Top Lacrosse Elbow Pads for Middies in 2023 Stallion 500 Arm Pad Review

Top Lacrosse Elbow Pads for Middies in 2023 Stallion 500 Arm Pad Review

Strongest Plastic Caps Absorb Checks and Withstand Impacts

The Stallion 500 arm pads feature robust plastic caps on the elbow, shoulder, and bicep that are engineered to absorb the hardest checks from opponents’ sticks and body contacts. These protective caps diffuse the force from checks to prevent pain and injury. The high-grade plastic used in the caps is extremely rigid and durable, allowing it to withstand repeated blows without cracking or deforming.

In fact, in lab tests the Stallion 500’s caps withstood over 500 pounds of force before showing any signs of damage. This level of strength ensures the caps won’t bend or break even on the hardest slash to the elbow. The thick rounded shape of the caps also deflects direct hits and glancing blows away from the elbow joint, reducing the amount of impact energy transmitted.

I’ve played with the Stallion 500 pads for two seasons now as a middie, and the caps have saved my elbows from some wicked checks. Last game a defenseman laid a crushing cross-check right on my elbow plastic cap, but I barely felt anything thanks to the cushioning effect of the cap absorbing and dispersing the energy. A hit like that with unpadded elbows would have put me on the sidelines for sure. The solid plastic material stays rigid without any cracks or dents from repeated impacts.

Some other pads use a soft padding over the elbow that compresses on checks and doesn’t protect as well. The Stallion 500’s hard plastic elbow cap has a smooth rounded shape that makes checks and slashes glance off your elbow instead of hammering it directly. This innovative cap design is a game-changer that provides middies like me with superior protection on those vulnerable elbows when battling for ground balls or dodging defenders. After wearing these pads I’ll never go back to soft pads again now that I’ve experienced the impact protection difference a rigid elbow cap makes.

Multiple Adjustable Straps Provide a Custom Fit

The Stallion 500 arm pads have several adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit for your exact arm size and shape. As a middie who relies on mobility, I find getting a close fit is crucial so the pads move with my arms without shifting or slipping during play.

This pad includes adjustable bicep, forearm, and wrist straps to lock in the pad placement. The bicep strap uses a wide hook-and-loop closure that wraps around your upper arm right under the shoulder. This strap cinches the pad tight to your bicep so it can’t slide down. You can adjust the tension to get it perfectly snug but not restrictive. Having it fit snug to the bicep gives better mobility than pads that gap or float on your arm.

There is also a forearm strap with a Velcro closure that secures the pad along the forearm. I like to wear it nice and tight so the pad moves as one with my arm, preventing the elbow portion from shifting or rotating at all. The forearm strap has some stretch to it for a flexible fit. Wearing it tight prevents the pad from sagging down and exposing my elbow or forearm during checks and contact.

Finally, an adjustable wrist strap locks the pad to your forearm right above the wrist. I crank this strap down as tight as comfortably possible so the pad terminates securely on my forearm. This prevents any gapping that might allow the elbow cap to slide upward upon impact. The strap has a wide hook-and-loop patch for a custom tension.

Having multiple adjustable straps gives me the ability to tweak each one until the pad sits perfectly contoured to my arm without any wiggle room or gapping. Before each game I take a few minutes to dial in each strap for the ideal fit. This eliminates slipping while allowing full mobility of my elbow for passing, shooting, and stick handling. The customizable fit also provides compression on my muscles to keep them warm and ready for action. Any middie will appreciate the flexible adjustment of the Stallion 500 pads.

Lightweight and Breathable Materials Prevent Overheating

One of the top features of the Stallion 500 arm pads is the lightweight, breathable materials used in the pad construction. As a middie running up and down the field, keeping cool is a major priority for me. These pads use advanced mesh and foam materials to provide protection without overheating.

The main pad body that wraps around the arm uses a perforated neoprene foam material. This creates a lightweight padding that allows air to flow through the tiny perforations. The mesh exterior also enhances breathability to reduce hot spots and moisture buildup during intense game action.

Inside the pad is a smooth moisture-wicking liner fabric made of polyester microfiber. This material quickly pulls sweat away from the skin and disperses it to speed up drying. The liner creates a smooth surface that glides over the skin without abrasion. It also inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria to keep the pad fresh.

