From the CS Youth to the Pro-7, our lacrosse helmet reviews are designed to help you weigh tradeoffs to find the best fit. We collaborate with players and gear experts to review each helmet based on overall feel (comfort level during play), visibility (clarity of vision while wearing the helmet), and protection (the ability to mitigate impacts to the head and face). Rankings are updated weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.
The Cascade CLH2 lacrosse helmet is made with an innovative free flow cooling system and 13 vent hole HDPE shell to ensure optimal ventilation, keeping the player's head cool and dry during intense play. The EPP foam liner offers superior impact protection, while the wide-view facemask provides excellent visibility.
The Cascade CS Lacrosse Helmet is an excellent mid-range choice for developing players, offering a balance of protection, affordability, and classic design. Its adjustable fit system accommodates various head shapes, while the multi-layer liner provides effective impact absorption, emphasizing player safety. The CS serves as a bridge between entry-level and premium Cascade helmets.
I like the foam in the CS; it really absorbs impact without feeling bulky. It makes for a lightweight helmet that helps with sprints or quick cuts. The adjustable fit system allows you to personalize the tightness for a secure, locked-in feel. While the CS might not have all the bells and whistles of Cascade's top-of-the-line models, it prioritizes what matters most – keeping you protected and comfortable.
Ben Adams
The Cascade R Lacrosse Helmet showcases Cascade's commitment to improvement. Released before the premium Cascade S, it enhances protection and comfort with an adjustable fit system for various head sizes. Its streamlined design is a step up from earlier models, making it a solid choice for players seeking affordability and quality in the Cascade legacy.
Many kids upgrade to the top-of-the-line Cascade R helmet when they reach JV or Varsity levels. It's a good helmet for any player who wants top-of-the-line protection. The venting system is good and keeps the head cool during intense games. The mask design offers an excellent downward field of view, crucial for scooping up ground balls.
Ben Adams
The Cascade XRS Helmet is built for elite lacrosse players, offering advanced protection with its Tri-Liner system for various impact forces. The Pro Vision mask features an angled second vision bar for better downward visibility, improving ground ball tracking. This helmet combines top-notch protection and vision, showcasing Cascade's commitment to player safety and performance.
The XRS helmet features the Tri-Liner system that combines multiple foam densities for impact absorption. This might sound heavy, but the XRS is surprisingly lightweight, thanks to the shell design. It distributes weight evenly, so you'll barely notice you have it on, which is a major plus for those long games. Overall, the XRS is a top performer that feels light and secure, letting you focus on your game without worrying about your helmet.
Ben Adams
The Cascade S lacrosse helmet offers advanced design and technology, ideal for attackers and midfielders seeking protection and comfort. It features enhanced visibility with a higher profile for better field vision, a Tri-Liner system for optimal protection, and a lightweight, breathable structure with ventilation ports. The S also allows for a customizable 360° fit that can be easily adjusted.
The Cascade S is a good choice for players of all levels. My eight-year-old loves his Cascade S. I would note, though, that Cascade helmets are smaller than the adults. But the one-piece shell and visor create a tough helmet that manages impact really well. It's well-balanced and well-aligned since they moved the weight of the helmet to the center.
Ben Adams
The Cascade CPX-R Lacrosse Helmet highlights Cascade's innovation for developing players. It features an adjustable SPRfit system for a customized fit and a "tail fin" design for better weight distribution and balance. This helmet offers improved protection and adjustability for youth and high school athletes.
This is a very light helmet and offers much less in terms of protection than the higher-end models. This is particularly relevant in head-to-head collisions. But an eight-year-old isn't getting hit by a 200-pounder, so they don't really need much heft in the helmet department. Should be noted, there's no sizing with the CPX-R. The helmet just has an adjustment feature at the base of the neck that you can pinch.
Ben Adams
The CPV-R helmet is designed for youth players, featuring advanced impact management with the Seven Technology Liner to reduce concussion risk. It also has the SPRFIT adjustable ratchet system for a comfortable, customizable fit. With a focus on safety and performance, the Cascade CPV-R is an excellent choice for young athletes.
