Lacrosse Gear

Lacrosse has evolved into a sport where specialized equipment is designed to optimize performance for different positions. This is especially true for lacrosse heads, which come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to suit the specific needs of each player.

Attack and Midfield Heads: For offensive players, brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior offer heads with a narrower face shape that enhances ball control and precision. These heads are designed for quick releases and tight cradling, making them ideal for sharp passes and accurate shots.

Defense Heads: Defensive players need durable, reinforced heads capable of withstanding intense checks and scooping ground balls. Nike, Under Armour, and Brine produce heads with wider, stiffer profiles that provide maximum surface area for intercepting passes and executing solid checks.

Goalie Heads: Goalie heads are the widest and deepest, designed for optimal saves and quick outlet passes. Brands like STX and ECD focus on lightweight, responsive designs that facilitate fast reactions and strong clears.

Modern lacrosse heads are typically made of plastic and consist of several key parts: the scoop (top for scooping balls), face (front with varying shapes), sidewall (supportive struts), pocket (mesh or leather for holding the ball), and throat (bottom connecting to the shaft).

Stringing is essential to lacrosse head performance, with offensive players favoring high pockets for quick releases and defenders opting for mid or low pockets for better hold. If you would rather not string your own head, check out pre-strung heads.

When choosing a lacrosse shaft, consider your position and playing style. Attack and midfield shafts are lightweight and flexible, often made of carbon fiber for quick stickhandling and shooting. Defense shafts are heavier and stiffer, typically constructed from metal or carbon fiber blends to provide durability and leverage for checks. Face-off shafts are reinforced for durability and often customizable for grip, while goalie shafts are extra-long for extended reach and feature specialized grips for better control. Prioritize weight, length, and material based on your role to maximize performance. Top brands include: Maverik, STX, and Warrior. 

Lacrosse gloves typically come in three sizes: Small, medium, and large. Small gloves typically measure 10 inches from cuff to fingertip, mediums measure 12 inches, and large gloves traditionally run 13 inches from top to bottom. 

Lacrosse gloves are essential protective gear; their design and features can vary depending on the player's position. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between gloves for field players and goalies:

Field Player Gloves

• Prioritize flexibility and feel: Field players need gloves for maximum dexterity and ball control.
• Moderate protection: While protection is important, field player gloves prioritize flexibility and a natural feel.
• Features: Flexible materials, minimal padding, and secure wrist straps for a customized fit.
• Top brands: Maverik, Warrior, and STX.

Goalie Gloves

• Maximum protection: Goalies face the highest risk of injury, so their gloves offer significantly more protection.
• Thick padding: Goalies' gloves have thicker padding on the back of the hand, fingers, and thumb to shield against hard shots.
• Reinforced thumb: The thumb is often reinforced with extra padding or a plastic guard to protect against impact.
• Extended cuff: The cuff is longer to protect the wrist and forearm.

Choosing the right lacrosse helmet is crucial for both protection and performance. Top brands like Cascade, Warrior, and STX prioritize impact-resistant shells and advanced padding systems that meet NOCSAE safety standards. A secure, adjustable fit is essential, and top brands offer custom-fitting systems that allow players to fine-tune their helmets. Additionally, visibility is key; look for a helmet that incorporates wider facemasks to maintain a clear field of vision without compromising protection.

Comfort features like moisture-wicking liners and strategic ventilation are also important, especially during intense gameplay. Cascade and Warrior provide customizable color options and decals for those looking to add personal flair, making it easy to match team colors or stand out on the field. 

The key components of lacrosse protective gear include arm, chest, shoulder, and rib pads – each designed to protect specific areas from checks, hits, and falls.

Arm Pads: Arm pads come in various styles and sizes to accommodate different playing styles and positions. Attackers typically opt for full-length arm guards that provide maximum protection against slashes and checks, while midfielders may prefer lighter, more flexible arm pads that balance protection and mobility. Defenders often choose minimal elbow pads to maintain range of motion. Top brands like Maverik, Warrior, and STX offer adjustable pads with reinforced padding and breathable materials.

Chest and Shoulder Pads: Chest and shoulder pads protect vital organs while allowing for a full range of motion. Attackers and midfielders usually wear pads with increased sternum and shoulder protection, whereas defenders may opt for lighter, more flexible options. Modern pads from brands like Nike, STX, and Maverik feature impact-resistant foam and floating sternum plates to absorb hard hits without restricting movement. Look for pads with adjustable straps and moisture-wicking liners.

Rib Pads: Rib pads are often overlooked but can be a game-changer for players who take a lot of contact, particularly attackers and midfielders driving to the crease. Brands like Warrior, Brine, and Maverik design rib pads with lightweight padding around the torso, protecting against body checks and collisions. Many rib pads now feature adjustable straps and compression-style fits, allowing players to wear them comfortably under jerseys without adding bulk.

Purchasing a complete lacrosse stick is an excellent option for players at any level, especially beginners and those looking for a quick, hassle-free setup. A complete stick comes fully assembled with the head and shaft, making it ready to use right out of the box. This eliminates stringing and ensures the pocket is correctly formed for optimal performance.

For new players, a complete stick provides a balanced, consistent feel that helps them develop proper technique without worrying about mismatched components. Brands like STX, Warrior, and Maverik offer complete sticks tailored to specific positions – attack, defense, and goalie – so players can choose a stick that suits their role on the field.

The attack/midfield short stick has a short shaft and high pocket depth; the defensive long stick has a longer shaft and shallower pocket; and the goalie stick is an oversized head with a wide face. These important differences allow players to better play their specific roles on the lacrosse field.

Goalies play a unique and demanding role in lacrosse, requiring specialized gear to stay protected and agile. When shopping for goalie gear, players should focus on several key items:

Goalie Heads: Goalie heads are wider and deeper than standard heads to maximize save potential. Look for durable, lightweight options from brands like STX, Warrior, and Under Armour that feature reinforced sidewalls and strong scoops for quick clears.

Gloves: Goalie gloves include extra padding on the thumb and fingers to protect against hard shots. Brands like Warrior and STX offer gloves with flexible, impact-resistant padding that maintains grip and dexterity.

Chest Protectors: New NOCSAE standards require chest protectors to include additional heart protection. Look for models from Warrior and STX that feature floating sternum plates and breathable, moisture-wicking materials for added comfort.

Goalie Pants: Goalie pants provide extra padding around the hips and thighs to absorb low-shot impacts. Warrior offers lightweight, flexible pants that don’t restrict movement while offering crucial protection.

Shin & Arm Guards: Designed to shield against hard shots, goalie shin and arm guards provide essential coverage without adding unnecessary bulk. STX produces adjustable guards with targeted padding for high-impact zones.

Helmets: Goalie helmets must offer optimal visibility and full-face protection. Cascade leads the market with helmets, including reinforced facemasks and adjustable fit systems.

Lacrosse cleats are lightweight, comfortable, and provide excellent lateral traction for quick cuts and movements. Avoid wearing metal spikes, as they are prohibited and can cause serious injuries. Lacrosse cleats come in three styles:

• Low Cut: Lightweight and aerodynamic, ideal for speed and agility.
• Mid Cut: Offers a balance of speed and ankle support, perfect for versatile players.
• High Top: Provides maximum ankle stability, ideal for defensemen who rely on lateral movement.

Lacrosse starter kits are a convenient way for beginners to get all the essential gear in one package, with options available for both youth and adult players. Youth kits typically include lighter, adjustable pads and softer sticks to promote skill development while ensuring safety. Adult kits feature more durable, mid-level equipment designed to provide added protection and comfort for older beginners or recreational players. Top brands include Maverik, STX, and Cascade.