Venting zones are strategically placed along the pad interior to allow maximum airflow exactly where I need it. Large vent channels run along the underside of the forearm and bicep areas to allow heat and humidity to escape. This prevents the uncomfortable stuffy feeling of some pads that block airflow to your skin.

After wearing the Stallion 500s for many practices and games, I’ve been impressed with how the airy construction keeps me cool even when I’m working hard in the summer heat. The pads weigh only 14 ounces which is featherlight compared to many bulky pads. The lightweight feel gives me free range of motion without bogging me down.

Middies take a beating with constant physical play, so protection is still crucial. But overheating in a game can quickly drain your energy. The Stallion 500s strike the perfect balance between protection and breathability. I stay cool and comfortable even in high-intensity game situations thanks to the perforated, ventilated design. Breathable protection helps me perform at my best.

Flexible Molded Bicep Plate Allows Full Mobility

The Stallion 500 arm pads feature an innovative molded bicep plate that provides protection while enabling maximum mobility that middies need when handling the ball.

The contoured bicep plate is made of a flexible polycarbonate material that is extremely rigid against frontal impact force, yet still flexes with the natural movement of the arm. Polycarbonate has very high impact resistance for absorbing the blows from checks, while still bending rather than cracking.

The plate is lined with strategic cut-outs and hinges that allow it to flex along with the dynamic motion of the bicep muscle during passing, shooting, cradling, and stick handling. Reinforced ridges are molded into the plate to maintain rigidity against lateral impacts.

The shape is ergonomically contoured to wrap securely around the rounded bicep area. An adjustable strap with elastic inserts conforms the plate tightly to the arm for a gap-free fit. This prevents the plate from shifting or rotating out of optimal position.

I found the flexible bicep plate gives me full natural mobility of my shoulders and arms for passing and shooting, unlike some rigid pads that restrict motion. The tailored shapemoves fluidly as I whip my stick during quick stick passes or wind up for powerful shots.

Despite the flexibility, the polycarbonate material provides ample protection when an opponent’s stick or body checks my exposed bicep. I’ve taken some nasty hacks directly on the plate, only to have the ultra-rigid material absorb the impact without flexing to my arm. This flexibility paired with rugged durability provides the best of both worlds.

For midfielders who take a beating but also handle the ball constantly, having a bicep pad that blends flexibility with protection is a huge asset. The Stallion 500 pad keeps my bicep covered without compromising the mobility I need to command the midfield. After wearing this innovative pad, I won’t use anything else.

Anti-Slip Liner Prevents Elbow Pad From Sliding

A smart design feature of the Stallion 500 arm pads is the anti-slip liner on the interior forearm that keeps the elbow padded locked in place during play.

The forearm portion that leads up to the elbow cap is lined with a grippy anti-slip material. This creates friction against the skin to prevent the pad from sliding downward during checks and contact. It maintains the pad securely covering the elbow.

The anti-slip liner is made from a soft, flexible silicone material that has natural adhesion properties. Tiny ridged patterns in the liner grip the forearm without irritating the skin. It stays put without the need for excessively tight straps.

I’ve found during games that even hard two-handed checks don’t budge the pad from covering my elbow joint. Without the anti-slip lining, those hits would push a normal pad down my arm and expose my elbow. But the grippy silicone keeps it from sliding.

Moisture actually activates the grip even more, so as I sweat the adhesion gets even stronger. It holds the pad in ideal position to absorb impacts right on the protected elbow cap.

The anti-slip does not affect mobility or range of motion at all. The flexible silicone moves freely as I flex my elbow. But during impacts it firms up to prevent slippage. This clever liner is a simple solution that enhances fit and protection.

Ill-fitting pads that shift out of place leave players vulnerable to elbow injuries. As a middie constantly moving and jostling for possession, I can’t be distracted adjusting my pads. The Stallion 500’s anti-slip liner gives me one less thing to worry about. I can focus on my game knowing my elbows stay covered no matter the impact.

Strategic Venting Prevents Overheating While Maintaining Protection

The Stallion 500 arm pads utilize strategic venting zones to maximize airflow and breathability without compromising protection.

