Lacrosse Elbow Pads & Arm Pads Frequently Asked Questions
For the most part, elbow pads are necessary to play lacrosse safely at high levels. Due to the physical nature of the game, elbows and arms are more likely to take a hit during play. Proper and sturdy elbow protection will help keep you in the game longer without injury.
Typically you see lacrosse players wearing either arm guards or arm pads. Arm guards are more of a classic option and protect more of your arm than pads. Typically worn by Attackmen, arm guards do a good job decreasing the chance of your arm being injured whether it be from falling, making, or taking a hit. Arm pads on the other hand are smaller, lighter and have less protection and are generally used by Midfielders so they have increased range of motion and flexibility to shoot while on the move.
Lacrosse elbow pads are similar to hockey but without the hard shell covering the elbow. Lacrosse elbow pads also vary in size and the amount of arm they cover just do to the differences in speed and contact nature between hockey and lacrosse.
Different ways you can tighten lacrosse elbow pads include using wristbands, sweatbands, athletic tape, or an arm sleeve with grip to help better secure the pads in place and prevent them from moving.
Brand new lacrosse arm pads can start at $20 for small, youth-sized gear and go all the way up to $125 for top-of-the-line adult-size arm guards. Most brands and styles fall somewhere in the middle, with elbow pads typically the cheapest and arm guards usually the most expensive.