Lacrosse Equipment Buying Guide

Lacrosse has the reputation for being the fastest game on two feet, but lacrosse is also a contact sport that rivals that of hockey and football, so it requires specific protective equipment to ensure the player’s safety. Having the right lacrosse equipment that both fits and functions properly is imperative for the safe enjoyment of the game. All lacrosse leagues mandate that all lacrosse players comply with the protective gear standards for the sport. Which means each player must wear a NOCSAE approved helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, and mouth guard. Although not required, we suggest a protective cup or supporter and rib pads.

Lacrosse Gloves

Lacrosse gloves have heavy padding on the tops of the fingers and around the wrist to protect against being hit by a stick check. The palm is made of leather or a synthetic material designed for comfort and handling with thick pads around it for protection. It is okay for gloves to be a little large, as long as the padding covers all areas of the hand and wrist.

A general starting point use a tape measure and measure the distance from where your arm pads will end to the tip of your fingers, this number is an estimate of your glove size. Please see our lacrosse glove sizing chart for an accurate reference when sizing for gloves. Most upper class high school players and college players wear 13” gloves as they are the largest size lacrosse glove that is manufactured today. Most manufacturers use different sizing levels for their gloves--usually small, medium, large, or extra large--but in general here are the relationship in inches to actual sizes.

• 8” Glove - X-Small
• 10” Glove – Small
• 12” Glove – Medium
• 13” Glove – Large

Lacrosse Shoulder Pads

Lacrosse shoulder pads are an important part of your lacrosse equipment selection. Youth and beginner pads are traditionally more protective with shoulder caps, detachable sleeve protection, and usually a heart guard in the front center of the pad. Elevation Lacrosse offers a great selection of youth lacrosse shoulder pads – STX Clash Shoulder Pad, STX Stinger Shoulder Pad, or the Brine King Jr. Lacrosse Starter Pack.

As lacrosse players advance their skill level they will traditionally opt for a lower profile shoulder pad that allows for maximum flexibility and full range of motion. These low profile shoulder pads are traditionally called a Shoulder Pad Liner like the STX Cell Shoulder Pad Liner, Maverik Maybach Speed Liner, or the Brine Shakedown Lacrosse Shoulder Pad Liner.

Lacrosse Arm Pads and Arm Guards

Arm protection has 3 main attributes: fit, feel, and function. You want to choose an arm pad or arm guard that fits comfortably and snug on your arm so it doesn't slide off during a lacrosse game. You want your elbow pad to have the ultimate feel and response to your body's movement. Your arm protection should offer the most flexibility and range of motion, so you aren't restricted on the lacrosse field. As far as function goes, make sure you choose the right arm pad or the right position.

The selection of your arm pad is truly position based. Attack players favor an arm guard because the guard style pad offers more protection. The arm guard is longer than an arm pad and usually features a plastic elbow cup that is a must have for thwarting off the checks of a grueling defenseman. The arm pad is favored by players who require maximum flexibility and minimum protection. Usually the arm pads are worn specifically by midfielders who play both offense and defense.

The defenseman would probably opt not to wear anything at all, but Brine, Warrior, and STX all manufacture special defensive arm pads that cover just enough of the elbow to be legal for play. Goalie's on the other hand are made of steel any way and require nothing more than their cup, chest pad, and the craziness to defend the 6x6.

Helmets

Lacrosse helmets manufactured today are all current with most up-to-date technologies relative to impact protection, most of the differences are in the different lacrosse brands and helmet styles. Due to the complex difference between helmet styles from Cascade, Brine, Warrior, and GAIT we would like to refer you to the lacrosse helmet page of our website for the individual helmet product info and sizing. Stock Black and White helmets purchased from Elevation Lacrosse ship out in less than 24 hours and can be returned for a full refund or exchange within 30 days. Custom colored helmets require 2-4 days for assembly and will ship directly from the helmet manufacturer. Custom colored helmets must be returned within 15 days and are subject to a 15% restocking fee because of the custom assembly.

How to buy a lacrosse helmet

• Helmets are required equipment for all lacrosse players
• Lacrosse helmets incorporate a 4-point buckling system to assure they stay on as well as to allow for a better fit
• They are made of a hard plastic with a wire mesh cage, or face mask, to protect the front of the face
• It is required that the face mask have a center bar running from the top to the bottom for better protection
• Goalie helmets add a throat protector

Determining your helmet size

• Helmets come in a variety of sizes and are usually measured in inches
• To ensure a player's safety, it is important that his/her helmet fit properly
• For the perfect fitting helmet, see Determine Your Helmet Size before making your purchase decision

Mouth guards

• Players are also required to wear a mouth guard, most of which attach to the face mask area of the helmet by a plastic strap for convenience
• Although mouth guards are not mandatory in all leagues, they are highly recommended because they not only protect your teeth, but also soften blows to the head and prevent against concussions
• Mouth guards either come pre-formed and eventually mold to the mouth during use, or can be softened by heating and then formed by biting down on them
• Mouth guards come in general sizes to fit youths, teenagers and adults

How to buy lacrosse pads

There are a number of pads that need to be worn during a lacrosse game.

Shoulder pads

Shoulder pads protect the shoulders as well as the upper part of the chest

Determining the right shoulder and rib pad size

• Most pads are sized according to body type
• To measure, wrap a tape measure around your chest just below your armpits
• Different manufacturers use different sizing charts, but the chart below provides a general guide

Elbow pads

• Elbow pads are required equipment in most leagues
• They cover the elbow as well as the upper arm and forearm
• Most elbow pads are adjustable and are secured with hook-and-loop straps, so sizing is general in terms of body size
• There are also a varying numbers of straps available on different pads to help with adjustments
• You may want to add a forearm slash pad for further protection in a sensitive, highly vulnerable area

Determining your elbow pad size

• Measure the distance between the edge of your shoulder pads and the cuff of your lacrosse glove
• The top of the elbow pad should leave no exposed skin between the shoulder pad and the glove
• Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the elbow pad size you should buy based on the above measurement