, though some are pre-curved for catching ease. Trying gloves on and handling a stick is the best test for stick feel.
A glove that fits too tightly can restrict blood flow and cause hands to tire more quickly. Loose-fitting gloves allow too much stick movement inside the glove for optimal control. Ensure the gloves you select are properly fitted to your hand size.
High quality women’s lacrosse gloves from top athletic brands will be thoughtfully engineered to provide protection without overly sacrificing stick feel. Breaking gloves in properly and keeping the leather palms supple also helps improve the stick feel of gloves over time.
Don’t settle for gloves that are so bulky and restricting that you can’t demonstrate your best ball handling skills. With the right women’s lacrosse gloves matched to your position and needs, you can protect your hands without perceptible loss of on-stick finesse.
Find Gloves Made With Durable Leather and Synthetics That Withstand Wear
Women’s lacrosse gloves undergo a lot of intense wear and tear during games and practices. It’s important to find gloves constructed from quality materials that can withstand the demands of the sport.
Many gloves feature leather palm patches to enhance grip and durability. Top glove brands use full grain leather rather than cheaper synthetic blends, with additional leather reinforcing high wear areas. Full leather palms may offer the most longevity, but some prefer the lightness of synthetic palms.
Look for gloves made with abrasion-resistant textiles able to handle cement fields and turf friction without breaking down quickly. Backs of gloves may feature flexible meshes for breathability and mobility. Fingertips should be reinforced with added layers of leather or textile.
Seams should be tightly stitched with heavy duty thread and coverstitched for strength. Avoid gloves with loose threads that can catch on equipment. Make sure any velcro closures are wide and secure so they don’t accidentally open during play.
Goalie gloves especially take a beating, so need heavyweight leather construction and wrist stability. Don’t go for cheap goalie gloves that won’t hold up under repeated ball impacts. Well made gloves will get softer and form better to your hand shape as they age.
Care for your gloves properly by keeping them clean, conditioning the leather, and replacing worn palms when grip starts to suffer. With heavy use, most women’s lacrosse gloves need full replacement every 1-2 seasons depending on position.
Invest in thoughtfully engineered women’s lacrosse gloves from leading brands that utilize innovative durable materials so your gloves can go the distance through every face-off, groundball, catch, and check this season.
Choose Youth Sized Gloves For Younger Players With Smaller Hands
When shopping for women’s lacrosse gloves, it’s important to select the proper sizing for a comfortable, high performing fit. For younger female players with smaller hands, be sure to choose gloves specifically sized for youth rather than trying to fit into adult gloves.
Youth gloves feature smaller dimensions through the fingers, palms and backs of hands to better match girls with hands that are still growing. A properly fitted glove helps maximize ball control and stick handling for developing players.
Most lacrosse glove manufacturers such as Maverik, STX and Brine offer gloves sized specifically for youth. Common youth glove sizes range from XXS to XL. Compare sizing charts to pick the right fit based on hand measurements.
Trying gloves on in person allows younger players to assess comfort and flexibility. There should be no pinching or tightness, especially through the fingers when gripping a stick. However, gloves shouldn’t be so big that hands are swimming and sliding around inside.
Youth lacrosse gloves offer similar features as adult gloves but on a smaller scale. Look for integrated padding with moisture wicking liners in durable materials but lighter construction suitable for younger players.
Even goalies should use properly fitted youth gloves to help enhance development of catching and throwing skills. ill-fitting gloves can ingrain bad habits. Take time to find the right youth size glove for your girls’ hands and lacrosse skills.
With practice and play, young athletes hands will grow. Make sure to periodically re-measure hands and upgrade gloves as needed each season to provide an ideal fit. Proper youth gloves give budding lacrosse stars a grip on success.
Compare Prices at Lacrosse Specialty Stores to Get the Best Deal
Finding the right pair of women’s lacrosse gloves for your needs and budget requires a bit of savvy shopping. Be sure to compare prices and deals at lacrosse specialty retailers online and in-person to get the best value.
Often small lacrosse shops will have select gloves models on sale or clearance at great discounted prices, especially at the end of seasons. Take advantage of sales timing and limited inventory deals to score savings.
Online lacrosse sites like Lax.com, UniversalLacrosse, and EastCoastDyes.com run special promotions and coupon codes for dollars off or free shipping on gloves for women players. Sign up for newsletters and check social media for sales announcements.
Consider holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day which often feature major lacrosse gear sales events. The off-season winter months tend to have the most widespread glove discounts as well.
If you have a local lacrosse pro shop, stop in and try on gloves in person before ordering identical models for less online. This ensures proper sizing and fit before buying.
With some research across leading lacrosse retailers, female players can pinpoint sales on today’s top gloves like the STX Crux 500, Maverik Charger, and Brine King 5. Finding the right gloves for less keeps budget happy.
Evaluate Weather Conditions – Pick Well Insulated Gloves for Colder Climates
Depending on where you play lacrosse and the time of year, weather conditions should factor into selecting proper women’s lacrosse gloves. In colder climates or seasons, choose gloves with insulation for warmth.
Lacrosse is often played in cooler Spring temperatures in certain regions, while summer league play happens at night. For cold hands, look for gloves with inner linings made from insulating brushed fleece or quilted thermal materials.
Some gloves even have removable inner glove liners that can be worn alone on hot days or inserted into the outer gloves when temperatures drop. This gives female players options for warm, versatile hand protection.
Outer glove shells should also be made from wind-resistant materials to prevent chilling penetration on blustery days. Avoid lightweight mesh-only gloves if playing in frequent cold conditions.
If participating in winter lacrosse leagues, select heavy duty gloves with maximum insulation like those from cold weather sporting brands. Extra insulation does slightly reduce stick feel, so compensate with proper sizing.
For wet weather protection, gloves with water repellent leather or coatings help keep hands dryer. Ensure any gloves featuring absorbed foam padding have moisture wicking inner liners to limit saturation.
Don’t let hands turn numb and stiff from cold. Prep forchanging seasons and conditions by having the right women’s lacrosse gloves to keep hands warm, dry and in top playing form all year long.
Make Sure New Gloves Are Properly Broken In Before Games
Buying a new pair of women’s lacrosse gloves is exciting, but before wearing them in games make sure to properly break them in for optimal performance.
Brand new gloves tend to be stiff and restrictive until worn in. Take the time to heat mold and flex new gloves to loosen them up. To heat mold, wear gloves and use a hairdryer to evenly heat up the materials and padding to better form to your hands.
Spend time catching, cradling, and scooping balls wearing the gloves to pre-shape fingers and palms to proper grip positions. Use leather conditioner on palms to soften and improve stick feel.
Work gloves open and closed repeatedly to soften materials and break in velcro, snaps or laces. Bend and flex wrist joints to stretch padding. Lightly dampen palms and use grasp a stick for 30 minutes to mold fit.
Properly breaking in women’s lacrosse gloves improves overall dexterity, flexibility and feel to prevent fumbling balls and missed catches. It enhances grip strength for confident cradling and checking.
Rotate between old and new gloves in practices to gradually ease into full-time wear. Let gloves dry completely between sessions to prevent mildew smells.
With disciplined break-in, those stiff new gloves become softer, more pliable and ready for elite performance. Don’t wait until game time to wear new gloves to avoid mistakes. Get a grip by properly prepping gloves for play.