Stepping up from the original CPV, the CPV-R is an excellent pick for advancing youth players. It's a perfect helmet for young attackers and midfielders on the rise. It has a dial-adjust system that lets you fine-tune the tightness. No more helmet bouncing around during ground ball scrambles! It's also well-ventilated, a significant plus for keeping cool under pressure.
Ben Adams
The Cascade XRS Pro Helmet is the top choice for elite lacrosse players, offering advanced protection and performance., featuring the Tri-Liner System for advanced impact protection and the Pro Vision mask with an angled second bar for improved downward visibility and ground ball tracking.
If you're a serious player demanding top-of-the-line protection without feeling weighed down, the XRS Pro is a great helmet. It has the multi-layered Tri-Liner Plus system to absorb every check and shot, but it also feels ridiculously light. The SuperMono shell distributes weight evenly, so it practically disappears on your head. No more feeling like you're lugging around a brick during practice! The pro model features the BalancePoint Technology, which shifts the center of gravity for a balanced, secure fit that won't wobble around. It's an overall great helmet.
Ben Adams
The Cascade CS-R Youth Lacrosse Helmet is designed for U12 players, featuring a comfortable fit with Poron XRD foam and memory foam sidewalls. Its FutureStar Mono R Shell provides a rigid design for managing frontal impacts. This helmet reflects Cascade’s commitment to ensuring youth players receive optimal protection and comfort.
The CS-R is perfect for players under 12 years old. Its key features are quality foam for impact absorption and memory foam side fits for a snug feel. This differs from adult helmets with thicker padding, ensuring the CS-R stays lightweight. However, this lighter padding system might not be ideal for older or more aggressive players who need top-level protection.
Ben Adams
The Cascade CS Youth Lacrosse Helmet is an earlier model, older than the CS-R, designed for a younger age group. It focuses on affordability and basic protection for beginners, featuring a Full Pivot System for easy fit adjustments. The helmet includes a Gen3 EPP liner that meets safety standards, serving as a bridge between basic equipment and more advanced helmets for older players.
It's essential to know that the Cascade CS Youth Lacrosse Helmet might seem like a price-friendly option, but it caters to a particular age group. This particular helmet is best for beginners or young players (typically under 10) because of its simplified sizing system and light weight. The trade-off for the low price is a less protective liner compared to Cascade's higher-end options.
Ben Adams
The Cascade CPV Lacrosse Helmet falls within the brand's tradition of offering high-quality protective equipment at accessible prices. It represents an entry or mid-range option within Cascade's helmet lineup. The CPV prioritizes comfort and a good fit for young, developing players. It features an adjustable sizing system to accommodate growth spurts and a lightweight design that won't weigh down smaller athletes. While the CPV offers decent protection, it might not be suitable for the highest levels of competitive play. This focus on affordability and adjustability makes the CPV a solid choice for beginners or players in youth leagues, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit at a reasonable price point.
The Cascade CPV is an excellent choice if you're a young attacker or midfielder looking for a helmet that won't weigh you down. The CPV sits at a comfortable price point for a lacrosse helmet and delivers a lightweight, sleek design. The shell keeps things cool with its venting system, and the adjustable fit lets you find a sweet spot that won't wobble around during dodges or cuts. It might not have the most advanced padding system, but the CPV is a winner for comfort and value.
Ben Adams
The Cascade Pro-7 helmet prioritizes protection in competitive leagues with its "Seven Technology" liner that manages impact forces. It uses high-density foam for excellent shock absorption while remaining lightweight and comfortable. The Pro-7 also offers various color and design options for customization to match team aesthetics or personal preference.
The Cascade Pro-7 is a familiar sight on the lacrosse field, but that's for a reason. Thanks to the shell design, it has a super lightweight feel and distributes weight evenly, so you barely notice you have it on, which is a significant plus during those intense games. While the Cascade Pro-7 offers excellent protection, it's important to remember it's an older model, and newer Cascade helmets might have advancements in padding and ventilation technology.
Ben Adams