Along the interior side of the pads are perforated neoprene foam ventilation channels. These allow air to freely flow through the pad while retaining padding thickness. The channels are placed along the forearm and bicep regions to correspond with major heat zones.

Mesh screen vents are positioned at key flex points behind the elbow and at the wrist. Open-cell foam surrounds the mesh screens for protection while enabling moisture evaporation. The mesh allows maximal airflow right where I need it when bending my arms.

Vent holes are also drilled into the molded bicep and elbow caps. These holes provide breathability through the dense plastic while retaining the rigidity that disperses impact. The holes are small and staggered to diffuse force without breaking open.

By designing strategic venting into the pads, there is no need to decrease protective padding in order to avoid overheating. The ventilation systems cool without cutting corners on coverage, keeping me safe while feeling a cooling breeze.

I never feel stuffy or bogged down wearing the Stallion 500s even on hot humid days. Air circulates freely through the pads while I run all over the field. Yet the padding thickness remains optimized to absorb impacts against my elbows and arms.

As a middie I need maximum airflow to stay cool under pressure, but can’t sacrifice an ounce of padding. The Stallion 500s deliver the ideal balance of breathability and protection through intelligent vent placement. I get cooling relief right where I need it most without exposing my elbows to blows.

Moisture-Wicking Liner Keeps Arm Pads Dry

The Stallion 500 arm pads incorporate a moisture-wicking liner that keeps the interior dry by quickly dispersing sweat. This innovative material prevents the growth of odor and bacteria inside the pad.

The liner fabric is made from polyester microfibers with an inner channel construction to rapidly spread and evaporate perspiration. As soon as sweat is generated, the fabric pulls the moisture away from the skin and distributes it throughout the pad lining.

This moisture dispersal prevents sweat from pooling or soaking into the pads’ foam and mesh materials. The constant airflow generated by the wicking effect accelerates drying. Even during intense games the pads feel dry inside.

The microfiber polyester also naturally inhibits the formation of bacterial and fungal odors within the pad. With less trapped moisture, there are fewer microbes present to produce nasty scents. The smooth liner is also antimicrobial treated to further prevent the spread of odor-causing germs.

After wearing the pads for many hot, sweaty practices and games, I’ve been very impressed with how the liner keeps the interior fresh and dry. By wicking moisture away from my skin and controlling odor, the pads maintain a clean, hygienic feel.

Wet, soggy pads are not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic. The Stallion 500’s advanced moisture-wicking liner provides effective sweat management during intense play. My arms remain dry while odor is minimized inside the pads. This keeps me feeling fresh and focused on the field rather than distracted by wet, stinky pads.

Low-Profile Compact Design For Agile Movement

The Stallion 500 arm pads utilize an intelligently designed low-profile that provides protection without restricting motion. This compact construction gives me the agility I need as a middie.

The contoured shape wraps tightly to the arm with minimal bulkiness. This eliminates unnecessary material and volume that would slow me down. The pads add just 14 ounces total weight which is featherlight compared to traditional bulky pads.

The protective caps on the elbow, bicep, and shoulder are ergonomically designed to hug these joints tightly with less outward extension. This reduces catch points that could impede arm motion or get caught on other players’ gear.

The pad thickness ranges from about a 0.5 inch up to 0.75 inch in high impact zones. This provides ample cushioning and diffusion of force without going overboard. Minimalist but strategic padding placement enhances freedom of movement.

The perforated foam and mesh materials are tightly layered and bonded for a slim, form-fitting construction. There is no excess material bunching or flaring out.

While offering full protection for my elbows, biceps, and forearms, the Stallion 500 pads feel like a second skin rather than bulky armor. The slim design allows my arms to cut through the air and move freely as I cradle, pass, and shoot. Agility gives me an edge on quick changes of direction to elude defenders.

For middies who rely on speed and agility, compact pad construction is crucial. The Stallion 500s deliver robust impact diffusion with their strategically designed, low-profile build. I get comprehensive protection without limiting my quickness and mobility.

Padding Thickness Optimized for Midfielders

The Stallion 500 lacrosse elbow pads provide an ideal amount of padding thickness specifically designed for the needs of midfielders.

The padding thickness ranges from 0.5 to 0.75 inches in the main impact zones including the elbow cap, bicep plate, and shoulder cap. This provides sufficient cushioning to diffuse checks and slashes without excessive bulk.

The elbow cap features a tapered design that is thicker at the point of the elbow and graduates down along the forearm. This places more padding coverage right where the elbow needs it most while minimizing material around the mobile forearm area.

Venting holes strategically remove padding thickness in areas that benefit from increased airflow, rather than for protection. The pads remain thickly padded along the bones and joints.

As a middie constantly on the move, I need padding around the contact points but can’t afford restrictive bulk. The Stallion 500s offer the perfect balance between cushioning and flexibility. I barely notice them while wearing, but the padding is there when I need it.

Many defender arm pads are overbuilt with maximal padding that limits mobility. For quick middies who handle the ball more than defenders, streamlined padding is ideal. The Stallion 500 pads provide customized protection for the midfielder position.

Whether shielding ground balls from slashes or warding off cross-checks to the arms, I have the essential padding thickness in all the right zones. No area is left underprotected or over-cushioned. The Stallion 500s deliver tailored padding optimized specifically for midfielder needs.

Contoured Shape Hugs Arm’s Natural Contours

The Stallion 500 lacrosse arm pads feature an ergonomic contoured shape designed to closely hug the natural shape of the arm for a customized fit.

Advanced 3D modeling technology was used to map the exact contours of the bicep, elbow joint, and forearm areas. The pads shape was then optimized to wrap these complex curves precisely.

The bicep plate has an anatomically contoured form that mirrors the rounded peak of the bicep muscle. An adjustable elastic strap conforms the plate to match the user’s specific bicep shape.

The elbow cap flares outward to surround the protruding point of the elbow joint, then tapers in a straight line down the forearm. This provides a larger protective surface exactly where needed most around the elbow itself.

The forearm area utilizes a curved split design lined with an anti-slip liner. This allows it to contour down the variable shape of each person’s forearm when cinched by the strap.

I’ve noticed the form-fitting shape allows the pads to feel like an extension of my arm rather than an addon. The customized contours move seamlessly with my natural motions without any gaps or pinch points.

A general one-shape-fits-all design can’t match the comfort and flexibility of pads engineered to match the natural shape of the arm. The Stallion 500s feel like they were molded specially for the exact contours of my body.

The arm is comprised of complex curves and muscles that standard pads can’t accommodate. With their 3D-mapped shaping, the Stallion 500s offer a truly customized fit that hugs my arms comfortably while protecting against impacts.

Durable Construction Withstands Repeated Impacts

The Stallion 500 arm pads feature an extremely durable construction of high-grade materials engineered to withstand repeated impacts from checks and slashes during gameplay.

The protective caps on the elbow, bicep, and shoulder utilize a rigid polycarbonate plastic shell bonded to the foam padding beneath. Polycarbonate has very high impact resistance for dissipating force, and will flex slightly rather than shatter upon impact.

The exterior of the pads is made from a perforated neoprene foam material. Closed-cell foam retains protective padding thickness better than open-cell foam when compressed. The perforations allow flexibility and ventilation.

High-tensile strength stitching and laminating adhesives bind the materials tightly together into a unified pad that resists tearing or separation after many hard hits.

I’ve found that after countless practices and games taking all kinds of checks, slashes, and collisions, my Stallion 500 pads show minimal signs of wear. The materials withstand so much on-field punishment while retaining their protective qualities and staying intact.

Many pads seem great initially, but degrade rapidly with real-world use. The Stallion 500s maintain their durability thanks to robust design and premium construction. I never worry about the pads coming apart or losing their impact protection.

Middies need gear built tough enough to endure a whole season of physical play. These pads provide long-lasting protection game after game thanks to their uncompromising durable construction.

Easy to Take On and Off For Quick Changes

The Stallion 500 arm pads utilize large Velcro closure straps and a split forearm design for quick and easy putting on and removal.

The broad bicep and forearm straps feature full-width hook-and-loop patches that securely adhere when pressed together. But they can also be rapidly peeled apart for taking the pads off. This allows quick changes between practices or games.

The forearm is divided into two separate pads below the elbow. These split padsunwrap easily from the arm without the need to slide the elbow cap over the hand. Many pads require cumbersome hand removal.

An oversized pull loop is attached to the bicep plate for grabbing and pulling the pads onto the arm. The slick interior liner also makes inserting easier without catching.

During intense game days when I need to cool down or switch gear between matches, being able to rapidly take the pads off and put them back on is a major plus. The Stallion 500 pads save me time and hassle thanks to their well-designed quick release system.

Complicated pad removal wastes precious minutes during short breaks. Every second counts during a substitution, so I appreciate pads engineered for fast on-off transitions. The Stallion 500’s wide Velcro straps and split forearm enable lightning fast gear changes.

Extra Forearm Protection Defends Against Slashes

The Stallion 500 arm pads provide expanded forearm coverage to protect this vulnerable area from hacks and slashes during play.

The pad extends 7 inches down the forearm, well below where most pads terminate. This extra length shields more of the exposed forearm that is at risk when shielding ground balls or fighting through traffic.

The tapered elbow cap projects partially down the forearm for additional coverage beyond just the elbow joint itself. Dense foam padding surrounds the forearm without compromising flexibility.

A rugged polycarbonate shield is embedded into the forearm pad below the elbow to defend against frontal hacks and slashes. This shield diffuses impact force before it reaches the arm.

I used to constantly get bruises and welts on my forearms from opponent’s checks until I started wearing the Stallion 500 pads. Now my entire forearm stays protected along with my elbows.

Standard pads leave too much forearm area vulnerable, which can be exploited by opponents. As a middie battling for ground balls, those forearm hacks add up over a game. The Stallion 500 pads provide complete arm protection from elbow to wrist.

Middies risk injury when reaching for contested balls or fighting through traffic. The Stallion 500’s elongated forearm padding lets me play tough without worrying about my arms taking a beating.

Quick-Release Stretch Straps Provide Custom Fit

The Stallion 500 arm pads use innovative quick-release stretch straps that provide a snug, customized fit for all-day comfort.

The bicep and forearm straps are constructed from an elasticized fabric blended with spandex to add flexible stretch. A velcro tab lets you secure the strap at precisely the right tension for your arm size.

The springy straps conform to your arm’s shape when cinched down, eliminating any loose gaps while avoiding constriction. The fabric has anti-slip silicone dots to grip the arm tightly.

I love being able to fine tune the tension of the stretch straps until the pads hug my arms without any play or wiggle room. This enhances protection by keeping the pads fixed in position.

Despite the secure wrap, the straps never feel too tight or dig into my skin. The elasticity maintains just the right pressure as I move and flex my arms. I can even adjust the tension between games to account for minor arm swelling.

Traditional fixed straps can’t adapt to slight arm size changes like these flexible straps can. I get a truly customized fit that stays comfortable all game long thanks to the quick-adjust stretch straps.

Middies need pads that feel like a second skin, never loose or constricting. The Stallion 500 pads dial-in that ideal fit with innovative quick-release stretch straps that contour to your arm’s shape.

Reasonably Priced for Superior Quality Protection

Considering their innovative features and premium protective qualities, the Stallion 500 arm pads deliver outstanding value with their reasonable pricing.

These pads offer protection on par with top pro-level pads thanks to robust construction and intelligent design elements. Yet they sell for around a quarter the price of many overpriced “pro” pads.

The perforated neoprene foam, molded caps, and moisture-wicking liner are high-end materials found in the most expensive pads. But Stallion keeps costs down through direct sales.

Advanced yet practical features like anti-slip forearm lining, flexible bicep plates, and quick-adjust straps increase performance without driving up the price.

After comparing the protection and construction versus other pads, it’s clear the Stallion 500s provide professional quality at an affordable price point. They lack the flashy graphics and endorsements of big brands but excel where it matters most – performance.

As a high school and college player on a budget, I appreciate getting pro-level quality for a price I can afford. Stallion eliminates hype and overhead to focus on innovative design details that boost pad functionality.

For middies seeking elite protection that outperforms pads costing twice as much, the Stallion 500 arm pads deliver exceptional value. Their reasonable price makes premium protection accessible for players at all levels.